Program Results
Listen to short audios with lots of information.
Each audio addresses our program results.
First and last names. Photos. Real people who share how their brain has changed.
Meet folks from the Adult Program.
K-Lee Atwell-Stoltz
45 hours
When I started Brain Highways, I was operating with about 35% of my lower brain developed. No wonder I was so easily stressed out and would yell. No wonder I was so overly clumsy and would literally trip on air when walking. No wonder my coordination was so off. No wonder I was so easily distracted and had a hard time finishing things or would procrastinate. No wonder I would have mini panic attacks if a semi truck drove too close to me and no wonder I couldn’t seem to keep information in my head—even if I just seen it or heard it.
Yet, just this week, I played one-on-one basketball with my very tall 13-year-old son. I was making baskets, stealing the ball, and really playing. I didn’t fall once!
I now remember numbers and information. I don’t get freaked out when a semi truck passes me, or I have to pass it. I yell a lot less and am able to use my words more often. I just finished my Nutrition Coach certification.
I am so excited that I am no longer trapped in my own world or have to work so hard to manage everyday life. I have my new highways working for me.
I am thankful that I wasn’t too proud to start doing the work. It is the best investment I have ever made for myself, and I plan on creeping and crawling until I am operating at 100% because I am worth it.
David McMillan
200 hours
In my late teenage years, my life began to grow hazy. The confusion set on slowly enough to deter a response, but by my early twenties, I was in its grips. My “alpha” personality seemed to help me in my professional life, but in my personal life, I had grown rash and pensive in response to my maldevelopment.
For too long I was teetering on a razor’s edge of compensations, hardly aware of my own exhaustion and the impact it had on my actions toward others. It wouldn’t be until I had distanced myself from the world, run myself ragged, and hurt someone very close to me that I would realize my callous and aggressive ways.
But then the fog was lifted! Brain Highways granted me a perspective on my actions, and then gave me the power to change them. Thus with my neurological reorganization, I have replaced my cynicism with optimism. I am now calmer and more mindful and am able to quickly adapt to situations that previously would have made me “snap.”
This neurological reorganization will surely aid in my ongoing pursuit of a doctorate degree in the field of exercise physiology. I already notice quite a difference. Not so much in my “smartness,” if you will, I still understand things about the same. But I notice I retain information more quickly and can recall it faster and more accurately. I can also hold a train of thought and follow ideas without getting distracted.
But the biggest thing I notice is how I no longer feel so overwhelmed and drained and volatile after a long day—even though I’m now working at a much higher level—and I get more done in less time. I just looked at a project that I completed in my undergrad, right before I started working at BH. I remember the entire event seeming like such a monster, such an enormous undertaking. And looking back, I now easily produce much higher quality work with much less investment (both emotional and cognitive).
And most importantly, Brain Highways has established in me a clarity and peace of mind that allows me to approach every person with empathy and each day with gratitude. I can’t thank Brain Highways enough for giving me back my smile!
Joanne McCamy
100 hours
There I was going through my world as a wife, mother and full time teacher. I was juggling it the best I could until my husband was diagnosed with and died 13 months later from pancreatic cancer.
Now I had to be mother, full time teacher, and head of household finances, all while grieving our loss. Needless to say, my compensations didn’t fall apart—they crumbled.
All areas of my life, my job, my relationships with family and friends were at risk because I wasn’t operating with an integrated brain. I was spinning out of control. One might think that adding one more thing for me to do (enroll in the Brain Highways online adult class) would completely push me over the cliff. But it actually was the thing that saved me.
After participating in the program, I am able to focus and complete tasks. Prior to organizing my brain, I would circle and not know where to even begin to start. I am a much better listener. I am able to reframe situations and see the total picture.
In the classroom and the workplace, I am able to remain calm as I have techniques that keep me in the cortex. And, after 25+ years of teaching, I had the best parent-teacher conferences to date since I was truly focused and was able to stay completely in the moment.
But it really wasn’t until I organized my brain that I was able … grieve, let go, and move forward. It was like I had been frozen in time.
I honestly had no idea how much organizing my brain would change my life.
Jeffrey Shultz
30 hours
“Something is wrong.” I often thought to myself as a child. But I could never clearly describe what was wrong. I could only feel it or sense it. I now know it all started with obsessive-compulsive fears at around the age of four or five. There was a toxic drip of fear in my mind that would manifest itself in fear of the kitchen oven blowing up or cars exploding or being electrocuted to death.
These fears were compounded by physical struggles, as well. I didn’t know it at the time but I didn’t have peripheral vision, I had tinnitus in my right ear, and poor balance from the ear problem. These struggles slowly got worse as I grew up as they impaired learning and maturity and relationship skills.
In spite of these issues, I was able to compensate and appear functional to the outside world. The fear-based compensations even helped me to appear very impressive at times. My grades were average, if not good at times.
But by the time I was finishing high school, my grades were often slipping, as the pressure to keep up with reading got overwhelming. Another indicator that there were problems was that I would have out of character outbursts, such as tearing up an English test in front of the class and walking out of the room. These reading struggles were affirmed by a special test I took in my first and only year of college. I was tested at the 11th percentile for reading speed, with low comprehension, and a high probability for ADHD.
In frustration and hope, I joined the Marine Corps. Boot camp and active duty were initially perfect for me. But as I was allowed more freedom, I needed more energy to control the conflicting parts of me. I turned to the only thing I knew, which was the fear and worry. Despite the destruction the fear and worry caused, they were dear to me, for they produced the energy I needed to survive in this overbearing and overwhelming world. One of the deepest compensations I had was the use of fear to induce shots of adrenaline for myself as an energy source, if not the only energy source I had.
