Our story
The lived experience
behind the movement
Brayden was born in December 2007. After a traumatic brain injury as an infant, his path through school was filled with isolation, behavioral challenges, and struggle — until the right environment changed everything.
At Hillcrest High School in Salt Lake City, Brayden didn't just find academic success and a spot on the national honor roll — he found his voice. He became a mentor to younger students, joined the Real Salt Lake Unified soccer team, and became a leader his peers genuinely relied on.
That transformation is the heartbeat of Roots2Leaves. The formula is simple: an environment where he could lead, where his peers valued his inclusion. That's what we're building for every person in our community.
Because roots are not meant to stay buried — they're meant to grow into something that gives life to others.
He has been in an environment where he could lead, where his peers valued his inclusion. This is the heartbeat of From Roots 2 Leaves — the inclusive environment, led by peers, supporting each other, and growing together as a community.
Founding team