America’s Brain Gal

Hi! I’m Dr. Sarah Allen, Ph.D., CBIS. I’m an author, pediatric neuropsychologist with 20 years of clinical and school consultation experience, and (most importantly) a mother.

I help teachers and parents with the tools and support they need to mindfully raise successful, happy, and connected kids.

 As Seen In:

graphic of the brain divided into color sections with a checklist for hunger sleep exercise routine and emotions

The Raising Brains Philosophy

After over 20 years of studying the brain and working with schools, I have some news to share — we are not just raising kids, we’re actually raising brains!

What? Raising brains?

Yes, as teachers and parents, we have the incredible opportunity grow kids’ brains to be healthy, happy, successful, self-aware, and connected adults.

My book, courses, webinars, assessments, and materials will provide you and your school districts with the tools and support you need to both understand your brains and how to support its growth for optimal performance and behavior.

Who We Are & What We DO

A Little More About Me...

People often assume Raising Brains started because I earned a doctorate.

The truth is, it started because life kept reminding me that the most important skills we need aren't taught anywhere.

Long before I became a pediatric neuropsychologist, life gave me plenty of opportunities to practice resilience.

I've lost babies before having my own children. My mom has battled cancer twice. My sister, Susannah, passed away from breast cancer at just 29 years old. I've experienced divorce, remarriage, blending a family, moving to a new town during a pandemic, and now somehow helping raise four teenagers and young adults—all of whom remind me daily that there isn't one parenting manual that works for every brain.

Professionally, I watched exhausted teachers trying to solve incredibly complex behavioral and emotional needs with very little time, support, or funding. Personally, I watched parents feel like they were failing because no one had ever taught them how brains actually work.

That became the mission.

We earned the degrees and spent years studying the science so teachers and parents don't have to. Everything we create is designed to help people quickly understand why behavior is happening and confidently match practical interventions that change outcomes. We believe the science should be efficient, approachable, and even fun—because if people enjoy learning it, they'll actually use it.

And if I'm doing my job well, teachers leave feeling more hopeful, parents leave feeling more confident, and everyone walks away laughing at least once about the wonderfully unpredictable growing brains in front of them.

(Full disclosure: much of Raising Brains has been built on Diet Coke, sheer willpower, and wearing far too many hats. 😊)

 Strategy Sessions

Support, tools, and training for teachers and parents .

Forensics/Assessments

Offering independent expert opinions, testimonies, and evaluations.

School Consultations and Assessments

District-wide strategic planning and PD options to solve disproportionality and/or support system changes.

Resources

Translating brain science into practical applications for organizations, teachers, and parents.

Employer Benefits

Dr. Sarah offers parent strategies as part of your employee benefits package.

Executive Function

Training districts and teachers to build self-regulation, planning, and focusing skills in students.

What People Are Saying

 

“Best PD Session we have had and most relevant to what is needed in a very long time. Excited to have this collaboration that will be taking place!”

— Mrs. William, Teacher

 

“I definitely use Dr. Sarah’s strategies often: being a team, growth mindset, and appreciation of wins are my favorites. I use her posts and book as a refresher when I need it.”

— Robin, Mom of 2

“Finally, a way to permanently change the behaviors in our classrooms!!

— Mrs. Bergstrom, Teacher

 

“Dr. Sarah Allen provided an understanding and review of the curriculum globally. She was not only able to see what was appropriate but also helped craft an individualized program that suited the needs of the whole student.”

— AS, Special Education Attorney

Learn Your Child’s Brain.

Did you know there are different types of brains? Parenting strategies work differently depending on the type of brain your child has. You might be using the right tool but in the wrong way. My goal as a parenting strategist is to support you.

 

Ready to Reconnect With Your Child?

 

Check out all the options within the Raising Brains family of programs and services to see which ones are right for you and your family.

 

Unsure where to begin?

Let’s chat! Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see what might work best for you and your family. If you’re ready to dive right in, Parent Strategy Sessions are just a click away.