By the time I was 30, I could induce a shot of fear-based adrenaline within three thoughts. From a certain point of view, I was very clever; I didn’t need drugs, as I had my own mind.
I progressively burned out my mind and heart from this false form of energy. Because of complications that arose from these compensations during my time in the Marine Corps, I was diagnosed with mild dysthymia and was put on Wellbutrin. This helped even my mood, but did not help with the core mental issues.
I was then switched to a high dose of Effexor. I had come off the medication and turned to alcohol. I had a few bad incidents with alcohol and fighting and was put on Prozac for a few weeks.
It was becoming obvious that the medications weren’t really fixing the core problem. Though I loved the Marine Corps, it was once again apparent that I needed help because “something is wrong,” I thought again … to my great disappointment.
After my contract was up with the Marine Corps, it was obvious to me that I still needed help and sought professional counseling. “You’re punching the air again,” my counselor would say to me with a smile, though I was not smiling. Or, “You’re spinning your wheels in the mud,” he would often remind me.
The counseling was crucial for understanding my past and working through the events in the Marine Corps. The counseling was excellent, though after four years and over 10k in costs, I was backsliding, and it was not sticking.
I ended up in the ER at the VA knowing I needed something stronger to calm my deteriorating mind. They put me on an atypical anti-psychotic drug, which truly helped with sleep, and it helped release me from the fear and worry. But the medication subdued me so much I had about 1/10 the ability to handle details at work, and the shift of abilities was staggeringly slow as I lost the fear based energy.
I continued on the medication and after six months, I slowly realized my mind was working against the medication and the fear was returning. I was loosing the ability to sleep again. The symptoms were getting worse, again.
This was among the hardest times in my life, as I was starting to truly loose hope for the first time that anything would work. Suicidal ideations were returning in this newfound hopelessness as they had in the Marine Corps, where I had turned to a humiliating bout of self-mutilation through cutting. I still have scars on my body as daily reminders of the mental jail cell I lived in.
At this point I didn’t know where to turn anymore. For years, in faith, I had been praying for the right answer. So many good parts of understanding and healing and medication had come together, but none of the pieces were sticking.
On a particularly dark and depressing morning at work, I was loosing it mentally. I was riding a rollercoaster of bad sleep, medication and energy drinks to try to keep myself awake and operating at corporate efficiency. That morning, I had one simple thought: “There has to be something wrong with my mind. Something is not wired right.”
I felt like my mind could either spin endlessly, and I could get 1000’s of details done. Or, if I was challenged with something that I didn’t like, it was like all decisions would get backed up and I’d have to wait in line and go through a one neuron-wide pipeline at a time. I felt like I was stuck in 2nd gear, going 60 on the highways, burning up the engine of my mind at 7000 RPMs.
That morning I typed “adult brain underdevelopment” in Google and immediately found Brain Highways. I started reading the list of symptoms and was in disbelief of the similarities I was experiencing.
The 8-week class I took was the glue that finally stuck together the pieces of what I was learning, and for the first time, I felt rubber-tire mental traction in my life. I could actually drive forward.
Yesterday, I was thinking about how much my life has changed. I am very different. I have better friendships. I get along with co-workers. The panic and fear are diminishing. I can't believe how much mental stress and pain I was in for so long. I now do 1/4 of the work with the same or better results then before. Even in my workouts, I feel like I can actually access the deeper muscles when I am lifting weights.
I feel like my mind is neurologically sending the right signals to my body. I know how to guard my heart and mind. Before I had no filter, and it took all my effort just to keep my mind in check from "doing something stupid or childish.”
I feel like I am maturing again. A whole new life is opening up for me.
The biggest joy is slowly having my reading change, both in speed and comprehension. For the first time in my life, I can get truly lost in a book. The stories are better then the movies. I am starting to be able to understand complicated ideas in both reading and sports. I can mentally hold onto multiple complicated theories or ideas the way “normal” people must do. I am able to watch and learn about sports like soccer and football, and it actually sticks for more than an hour.
The private counselor didn’t know about Brain Highways, but what he taught me was a perfect pairing with it. The neurological work through the Brain Highways exercises was the essential glue to stabilizing my mind.
I now believe that we simply are not designed or built to live under the constant oppression of false fears. We are truly made for rest and love. Then from this place of rest, we are able to make real, sound decisions and move forward with life and who we are created to be.
Maggie Rintala
120 hours
Prior to organizing my brain with creeping and crawling, I always felt an undercurrent of stress. I did not sleep well. I would overreact to many situations and get defensive, sometimes holding onto upsetting situations for days.
I considered my perfectionism, zoning out, and constant wiggling to be a part of my personality.
Since I began creeping and crawling, I own a sense of calm. Not only do I feel more settled, but, I now sleep better and respond to situations instead of reacting. I am a NO DRAMA ZONE. This feeling has pervaded (the fact that I am using the word pervaded is a sign of my brain organization) in my home, my family and my relationships.
The smaller, less dramatic changes have been a huge surprise. I can focus on a single conversation in a loud restaurant. Prior to brain highways, I thought I was having minor hearing loss. When I wake up in the night I am not overwhelmed with the demons of deeds undone. My friends now regularly say, "You always stay so calm.”
This has been a joy to write. Reflecting on how far we have come as a family (everyone has now been organizing his or her brain) brings tears to my eyes.
Monica Berner
60 hours
I started Brain Highways four months ago, and I am extremely happy with my results thus far. I was struggling with many different things and had been given so many doomsday diagnoses: bipolar disorder (manic depressed), PTSD, and fibromyalgia to name just a few.
I believed that my life was as good as it was going to get. I found myself frustrated and depressed much of the time, as I was unable to concentrate and retain information.
