Center for Optimal Brain Integration

Five-year-old Michael had been living with ongoing stress at home, so his body was often on high alert at school. One morning in class, a sudden loud crash from a dropped chair sent him into panic and his heart raced, he covered his ears, and began to cry and yell, unable to calm down. Instead of directing him with lots of words, his teacher gently guided him toward the block area where Mateo usually felt safe and he began stacking blocks and knocking them down, then rebuilding and knocking them down again.

As the play continued, Michael shifted into pretend play, turning the blocks into a “safe tower” and inviting the teacher to help protect it, which allowed him to regain a sense of control and have connection with a safe adult. Within minutes, his body softened, his voice steadied, and he was able to rejoin the class.

Using play to move from fear back to regulation without needing complex language or direct instruction (or punishment, threats, bribes, direction and correction to make him listen).

“Play supports emotions and is an essential pathway to creating emotional safety and optimal regulation.”

What a joy it was to be in community at the Caring for Every Mind Conference in Richardson, Texas!

I was inspired to connect with so many passionate educators, clinicians, and changemakers who are committed to transforming education by looking beyond dysregulated behavior and recognizing the unique nervous system behind every student. When we understand that behavior is communication and that we are helping students navigate their individual nervous systems, we create the conditions for true learning and connection.

After all, you can’t teach a brain that isn’t online.

One of the highlights of the conference was reconnecting with and sharing hugs with two of our Center for Optimal Brain Integration Authorized Trauma and Resilience Trainers, Rebecca Russell and Dr. Lori Gonzales. Grateful for their dedication, wisdom, and partnership in advancing trauma-informed and resilience-focused practices.

Feeling energized and hopeful about the future we are creating together. Julie Kurtz

It is always a joyful moment when you run into some of your favorite folks, especially on our trip to train in Shasta County.

Thank you Wendy Dickens for your gracious spirit.

It’s a beautiful day in the far north in Shasta, CA training early childhood and elementary age parents all day.

We are so proud of one of our COBI family members Robin Newman Pence for this incredible 2-minute testimonial of the power of Wellness Coaches in Elementary Schools. She talks about how when children are sent to the office they are not learning anything. Dr. Viktor Frankl says that in between when we are triggered emotionally and when we react harshly, there is a space in between. In that space we have the power to choose. Robin says, that counselors, coaches, wellness coaches can be that space in between to support the teacher and more importantly take time to connect, calm and teach the student resilience and coping skills. We love you Robin! Thank you for all you do in Marin County at the Mariposa Center.

Certified Wellness Coach | Robin Pence Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Today marks the beginning of a new journey.

With nearly 50% of children under the age of six impacted by toxic and traumatic stress, these 38 individuals have made a powerful commitment: to help ensure that every child has a voice, feels safe, and has the opportunity to thrive.

As part of the next National Training of Trainers cohort with the Center for Optimal Brain Integration, they will become authorized trainers and coaches in their own communities equipping others to better support our most vulnerable children.

Social-emotional learning and academic success can only flourish when the brain feels safe and ready to learn. A trauma and resilience focused foundation prioritizes nervous system safety first which are the essential ingredient for listening, learning and connection in school.

These leaders are stepping forward to become nervous system navigators, healers, and resilience-builders for children and families everywhere.

I appreciate every single one of you and the important work you are choosing to do. I look forward to our 2026-2027 journey.

With gratitude,

Julie Kurtz (CEO and Founder at Center for Optimal Brain Integration)

We are so happy to share that our free children's APP that intentionally teaches young children ages 3-8 about emotional literacy, body awareness and sensory literacy has now been migrated over to our website instead of in the APP store. Our APP, now located on our website comes with a downloadable guide in English and Spanish for parents, teachers and caregivers. https://www.optimalbrainintegration.com/trigger-stop

Trigger Stop: A sensory and emotional check-in tool for children

Help children communicate what they're feeling when emotions are intense and they become dysregulated. Drag emotion faces and sensory indicators to the body to express internal states.

We’re thrilled to announce that our new book, co-authored written by an incredible multidisciplinary team of educators and mental health professionals across the country, is now officially available for pre-order!

This project was built from a shared commitment to helping schools better support students with intensive behavioral and social-emotional needs through culturally responsive, healing-centered, and trauma-informed practices. We are deeply grateful to every co-author who brought their expertise, compassion, and lived experience to these pages.

Through real Pre-K–5 case in-depth vignettes, actionable Tier 3 strategies, and practical implementation tools, this book offers a roadmap for educators and school leaders who are committed to creating equitable systems where every child to thrive and build resilience.

Together, we hope this resource helps schools move beyond crisis response toward meaningful, student-centered support that transforms outcomes for children, families, and entire campus communities.

Culturally Responsive Tier 3 Interventions for Elementary Students How can elementary school leaders support students with intensive behavioral and socio-emotional needs? Use culturally responsive Tier 3 interventions.This practical guide empowers elementary school principals, teachers, and district leaders to move beyond reactive crisis management toward equitable...

🚀 Calling All Educators! 🚀

Are you passionate about supporting students with dysregulated behaviors? Join the National Training of Trainer Institute for Authorization in Trauma and Resilience for Educators!

🌟 Gain strategies to reduce stress in schools
🌟 Learn to train and coach other educators
🌟 Scholarship available per cohort!

Don’t miss this transformational opportunity to deepen your impact and create healing environments for children.

📩 Apply today or learn more: www.optimalbrainintegration.com (go to training of trainer tab)

📧 Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

You can choose from one of three Cohorts to apply by May 15, 2026

a. Infant and Toddler
b. PreK-3
c. TK-12