Kate Bartlein has been working with children in schools, clinics, and their homes for over a decade. Kate works with disability and mental health advocacy organizations helping parents navigate the complex special education and children’s mental health systems. She also provides training and support to educators and school staff on topics related to promoting emotional regulation, reducing challenging behavior, and designing neuro-divergent and trauma-responsive IEPs. Kate believes that by using a child’s natural drive for imaginative play, adults can create opportunities to teach children the tools they need to process big emotions, build their self-esteem, and encourage creative problem-solving.