Hi There!
I'm Shannon
I am a parent coach, special education consultant, speaker, and mom to young adults and kids with brain-based differences.
​I help parents struggling with their children and teens with brain-based differences by simplifying the neuroscience behind our complex brain-body connection.
​
Through curiosity, exploration, and observation, you will strengthen your understanding of your child's unique brain, implement strategies that compliment their unique brain, and help you build a strong parent- child relationship.
​
I apply the same curious approach in supporting students with brain-based differences at school.
As a non-attorney special education consultant, I provide parent coaching and support, data collection review, meeting attendance, and child-specific behavior support plans.
I specialize in brain-based differences and behavioral symptoms resulting from complex trauma, prenatal alcohol and substance exposure, FASD, ADHD, executive functioning, behaviors, memory struggles, toxic stress, adoption-related issues, foster care-related issues, attachment, and a strengths-based approach to parenting and student learning.
Ways To Work Together
Learning and the Brain
Children cannot learn when they do not feel safe.
Sometimes, intervention strategies and support services are ineffective for students, especially for students with complex trauma and brain-based differences. Evidence-based practices implemented by schools for years have historically worked for students with varying challenges. However, when intervention strategies are not working, it's time for a new approach.
Each student has a unique brain profile that shows up differently on assessments and observations. Looking deeper and taking a more curious approach to IEPs, supports, and related services is important. A curious approach highlights the need for parents, school psychologists, administrators, and educators to approach each behavioral communication and symptom with curiosity and question. A neurobehavioral approach emphasizes identifying the student's unique brain profile and developing personalized strategies to support each student's learning and behavioral symptoms and communication differently.
From consultation and coaching to full IEP support and attendance, I am here to walk with you and your student through the process.
Parenting and the Brain
What does the brain have to do with the behaviors I'm seeing?
EVERYTHING.
Neuroscience research has proven that the brain and behaviors are linked and changes in brain structure impact brain function. When we understand how the brain works or works differently and how those differences impact behavior, we can parent differently, teach differently, and build better relationships with our children, students, and employees. Changing our approach to behavioral symptoms we see as a result of neurobehavioral disabilities can also lessen frustration and stress, and create better outcomes for individuals with neurobehavioral disabilities.
Using A Brain-Based Approach
Years of research on the brain and behaviors have shown that neurobehavioral conditions have physical brain-based differences with behavioral symptoms.
My unique experience as a parent of multiple children with brain-based differences, and applying this approach first hand in our home, has convinced me that we can transform overwhelm and frustration into hope and harmony.
This same approach works in the school environment. When the right supports are in place for students, we can increase positive outcomes in relationships, academics, and behaviors.
