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.
