Who we are

The Taproot Collective consists of Kaitlin Stephens & Emily Hoefs, trained professionals in the psychedelic therapy field.

Our collective is named after the taproot; the main root beneath a plant or tree that develops and sustains the many rootlets (much like the great mycelium network of the funghi) that expand for great distances underground. It provides nutrients and stability for every part of the plant for it to exist and thrive above ground. Our aim in this work is congruence in the self (what's happening on the inside matches what we are showing on the outside). We do this by supporting individuals in reconnecting to their inner wisdom and healer through trust-building, community, and psychedelic medicine.


  • Founder & PAT Professional

    Kaitlin is a Yukoner rooted in Vancouver, adventurer, clinical counsellor, and a student of love. She holds a Masters Degree in Counselling with Psychedelic Assisted Therapist training.


  • Founder & PAT Professional

    Emily is a long-time Yukoner, mother, athlete, clinician, and community organizer with a postgraduate diploma in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy currently pursuing a Masters in this field. 

Our Namesake

Taproot Wellness was inspired from Emily’s Masters Thesis. In her personal PAT practice, whether as participant or practitioner, her goal is congruence. That is, agreement, harmony, and gaining a better balance between one’s inner and outer world. As a human, she want’s what is happening on the inside (thoughts, emotions, nervous system responses) to be somewhat mirroring what is presenting on the outside (speech, movement, physiological responses, even appearance), and thus our behaviours consistently match our inner-identified values and intentions.

The taproot is the main source of health in plant life. It acts as an anchor connecting the plant between the earth and the light it needs. Its many offshoots burrow and transport nutrients that feed the entire plant. The rootlets reach wide in complex patterns, which keeps the entire structure secure and grounded, no matter the conditions above ground. It is a system unseen. A hidden world. And yet the health and strength of the taproot is a direct reflection of the state of the plant or tree as a whole. Buds, flowers, leaves and fruit bearing branches are the result of much work done underneath what we see.