The Virginia Department of Education’s Training and Technical Assistance Center at Virginia Tech is excited for the opportunity to bring our regions together to discuss the importance of co-regulation. Dr. Desautels is a national and international speaker with a passion for engaging students through the social and relational neurosciences as it applies to education.
Target Audience: administrators, autism specialists, behavior specialists, general and special education teachers, related service providers paraprofessionals, parents and other members of comprehensive educational teams.
Keynote Description: This session explores how both the student and educator’snervous system shapes behavior, connection, and learning–especially under stress,adversity, and trauma. Grounded in applied educational neuroscience, Polyvagal Theory, and the science of emotional contagion, educators will examine a critical shift from traditional, behavior-based discipline to nervous system–aligned, relational practices. Participants will explore how student behavior is rooted in survival responses and how adult regulation, nonverbal communication, and presence set the emotional tone of classrooms, schools, and organizations, By centering the educator’s nervous system as a foundation for co-regulation and felt safety, this session highlights the power of neuroplasticity, compassion, and intentional environments in creating neuro-inclusive spaces that support healing, learning and belonging for all.
Visit the Revelations in Education website and watch Diving Beneath Behaviors to learn more.
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM (Registration begins at 9:30)
We will have a working lunch (taco bar) from 12:00pm-1:00pm, followed by breakout sessions from 1:00pm-3:00pm.
Every participant will receive a copy of Dr. Desautelss latest book, Body and Brain Brilliance: A Manual to Cultivate Awareness and Practices
for Our Nervous System.
Cost: Free
Where: Wytheville Meeting Center, 333 Community Blvd, Wytheville, VA 24382
If you have general questions please contact T/TAC at VT at 1-800-848-2714. For program questions, please contact Holly Love at hollyn@vt.edu or Lynn Everett at elynn1@vt.edu.
Accessibility: If you are an individual with a disability who requires an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact us at ttac@vt.edu or 800-848-2714 (TTY 540-231-3315) at least 10 business days prior to the event so arrangements can be made.
We look forward to learning and growing together!