Keynote address: The Neurology of Leadership: Navigating the Adult Nervous System in Schools
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| Friday, October 30, 2026 |
| 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
| Plaza Ballroom, Plaza Level |
Overview
Dr Lori Desatuels, Butler University's College of Education, United States
Speaker
Dr Lori Desautels
Butler University's College of Education
The Neurology of Leadership: Navigating the Adult Nervous System in Schools.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AMAbstract
In Dr. Desautels' work, the adult is the "Thermostat"—if we are cold and rigid, the room freezes; if we blow a fuse, the room goes dark.
We are introducing a new framework for adults working with children and youth—a multi-tiered approach designed to support and nourish the adult nervous system. This framework offers practices and insights to deepen our awareness of our own nervous systems, enhance decision-making, and empower personal agency.
By addressing the needs of the adult nervous system in schools, districts, and organizations, we aim to foster a sustainable mindset for emotional and mental health. This, in turn, can reduce burnout, build resilience, and create a sense of safety within our learning communities.
The framework is flexible, offering different ways to support staff, individuals, or smaller groups. Think of the tiers as a menu, offering options that best meet the unique needs and preferences of adults. Whether you choose to engage with all the tiers or focus on just one or two, we welcome differentiation to ensure a personalized and effective approach.
We are introducing a new framework for adults working with children and youth—a multi-tiered approach designed to support and nourish the adult nervous system. This framework offers practices and insights to deepen our awareness of our own nervous systems, enhance decision-making, and empower personal agency.
By addressing the needs of the adult nervous system in schools, districts, and organizations, we aim to foster a sustainable mindset for emotional and mental health. This, in turn, can reduce burnout, build resilience, and create a sense of safety within our learning communities.
The framework is flexible, offering different ways to support staff, individuals, or smaller groups. Think of the tiers as a menu, offering options that best meet the unique needs and preferences of adults. Whether you choose to engage with all the tiers or focus on just one or two, we welcome differentiation to ensure a personalized and effective approach.
Biography
Dr. Lori Desautels began teaching undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Education at Butler University in 2016. She was previously an Assistant Professor at Marian University in Indianapolis for eight years, where she started the Educational Neuroscience Symposium, which is now in its 15th year and has reached thousands of educators. Dr. Desautels focuses on teaching her students how to apply social and relational neurosciences to education. She does this by incorporating the tier one trauma accommodating Applied Educational Neuroscience framework, along with its learning principles and practices, into her Butler coursework.
The Applied Educational Neuroscience Certification, developed by Lori in 2016, serves educators, counselors, clinicians, and administrators working with children and adolescents who have experienced adversity and trauma. This certification has reached thousands of educators globally. As a course partner at the Polyvagal Institute, Lori collaborates with Dr. Stephen Porges to teach courses integrating polyvagal theory into schools, organizations, and communities for educators and mental health professionals.
Lori’s articles are published in Edutopia, Brain Bulletin, and Mind Body Spirit international magazine. She was also published in the Brain Research Journal for her work in the fifth-grade classrooms during a course release position with Washington Township Schools. Lori continues her work co-teaching in the K-12 schools integrating her applied research into classroom procedures and transition, preparing the nervous system for learning and felt safety. Her third book, Connections over Compliance: Rewiring our Perceptions of Discipline, was released in late 2020, and Intentional Neuroplasticity: Moving Our Nervous Systems and Educational System Toward Post-Traumatic Growth, her fourth book, was released in January 2023. Her new book/manual titled Body and Brain Brilliance: A Manual to cultivate awareness and Practices for our Nervous System was published in 2024. Lori’s work, presentation videos and latest research can also be found on her website www.revelationsineducation.com.
Lori lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her husband, Michael, and two rescue pets. They have three adult children, Andrew, Sarah, and Regan, and a new grandchild, Miles Desautels Dorsey.
Lori has met with well over 200 school districts across the country, in Canada, Costa Rica, Australia, Scotland, England and Dubai equating to more than 150,000 educators with much more work to be done!