Welcome
About us
Elevating Education with Practical, Lasting Change
At The Oak Institute, we believe that thriving schools start with thriving people—educators, administrators, and students alike. Through mentorship, workshops, and consulting, we provide real, practical solutions to create and sustain
well-being in every school environment using the Applied Educational Neuroscience framework.
Building a Stronger Foundation for Learning
The future of education depends on self-regulation skills—not just for students, but for every adult who supports them. Often called “durable skills” (a term coined by Education Design Lab), these are the essential tools that help us manage stress, build relationships, and foster a safe, trusting environment where real learning can happen.
Now, imagine a school where every adult understands and practices self-regulation, creating a ripple effect of calm, connection, and readiness to learn. The reality is simple: without a sense of safety, learning is nearly impossible. That’s why we focus on somatic regulation and relationship-based tools—because when educators and students feel grounded and supported, anything is possible.
Let’s redefine education, elevate workplace well-being, and cultivate confident communication—through the power of regulated nervous systems and strong, connected relationships.
Are you passionate about reshaping the future of education?
Let's connect.
As an experienced educator, entrepreneur, and designer, I specialize in visioning new educational models that prioritize human connection, innovative learning, and sustainable growth. I work with forward-thinking collaborators who are ready to apply design thinking to the educational process, from planning and strategy to implementation.
Together, we can craft future-focused schools built on relationship-based methods and reflective practices—approaches that set a strong foundation for both students and educators. My expertise spans everything from school founding and curriculum design to holistic well-being and organizational planning, and I’m here to support you in turning your educational vision into a reality. Let’s create an environment where learning thrives, and every individual has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
Meet Tricia
Tricia is a visionary leader in education, design, business strategy, and relational well-being. As a school founder, entrepreneur, educator, and advocate, she is dedicated to reimagining learning environments that foster human connection, resilience, and growth.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and Design from the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program, a Master of Fine Arts in Design from the Pacific Northwest College of Art, and is currently advancing her expertise through Butler University’s Applied Educational Neuroscience program. She is a professor at Arapahoe Community College where she teaches Relationship Based Mentoring methods for experienced teachers participating in an apprenticeship program with new and emerging ECE educators. With over a decade of experience teaching meditation, Tricia is also a certified Hakomi somatic therapy practitioner and holds additional certifications in yoga and health coaching.
Tricia founded a school with a vision for a thriving, holistic community where students, staff, and families feel valued and supported—based on her book The Whole Environment Educational Philosophy. She navigated complex regulatory stakeholders, as well as staffing, budgeting, lease agreements, and more, with strategic foresight and persistence, transforming her concept into an inclusive learning environment centered on connection, growth, and well-being.
Tricia’s journey took a transformative turn when, mid-life, she discovered she was dyslexic—illuminated through her son’s own diagnosis. Suddenly, the way she navigated the world made sense: her ability to connect dots effortlessly, think beyond conventional boundaries, and design innovative solutions was not just luck—it was a superpower. She chose education as the avenue to channel these strengths, ensuring that others would not fall through the cracks as she once had.
Having endured the challenges of undiagnosed dyslexia and as a trauma survivor, Tricia carries an integrated understanding of resilience. Her experiences have shaped an unwavering commitment to creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. She embodies the belief that adversity refines us, that failure is a stepping stone to innovation, and that when we align our minds with the passion in our hearts, we can indeed move mountains.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter
Questions?Send us a note.
We are happy to answer questions. Please give a 48 hour window for a response. Thank you.