BrainWise: A Legacy of Transformative Teaching

It’s always inspiring to recognize the profound impact BrainWise instructors have had on their students and communities. Past newsletters have celebrated instructors like psychologist Dr. Gary Brayton, PhD, RSW, who has taught BrainWise to more than 2,000 clients. Dr. Brayton is just one of hundreds of dedicated educators using the 10 Wise Ways to help individuals replace “harmful” Lizard Brain reactions with Wizard Brain decision-making in the prefrontal cortex. By learning to "Stop and Think," participants strengthen neural connections that enhance problem-solving and self-regulation.

Global Reach of BrainWise

Over the years, more than 16,000 BrainWise curricula and books have been distributed to all 50 states, as well as many Canadian provinces, First Nations and Native American tribes. In addition, BrainWise curricula have been used in more than 15 foreign countries—in some instances being translated into native languages--before AI.

BrainWIse instructors—many of whom never expected to teach about the brain—have introduced the program with fidelity to their students. The first six instructors have taught BrainWise for more than 20 years, with a collective number of more than 3,000 graduates. They have been joined by thousands of instructors throughout the world whose enthusiasm is fueled by the tangible success they witness, prompting them to recruit others, introduce BrainWise into new settings, and share stories of lasting impact. Years later, former students still reflect on how BrainWise shaped their decision-making and personal growth and say they teach the 10 Wise Ways to others.



The program’s design makes it easy for instructors to tailor lessons to their students’ unique challenges. They consistently report how participants not only apply BrainWise skills but also demonstrate significant behavioral improvements, including improved executive functions. The ability to teach and reinforce these concepts in different settings and across ages and abilities has been a key factor in the program’s success.

High School Interactors^[1] Teaching BrainWise 

[1] The Interactors are members of a Rotary youth group sponsored by the Rotary Club of Denver Mile High.  

Teaching Others: The Key to Lasting Learning

BrainWise instructors use innovative techniques to ensure participants gain the more than 40 hours of practice that research identifies as crucial for retaining new information. One of the most effective methods is “cascading,” where graduates teach the 10 Wise Ways to others. This model reinforces learning and extends the program’s impact.

With avatars, animation, and virtual learning tools becoming increasingly essential in education, BrainWise is tapping into its decades of expertise to collaborate with IT specialists. Together, we’re developing new ways to integrate the 10 Wise Ways into digital teaching tools that encourage students to “Stop and Think,” and make informed choices.

BrainWise and AI: Embracing the Future

The speed of AI-driven innovation is astonishing. In mere seconds, our BrainWise web designer experimented with an AI-generated podcast featuring a virtual interviewer discussing the 10 Wise Ways with an AI BrainWise expert. The result? A polished and professional conversation produced instantaneously.

While we aren’t moving forward with the podcast, the experiment reinforces the immense potential AI presents—while also emphasizing why users must cultivate executive function skills. As AI continues to reshape education, the BrainWise team is partnering with IT experts, healthcare providers, and educators to explore new opportunities and tackle the ethical and legal challenges ahead.



You are aware of the hardships and problems our students and clients face. Thank you for teaching skills that will help them assess problems and use executive functions/Wizard Brain thinking to make informed decisions. 

On a Lighter Note

The 10 Wise Ways are not new concepts but essential skills that are already familiar to instructors, students, and clients. BrainWise teaches these familiar concepts as executive function skills, connects them to brain development, explains why they must be learned, and demonstrates how practicing them strengthens neural pathways.

On a Lighter Note has included YouTube videos featuring Fred  Rogers, whose iconic show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” taught children fundamental life skills—kindness, decision-making, perspective-taking, problem-solving, seeking the help of others, and other Wise Ways.

The following video features Rogers’ powerful 1969 testimony before Congress, where he defended funding for PBS. In his speech, he demonstrated the educational impact of his show by reciting a lesson he taught children. You will recognize that his testimony covers all 10 Wise Ways.

What do you do with the mad that you feel? When you feel so mad you could bite. When the whole wide world seems oh so wrong, and nothing you do seems very right. What do you do? Do you punch a bag? Do you pound some clay or some dough? Do you round up friends for a game of tag or see how fast you go? It’s great to be able to stop when you’ve planned the thing that’s wrong. And be able to do something else instead ― and think this song ―

“I can stop when I want to. Can stop when I wish. Can stop, stop, stop anytime ... And what a good feeling to feel like this! And know that the feeling is really mine. Know that there’s something deep inside that helps us become what we can. For a girl can be someday a lady, and a boy can be someday a man.”



Congress awarded PBS $20 million. 

Watch Fred Rogers defend PBS to Congress in 1969.