Learning is an essential life skill, a multi-vitamin for vitalizing our growth in life.
WeCanLearn2Learn™ empowers individuals, families, and educators with evidence-based neuro-cognitive ways to nurture intelligence, fortitude,
and self-worth.
Latest from Mina
FREE: Speech, Language, and Polyvagal Theory
Join Mina Roustayi and an international panel, including Dr. Stephen Porges, for a free 90-minute live online conversation on…
‘My World’: A Polyvagal Map for Navigating Our Inner World
Marty van der Rijden and Evelyn van der Kerkhove use a visual map and board game called My World…
Rethinking “Unruly” Behavior: A Nervous-System View
Children’s behavior in school can be difficult to interpret. Agitation, silence, anxiety, rigid movement, speech difficulties, and sudden outbursts…
Mispronouncing “R”s Led to Bullying and Addiction
A speech impediment in childhood can affect far more than pronunciation. For Justin Melanson, difficulty pronouncing the letter “R”…
It's more than grades - it's about thriving as a lifelong learner.
Do you or someone you know feel that:
- learning is difficult?
- recalling information and tasks can add stress/anxiety to learning?
- paying attention is hard despite one’s best intentions?
- planning, organizing, imagining, and conceptualizing are challenging?
- fear and restlessness get in the way of learning in school, career advancement, or self-improvement?
You are not alone and it is not your fault, recover your right to learn and thrive!
Learning is an essential life skill, a multi-vitamin for vitalizing our growth in life. Intelligence and learning are fluid and can be nurtured very early in life to build strong foundations and self-worth.
There are so many moving parts to learning and e-motions. Imbalances in the mind-body can cause glitches in our ability to access parts of the brain that orchestrate learning.
WeCanLearn2Learn™ empowers students, families, and educators with evidence-based neuro-cognitive ways to nurture intelligence, fortitude, and self-worth.
Offering Integrative Mind-Body Strategies For Neurodiverse Learners
Welcome to a new era of unfolding neuro-cognitive (brain-science) educational possibilities where people like myself are championing a holistic approach to learning.
WeCanLearn2Learn™ prioritizes an integrative approach of cognitive, physical, and emotionally healthy development using body-mind strategies. We acknowledge that every learner is unique and we seek to meet individual needs. Research shows that every aspect of our life and existence is primarily driven by our “unconscious” nervous system. It invisibly affects our growth, resilience, and lifelong learning. We can learn to learn to be in touch, understand, and work with our nervous system to reach our potential. We support learners to co-create their own “operation manual” with innate compassionate awareness of how their body states affect their thinking.
Neuro-Integrative Learning Specialist
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Certified Felt Sense Polyvagal Model (FSPM) Facilitator, Polyvagal-responsive Focusing-Oriented Professional (PFOP), Transforming Touch® Professional (TTP) a Pre-and-Nonverbal Intervention for Developmental Trauma, Unyte-iLs Associate for Safe & Sound, Focus Systems, and Rest and Restoration Protocols
Latest Vlog Episodes
‘My World’: A Polyvagal Map for Navigating Our Inner World
Understanding the Polyvagal Theory Through My World’s Nervous System Map Children and adults don’t always have the words to…
Rethinking “Unruly” Behavior: A Nervous-System View
Polyvagal Theory in the Classroom: Helping Children Feel Safe, Communicate, and Learn Children’s behavior in school can be difficult…
Mispronouncing “R”s Led to Bullying and Addiction
A speech impediment in childhood can affect far more than pronunciation. For Justin Melanson, difficulty pronouncing the letter “R”…
Literacy and Self-Worth for Students with Disabilities: Early Free Access to Assistive Tech
Empowering Communication: How Assistive Technology Transforms Lives Access to communication is a fundamental human right, but for individuals who…
Father’s Role in Creating Emotional and Cognitive Resilience for Children with Travis Goodman
In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of attachment and emotional intelligence in education and parenting cannot be overstated. At…
The Invisible Barriers to Learning and “Behaving”: Sensory Challenges Explained with Kerri Carpenter
Supporting children – especially those who are neurodivergent – in today’s educational environments can seem overwhelming. As parents, teachers,…
Supporting Neurodiverse Learners: Insights from Tracy Stackhouse on Classroom Inclusion and Mind-Body Connection
In today’s classrooms, teachers face the challenge of meeting diverse needs, especially when resources like occupational therapy, physical therapy,…
Rethinking Speech Therapy: How Somatic and Polyvagal Approaches Are Changing the Game
In the ever-evolving world of speech-language therapy, new paradigms are emerging that challenge traditional, deficit-based models. One pioneer in…
Learning Together, Thriving Together:
Integrating Mind, Body, and CONNECTION
for True Educational Growth
A new era in education is unfolding that combines neuroscience and humanitarian values. It is time to proactively recognize that our invisible inner world affects our capacity to learn. It is important for individuals to learn how to regulate both the body and the mind so that true, profound learning and growth can take place and they can achieve their fullest potential for academic excellence and as self-actualized citizens of society. A meaningful education prepares the whole person— their brain, body, and mind — to have both the physical and mental fortitude to learn and not be overwhelmed by life’s ups and downs. This philosophy is at the core of WeCanLearn2Learn, where the “2” is symbolic of learning together while feeling socially connected.
A very basic example of this is that we can all relate to is if someone’s body is in a state of stress, anxiety or withdrawal, it makes it difficult for their brain to focus and absorb information, as opposed to if someone feels confident and calm. So it’s crucial that we acknowledge that when we learn, we are engaging not only our cognitive processes but also our emotional and physical states. Engaging with this holistic perspective allows us to not only create a more effective, relational, and attuned learning environment, but also helps learners to transform and reach full potential within themselves beyond academic performance.
Applying the Latest Scientific Research of Polyvagal Theory to Learning
One of the key scientific frameworks I incorporate into my work is Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. According to Polyvagal Theory, our nervous system is constantly assessing safety and danger in our environment, which in turn influences how we feel and behave. This happens automatically and subconsciously. In learning contexts, this means that when students feel safe and secure, their nervous systems are in a state conducive to learning. Conversely, when they feel fearful, insecure, or anxious, their ability to absorb and retain information diminishes significantly. IQ and learning capacity are therefore in a constant state of flux and can get stuck. Individuals who internalize the Polyvagal Theory develop emotional awareness and regulation skills that promote a sense of safety within and around them. This contributes to an enhanced readiness to learn, as well as awareness and curiosity about what is happening to them and to others. This mindset diminishes the shame and blame that wounds many students not able to learn.
By understanding their mindset and recognizing their own patterns of involuntary thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, learners are empowered to shift their attention and regulate their nervous system. Their ability to absorb and retain information is now greatly enhanced.
Improve Focus
Feeling at ease and unpressured in our body helps us to concentrate and be on-task. Learning to clear space within our body and our mind allows us to manage distractions, harness our attention, focus, and stay on-task.
Increase Motivation
When we feel at ease physically and emotionally, our minds are more likely to be motivated to learn, explore, and discover.
Strengthen Memory Retention
Cultivating curiosity and positive e-motions during learning experiences fuel motivation, engagement, and memory retention.
Embracing Emotional Resilience
A key aspect of my work involves encouraging individuals, parents, and teachers to listen with empathy and foster emotional understanding without judgment. It is equally important to prioritize emotional health and well-being over grades. This cultural shift fosters growth, self-advocacy, and perseverance, enabling every learner to tackle challenges and thrive both academically and personally.
By prioritizing emotional well-being over academic performance, we cultivate a culture that values:
Growth Mindset
Encouraging students to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats to their self-worth, and foster resilience and perseverance.
Self-Advocacy
Teaching students how to express their needs and seek support when facing difficulties empowers them to take charge of their learning journey.
Perseverance
Celebrating effort and persistence encourages students to keep trying even when faced with obstacles. This helps instill a sense of determination that extends beyond academics.
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
To fully integrate mind and body in learning, it’s crucial to create a supportive environment that encourages this holistic approach. Examples of some general strategies I help facilitate for teachers, parents and individuals:
Safe Spaces
People of all ages crave security and connection within themselves, around themselves, and with others inviting self-expression without fear of judgement. Safe havens within, around, and towards others expands emotional openness and facilitates learning.
Flexible Learning Spaces
Designing flexible environments where students can choose how they engage with the material – sitting, standing, or even moving around – can enhance comfort and focus.
The Language of Noticing
Polyvagal-ease™ is a compassionate, body-based, self-aware language of the body. We learn to notice, name, and express whatever arises – feelings, thoughts, sensations, or memories – as important inner messages. Instead of judging or avoiding them, we bring them into conscious awareness. It offers a way to listen, understand, and stay present with the “invisible fragments” within us.
Physical Movement
Regular movement breaks are a way to release the energy of overwhelm, tension, and stress. Stretching, spinal twists, hand exercises, yawning, shaking, or tapping are examples of movement breaks that can be short, energizing, and recharging.
Community Building
Fostering strong relationships among students creates a sense of belonging. When learners feel connected to their peers, it enhances their emotional well-being and supports collaborative learning.
Mina Roustayi, Ph.D., MS. Ed, SEP, is an integrative learning specialist committed to shifting the educational experience for learners, parents, and teachers alike. Her mission is to cultivate life-long learners with a deep sense of self-worth and resilience to navigate the challenges of the world. With extensive experience and expertise in interpersonal neurobiology and mind-body wellness, Mina specializes in translating complex, healing concepts into practical tools that make learning accessible and enjoyable for students. Her ultimate goal is to empower individuals to unlock their full potential, thrive, and celebrate the journey of learning.
Mina’s additional qualifications include being a Certified FSPM Facilitator, a practitioner of Polyvagal-Informed Focusing-Oriented Therapy (PFOT), and a Transforming Touch® Facilitator.