About
Rooted was founded to address a critical gap in West Michigan.
While many immigrants can access affordable legal representation through nonprofit providers, psychological evaluations often remain out of reach.
We exist to ensure immigrants and their families have access to culturally-sensitive, trauma-informed evaluations when they need them most.
2x likely to be approved
Research indicates that asylum cases that include a forensic psychological evaluation are nearly twice as likely to be approved as cases without one.
Rooted provides trauma-informed psychological evaluations for immigration cases.
These evaluations are conducted by specially trained mental health professionals and offer objective clinical insight into the effects of trauma, persecution, abuse, trafficking, family separation, and other hardships that may be relevant to a person's case.
Our evaluations support a variety of immigration matters, including asylum, U Visas, T Visas, VAWA petitions, hardship waivers, and cancellation of removal proceedings.
Our Work
Many immigration cases depend on demonstrating how an individual has been affected—or would be affected—by significant hardship. A psychological evaluation helps ensure that important experiences and mental health concerns are fully understood and considered throughout the legal process.
Research indicates that asylum cases that include a forensic psychological evaluation are nearly twice as likely to be approved as those without one. Beyond strengthening cases, these evaluations help humanize applicants, support due process, and ensure that critical parts of a person's story are not overlooked.
Our Impact
Our Team
Emily Mendez, LMSW
Founder & Executive Director
Emily is an experienced bilingual social worker dedicated to reducing the barriers that prevent immigrants and their families from accessing high-quality, culturally responsive mental health services—especially survivors of trauma. Born in Central America and raised in the United States, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work, having navigated the immigration process with her own family. Emily lives in Jenison, Michigan, with her husband and two children.
Emily earned degrees in Psychology and Spanish from Hope College and a Master of Social Work from the University of New England. She has worked with immigrant clients across a variety of social service settings since 2011 and began conducting psychological evaluations for immigration cases in 2021. Trained through the Immigration Evaluation Institute and Physicians for Human Rights, she has completed more than 100 immigration evaluations and testified in immigration court as an expert witness.
Mary Hoekje-Gonzalez, LLPC
(more coming soon)
Maribel Andrade, LMSW
(more coming soon)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brenda Cuellar Spedale
Brenda is a proud second generation Mexican-American immigrant, fierce advocate for the rights of immigrants and refugees, and seasoned professional in international education. She enjoys kickboxing and spending time with her husband and daughter. Her board experience and courageous care bring structure and strong leadership to the board of directors.
Anna Kalmbacher
Anna is a nurse, mom to many, and passionate about leveraging privilege and social connections to the benefit of those experiencing injustice. Her willingness to get into “good trouble” and her creative thinking are valuable assets. She has former served as US director of the nonprofit A Child’s Voice, and cares deeply about family strengthening and hospice care in East Africa.
Kent Van Til
Kent is a retired professor and former missionary who is in tune with the strengths and needs of immigrant families. In his free time you’ll find him making music, fishing, and playing with his grandchildren. He is our chief encourager, and his generous and supportive spirit strengthen the organization.