Welcome to The Taproot Network
a space for farmers & farm workers to find connection, support, and tools for navigating life’s challenges.
At The Taproot Network, we offer a range of safe and supportive groups, both online and in-person, specifically designed to help farmers like you manage stress and find moments of calm in the midst of your busy, demanding life.
Our groups and events are designed to help you reduce stress, center yourself, and feel more grounded. By tapping into the collective strength of the community, you’ll be supported by a network of people who have walked a similar path.
When you join The Taproot Network, you’re not just participating in a group—you’re becoming part of a supportive community that empowers you to thrive. Whether it’s a group gathering, a workshop, or a mindful moment, we’re here to help you grow stronger together.
Like the deep taproot that nourishes and strengthens a plant, The Taproot Network offers you a stable foundation that fosters growth, stability, and a deep sense of belonging.
Meet the Taproot Network Clinicians
Valerie Woodhouse, LICSW
Hi there! I’m Valerie, a farmer and licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience in community mental health and group work. My journey has been driven by a deep passion for both social justice and the healing power of nature. For the past decade, I’ve explored ways to combine these passions, weaving together my love for farming, social justice and community care.
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My experience ranges from growing a garden at a transitional house and sharing meals with the food grown together, to advocating for farmer mental health at state and regional levels, and donating fresh produce to support community food recovery programs.
In my therapeutic work, I focus on creating a compassionate, trauma-informed environment where you can find support and healing. My approach is person-centered, gender-affirming, and rooted in mindfulness. I’m trained in narrative therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, with experience working with individuals and groups on anxiety, depression, stress management, mindfulness, chronic pain, and chronic illness.
As a former member of the Farmer Advisory Board of Cultivemos, a network for cultivating farmer well-being, and a volunteer farmer peer through Farm First’s farmer peer support network, I am deeply committed to helping people grow resilience and find strength in their communities.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to offer a listening ear —whether through group support, a wellness event, or simply connecting with a community that cares.
As a white clinician, I commit to continued learning, unlearning and deconstructing internalized racism. I strive to do this work in my personal and professional lives through active engagement in education, listening to people of color, and supporting and uplifting BIPOC voices.