What You'll Take Away
*Understand the IWBMC® Framework* Participants will be able to describe the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care®'s seven interconnected domains (Spirit & Will, Neurodevelopmental, Physiological, Emotional-Behavioral-Relational, Learning Style, Social Structure, and the Integration of the Whole Person) and explain how a whole-person, whole-brain approach meets the needs of each individual regardless of age or diagnosis.
*Recognize the Neurobiological Roots of Behavior* Participants will be able to identify how factors such as unintegrated primitive reflexes, sensory processing and interhemispheric communication, physiological health, and screen time/technology exposure can shape behavior, learning, and emotional regulation.
*Apply a Root-Cause, Strengths-Based Lens* Participants will be able to explain why understanding the root cause of a challenge — rather than managing surface-level symptoms — leads to more effective, individualized support, and how a strengths-based, relationship-oriented approach changes an individual's learning trajectory over time.
*Understand Whole-Person Integration* Participants will be able to recognize how physiological, neurological, emotional, relational, and environmental factors work together—and how this integrated perspective supports a more complete understanding of each individual’s needs.
Meet Your Guides
Ashley Mendez, IWBMC-CE
Senior Evaluator and Director of Staff Development
Ashley holds a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Georgia College and State University. She has a passion for serving individuals with neurodevelopmental needs and a strong background in caregiving and volunteer work. Since joining Jacob's Ladder in 2018, Ashley has served in various roles, including Neurodevelopmental Provider, Evaluator, and Program Director. Currently, as Senior Director of Staff Development, she plays a key role in shaping the onboarding experience and guiding the professional growth of team members, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and model of care. Ashley is a certified evaluator of the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™). She remains deeply committed to fostering environments where both clients and staff can thrive.
Sarah Cannon, IWBMC-CE
Senior Evaluator and Senior Director of Client Programming
Sarah has been with The Jacob's Ladder Group for more than 10 years. She graduated from Georgia College with a bachelor's degree in Community Health and Psychology and is a Certified Evaluator in the Jacob's Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC-CE), where she also serves as a subject matter expert. She interned with Make-A-Wish Georgia and is a Certified Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Trainer, with extensive experience working individually with children experiencing ADHD and learning difficulties.
What to Expect
This initial session introduces the full framework of the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™), giving you a foundational understanding of the IWBMC™ elements that guide your child's program each day — and sets the stage for this year's series on extending the model into your home or business.
The Jacob's Ladder Group
Amy O'Dell, M.Ed., LPC, founded The Jacob's Ladder Group in 1998 — not just as a clinician, but as a mother. After receiving a life-altering diagnosis for her son Jacob, Amy refused to accept the limitations others placed on him. She built a new path — and then opened it to thousands of others. That path became the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™) — a groundbreaking methodology that treats the whole person, not just the diagnosis. It draws from neuroscience, relational care, physiological health, and more than 6,000 individualized program activities to identify the root barriers holding a child back — and build the neurological foundation for real growth. Today, The Jacob's Ladder Group is more than a school. It's a model, a training system, a technology platform, and a research engine — equipping families, professionals, and organizations worldwide to deliver whole-person care that works.
What People Are Saying
Join hundreds of families, professionals, and community members who've discovered the transformative power of the IWBMC™. From parents seeking deeper connections to professionals enhancing their practice, participants consistently report immediate insights and lasting impact.
I immediately found myself wishing all of our staff could be trained in this content.
Founder & CEO of Apparo Academy
Jacob's Ladder has a strong foundation based on scientific knowledge and a mission based on love and hope
Physician in India
It was so integrated — every need he had they could address, but they weren't addressing it in a silo. It was an integrated plan.
Jacob's Ladder School
I immediately found myself wishing all of our staff could be trained in this content.
Founder & CEO of Apparo Academy
Jacob's Ladder has a strong foundation based on scientific knowledge and a mission based on love and hope
Physician in India
It was so integrated — every need he had they could address, but they weren't addressing it in a silo. It was an integrated plan.
Jacob's Ladder School
Ready to Transform Your Perspective to Care?
This free workshop is your introduction to a framework that's already changing lives. Whether you're just curious or ready to dive deeper, this session will give you the foundational knowledge and practical tools you need. Spots are limited, so secure yours today.
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