NEST Psychological Services, PLLC

NEST Psychological Services, PLLC We offer educational & psychological evaluations,parent coaching,& professional development

Nest Psychological Services, PLLC was founded by Heidi Hawkins, M.S., Ed.S., Licensed and Nationally Certified School Psychologist, to support the diverse needs of children and adolescents and facilitate their success and happiness.
​
Heidi has a Master’s of Science in Psychology, along with an Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology. She has over a decade of experience identifying disa

bilities such as autism, learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, ADHD, and more. She has been vital in creating educational and emotional interventions and supports, developing IEP's, providing crisis support and counseling, and providing training to school staff to ensure a highly effective and supportive environment for all children. She has served as a consultant for academic and behavioral needs of school divisions and presented at local, regional, and state conferences on topics such as concussion support in learning, autism, trauma, reading disorders, and ADHD. Heidi has received intensive training from state and national leaders in the field of special education. Her unique training in both psychology and behavior as well as education and learning allows her to support the whole child and help families and educators navigate through struggles to success.

I’ve sat with countless kids in my office—and I’ve raised seven of my own—and one truth always rises to the surface: fea...
09/30/2025

I’ve sat with countless kids in my office—and I’ve raised seven of my own—and one truth always rises to the surface: fear might change behavior in the moment, but it won’t teach a child how to become.

When a child obeys out of fear, they learn to shrink, to hide, to avoid mistakes at all costs. But when a child is guided with grace, they learn resilience, empathy, and responsibility. They grow into humans who don’t just “follow rules” when someone’s watching—they choose to do what’s right because it’s part of who they are.

Grace doesn’t mean letting bad behavior slide. It means teaching in a way that shapes the heart, not just controls the hands. And that’s the kind of legacy we want to leave, isn’t it? 💛

🌱 Grace is the soil where character takes root.

👉 Save this for the next hard parenting moment.
👉 Tag another parent who needs this reminder today.

We’ve got it backwards sometimes. We think strength is something we build after life knocks us down. But neuropsychology...
09/25/2025

We’ve got it backwards sometimes. We think strength is something we build after life knocks us down. But neuropsychology (and parenting experience 🙋🏻‍♀️) shows us something different: hardship doesn’t create resilience—it uncovers the resilience that was already there.

✨ For kids, this is huge. When they face challenges—school struggles, friendships, big feelings—it’s not proof they’re weak. It’s a chance to notice the strength, creativity, and survival skills they already carry.

And for us, as parents and teachers? The same is true. That “I can’t do this” moment? That’s just the doorway to realizing you already are.

👉 Save this for the days you doubt yourself.
👉 Share it with a parent, teacher, or friend who needs the reminder today.

Because hardship isn’t the enemy—it’s the spotlight that shows the strength you didn’t even realize you had. 💡

One of the hardest but most powerful shifts happens when you work this one out 🙏🏽💪🏼♥️
09/25/2025

One of the hardest but most powerful shifts happens when you work this one out 🙏🏽💪🏼♥️

🚨 Here’s the truth: behavior problems aren’t about “bad kids.” They’re about disconnected brains.When a child feels safe...
09/10/2025

🚨 Here’s the truth: behavior problems aren’t about “bad kids.” They’re about disconnected brains.

When a child feels safe, seen, and connected, their nervous system calms down—and their behavior follows. 🧠💡

That’s why connection is not fluff. It’s neuroscience.

Here are 10 practical ways (TBRI + neuropsychology approved ✅) to build trust, reduce power struggles, and improve behavior at home, school, and in therapy.

Save this post for when the meltdowns hit.

Tag a parent, teacher, or counselor who could use a boost this time of year.

And follow 👉 for more brain-based strategies that actually work.

💡 Connection isn’t extra—it’s the foundation.
When kids feel safe, seen, and valued, their brains are finally ready to learn.

So often, we tell kids (and ourselves), “Just calm down.” But here’s the truth: the brain can’t access calm until it fee...
09/10/2025

So often, we tell kids (and ourselves), “Just calm down.” But here’s the truth: the brain can’t access calm until it feels safe.

👉 Neuropsychology shows us that the amygdala (the brain’s alarm system) stays on high alert when safety feels uncertain—whether that’s emotional, relational, or physical. No amount of “relax” works until the nervous system knows: I’m safe, I’m not alone, I’m okay.

That’s why connection is medicine. Why routines matter. Why a calm adult nervous system regulates a child better than any lecture ever could.

✨ Parents, teachers, caregivers: Let’s shift the goal from “calm kids” to “safe kids.” Because safety unlocks calm, learning, and resilience.

💬 What helps YOU or your kids feel safe when anxiety shows up?

👉 Follow for more brain-based parenting + teaching insights that change behavior from the inside out.

✨ Did you know? ✨Students who feel connected at school don’t just feel happier—they literally perform better. 👏🏽Research...
08/26/2025

✨ Did you know? ✨

Students who feel connected at school don’t just feel happier—they literally perform better.

👏🏽Research shows school connection boosts attendance, self-esteem, GPA, and long-term motivation… while also reducing misbehavior and drop-out risk. 🤯

That means connection isn’t a “nice extra.” It’s the foundation of learning. 🧠💡

Tomorrow I’m sharing 10 powerful connection strategies (based on TBRI & brain science) you can use at home or in the classroom—practical tools that meet kids’ core needs so their brains are ready to learn.

📌 Save this post for the reminder

👩‍🏫 Follow (or your handle) so you don’t miss tomorrow’s list

❤️ Share this with a parent or teacher who needs encouragement this back-to-school season

Address

302 S. Locust Street
Floyd, VA
24091

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when NEST Psychological Services, PLLC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to NEST Psychological Services, PLLC:

Shortcuts

Share

Category