I had started taking a series of classes on a topic that interested me, but was at a point where I did not think I would be able to go any further with them. I had oral reports to do and the thought of speaking in public, even a class of maybe 18 of my peers, was such a source of stress and terror, I literally was physically ill (actually threw up) before the first time I had to do a report.
I had found meditation a great source of comfort and very calming; however, before Brain Highways, whenever I’d start to meditate, I’d cry, forget where I was, freeze—it would take me as long as 45 minutes just to quiet my mind.
My life was becoming more difficult, and I felt I had no control. Typing was next to impossible, and whatever I wrote often made no sense. My handwriting was terrible. I had always been an avid reader, but as I got older, it became very difficult. I was constantly losing my place on the pages I was trying to read.
But I’ve now done 60 hours of the brain work—and my life flows with much more ease than it ever has for me! There is no longer any delay time to quiet my mind to meditate. I go straight through a 20-40 minute meditation—and it’s easy and enjoyable instead of hard and frustrating.
My handwriting is much more legible. Typing no longer takes forever—and what I write is not scrambled. Reading is easier.
But there is such a change in how I react. Since I started Brain Highways, I have actually had some extreme stress in my life. In the past few months, three uncles and two close friends have died. My 19-year-old neighbor, who I’ve known since he was two, was in an accident with a serious head injury, hospitalized and on a ventilator. We also had fires very near our home.
And yet, I stayed calmed. I moved “through it.” Prior to Brain Highways such stress could have triggered a manic episode or a delusional psychotic episode—that often lasted for months.
Due to an injury (which had nothing to do with BH), I have had to take a break from doing the physical brain organization work for just bit, and I have found that I have not lost what I had gained. This for me has truly been a blessing and a milestone! Any other program I have tried before you lost what progress you had made and had to start over if you took a break.
But this is not like an exercise program where if you take time off your muscles atrophy. You continue to enjoy the benefits you have received. I will get back to finishing my brain organization as soon as my body finishes healing, and I know my outlook on life will continue to improve.
I am 58 years young and was under the impression I was past my prime with little to look forward to. Brain Highways has changed all of that! I am forever grateful to Nancy Green for all she does and for this wonderful program she has developed.
Our brains are absolutely amazing. It has been life altering for me to know that the old school teaching (our brains are hardwired to be a certain way) and you learn to live with it has been proven to be wrong! So many people have been helped with Brain Highways, and I have high expectations that I will have more improvement and look forward to this.
My only regret is that I did not get to start this program earlier in my life. I believe I would have avoided much frustration.
Yet, the good news is: My life has improved tremendously and continues to get better and better. Many of the improvements are subtle. So, I am always excited when I discover things are easier and life is flowing for me now instead of feeling like I am constantly trying to swim upstream against the current.
I highly recommend BH to anyone who is struggling or needs help.
Casey Wheel
75 hours
I first discovered Brain Highways through an athlete I coached, who made strides that were unexplainable to me at the time. I walked into Brain Highways very curious of how a “brain program” helped drastically improve movement patterns for which I was having very little success. I walked out of the initial screening with my head spinning. The information provided connected the dots between previously unexplainable struggles in movement and behavior that I saw with my student athletes.
Even though I didn’t struggle with movement, I was curious to see how Brain Highways would benefit my life. After completing my lower brain development, I found that onions, and other foods I avoided because of texture, actually added flavor to many dishes (since the texture no longer bothered me!). Now, with my new automatic eye functions, my reading endurance and comprehension improved. Previously, I’d fall asleep after about 20 minutes of reading . . . anything.
Along with my personal improvement, my coaching ability greatly improved with further understanding of the lower centers of the brain and primitive reflexes. That understanding has led to a better foundation of trust, as I know how to create an environment where my athletes can thrive, as well as know when it’s the most opportune time for feedback to be processed. Seeing how much of myself and some of my athletes have improved, I can’t imagine how enjoyable sports would be if all coaches and athletes finished their highways.
Holly Towkaniuk
50 hours
I was originally looking for a way to help my daughter with her focus problems at school. But when I saw the Brain Highways website and watched the videos of the children, I saw myself. I was in tears because all my life I thought I was defective.
For example, my brain would often freeze, and I would stare into space for minutes, actually more like hours. When I was in this fog, I would get lost in my thoughts, always searching for words or memories. But it was like looking for your lost dog. You hear him in the distance, but as soon as he comes closer, you turn around and he vanishes. I was also full of anxiety, and I was overwhelmed much of the time.
So, I enrolled myself in the adult program. While I’m not completely out of the woods yet, I finally have a path to walk down, instead of living a life in muck and mire.
When I first started creeping, I’d have moments of clarity, like the fog had lifted, and I could see more clearly. With more floor time, I’m happy to report that I can now recall ideas quicker, and my anxiety and stress is much lower. My brain flows more easily. I speak clearer—and with less effort. I’ve stopped getting so overwhelmed, and I’ve started completing tasks, like organizing my office!
I’m still continuing with the brain work, and I’m excited to create more pathways!
Krystal Jackson
30 hours
As a new mom and trying to run a business, things can get overwhelming in your brain, especially if your midbrain is underdeveloped. So many things to do, so little time, and you are caring for your new little one. The smallest tasks can seem like nothing else can be done and you don't even know where to start, well at least that is how it was in my brain.
Now I have a more positive outlook to what the true situation is, where to start and how to tackle it all. I can handle more things on my plate without getting overwhelmed and stressed out. I am able to prioritize the most important things. I know there are still more areas for me to work in my life, but I am so grateful for the experience and knowledge of how my brain works and how I can improve how it functions.
Susan Olson
65 hours
I was looking for more clarity in my life. I was tired of being tired. I also wanted to be more in the moment and clearer with my intentions in my relationships.
