Empowered by Design

Youth mental health challenges are on the rise. The educator attrition rate is leaving schools scrambling to fill positions. And everyone is on information overload. As a school counselor, Katie Pagnotta saw these statistics in action and was compelled to create a resource that would synthesize best practices in a way that not only eased the role of the educators but ignited joy within the job. And in doing so, educators would be more aptly positioned to support the needs of all students!

Empowered by the Human Design is the culmination of Katie’s passion, experience, and research. It takes historically fragmented best-practice initiatives such as social emotional learning, trauma-responsive care, mental health literacy, and equity and integrates them into one framework, Brain- and Body- Aligned Responsive Systems (BBARS) of Excellence. The BBARS of Excellence framework is grounded in evidence-based approaches and strategies within the fields of education, psychology, and neuroscience. Gathering 18 professionals from these respective fields, the author expertly weaves their interviews throughout the book to showcase a tapestry of collective wisdom. Empowered by the Human Design masterfully highlights the research and science behind the framework and then turns the concepts into simple and practical application strategies that educators can implement immediately. This book is an educator survival guide to emerge from challenges as a more resilient, joyful teacher who fosters connection, belonging, and engagement for students.

Through her various roles, school counselor, mental health therapist, and educational coach, Katie Pagnotta has worked professionally with school-aged humans and their families and educators since 2007. Katie integrates her own experience, empathy, and insights with the collective wisdom within the fields of psychology, education, and neuroscience to facilitate growth of the individuals, teams, and schools with whom she works. Katie is passionate about helping educators and school systems utilize evidence- and strengths- based approaches and strategies, become empowered by the human design, and enhance learning through the integration of wellness and joy.