Our Why
Too many mission-driven organizations with incredible intentions fall short—not from lack of heart, but from systems and cultures that don’t fully support their values.
It’s difficult to watch meaningful visions become just words on a wall, especially when leaders and teams are genuinely trying to do good work.
Rooted Aspen exists to help organizations close the gap between intention and experience, so values are not just stated, but lived.
Meet the Founder
Dr. Shanun Kunnavatana
Founder
Rooted Aspen was founded by Dr. Shanun Kunnavatana, a behavioral scientist and executive leaders with over two decades of experience supporting mission-driven organizations.
Shanun’s work is shaped by a simple belief: people do their best work when systems support what matters. Her career spans clinical services, leadership development, outcomes management, and organizational strategy—always focused on helping people and organizations grow with integrity.
What sets Shanun apart is how she thinks. She connects dots others miss, asks questions others avoid, and turns insight into practical, actionable strategies that leaders can actually use.
Her goal is simple: to help people and organizations thrive—intentionally, sustainably, and with purpose.
Our Approach
Transformation starts beneath the surface, where organizations are complex, dynamic, and deeply human.
Rooted Aspen bridges the science of behavior with the art of organizational development. Our work draws from three interconnected disciplines:
Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) for clarity, measurement, and reinforcement
Organizational Development (OD) for systems thinking and sustainable change
Industrial-Organizational Psychology (I-O) for human insights and leadership effectiveness
This integration allows us to translate values into daily practice—shaping behaviors and systems that sustain alignment over time, not as a one-time initiative, but as a living ecosystem.
Our Guiding Principles
Interconnected
Culture does’t live in one place. People, systems, and behaviors are deeply connected. We help organizations see those connections clearly, surfacing how values, decisions, and daily practices interact, so alignment is built on shared understanding rather than assumption.
Intentional
Every organization is unique. We don’t offer plug-and-play solutions. Once clarity is established, leaders and systems must reinforce it consistently. We design strategies, structures and leadership practices with care, ensuring expectations are clear and values are reflected in how decisions are made, feedback is given, and the work gets done.
Rooted
Lasting change takes hold when alignment is reinforced through daily practice. We focus on building internal capability and strengthening routines that allow culture to adapt and endure, so progress continues long after out work together concludes.
The Meaning Behind Our Name
The name Rooted Aspen is inspired by the aspen tree—an organism known for its strength, resilience, and deep interconnectedness. While each tree appears to stand alone, aspens actually grow from a shared root system beneath the surface. It’s that unseen connection that gives the grow its stability and ability to thrive, even in harsh conditions.
But aspens do more than support one another—they support their entire ecosystem. Aspen groves are known for restoring balance in their environments, filtering what’s harmful and nurturing what’s needed to keep everything around them healthier. Their influence extends far beyond their own footprint.
This mirrors how we think about organizations. Culture isn’t just what’s visible; it’s shaped by the values, systems, and relationships underneath. When those roots are intentionally aligned, people and organizations grow stronger together.
Bringing This Work to Life
This way of thinking shapes how Rooted Aspen partners with organizations, from culture alignment to leadership development to facilitation during critical moments.
Learn more about How We Work.
Contact us
Curious about working together? Reach out and let’s explore how Rooted Aspen can support your culture, leadership, and growth.