I’m Kayla Hower, founder of Rooted Systems Consulting. I hold a Master of Public Health from the University of Missouri and bring more than a decade of experience across healthcare and social service settings, where I’ve designed and strengthened programs that support patients, families, and communities. Over time, I’ve come to see how much systems matter, not just for outcomes on paper, but for the everyday experience of the people inside them.

I specialize in process and quality improvement, stakeholder collaboration, and practical, data-informed strategy. I’ve witnessed how unclear processes and misaligned communication can quietly exhaust even the most dedicated teams. I’ve also seen how thoughtful structure can bring clarity, restore energy, and help people reconnect to the purpose that brought them to the work in the first place.

I care about building systems that are strong enough to hold complexity and humane enough to support the people doing the work. At the core of my approach is a simple belief: strategy should protect purpose. Sustainable impact happens when operational clarity and human wellbeing move in the same direction.

Outside of consulting, I’m continually exploring the connection between systems and embodied leadership, and how intentional design can create healthier, more resilient ways of working.

Who I Work With

• Healthcare departments feeling operational strain

• Public health programs juggling growth and compliance

• Social service nonprofits navigating grant expectations

• Teams that care deeply about impact but feel stuck in inefficient systems

If your staff are committed but overwhelmed, we’re probably aligned.

My Philosophy

I believe strong systems protect both people and purpose.

When workflows are clear:

• Staff stress decreases

• Communication improves

• Accountability strengthens

• Outcomes improve

Operational excellence and compassion are not opposites.
They’re partners.

Educational Background

• Master of Public Health, University of Missouri - Columbia

• B.S. Family Studies and Human Services, Kansas State University

• Intro to Asset Based Community Development, DePaul University

• Non-Profit Connect Manager Institute

• Non-Profit Connect Volunteer Manager Institute

• 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher