Behaviour is Biology Conference + optional workshop on Sat

STEVE GRANER - Learning to See—The Biology of Empathy

In Aotearoa for the FIRST TIME! Come and hear our esteemed Steve share his wealth of knowledge. Steve Graner is an NME Consultant to The Neurosequential Network and NME Director, Emeritus. Mr. Graner grew up in Bismarck, ND, received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Sioux Falls, and completed his Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Minnesota State University Mankato. With thirty-three years teaching English at Erik Ramstad Middle School in Minot, North Dakota, Steve has also coached cross country and track and field, receiving Coach of the Year honors in ND for both high school and middle school cross country. Mr. Graner is best known for his creative approaches to teaching and coaching and combines a love of the arts and sports with the passion for pedagogy.

Jase Williams - Doing your own Inner Work

Jase Williams (Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Kahungunu) With over 25 years of experience, Jase has walked alongside communities navigating the complex landscapes of trauma, poverty, and intergenerational harm. As the Principal of Henry Hill School (2012–2022), he led an internationally recognised transformation that earned the 2021 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Award for Wellbeing. This "in the trenches" leadership is the foundation of his book, Your Trauma Has A Whakapapa, which reframes trauma not as a clinical deficit, but as a relational journey deeply connected to identity and ancestry. Jase’s influence extends far beyond the education sector. As a National Champion for the Changemaker programme (Ministry of Social Development), he supports whānau-led systems change in low socio-economic communities. He reaches into our most vulnerable spaces—from delivering trauma-informed workshops in correctional facilities to advocating for culturally grounded healing at national suicide awareness and mental health events.

Kathryn Berkett - The Neurobiology of Neuroception – how we create a felt sense of safety for our nervous system

With a Master's of Educational Psychology, currently studying for her second Masters of Applied Neuroscience with King’s College London, and having certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, Kathryn understands brain science. Since 2009, she has been decoding complex neuroscience for audiences worldwide. Her knack for making tricky concepts click has earned her praise from even the most easily distracted learners. Kathryn's enthusiasm for neuroscience is contagious. Her presentations aren't just theory – they're packed with real-world applications for your work and life. Whether you're a professional looking to upskill or simply curious about the brain, Kathryn's insights can reshape your understanding and approach to life.

Workshop #1 - Lynda Knight The Neurobiology of Learning, Engagement and Behaviour

Are you working with tamariki or rangatahi with complex learning or behaviour needs? Do you need some more knowledge, tools and strategies for your kete? We will delve into some recent discoveries about the human brain and how this knowledge can change our teaching and shift outcomes for our learners. We will explore and share practical strategies and techniques to use in the classroom and across your school or centre. Come with your questions and the 'puzzles of practice' currently on-top for you. We will workshop complex scenarios together and you will come away with new understandings and strategies ready to trial in your place of learning.

Workshop #2 - Kathryn Berkett : Why Stress Makes us Sick

Many of us know that when we have high stress in our lives, we often get sick either at the time or soon after. We can also feel negative effects from seemingly normal but constant, medium-level stress activation. It isn’t just about being physically sick either. We also often experience mental strain when we experience stress. This deep-dive workshop will delve into the neurophysiology of the connection between stress and health. There is clear biology that helps us see a direct connection between our mind and the impact it has on our brain and body. This information will help you understand yourself and also help you monitor the wellbeing of those around you much better. This workshop will be delivered in a way that will make complete sense and will include clear guidance for better understanding of ourselves and others in our future. You will get take-away resources that you can share with others, but also so that you can remind yourself of this information when you most need it – when you need to take care of your physical and mental health. The science around this fact is profound, giving us an incredible road map for early detection and prevention.

• Workshop #2 - Kathryn Berkett : Why Stress Makes us Sick's website