This month EtB Specialists share why they are grateful to work at Engage the Brain and one thing they are grateful for in their personal life. Plus we share research on the power of a gratitude practice.
Psst. Yes, you. Parents and kids who have come into the Engage the Brain office. Have you ever wondered what goes on behind all those closed doors? You are in luck because we are giving you a sneak peek.
Of course Engage the Brain is a community of learners. Think about the North Park Learning Group (NPLG), a hybrid school that serves homeschool students in the Central Florida area. Peer a little more closely, though, and you’ll see that Engage the Brain is a collection of micro-communities that co-exist within its learning spaces, often behind closed doors. What goes on behind those doors? Magic! Children engage with professionals with assorted degrees, certifications and oodles of experience who are grateful to bring their talents to such an extraordinary place.
Which brings us to this month’s theme of gratitude.
The benefits of practicing gratitude
What exactly is gratitude? It should not be mistaken for toxic positivity, which often denies there is bad in the world or focuses on living in your own version of a La La Land. Rather, gratitude is choosing to focus your time and attention on what you appreciate.
Manhattan Mental Health Counseling states that people who practice gratitude show higher levels of happiness, are less depressed and less anxious, and report having less physical pain. They go on to say that just two consecutive weeks of a daily gratitude practice can have a lasting positive effect on one’s mood and optimism for up to six months!
Positive Psychology shares the neuroscience behind gratitude. Practicing gratitude activates regions of the brain associated with reward, which enhance feelings of contentment and emotional wellbeing. These long-term brain changes can lead to improved mental health and resilience.
The power of a gratitude practice for children
Children who practice gratitude have many benefits, too. According to a University of Kentucky study, children who are grateful have increased empathy, which can manifest in a positive way when dealing with aggression from peers, unkindness, or critical comments. Your child may come across a negative comment or two if they dabble on social media, and a gratitude practice could be the armor that protects them from the negativity.
Want your child to sleep better? Have them write down three to five things they are grateful for before bed; an Applied Psychology study reveals your child will better sleep after having done so.
Children’s Hospital Colorado chimes in to share that children who practice gratitude have increased dopamine and serotonin released in their brains, which makes them feel happier and more content.
Finally, a study found that children who practice gratitude found more satisfaction with their family life, school, communities, and social circles.
Engage the Brain Specialists’ gratitude
To practice what we preach (and prove we use research-backed strategies), Engage the Brain specialists share why they are grateful to work at Engage the Brain plus one thing they are grateful for in their personal lives.
Jennifer Disch, Ed.S./ET-P, Founder, Educational Director
Why am I grateful to work at EtB?
I’m deeply grateful to work at Engage the Brain because every day I get to see our mission in action—helping learners think, learn, and grow. Watching our specialists bring their hearts and expertise to each student is truly inspiring. What makes EtB special is the people—the dedication, collaboration, and care that flow through everything we do. It’s a joy to lead and learn alongside such an incredible team.
What are you grateful for in your own life?
I’m grateful for family, friends, happiness, and good health—the things that fill life with joy and balance. Every day, I’m reminded how lucky I am to be surrounded by love and purpose, both personally and professionally.
Jennifer Grussaute, Office Manager
Why am I grateful to work at EtB?
I am grateful to work at EtB because Jennifer has made it an amazing place. Her door is always open for questions about work, as well as for anything I might need outside of work. She fosters an environment where you can truly have a work-life balance. I love coming to work to see what each new day brings, and not many people can say that!
What are you grateful for in your own life?
I am grateful for my family and friends that have become family. I honestly would be lost without my krewe.
Jennifer Pelz, Clinical and Educational Evaluator and Speech-Language Pathologist
Why am I grateful to work at EtB?
I’m grateful to work at Engage the Brain, where every decision begins with the question: What is in the best interest of the learner? It’s a philosophy that shapes every evaluation, collaboration, and recommendation we make.
I’m surrounded by an incredible team of educators and specialists who bring diverse strengths, creativity, and genuine passion to their work with children. Together, we dig deep into each student’s learning profile to uncover how they think, process, and communicate because understanding the why behind a child’s struggles is the first step toward helping them succeed.
Through testing, I get to help families see their child in a new light. I love when parents realize that the challenges they’ve been watching unfold have an explanation, and that support and progress are possible. We share the load because it really does take a village. One of the most meaningful moments I’ve experienced was hearing that a child cried tears of joy after learning she has dyslexia, because she finally understood that she wasn’t the cause of her struggles. Moments like that remind me why this work is so important.
