Bridging the Gap

As therapists at Giddings State Juvenile Correctional Facility, Avery Nelson (LCSW) and Jamie Falco (LPC) witnessed this cycle firsthand. Providing specialized treatment to young people inside the system, only to watch them step outside the gates and into adulthood with no guidance, no access to services, and no preparation.

The gap was devastating, and

the outcomes were predictable.

We founded Rooted to change that story.

A re-entry initiative designed to build a continuum of care that bridges confinement to community, and adolescence to adulthood.

Developmentally appropriate

residential support.

Our mission is to ensure these youth don’t fall through the cracks simply because the system doesn’t know where they belong. They deserve more than a parole condition; they deserve a real second chance.

About the Founders

Avery Nelson, LCSW

A licensed clinical social worker with years of dedicated service in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, where she provided specialized, court mandated treatment for incarcerated youth.

Recently she served as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas teaching Juvenile Justice, bringing classroom experience and subject-matter expertise to youth-serving policy and practice.

Jamie Falco, LPC

A licensed professional counselor who served the Texas Juvenile Justice Department providing court mandated, specialized treatment to incarcerated youth.

With over 12 years of clinical experience, Jamie brings a diverse background across the behavioral health continuum, including crisis response, adult corrections, foster care and youth residential treatment centers.

About the Founders

Jamie Falco, LPC

A licensed professional counselor who served the Texas Juvenile Justice Department providing court mandated, specialized treatment to incarcerated youth.

With over 12 years of clinical experience, Jamie brings a diverse background across the behavioral health continuum, including crisis response, adult corrections, foster care and youth residential treatment centers.

Avery Nelson, LCSW

A licensed clinical social worker with years of dedicated service in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, where she provided specialized, court mandated treatment for incarcerated youth.

Recently she served as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas teaching Juvenile Justice, bringing classroom experience and subject-matter expertise to youth-serving policy and practice.

Avery Nelson, LCSW

A licensed clinical social worker with years of dedicated service in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, where she provided specialized, court mandated treatment for incarcerated youth.

Recently she served as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas teaching Juvenile Justice, bringing classroom experience and subject-matter expertise to youth-serving policy and practice.

Jamie Falco, LPC

A licensed professional counselor who served the Texas Juvenile Justice Department providing court mandated, specialized treatment to incarcerated youth.

With over 12 years of clinical experience, Jamie brings a diverse background across the behavioral health continuum, including crisis response, adult corrections, foster care and youth residential treatment centers.

Board Member Spotlight

Lacy Evans, LCSW

Youth Rehabilitation Specialist

Deiter Cantu

Community Leader

and Activist

Ami Larson

Former Juvenile

Justice Judge

Get Involved

By investing in their rehabilitation and successful re-entry, we not only change individual futures but also strengthen community safety and well-being.

Donate Today