Deborah McNelis International Keynote Speaker & Trainer

Insights Initiator - Early Brain Development Specialist
& Neuro-Nurturing Connector

Highly energetic and dynamic, Deborah McNelis, an early brain development specialist, is a recognized international keynote speaker, trainer and author who bridges early brain development research with the essential and exciting realizations of the ways adults can easily understand how to support children to achieve long-term positive outcomes and well-being in life. With the eagerness she has to make this become common knowledge, she founded Brain Insights, LLC.
With a palpable dedication for educating all adults, audiences feel the passion Deborah has for raising the critical awareness of the impact of experiences in the early years.

With continued zeal to positively impact lives, Deborah developed the award-winning Neuro-Nurturing Interaction Series, designed to reduce the effects of trauma and stress on young brains and provide nurturing interaction ideas toward revealing the unique and undefinable brilliance within every child. She also created the Circle of Potential Model, which makes it extremely simple for audiences to recognize what children really need for optimal development.
Deborah has been seen in numerous publications, heard on radio shows, webinars and podcasts, and has contributed to several books. She loves creating great connections as she enthusiastically and effectively provides presentations for a broad array of audiences.

Deborah is recognized as a thought leader among her peers throughout the world and serves on boards for influential organizations. In meeting her, it becomes quite clear that this is more than a career for her. Deborah’s heart is genuinely dedicated to making an incredible difference . . . and audiences experience this energy.

Deborah's Personal Bio

With the passion Deborah has for connection, time spent with family and friends is her preference. Before founding, Brain Insights, she started her career as a kindergarten teacher. In an effort to have a broader impact, she went on to create a community based organization called, Family Network and was the president of, The Partners organization. Additionally, she coordinated an Even Start Family Literacy program and was an instructor for the early childhood associate degree at a technical college. When research on early brain development started becoming available, she then worked for a statewide advocacy agency to create needed awareness and support for children and families. Deborah enjoys traveling, meeting new people and is always learning. She loves time in nature and can never pass up the opportunity to take a sunset photo. She currently lives on a lake in Wisconsin but in listening to her, you will easily determine that she originally was a Minnesota girl.

Deborah always looks forward to meeting and working with people everywhere. Whether individuals are part of a small community, a large city, a major organization or an initiative that is just getting started, she thrives on contributing to the well-being of everyone!