We Start from Strength

The Center for Trait-Based Transformation exists to help individuals, communities, and organizations recognize and build what is already strong within them.

At the center of our work is The Trait-Based Model, a strengths-centered framework for identity development, resilience, recovery, and leadership. Across every environment, the philosophy remains the same: identify the strengths already present, expand awareness under pressure, develop balanced traits, and create measurable growth over time.

This shared framework is applied across three pathways:

Prevention, where identity is built early;

Recovery, where identity is restored through resilience and purpose; and

Leadership, where authentic leadership capacity is strengthened under pressure.

Take the Free Assessment

Why this work was created

The Center for Trait-Based Transformation was created from a simple but powerful belief:

People grow best when they begin with what is already strong within them.

Traditional systems often focus on deficits, symptoms, or behaviors in isolation. This work was built to offer a more human-centered alternative—one that strengthens identity, restores balance, and creates meaningful transformation across prevention, recovery, and leadership.

What began as a framework for practical application has grown into an ecosystem that supports schools, treatment environments, justice systems, community initiatives, and leadership development.

Our mission is to transform the way people grow.

We exist to help people and communities move from survival into growth by focusing on identity, resilience, connection, and the traits that already exist within them.

The Trait-Based framework is grounded in both behavioral science and lived experience, creating a system that is structured enough for organizations and human enough for real transformation.

Jason Roop, PhD - Founder and Executive Director

Dr. Jason Roop is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Trait-Based Transformation, where he leads the development and national implementation of a unified, evidence-based human development framework expressed through prevention, recovery, and leadership. His work integrates research, lived experience, and systems-level innovation to support identity formation, restoration, and ethical influence across the lifespan.

Dr. Roop’s professional path is rooted in profound personal transformation. After 17 years of active addiction and homelessness, he entered recovery in 2013. That lived experience became the foundation for a rigorous academic and applied journey, culminating in a Ph.D. in Business Management and Leadership in 2022 and the creation of the Trait-Based framework now used across diverse community settings.

An accomplished researcher, author, and national speaker, Dr. Roop is widely recognized for advancing a trait-centered understanding of human behavior, addiction, and change. His work challenges deficit-based and pathology-driven models by highlighting the adaptive strengths, leadership capacities, and inherent potential present even in periods of struggle. He is actively involved with the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission and collaborates nationally with schools, treatment providers, justice systems, and community organizations.

Dr. Roop’s research and program development focus on identifying and activating core traits that support balance, resilience, and responsible influence. This work led to the creation of the Trait-Based Model of Prevention, the Trait-Based Model of Recovery, and the Trait-Based Leadership framework, which together form a cohesive approach to human development. These models are implemented nationwide in schools, residential and outpatient treatment programs, court systems, workforce initiatives, and leadership development contexts.

Through ongoing research, program expansion, and strategic partnerships, Dr. Roop continues to advance accessible, data-informed, and person-centered approaches that honor the strengths people already possess and translate internal balance into meaningful contribution and leadership.

Amanda Jo Roop - Co-Founder and Program Developer

Amanda Jo Roop is a certified peer support specialist, co-creator of the Trait-Based Model of Recovery and Prevention, and a passionate advocate for identity-focused, strengths-based healing.

With more than 12 years of experience working in the school system, Amanda brings a deep understanding of youth development, emotional wellness, and the critical role of connection in both prevention and recovery. Her professional and personal journey have shaped her ability to walk alongside individuals with compassion, insight, and authenticity.

Amanda has played a key role in designing and delivering the Trait-Based curriculum across both treatment centers and school-based settings. As a teacher, mentor, and program facilitator, she creates safe and engaging environments where individuals can reflect, grow, and rediscover their inner strengths.

Her lived experience in recovery and her background in trauma-informed care allow her to connect deeply with participants of all ages. Whether guiding a group through a peer circle, supporting adolescents in crisis, or helping adults reframe their narrative, Amanda leads with grace, grounded presence, and an unwavering belief in each person’s capacity to grow.

She currently serves as a lead trainer and facilitator at the Center for Trait-Based Transformation and continues to play an instrumental role in developing content, assessments, and healing experiences that meet people where they are—and help them Start from Strength.

Nick Rhodus, APSS - Director of Facilitation and Innovation

Since getting sober in August of 2020 Nick has experienced a meteoric rise in the recovery field. After obtaining his Peer Support Specialist license he went on to serve as a Peer Support trainer in the state of Kentucky helping hundreds of individuals to become certified peer support specialists.

He was then promoted to program administrator role before being named Executive Director at one of Kentucky’s largest non profit SUD treatment organizations where he has helped guide thousands of men and women on their recovery journey.

Nick brings an approach to teaching and leadership that is eclectic, engaging, and effective – blending philosophical inquiry, martial arts concepts, spiritual principles, and personal experience

Trusted Partners

Organizations putting Trait-Based principles into practice

From schools and youth-serving organizations to treatment providers, justice systems, and community partners,
Trait-Based work is being applied across diverse settings.