After reading the handouts for the adult class and doing some of the floor work, I found I was listening more and talking less. I also was staying more focused in conversations and in life.
The course helped me break down some very old walls that were complicating my life. I have just become simpler.
I was surprised that at 61 years of age I already knew some of the information I was reading. But I didn’t have tools to apply. Now, I do. It feels great to embrace my life truths in a new light and add some new direction.
I super enjoy not over reacting and owning my own stuff. Still living the process, but with a bigger smile.
David Saltzman
125 hours
In school, I was given an IEP because of my poor reading comprehension skills and terrible spelling ability. I loved sports such as track and field, cross-country running, wrestling, and I have a dense medical history. To say the least, I know the abilities and limitations of my body and brain very well.
The Brain Highways approach is breaking down those barriers faster and more efficiently than anything I have tried previously. Some of the changes I have seen are:
• Not as quick to anger
• Better hand eye coordination
• Sleep better
• An inner confidence that makes me feel like an adult
• Can write straight on a blank piece of paper
• Reading is more effortless
Also, I am experiencing these results without trying any harder. It just happens.
Thank you, Brain Highways!
Meet parents from the Family Program, who also share how they’ve changed.
Kristen Kolde
150 hours
I thought I was going to Brain Highways to help my sons, but the truth is . . . I needed it for me, too. I know that I was able to fool others into thinking that I was cool, calm, and collected, but it was a mask. I was anxious about everything and was easily overwhelmed by big tasks. I was depressed a lot, even considering medication. I worried a lot about what others thought about me.
After doing some of the floor time, it dawned on me one day that I felt “different.” I am happier. I think more positively about life. I stand up for what I believe is the right thing to do, no matter what others think about it. I give hugs more freely, too.
As a Speech Language Pathologist, this life change has also made me a better professional. I am grateful for the chance to teach others about what I have experienced and seen firsthand through my involvement at Brain Highways.
Clay Setzer
40 hours
We found out that our daughter was profoundly and severely deaf at the age of 22 months old. It was a struggle, but we learned sign language and got her all the assistance she needed through a variety of sources available for children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
When she was three years old, she got her cochlear implant which did improve her hearing. However, things still didn't seem right, and we sought help from our health care provider.
That was the first time we were told that she may be on the autism spectrum. At the age five, it was confirmed that she was, in fact, on the spectrum. We did not know where to go or what to do.
As many of you may already know, raising a special needs child is challenging, to say the least. After twelve years of struggling, I found myself running out of ideas to deal with certain behaviors, running out of patience and, at times, feeling hopeless. It seemed like every day brought on new challenges, and we tried to adjust our responses to her with each new behavior that manifested itself.
My wife and I were overwhelmed, at times, but still no guidance or help was available. We both feared what would happen to us as a family and what would happen to her quality of life when we were gone.
Then an acquaintance told me about Brain Highways. Seeing the enthusiasm in her face when she talked about the changes her child went through prompted me to look further into the program. After meeting Nancy and much of her staff, we decided to give it a try.
It has been a lot of work, and we soon realized that Brain Highways was more than just a program for the kids . . . it was equally as important for the parents.
I'm 18 weeks into the program, and I've been creeping and crawling for approximately 40 hours. I haven't felt this positive about my involvement with Alexia since her diagnosis. The techniques taught in the program are empowering, and I have seen how both Alexia and I have benefited from them. I no longer feel helpless and unable to cope with the behaviors of a special needs child. I've been making time for myself and have resumed restoring motorcycles (a hobby I had prior to Alexia coming into our lives). We have finally been given guidance and help to give our little girl the tools she needs to live a happier and more productive life.
We know that we have a long way to go, yet now there is hope for a brighter future for my daughter and our entire family. Thank you, Nancy and all of the Brain Highways staff.
Trish Martinez
150 hours
When I was younger I was diagnosed with having ADHD—Attention Deficit Hyper Disorder.
Prior to doing Brain Highways, my life was all over the map. I would move from one task to the next, unable to stay focused or complete a task. I was very easily distracted. Communication with my family was minimal. I screamed and yelled and was easily agitated by little things. Being a housewife, a home-schooling mom, and parent was very overwhelming. I would shut down and quit easily.
I would not read because I was unable to comprehend what I read. I would have to re-read the same sentence over and over. My thoughts would often wander, so learning anything knew was difficult. I was unable to process information. I had a lot of anxiety when speaking in front of others or groups.
Since doing Brain Highways, life has changed immensely. I am able to stay on task; even with distractions I can stay focused. Communicating with my family (instead of yelling) has been very rewarding. Our relationships have changed and grown like never before. My husband and I can agree to disagree without going into our pons, and we resolve any issues that arise right at the moment and still love each other! ☺
I am no longer overwhelmed by being a housewife, a home-schooling mom, and parent. In fact, I have never had so much joy in doing what I do! I now enjoy reading like never before, and I can comprehend what I read. I no longer fear or have anxiety about speaking in front of others or amongst others.
At the age of 44, joy has been brought back into my life, and life is so much easier. The overall dynamics of my life has changed, and it is so beautiful. Thanks to Brain Highways and all of their hearts and dedication to changing lives. I am forever grateful.
Mike Guzman
20 hours
My name is Mike Guzman. My whole family is enrolled in Brain Highways. We were looking for help for our son Max who we thought might have ADHD. One thing that was not an option for us was putting Max on medication.
We found out about Brain Highways through my wife's co-worker. We did our research and then we immediately signed up for the screening orientation. After that, we enrolled in the Brain Highways Program.
