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To optimize the human experience by creating a safe and connected world.

OUR VISION:

Stephen Porges first presented Polyvagal Theory in 1994. Over the next 10 years it was gradually adopted by a new wave of leading trauma therapists who found in Polyvagal Theory (PVT) a clear explanation for the effectiveness of their body-based methodologies. For these new-thinking therapists, and the generation of clinicians who followed, PVT opened up the ‘black box’ that is our nervous system and connected, for the first time, our sense of safety with behavior and communication patterns. 
 

In the past few years, the polyvagal perspective has spread beyond the field of trauma to other disciplines as well as to the broader wellness and healthcare communities. We, as a society, are in the process of realizing we communicate through our nervous systems as much as our intellects. Hear from experienced polyvagalists working in a variety of disciplines what the theory means to them in this video about PVT.

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We’ve launched Polyvagal Institute, a non-profit organization, as a means to further this trend. Our mission is to advance social communication and connectivity by building community, facilitating research, improving quality of care, and offering education on this new understanding of the mind/body system. We believe we can effect change at both individual and societal levels: as individuals, we become better, more compassionate communicators as we understand how human connections are formed, and as a society we can glean a new paradigm for providing care, whether the care be given in a hospital or classroom or home.  

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Thank you for joining us on this journey. Give us feedback, chime in, and if you think we’re on the right track we’d love to have your support!

OUR PEOPLE

FOUNDING MEMBERS

DEB DANA

Deb Dana, LCSW is a clinician and consultant specializing in working with complex trauma and developer of the Rhythm of Regulation training series.

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Learn more about Deb >

STEPHEN PORGES

Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. is Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium.

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Learn more about Steve >

KAREN L. ONDERKO

Karen is passionate about advancing the understanding and application of polyvagal principles to improve care and increase connection and acceptance among humans. 
 

More about Karen >

RANDALL REDFIELD

After co-founding Integrated Listening Systems (ILS) and developing the Dreampad, it was Randall's experience with his teenagers that inspired him to bring PVT to the broader population.

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More about Randall >

Founders

OUR TEAM

Randall Redfield

Randall Redfield

Executive Director

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Caroline Vasquez

Caroline Vásquez

Director of Marketing & Communications 

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Stephanie D'angelo

Stephanie D'Angelo

Head of Organizational Training & PVI Community App Manager 

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Suzie Cavassa

Chief Operating Officer

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Blake O'Connor

Blake O'Connor

Director of Education

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Chanti Calabria

Chanti Calabria

Events & Communications Coordinator

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Jerry Mocciola

Jerry Mocciola

Media Director

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Jen Stengel

Jen Stengel

Director of Enrollment

& Customer Care

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Lisa Gleeson

Web Developer/Designer

PVIteam

ADVISORS

Les Aria

Les Aria
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James Huysman

James Huysman

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Gabor Mate

Gabor Maté
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George Thompson

George Thompson
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Sue Carter

Sue Carter
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Sid Goodman

Sid Goodman
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Pat Ogden

Pat Ogden
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Marilyn Sanders

Marilyn Sanders
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Diana Fosha

Diana Fosha
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Bessel van der Kolk

Bessel van der Kolk
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George Rapier

George Rapier III
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Ed Tronick

Ed Tronick
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David Hanscom

David Hanscom
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Ruth Lanius

Ruth Lanius
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Chris Rutgers

Chris Rutgers
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Rick Hanson

Rick Hanson
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Peter Levine

Peter Levine
 
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Dan Siegel

Dan Siegel
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