The quick version of my background is that I’m a retired first grade teacher and reading specialist (after 34 years!), as well as a certified yoga instructor living in Southern California with my husband and adorable “teacher's pet” Buddy.

But, the story of how I became “The Brain Lady” began when I discovered the incredible science of neuroplasticity while studying yoga anatomy during advanced certifications.

Diving into a lay-person's study of neuroscience, I learned (and continue to learn) so many things that you might think an elementary school teacher should already know about the brain -  and they definitely SHOULD!  I learned how memory works, the way that physical movement affects learning, wellness habits that affect the ability to focus, make decisions and self-regulate, how a child’s early developmental movement patterns affect learning, and so much more!  Surprisingly, none of my teacher training included this information - even though I attended a prestigious teachers college focused on developmental learning practices.

Armed with this knowledge, I began to step-outside-the-boxes I felt confined to as a public school teacher, and to teach based on neuroscience instead of mandated curriculum or traditional practices.   

Using what I'd learned about the brain, and my many years of classroom experience, I developed a highly motivating and actionable wellness sequence called R.I.S.E. and quickly discovered that my students were showing increased focus, improved memory and retention of information, better self-regulation, fewer behavioral issues and consistently high attendance.  My students thrived while using The R.I.S.E Sequence! 

The incredibly empowering part of learning how our brain works is discovering that we are more in control than we think, and we CAN change our own brain, increase our potential for achievement, health and happiness.  This is especially important for children to understand.

I knew that it was The R.I.S.E Sequence that was impacting student's brains in positive ways, and I wasn’t ready to leave all of my methods and enthusiasm for brain science behind when I retired.  So that’s why I teach on Outschool now, and I look forward to making an impact on learners from around the world!