I’ve been creeping for a little over 20 hours now. Some changes that I have noticed in myself are: It seems like I can do multiple projects a lot more efficiently. I also enjoy reading now more than before. I think the reason I’m enjoying reading now is because I used to have to go back and read a page or paragraph again to understand what it said. Now, I can read and retain the information, which makes me want to get more information—which makes me want to read more. Now, I also understand that if I don’t communicate clearly, it can cause a lot of confusion, which causes a lot of chaos.
I’ve also noticed a lot of changes in my son Max. No more meltdowns. He’s able to deal with situations that do not go his way a lot better. He doesn’t get distracted as much anymore when he is studying. He shows a lot of initiative by not waiting to be told to do something. Just those changes alone were well worth it, but I know without a doubt there are more positive changes coming in the future.
We are now enrolled in the midbrain class. I can’t wait to see the changes that are going to take place. Don’t get me wrong. It was a lot of work, and it didn’t happen overnight. However, it was well worth it for me, and my family.
Kyndra Gardner
40 hours
Plagued by dyslexia through school, ADD as a young adult, and diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 37, I struggled my whole life with impulse control, obsessive behaviors, anxiety, and depression. School was never a focus, but a distraction from daydreaming. College lasted only a few semesters and focus of career training shifted from massage therapy, to culinary arts, to journalism, to theatre, to music, to web design, and so on. Nothing seemed to fit the bill. Nothing made an impression long enough for my restless brain that had trouble retaining information to create anything of lasting significance.
With my son, Ashur, I began Brain Highways with the, “Well, it can’t hurt, right?” mentality. I poured over the helpful parent supplements and took the time to further organize my own brain, and life stared to seem simpler and more focused.
Armed with several new tools to help parent my spirited child in a positive way, I was encouraged by the changes in myself, my son, and more days got easier. Soon, dealing with stress that life inevitably throws at us, didn’t have a detrimental effect. Fewer frustrations, an easier time focusing, and a greater sense of calm took place of the anxiety to be a perfect parent. That combination meant finding more joy in the day, which meant more smiles and fewer headaches. Actual headaches, not just emotional headaches—but fewer migraines! That is pretty amazing when you deal with them on frequent basis.
Less stress each day has opened the door to finding opportunities to truly enjoy life again, day-to-day.
Michelle Crystal
100 hours
I always had significant problems with balance. I couldn’t do yoga, stand on one foot, or even walk a straight line. My family thought it was hysterical that I couldn’t touch my nose with my eyes closed. I had no idea all of these things meant that I had problems with my lower brain. I just thought I was wired that way.
My son’s pediatrician suggested Brain Highways to help with his ADD, but I came away from it a better person. I feel so much more organized, mentally and physically. Great ideas just seem to pop into my head all the time. I am calmer, and my balance has significantly improved. I feel like I can handle anything that comes my way.
And yes, I could touch my nose with my eyes closed after only ten days of creeping!
Brooke Maggio
40 hours
I am a “see-it-to-believe-it” person. And when the idea of Brain Highways was introduced to me, there was a level of high doubt.
My daughter Grace, who was 7, was going through quite a stage at this time. We were beginning to feel close to hopeless about how to help her and how to understand why she was so emotional. She would have unbelievable long, tantrum-like meltdowns. Most of them occurred out of nowhere, at any place, and usually stemmed from something not going her way.
It caused tons of stress on our marriage. I was being too easy and sensitive, and my husband was being too harsh and insensitive. I would feel guilty and blame myself whenever these meltdowns would come. Along with this, Grace had no motivation in school. She was behind in reading, extremely shy around others, and seemed to lack confidence in herself and her schoolwork.
After doing some research about Brain Highways, we decided to go in and get screened. Why not? We felt that we were losing control quickly. My husband and I were definitely not seeing eye-to-eye, and Grace was losing herself more and more as time passed.
At the screening, I was able to meet other parents, other families that felt like we did—that there was something that we were missing. There was hope in every one of our eyes. We knew how incredible our children were, and how utterly sweet and amazing they really could be, but there seemed to be a missing part that we were all very eager to find.
Later that evening, my husband and I decided to commit. We figured we had nothing to lose. It made sense. And just like that we were off…..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the beginning, it was difficult. It was challenging to stay on track, and implement the program into our busy schedules. My husband took the initiative with Grace, and committed to creeping everyday with her in the evenings that I worked.
My husband is a navy veteran, and he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He also had a lot of damage done to his body during his service.
Before Brain Highways, my husband always lived on the edge, without a lot of patience for anyone. A lot of his impatience stemmed from the time he served in the war, and there were memories that were haunting him.
Grace and he would have great days, but then, also not great days. Some of those days ended with him yelling (for her not listening) and then Grace getting scared at the tone of his voice, and endless nights of crying.
But, somehow, in all this creeping and crawling, he was able to reorganize his brain and his thoughts, allowing himself to let go of these images that were lingering in his mind everyday. He began to form patience, and a superior gentleness to him.
His relationship with Grace blossomed into one of the most incredible things I have ever witnessed. He became a listener. He became more nurturing and easier to talk to, and for the first time, in a long time, our marriage was growing together and stronger. Our family was in sync, and it was amazing. We bonded over creeping, learning about the brain, accepting the fact that the brain can change, crawling, swords, lizards, and eye exercises.
I had my own realizations by participating in the program. The reframing exercise was the hardest for me since I had to face why I had been too lenient with Grace, why I always gave in to her, and why she reacted as she did.
I will never forget the conversation I had with Nancy about the true reason of WHY I did all that. I had done the reframing at home and now brought it to class. Nancy pulled me aside and referred to my sheet. And she busted me! She just asked me why? WHY do I give in?
And at the moment I realized where this was all coming from, my FEAR was why I let Grace get away with acting out in ways that did not serve her well. And I said it, “I guess I’m just afraid that my daughter will have the same resentment towards me that I have with my father.”
