Katie May

Resilience and Connection-Based Approaches, Understanding Behavior Through a Child-First Lens, Brain Science in Education, Behavior and Regulation, Trauma-Informed Practices, Positive Behavior Supports, Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans, Executive Functioning and Self-Regulation, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Inclusive Practices, Special Education Leadership and Systems Development, Educator Coaching, Professional Learning Facilitation, Family-School Partnerships

Katie believes that behind every behavior is a child with a story, a need, and a reason. Our job is to become curious enough to listen. She believes that the challenging moments, the moments that feel like mayhem, are often invitations to become more curious, more connected, and more intentional in how we respond. Together, we will navigate the chaos, celebrate the growth, and find the milestones hidden within the mayhem.

With more than two decades of experience supporting students, educators, families, and school systems across Kansas, Katie brings a unique perspective shaped by her roles as a first-grade teacher, third-grade teacher, behavior interventionist, assistant principal, special education behavior teacher, consulting teacher for special education, assistant director of special education, and now as a Behavior Consultant with the ESSDACK Resilience Team.

Katie’s greatest joy is her journey as an adoptive mom. This experience changed the trajectory of her career and deepened her understanding of trauma, resilience, attachment, and the importance of seeing the whole child. Navigating the unique needs of her children brought moments of uncertainty, growth, and discovery. Those experiences led Katie back to school to earn a Master’s Degree in Special Education and strengthened her passion for advocating for all children.

Her journey shaped the way Katie views behavior. She understands behavior is communication, and when we slow down enough to listen, we can better understand what children need. Her work is centered on helping educators and families move from reacting to behavior to understanding it.

Through professional learning, consultation, and family partnerships, Katie combines brain science, trauma-informed practices, and practical strategies to help adults understand the connection between behavior, regulation, relationships, and learning.

In Katie, you’ll find someone who:

• believes children are more than their hardest moments

• helps educators and families shift from “What is wrong with this child?” to “What is this child communicating?”

• believes connection comes before correction

• helps adults understand their own regulation so they can better support children’s regulation

• translates brain science into practical strategies that work in real-life moments

• leads with curiosity, compassion, authenticity, and the belief that connections are the foundation for growth.

Katie presents on a variety of topics:

For Educators & School Teams

• Every Behavior Tells a Story: Understanding the Why Behind Behavior

• Brain Science in Education: Understanding the Brain Behind Behavior and Learning

• Creating Cultures of Safety, Connection, and Belonging

• Trauma-Informed Practices for Schools and Classrooms

• Regulation Before Learning: The Power of Co-Regulation

• From Behavior Management to Behavior Understanding

• Positive Behavior Supports and Practical Intervention Strategies

• Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)

• Executive Functioning and Self-Regulation Skills

• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Tier 1 Behavior Supports

• Effective Para-Educator Collaboration: Building Strong Teams to Support Student Success

• The Special Education Teacher as a Team Leader: Communication, Collaboration, and Coaching Para-Educators

For Families & Caregivers

• Understanding the Story Behind Behavior: Seeing Beyond the Behavior

• Brain Science for Families: Understanding Stress, Regulation, and Connection

• From Frustration to Connection: Responding to Challenging Behaviors with Curiosity

• Parenting Through the Mayhem: Finding the Milestones

• Your Child Is More Than Their Behavior

• Becoming Your Child’s Advocate

• Building Strong Partnerships Between Families and Schools

• Understanding Trauma, Attachment, and Resilience

Katie’s mission is to help the adults around children understand the brain behind behavior, find the milestones hidden within the mayhem, and create environments where every child feels seen, understood, and supported.