Meet your “brain partners”
Have you ever wished you had a brain partner in your pocket?
Someone who could help you understand how your brain works, why you do what you do, and how to make the most of the wonderfully weird thing inside your head?
Well…meet your brain partners:
Layne - the brain nerd.
Alexa - the out-of-the-box thinker.
Ally - the early childhood optimist.
Three very different perspectives. One mighty mission:
making brain science practical for real life.
Layne
Hi, I’m Layne Pethick, a Brain Nerd with a Passport, which basically means I spend my life trying to understand why humans do what they do—and occasionally laughing at how wonderfully weird our brains can be.
By day, I serve as a Behavior and Autism Spectrum Disorders Master Consultant within the state of Texas, and by night, I’m usually buried in brain research, exploring screen time, behavior, learning, trauma, mental health, resilience, or whatever fascinating neuroscience rabbit hole appears next. Some of my favorite work has always been with young children. From teaching kindergarten to partnering with early childhood programs around the world, I’ve seen firsthand how powerfully the earliest experiences shape development. But I’ve also learned that the brain never stops responding, adapting, and changing.
Over the past 30+ years, I’ve worn many hats—teacher, administrator, professor, trainer, researcher, consultant, and lifelong learner—and I’ve had the privilege of sharing this work across the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Vietnam, and beyond. Those experiences have deepened my belief that brain science matters at every age. Whether we are supporting an infant’s first connections, helping a child learn and regulate, guiding an adolescent through stress and change, or helping an adult build resilience and protect their mental health, understanding the brain gives us practical ways to improve lives.
The Mighty Brain Project brings together two of my favorite things: the incredible science of how brains develop across the lifespan and the people who help shape, support, and strengthen them every day. My mission is simple: make brain science practical, make support more human, and help people walk away with better strategies, greater hope, and at least a few good laughs along the way.
“Every man can, if he so desires, become the sculptor of his own brain.”
Alexa
Hi, I’m Alexa Poynor! I’ve spent my professional life serving humans who are blind or have low vision. I have had the unique experience of helping people develop fundamental skills to live full, independent lives by teaching them how to get around safely and efficiently.
As an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, I have found that in order to reach each and every person I have worked with, I need to use a different approach because no two brains think alike! My motto is, Every brain is a Rubik’s Cube! You can't solve every Rubik's Cube the same way—and you can't expect every brain to learn, process information, or navigate the world the same way either.
My passion is finding the strengths, possibilities, and unique learning approaches that allow people of all ages to reach their fullest potential. Through The Mighty Brain Project, I bring that perspective together with my love of creativity, learning, and brain science to turn big ideas into practical strategies that people can use in everyday life.
Because every brain is different—and sometimes, finding a different way is exactly what makes all the difference.
“The world needs all kinds of minds.”
Allison
Hi, I’m Allison Connally, an Early Childhood Optimist with a Heart for Possibility. I believe every person is born with the capacity to learn, connect, adapt, and grow—and that understanding the brain can help us support that potential at every stage of life.
My journey began as a kindergarten teacher, where I fell in love with the extraordinary early years when curiosity is endless and every small success feels like a tremendous victory. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my master’s degree in Special Education, with a concentration in Visual Impairment. Today, as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and Vision Consultant within the state of Texas, I support children who experience the world differently while partnering with families and educators to build confidence, independence, accessibility, and joyful learning experiences.
Along the way, I became a proud brain nerd, fascinated by how relationships, experiences, environments, and responsive support shape the brain—not only during infancy and childhood, but throughout the lifespan. What began as a passion for early brain development has grown into a broader commitment to understanding how brain science can support emotional well-being, resilience, learning, behavior, connection, and mental health from the earliest years through adulthood.
Whether I’m coaching caregivers, training educators and professionals, creating accessible learning materials, or developing new ideas for The Mighty Brain Project, my goal remains the same: make research practical, make learning and growth feel possible, and help people understand that everyday interactions can strengthen both the brain and the human connections that sustain us.
Because when we understand how brains grow, respond, heal, and change across a lifetime, we discover just how mighty they truly are.
“To understand is essential to progress.”
Every brain is unique.
Every connection matters.
Every person has the potential to grow.
What We Do
At The Mighty Brain Project, we help you be your best self in the areas of your life that mean the most to you. Whether your goal is to be more intentional in how you parent your infant, support your teen in developing coping skills, help reduce your anxiety, increase your productivity at work or just make your life better, we have Mighty Brain Nuggets that will help you do just that!
Have Questions? Let’s Talk
Send us a quick note and let’s figure things out together—we’re excited to help you reach your learning goals.