Roots of Empathy

10/10/2026

Early relationships are where mental health begins. This World Mental Health Day, we’re celebrating a moment of recognition for our founder, Mary Gordon.

At the 19th World Congress on Infant Mental Health in Toronto, co-hosted by World Association for Infant Mental Health - WAIMH and Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion - IEMHP SickKids, Mary was honoured for her longstanding contribution to infant and early mental health.

Mary’s work began in 1981 with the Parenting and Family Literacy Centres of the former Toronto Board of Education. It has continued through Roots of Empathy, which she founded in 1996, and Seeds of Empathy in 2005, with consistent support from the Ontario Ministry of Education. Mary is also an Ashoka Fellow and a social entrepreneur.

Throughout, the focus has been the same: strengthening the conditions in which children grow, and supporting the parents and educators alongside them.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of Roots of Empathy.

10/10/2026

Today, we recognize the importance of mental health and emotional wellbeing for everyone—children and adults alike.

By nurturing empathy, we can create safe, supportive environments where everyone thrives. Together, let's prioritize mental health and build caring, peaceful and civil societies through the development of empathy in children and adults 🌍💚

10/08/2026

Calling all Newfoundland & Labrador families, we’re looking for more 'Tiny Teachers'!

Do you or someone you know have a baby aged 2-4 months?

Get in touch with Claudia Long at [email protected] or 709-351-4051

NLSchools

10/08/2026

10/06/2026

What happens when children spend a school year with a baby? 💚

Once a month over the school year, a parent and baby visit the classroom. With a ROE Instructor guiding their observations, students notice and talk about how they think the baby is feeling. This becomes the bridge to talk about how they feel and to understand how their classmates feel.

Interested in getting involved? Learn more: https://rootsofempathy.org/volunteer/

10/05/2026

Happy World Teachers' Day! Today we honour educators everywhere and the difference they make in children's lives each day.

A special thank you to our Roots of Empathy host teachers. We’re grateful to work alongside you in nurturing children’s mental health, emotional literacy, and wellbeing.

09/30/2026

Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, spent his life pointing to this truth. Reconciliation cannot happen without first understanding the history it responds to.

This September 30, let’s take the time to learn, reflect and commit to meaningful actions toward reconciliation.

09/25/2026

Newfoundland & Labrador families, we’re looking for more 'Tiny Teachers'! 👶 Do you or someone you know have a baby aged 2-4 months?

For more information, contact: Claudia Long at [email protected] or 709-351-4051

https://rootsofempathy.org/

NLSchools

09/24/2026

Attention families in and !

We’re looking for families with a baby aged 2 to 4 months to join us as Volunteer Families for the Roots of Empathy program.

You and your baby can make a BIG difference in the lives of children in your community.

What's involved:
🌱 Nine classroom visits over the entire school year.
🌱 Your baby becomes a ‘Tiny Teacher’ for a classroom in your community!
🌱 Help the children learn all about your baby and, through this, learn more about themselves and each other!

Contact: Tahmina Khatun, [email protected]

https://rootsofempathy.org/family/

09/22/2026

Our Instructors see moments like this all the time — the ones that don't make it into a lesson plan but say everything about why the Roots of Empathy program exists.

This is the everyday magic of Roots of Empathy 💚