And Nancy said (in her Nancy voice), “You mean you’re subconsciously projecting that thought onto Grace when she has no idea of how you feel about your dad and has no reason for her to feel that way about YOU?”
And it hit me; I blinked back tears, because THAT was true!
Later that evening, I let loose. And cried and cried. I so needed to cry and let these terrible emotions that had tied me down for so long go. I forgave my Dad for putting that on me, which he had actually carried down from his own mother. So, I forgave her too! And after twenty years, a weight was lifted!
Along with these positive eye-opening experiences I was having, Grace began changing, too. The more creeping that was getting done, the less the meltdowns were occurring. Grace started to look forward to school and writing. She asked me to teach her how to write cursive.
Her confidence grew, too! She went from never raising her hand and volunteering in school, to asking to go up IN FRONT OF THE CLASS to share her work.
Grace has now become an extremely confident child with ambition! She loves school, socializing, and is quick to come home and teach us all she knows! She isn’t shy around people any more, and she usually will strike up the conversation with kids she first meets! You cannot stop her! She sings and dances while being recorded (when before, she would shy away from any kind of camera). Grace has no more meltdowns, and she is a much happier child, now that she has total control of her actions and emotions.
It’s heartwarming to hear Grace tell people about Brain Highways (of all ages!). She is quick to explain all she knows about the brain and the things you can do to help change it!
Finally, we are a fun-loving FUNCTIONAL family. And it comes naturally. We all have more respect for each other and love doing things together.
The Brain Highways road was challenging in the beginning, but the ride to and through the finish line as a family was such a great prize for all of us!
Meghan Teske
45 hours
I wasn't a particularly "ponsy" person previous to Brain Highways, but unfortunately, parenting is the one area where I have experienced more pons reactions than ever before in my life. I am now able to recognize those previous reactions to my child's behavior as fear-based responses. Using Brain Highways approaches enables me to recognize when those negative thoughts arise and take action to choose a different response.
Additionally, I have changed my vocabulary and perception of others due to my new understanding of brain development and how it affects everyday life and behavior. I now feel it is more productive to view behaviors as a reflection of poorly developed centers of the brain because it allows me to look at those behaviors more objectively, rather than subjectively.
For example, at times (as an optometrist), I will have patients who have pons reactions due to various experiences they have in our office. Prior to Brain Highways, not only did I have a flight reaction when presented with these complaints, but I also took the reactions personally.
Now, I'm able to see these types of reactions as related to brain development, and I’m also able to handle them by using a taking care of business approach (that I learned in the course). I’ve actually improved my approach to problem solving in all aspects of my life using the techniques I learned through Brain Highways.
Marty Roberts
80 hours
Before Brain Highways, I thought I was not the one that needed it. It was for my son. I didn't realize that some of the anger and agitation I was feeling, as well as not being mentally clear, were signs that Brain Highways was definitely something I needed, too.
Since Brain Highways, I feel calmer during tense situations and am able to think through them more clearly. My whole family is on the floor, and we continue to see changes as we put in the time and effort.
Nanette Jula
175 hours
I didn’t know I needed Brain Highways. I thought everyone struggled as much as I did. I thought it was difficult for everyone to catch a ball or organize their desks or complete a task or read a map—they just tried harder or had had more practice than me. I also assumed they did a better job compensating.
And then I started creeping. And my peripheral vision improved. And so did my balance. After 15+ years practicing yoga, I started to get exponentially better.
So many little things; noise, light touch, crowds, fans … that used to bother me, don’t now. I can wear my glasses without getting dizzy. Things that had never made sense to me started clicking into place. After seven years in my house, I realized that it faced east (I know!). I can stay calm in situations that used to send me spiraling.
It’s as if the fuzzy edges of my life have become clear and sharp, and I am happy.
Belinda Feldman
40 hours
Like many parents, I have high expectations for my kids. It was extremely frustrating for me if my son was not organized or his handwriting was illegible.
Once I began creeping, I became a lot less stressed out with my children, as well as their teachers. I was able to distinguish between which behaviors were learned and also what behaviors were related to incomplete lower brain development.
Building into the structure (which we learned) was a crucial part of really listening to my kids needs and acting on those notions. I was able to allow them to do their homework without correcting them constantly. Instead, I now gave them the space to “wrap myelin.”
Once my brain began to change and I managed my own stress better, I had a huge insight to what I had constantly demanded from my children who had incomplete pons development.
Also, for the first time ever, I recently flew without fear. I actually enjoyed a 10 hour flight, having all that time for myself! Before, I had never watched a movie on a plane. But on this flight, I watched three! Since then, I have flown numerous other times and have also been in my cortex the whole time! Thanks so much to Brain Highways for this new freedom!
After just 40 hours of floor work, we are all a much calmer, more organized, understanding, and peaceful family.
Rebecca Freyre
263 hours
I came to Brain Highways on a friend’s recommendation, seeking “academic” help for my youngest son through the Family Program. Little did I know how much it would help me and the whole family.
Before Brain Highways, our family seemed to be in constant “crisis management,” running from here to there, with very little quality time for each other. Traditional punishments were rampant, as was yelling and frequent “explosions.”
But Brain Highways taught me how my own thoughts translated into my children’s behaviors and how many of those behaviors were attributable to underdeveloped lower centers of the brain. After only two weeks into the brain work, both my son and I were far calmer, and our attitudes were much more positive.
The more I learned, the more patient I became, not only with myself, but also with everyone around me. Seeing the positive changes encouraged my husband and older son to then complete the adult course.
Brain Highways has transformed all of our lives. Both of my sons have greater confidence in themselves, and I no longer “micro-manage” their lives. There is no more yelling, making our lives calmer, and dealing with life’s ups and downs is far easier than it was before.