At Engage the Brain, we don’t just assess and teach skills; we help families build hope and clarity, and I’m grateful to be a part of that culture!
What are you grateful for in your own life?
I am grateful for my health, meaningful connections with family and friends, my dogs and cat, new experiences and travel, and a growing daily awareness of the simple things in life that bring joy. And coffee. I’m probably unnaturally grateful for coffee.
Beth Sharpe, Business Development Officer, Learning Specialist
Why am I grateful to work at EtB?
I couldn’t be more grateful to work at Engage the Brain; it’s truly a special place. I feel lucky to have a boss who is so open-minded, listening to my wild ideas and giving them careful consideration. My appreciation also extends to the Engage the Brain team, whose collaborative spirit, enthusiastic encouragement, and steadfast support, make for an incredibly positive work environment. As a huge fan of learning, I’m thrilled to be working in an environment where we’re always growing through professional development and shared resources. I am truly grateful to be part of Engage the Brain.
What are you grateful for in your own life?
In my personal life, I am deeply grateful for my family. Unfortunately, we have faced a difficult second half of 2025, but we’ve come together with listening ears, hugs, and unwavering support, making me realize how truly lucky I am to be part of such a special family. I’ve heard the saying, “difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations” and that is what I am holding on to. Through the challenges, our family bond grows stronger and for that, I am truly grateful.
Catherine Griffin, Math Field Expert, Learning Specialist
Why am I grateful to work at EtB?
I’m thankful to work at Engage the Brain because I get to truly see the impact of my teaching every day. Working one-on-one with students allows me to tailor lessons to their needs and celebrate their growth in real time. After years in the traditional classroom, it’s refreshing to have the freedom to teach in ways that are meaningful and effective. As a mom of two elementary-aged boys, I also value the flexibility and work-life balance this role provides. I feel supported, appreciated, and proud to be part of a team that genuinely values both its students and its educators.
What are you grateful for in your own life?
In my personal life, I am thankful for my hard-working husband, silly boys, and mischievous dog.
Hannah Hartman, Co-Director of North Park Learning Group
Why am I grateful to work at EtB?
I am grateful to work at Engage the Brain because of my wonderful students and coworkers. I love that we can incorporate creativity and exploration in to our teaching.
What are you grateful for in your own life?
I am grateful for my family. I am very thankful for my husband, parents, siblings, and a large extended family.
Kim Burt, CCC-SLP, Therapy Team Lead
Why am I grateful to work at EtB?
At EtB, I am grateful to work in a collaborative environment where we can fully support our students. I am also grateful for the trust that the parents of my students have in me. Knowing we are all a part of the same team makes all the difference. It is a privilege to work with each of my students. Seeing them learn and grow reminds me why I love what I do.
What are you grateful for in your own life?
In my personal life, I am grateful that I have a supportive tribe of family and friends who are always there for me.
Sabrina Sullivan, A/OGA, Lead Orton-Gillingham Specialist
Why am I grateful to work at EtB?
I’m grateful to work at EtB because teamwork, creativity, and fun all coexist here – it’s kind of magical if your idea of magic involves lesson planning and Starbucks!
What are you grateful for in your own life?
Outside of work, I’m grateful for my amazing friends, family, and pets since they remind me every day that love (and a good cuddle) can fix just about anything!
Jenny Wolcott, Field Expert Executive Functions, Learning Specialist
Why am I grateful to work at EtB?
I am grateful to work for Engage the Brain because I have the most wonderful students. I learn as much from them as they do from me and they help become a better therapist every day.
What are you grateful for in your own life?
In my personal life, I’m grateful to have the support of a wonderful, tight-knit family and to provide them support in return.
Final thoughts
The results are in. When children (and adults too!) walk into Engage the Brain, hopefully they feel the power of gratitude swirling around them. Specialists are highly-trained and thankful to apply their craft in such a collaborative and supportive environment. From Orton-Gillingham instruction, the gold standard for teaching dyslexic students to read, to multi-sensory math to Speech Language instruction to Executive Functions Coaching to Academic testing, Specialists with tons of trainings, diverse degrees, and extraordinary experience lead children to think, learn, and grow.
If your child needs assistance with any school related concerns, please contact Jennifer Disch at Engage the Brain to discover how an experienced (and grateful) Learning Specialist may be able to help.