Center for Optimal Brain Integration

08/14/2026

Today we focused on training over 200 early childhood staff on trauma-responsive systems and organizations. Another advanced layer in this important work of being a navigator of workplace nervous systems. After all, when we strengthen the “me” it helps the “we”.

06/30/2026

I am absolutely going to miss this National Training of Trainer, Trauma-Responsive Infant and Toddler cohort who just finished a year-long journey to become authorized to train on trauma and resilience for our absolute youngest population through our Center for Optimal Brain Integration. They rocked their final capstone. The most amazing news is we just accepted 68 new apprentices into our 2026-2027 cohorts (infant and toddler, PreK-3 and K-12). This is a grass roots effort and not funded by any large non-profit or educational institution. This is word of mouth, self-driven folks across the country with a passion for reducing stress in schools and remembering that a nervous system cannot feel safe, listen or learn until they are optimally regulated.

06/28/2026

We are so filled with joy that Renee Garcia has pitched and advocated that trauma-responsive and resilience building practices be deeply embedded in her Salinas City School District Early Childhood Education programs. We get to do an entire training series over the course of a year. Our team today laughed and had joy even while we learned how to support our most vulnerable children impacted by toxic stress. We had so many ahas, ohhhhhs and oh no's happen as we played in the sandbox of a very important and life changing topic. I can't wait to see you again in August and my deepest gratitude for allowing me to be a guest in your home!

06/22/2026

06/18/2026

I will be presenting with my amazing colleague and Dr. Jane Bernzweig in Orlando, Florida July 13-15.

06/12/2026

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.”

06/09/2026

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

06/05/2026

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.

05/30/2026

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

05/27/2026

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.

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