Heartwork RestoreEd Collaborative logo with hands and a green sprout forming a heart shape.

Meet Dr. Ty & Shavonn Restoring hearts, transforming schools

We believe educators thrive when they feel seen, valued, and supported. That's why we created A Heartwork RestorED.

Our beginning

Built from a deep need to support educators

Ty and Shavonn created A Heartwork RestorED after witnessing how burnout and disconnection among teachers directly impacts students and entire learning communities. They saw that sustainable change in schools doesn't start with programs—it starts with restoring the people who lead them. That insight shaped everything we do.

Meet our team

Founders dedicated to restoring educator well-being

Dr. Ty and Shavonn bring expertise in early childhood education, therapeutic practices, and social-emotional development to support educators and communities.

Smiling woman with voluminous, highlighted curly hair wearing a grey shirt and silver necklace.

Co-founder & Early Childhood Education Expert, Therapist

Dr. Ty, EdD, MFT

Hi, I’m Dr. Ty, Co-founder of A Heartwork RestorED. I blend early childhood education, therapy, and wellness to support educators, strengthen child care programs, and create spaces where people can truly thrive. My work focuses on providing customized consulting, culturally responsive practices, family engagement, and social-emotional support for teachers—because the people doing the caring deserve to be cared for, too. 

Heartwork RestoreEd Collaborative logo with hands and a green sprout forming a heart shape.

Co-founder & Educational Consultant

Shavonn

Shavonn develops customized consulting solutions for child care programs and culturally responsive teaching strategies that strengthen learning environments and support teacher sustainability.

What our partners say

Trusted by educators and programs across the Chicagoland.

Early childhood leaders and school administrators share how A Heartwork RestorED has strengthened their teams and learning environments.

A Heartwork RestorED helped us understand how to support our teachers' emotional wellness. The consulting approach felt personal, not corporate. Our team feels seen.

Maria Santos, Early Childhood Program Director

Maria Santos

Director, Bright Beginnings Child Care Center

The culturally responsive teaching strategies transformed how we engage families. Ty and Shavonn brought practical, actionable tools we could use immediately in our classrooms.

James Mitchell, School Principal

James Mitchell

Principal, Lincoln Park Elementary School

Their DIY candle bar experience at our teacher retreat was exactly what we needed. It created space for reflection when our team needed it most. People are still talking about it.

Keisha Williams, Professional Development Coordinator

Keisha Williams

Professional Development Coordinator, Chicago Public Schools

Working with A Heartwork RestorED on family engagement has deepened our relationships with parents. The approach honors culture and builds real connection, not just compliance.

David Patel, Family Services Manager

David Patel

Family Services Manager, Oak Street Learning Community

FAQ

Common questions about our work

If you have any further questions, please contact us.

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