Who we are
A supportive space where students grow academically, emotionally, and confidently.
Located in Martinez, CA
Our Story
Root & Rise Learning Center was founded with a simple belief: every child deserves support that nurtures both learning and well-being.
After years of working with students and families in educational settings, we saw how academic challenges are often connected to confidence, organization, and emotional experiences in school. Traditional tutoring often focuses only on homework or grades, but true growth happens when students feel understood, capable, and supported as whole individuals.
By combining expertise in academic instruction and school counseling, Root & Rise was created to provide families with a more comprehensive approach, one that strengthens skills while also building resilience, confidence, and independence.
Our mission is to help students develop strong roots so they can rise with confidence in school and beyond.
Meet the Founders
Jami Mackey
Co-Founder & Academic Specialist
Jami is an educator, tutor, and curriculum specialist who believes every child deserves to feel capable and confident as a learner. With experience teaching across multiple grade levels and supporting students through personalized tutoring, she brings both academic expertise and a deep understanding of how children learn best.
Throughout her career, Jami has worked closely with students who needed more than traditional instruction, students who benefited from patience, encouragement, and individualized support tailored to their unique strengths. Her approach focuses on building strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and math while helping students develop independence, confidence, and a positive relationship with learning.
As both an educator and a parent, Jami understands the real challenges families face when school feels overwhelming. She strives to create a calm, welcoming environment where students feel safe to ask questions, take risks, and grow at their own pace.
At Root & Rise, Jami’s goal is simple: help students discover that they can succeed and help families feel supported along the way.
Cherole Lee
Co-Founder & Student Support Specialist
Cherole is a credentialed California school counselor with over seven years of experience supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development from kindergarten through high school. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with hundreds of students and families, helping children build confidence, navigate challenges, and develop the skills needed to succeed both in and outside of school.
Her work is rooted in the belief that students learn best when they feel seen, supported, and emotionally secure. Cherole specializes in helping students strengthen organization, motivation, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy, skills that not only improve school performance but also foster long-term resilience and independence.
Known for her calm, compassionate approach, Cherole creates a safe and encouraging space where students feel comfortable sharing their experiences and growing at their own pace. She values strong partnerships with families and believes meaningful progress happens when students, parents, and educators work together.
At Root & Rise Learning Center, Cherole helps ensure that every child receives support that nurtures both academic success and emotional well-being, empowering students to grow with confidence.