Why Subscribe
My Story
I found neuroplasticity because I was looking for ways to help myself. I grew up with an unidentified disability that left me chronically exhausted, and I was determined to improve the quality of my life. The neuroplastic approach that changed my life was HANDLE (Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency), an approach that uses movement activities to communicate with the brain. As I sat in my second HANDLE appointment, listening to my practitioner explain neuroplasticity to a student practitioner, I became hooked. I thought, “This is what I want to do for a living.”
That was in 2007, and since then, my life has changed dramatically. I am no longer exhausted all the time. I have a fulfilling career. I have meaningful social connections and am able to do what I want to do with my life. When I taught in public schools, I used neuroplastic principles in my teaching, and my students experienced transformative changes, too.
My Mission
Having seen the transformative power of neuroplasticity, I want to make this information available to as many people as possible. My understanding of the brain gave me insights into why my students struggled and provided a roadmap for teaching them. It helped me understand their needs, their preferences, and what helped them feel safe. It also enabled me to create a positive connection with them. I have seen this information improve relationships between co-workers, help loved ones understand each other, and help people stay mentally sharp as they age. Now, I want to pass this knowledge on to you.
My Professional Background
Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, Linfield College, 2003
Master’s in Education, Emphasis in Special Education, Heritage University, 2006
Certified HANDLE Screener, 2009
Special Education Teacher in Washington State, 2009-2019
PTA Educator of the Year at my Elementary School: 2019
Completed Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® professional training program, 2020 (Note: I am not a NeuroMovement® practitioner.)
Cortical Visual Impairment Proficiency Micro-Credential, Perkins School for the Blind, 2021
What People Are Saying
“I had the honor of working with Elisabeth in the public schools. I was always amazed at how she was able to determine the factors that were contributing to a student’s learning difficulties. She had an uncanny ability to see their strengths and then use those strengths to help them succeed in the areas where they were struggling. I saw students who couldn’t talk begin to speak in full sentences, students who couldn’t read began to read, and students who struggled with maintaining focus and attention were able to successfully participate all day in school activities. These are only a few examples out of so many.
Elisabeth truly is an amazing teacher. I think what really sets her apart from the rest is that she really cares. In today’s world, where everyone is in a rush to fix a problem without considering the individual who is being impacted, she takes the time to know the person and see what they are capable of and what has been hindering them. She then is able to find the gold inside and let it shine forth. She is able to show the person and everyone around them that they are capable of success!”
-Polly, Speech-Language Pathologist
Our 5-year-old son has autism. We began working with Elisabeth and Lyn two months ago. Transitions at home have become painless, and our son is beginning to communicate with us using pictures and words. Now, he is smiling, and hair-washing is much easier. He is participating more fully at school. We couldn't be happier with the services we have been receiving from Neely Learning Community!
-Lauralee & Kelly
Subscriber Benefits
Paid subscribers have access to a resource library designed to educate you about your brain. In it, you will find articles, videos, and interviews about:
Teaching neurodiverse students
Disability support
Keeping your brain healthy as you age
Lifestyle and brain health
Mindshifting (an approach to help you achieve a more positive mindset)
Self-help tools to assist you in using neuroplasticity in your everyday life
My novel, The Paper Girl, about a young woman navigating life and relationships with a disability, in search of the life of her dreams.
And more…
Started in June 2025, this is a growing body of work that you can access at your own time and pace. Explore what interests you most, put it into practice for a while, and then come back for more. If you’re more ambitious, you can binge-read, absorbing everything you can and then processing it as you go about your life.
Also included with your paid subscription:
Monthly Zoom support calls.
Access to the chat feature, where you can ask me questions about the material at your convenience. Note: I have a visual impairment. If I have a large volume of questions and comments, I will not be able to answer all of them. I will do my best to respond.
Subscription Value: $500+
Cost: $8 per month / $80 per year
Free subscribers will get a few free articles per month emailed to their inbox.
Whether you’re interested in maintaining your cognitive abilities as you age, want to improve the quality of your life, are looking for help with your neurodivergent students, or are just fascinated by the brain, I hope you’ll join our community!