There simply is NO downside to Brain Highways, and the upside is limitless!
Cheryl M Wenzel
108 hours
Prior to Brain Highways, I was a mom who was trying to manage the chaos in my home from the effects of having ADD myself, as well as my kids having it. My son also has dyslexia, and my daughter exhibited Asperger traits, though she was not diagnosed with Asperger’s.
Since doing Brain Highways, things are much calmer in the home. Part of this is due to the benefits of the creeping and crawling for my kids, but also because of my own changes.
I was on the floor with them way before BH made it a policy for parents to do the program, because I felt that I contributed to the problem with my ADD. I found it difficult to think things through, manage my anger, and organize the chaos in my home. I reacted on my kids' ADD behavior because there was too much stimulation coming into my brain. I couldn't think clearly enough to calm myself down, let alone calm them down.
But I now feel more in control of my feelings because my brain can function better, i.e., is more organized.
You don't realize how much of your feelings are the result of a disorganized brain. I don't fly off the handle or yell at the kids hardly ever anymore. I now organize the day and can keep things on track.
When we first started BH, it felt like things got worse. But that was a temporary situation that began improving and steadily progressed. One thing I discovered with BH is that the changes don't dramatically announce themselves. They come in a subtle way. One day you just wake up and realize that your daughter is calmer or that your son is articulating his feelings better.
I also learned how my own attitude towards my kids had a huge effect on the success of doing the program. If I judged how they did the brain work, if they wanted to do it, or how much they did daily, I set myself and them up for failure.
It was hard not to try to control their program, especially when they resisted doing it. After all, I'm the mom! I'm used to "managing" them! I’ve been doing it since they were born!
But, I realized there comes a time when I needed to switch to a hands-off mom and honor their internal process. That doesn't mean I let them stop doing the program. I felt it was, and is, too important for them. But, I put things in place like incentives, "if/then" initiators, and modeling of my own behavior, to achieve the results we all wanted.
Since doing Brain Highways, all of us think more clearly, react less often, and are overall calmer.
Meghan Graham
25 hours
Before Brain Highways, my life felt very out of control, raising four children with various degrees of underdevelopment. Not only was it exhausting parenting disorganized kids, but, it was overwhelming trying to find answers and help for my family.
For example, my 11-year-old would experience daily meltdowns over issues such as homework, food temperature, and social interactions with siblings and peers. During one-on-one playtime, he would be inflexible and territorial. In groups and public spaces, he would not engage and would often be in the corner alone. He was described by teachers as scattered, distracted, struggling with auditory learning, challenged with beginning new concepts, and preoccupied by chewing anything. Sports like soccer were unsuccessful because he would not pay attention to what is going on and would say he was bored.
Another one of my kids was described as a bull in a china shop and “Dennis the Menace.” He had difficulty with transitions and self-regulation. He had poor control over his body in space and, being big for his age, he often would inadvertently hurt his peers. He also struggled with fine motor skills (using scissors, pencil grip, weak pencil strength). At age 4, he was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, having significant delays in vestibular processing and proprioception and fine motor skills—and maybe ADD. He underwent a rigorous home exercise program under the guidance of an occupational therapist.
So, depending upon the expert, I was led toward medication, occupational therapy, dietary changes, friendship groups, auditory therapy, and eye surgery. We’d see some improvement, but progress would plateau and wasn’t lasting. When I found Brain Highways, I was excited, but wary that it would be “the flavor of the month.”
Since then, I have implemented the program for myself, and all four of my children. Today, we have clocked a total of 725 hours altogether!
I now feel like I am experiencing the family that I’ve always wanted. The frustration of parenting my kids has gone down dramatically and the enjoyment has increased significantly. For example, my child who used to have the frequent meltdowns is now a happy kid who is able to go with the flow. He can handle the ups and downs of life. He is also no longer as sensitive to food temperature and is willing to try new foods. He seeks to engage with friends (even in busy situations) and is making positive connections. He is taking an interest in reading and writing, which previously were difficult subjects.
He also enjoys sports now, as he can be “present” during practices and has fun with the whole experience. In fact, he has gone to the same summer camp for four years—but this is the first time I’ve ever received such a glowing report from the staff. They wrote, “Your son is doing splendidly this session! He has made friends with all the other boys in the dorm and is participating in everything! He was the first to volunteer to ride horses at the barn. He also acted as a foreman as he supervised the construction of a dorm fort we built one evening outside our dorm. He is a leader in the dorm and encourages everyone to join in on activities.”
Since doing Brain Highways, the changes in my son who was previously perceived as a “bull in a china shop” has been reported by family and teachers as “remarkable”, “night and day,” “a different kid.” He is now in control of his body. He can go to busy places and stay self regulated. People are experiencing his sweet nature and charm. Soon, he will be going to kindergarten. He is teaching himself to read, showing interest in addition, and making amazing Lego formations. For the first time in his life, I will not be requesting a special meeting with his teacher to warn her of his challenges. He’s doing awesome.
As for me, I just feel happier and more confident. I can see the big picture more easily now. I no longer get stuck in negative thought patterns. If I feel myself going there, I can quickly pull out of it and get to a positive place. Because of this, I do not feel depressed. I can also handle the challenges of raising a big family and working without feeling overwhelmed.
We still make mistakes, but we now have the highways and tools that are helping us get to the good stuff. Brain Highways has changed my life and the course of my family. I’m truly grateful. I’m so happy to have found answers and a life-changing process for my family.
Katia Garcia
35 hours
Hi, I am Katia, and I recently turned 40. I am a mother to two fabulous boys ages 14 and 11. I work full time, and my work sometimes feels relentless. I am also divorced, and my boys split their time between two households. I share these details because maybe you have a similar story.
