Julie Kurtz, M.S., LMFT is a renowned author and national speaker specializing in trauma-responsive, social-emotional, and resilience-building skills, particularly within educational settings ranging from early childhood to 12th grade. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Optimal Brain Integration®, Julie is dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who have experienced toxic or traumatic stress, empowering both children and adults, and nurturing humane beings through intentional social-emotional learning and resilience strategies. Julie’s expertise is further demonstrated through her leadership roles in programs that implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), as well as Life Space Crisis Intervention and trauma-responsive practices. Her work has been instrumental in guiding educators and organizations to create healing, resilient, and equitable communities. She co-authored several groundbreaking works, including Trauma-Informed Practices for Early Childhood Educators, Reducing Stress in Schools: Restoring Community and Connection and Trauma-Informed Practices for Early Childhood Leaders. These resources offer invaluable guidance for integrating trauma-informed care with PBIS and MTSS frameworks. In addition to her contributions to professional literature, Julie is the creative force behind award-winning children’s books such as Understanding My Brain: Becoming Human(E)! Julie also provides trauma training and consultation and serves as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, offering therapeutic services to youth and their families. Through her multifaceted work, Julie Kurtz continues to make a profound impact on the lives of children, educators, and communities, inspiring hope, healing, and resilience through trauma-responsive and socially inclusive practices.

• CEO Center for Optimal Brain Integration

• National Expert on trauma informed practices, social-emotional learning and MTSS PreK-12

• National Professional Learning Expert & Provider

• Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

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She is a co-author of:

1. Trauma-Informed Practices for Early Childhood Educators: Relationship-Based Approaches that Support Healing and Build Resilience in Young Children. (Edition 2)

2. Culturally Responsive Self-Care for Early Childhood Educators 

3. Trauma-Responsive Practices for Early Childhood Leaders: Creating and Sustaining Healing Engaged Organizations 

4. Trauma-Responsive Family Engagement in Early Childhood: Practices for Equity and Resilience 

5. Supporting Young Children to Cope, Build Resilience and Heal from Trauma through Play: A Practical Guide for Early Childhood Educators

6. Reducing Stress in Schools: Restoring Connection and Community (Harvard Education Press)

 

And the author of 2 children's books:​

1. Understanding My Brain: Becoming Human(E)! (Ages 5-10)

2. Understanding My Brain: Becoming Human(E)! (Ages 4-8)

 

Julie Kurtz is the creator of the phone/tablet Application (APP) Trigger Stop: Sensory and Emotional Check-In designed specifically for children ages 3-8 years to promote sensory and emotional literacy and to support self-regulation.

 

In 2011, she was named as one of the most 100 Influential Women of Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.

 

Julie has provided keynotes and training on trauma-responsive and resilience building and social-emotional for programs small to large internationally.

 

Julie is also a licensed marriage family therapist providing counseling in the Bay Area and throughout California and parent coaching nationwide.