At Rooted Therapy Center, everything we do comes back to one simple belief: we’re building a strong foundation for early learners. That foundation is about so much more than skills — it’s about confidence, joy, and connection.
Our approach is rooted in relationships and guided by play. We believe children learn best when therapy is child-led, play-based, and meaningful. Every session is designed around the child’s interests — whether that’s blocks, bubbles, or singing a favorite song — because learning should never feel like work.
We also believe in empathy. Every child and every family brings their own story, and we meet you exactly where you are. From home-based care to daycare settings, our therapists work in the places your child already feels safe and comfortable. That way, growth happens naturally, through everyday moments, routines, and even community outings.
And we’re committed to continuous growth — not only for the children we serve, but for ourselves as therapists. We’re always learning, reflecting, and refining so we can bring the very best care to every family.
The end goal is simple: we want every child to move forward with the skills and confidence to thrive. For some, that means starting school with fewer supports. For others, it means learning how to connect and communicate in ways that open up their world. Whatever their path, our mission is to help them live to their fullest potential.
M.S. Ed., BCBA, LBA, ESDM Certified Therapist
When researching early intervention ABA for my family, I found that many approaches were using picture cards or materials out of context and often have children isolated in a room by themselves with an adult. As a BCBA, this is the approach I was trained in and used. After having my son, I quickly realized how this approach is not always appropriate for young children. They NEED to play on the floor, at the table, with others, and with toys that are meaningful and fun for them. They shouldn’t even know they are learning!
That is how I discovered the ESDM approach, which addresses the challenges I was having, and I fell in love with it. It is based on child development and tailored toward the deficits of Autism with a focus on joint-attention, play, and naturalistic teaching. I found that this approach to ABA treatment was missing in Michigan and that is why I began Rooted Therapy Center. I am the only practicing, certified ESDM therapist in Michigan and hope to bring this approach to ABA to my community. My purpose is to provide naturalistic and developmentally appropriate ABA therapy that is fun and also effective to young children on the Autism Spectrum. I believe this approach will create a strong foundation for their future learning.
My son benefited greatly from working with Darra. His confidence,... Read More
Darra and her team have been instrumental in helping my... Read More
1323 years ago
Darra is the best! Highly recommend.
Highly recommend!
Great place!! Highly recommend
Darra is absolutely fantastic!!