Brain Highways came about to me in a most unexpected way . . . via my kids’ stepmom and their dad. Talk about blessings coming in circuitous ways! I will be eternally thankful!
Until this spring, I had never heard of Brain Highways or pons development (or lack thereof), nor done ANY reading on telltale signs of an underdeveloped lower brain or retained primitive reflexes. I was aware of our reptilian brain and limbic system, and fight or flight mechanisms for a variety of reasons, but never to the extent of how these things may express themselves in childhood or adult life. Here was the eye-opener and a game changer for me, us.
After reading handouts, listening to audios, doing the assignments, I had nothing but some kind of strange positivity imbue my life. Brain Highways presented information that I could somehow internalize and take a stab at, practice; things that I could take to easily and actually DO . . . a little bit at a time.
I have been to counseling, but that never prevented me from losing my temper. For example, my youngest son recently lied to me about his reading time (they were supposed to read daily for 30 min or so).
I was disappointed to say least. In the past, I would probably have been incensed. While I was a bit upset, I made a concerted effort to not affront my boy with contempt or any behavior that did not exude anything but being a cortex parent.
I did not raise my voice. I explained a couple of things. I kept it short and I handed him his book gently (I would have flung it on the bed in other times). My boys would have probably been teary and redolent of excuses and anger in the past. But this time, his eyes got big and he just listened. I remained calm. And in return, I got a different reaction from my kid.
Overall, I notice that my youngest son is now more willing to move on from uncomfortable situations (go with the flow) and not be sullen if something does not go his way. He finds a way to be positive—we hug or joke, find a way to move on. That is particularly nice, since in the past we have fed off each other’s energy. We are more capable of breaking an unproductive cycle of arguments (negotiation was the behavior that I wanted to actually get rid off, and I think it has worked).
I could ramble about my Brain Highways experience forever. First and foremost, though, was this deep exercise into subconscious thoughts and seeing what connection it had on my kids’ behavior. As a result of a couple of exercises and putting myself in the kids’ shoes, I started seeing the effects of unproductive, subliminally messages I was sending!!
I think my huge wake up was when Brain Highways suggested that there could be a reason my boys acted the way they did that was not ill intentioned or as negatively as I had painted it—and therein lay the a-ha moment.
I became slower to qualify them or stopped altogether. When I saw my boys, especially the youngest, I simply thought, “This is all his brain can handle at this time. How can you (Katia) help out and not create more duress?” Things such as asking him to look at me when I scolded him have gone out the window. I feel bad for the time that we wasted and the tension I created due to silly things, such as asking for my child to look at me while I spoke to him.
I have learned to “connect before you correct” (a Nancyism that I remember). I have also learned to view my children with a lot more compassion and affection and a very strong and intense desire to not let them down by judging them. Instead, I now focus on what I can do to make them feel cherished, valued, and viewed, as an individual that is loved just the way that they are.
Brain Highways really creates an environment where everyone is empowered, especially by “taking care of business”—which taught us how to be aware of our own needs, others’ needs, and provide a doable if the situation is not very accommodating to someone’s needs/desires.
There have been too many gifts along the way to write about, i.e., in a house where tough love abounded, it was probably nice for boys to slouch when they ate and not be corrected by me 100 times! I also now understood what messages I transmitted when I was not kind or compassionate towards my very own self. I have probably learned to love myself more and give myself credit for what I do, if nothing else, the deep commitment that I have to fostering a great learning and safe environment for my boys.
Most of all, this is a HUGE change in me: I do not handle frustration the way I did before—no acting out, no slamming a car door, no indignant attitude that storms out of a room, no long rants.
Once again, I considered myself pretty “balanced or decent.” I never paid attention to the 8-10% of the time that I acted out when dissatisfied with my kids. I now realize that somehow I was showing and telling my kids that it was okay to act that way and that is the way to handle frustration, which it isn’t. I love my boys too much to perpetuate behaviors that do not take care of business. It is this commitment to showing them a better way that will stop me from going into my pons.
I also feel that I can now push myself to the edge often and can work with doubt, fear, and negative thoughts. I think I am on the path of becoming a better parent, of having a more solid relationship of trust with my children (which means the world to me) and that we will be able to communicate more effectively and cut out a bunch of noise (arguments, negotiation, shining the spotlight on someone else, whining, etc.).
As a closing note, when I started Brain Highways, my schedule at work was okay. But then, my schedule got painfully busy. However, I found that no matter how lousy the day had been, I looked forward to the positive or humorous audio clip that was in store. For 10 weeks, Nancy’s voice was my positive virtual companion—I felt it was like planting positive thoughts in my mind daily . . . a meditation of sorts ☺.
I truly feel that Brain Highways has been a blessing for me.
TERESA ROBERTS
94 hours
Before Brain Highways I was angry, easily agitated, and unable to keep track of more than a few daily routines or events. I often got stuck or replayed a situation or thought in my mind in an unending loop. My relationships with my kids and husband were suffering.
Since I've been on the floor, the changes just keep coming. I now no longer "react" or erupt at the slightest situation, and my relationship with my daughter and son and husband has improved so much—even they say it! I now can handle more on my plate, and if I get "stuck" on a situation, I pause to think what would help me most—reframing it or "jumping" on to something else.
My life has become much sweeter because of Brain Highways.
For people who want a different kind of confirmation . . .
Brain Highways is specifically listed as a “novel approach for brain plasticity” on the first and largest wiki dedicated to medicine on the internet (viewed by 896 million).This site was launched in 2006 by C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. of Harvard Medical school. Look for the Brain Highways reference under External Links at the bottom of the page. Also note how the last paragraph reinforces how “publicly accessible programs have become available that incorporate concepts which promote neural plasticity.”