
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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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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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.
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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OUR TEAM

Randall Redfield
Executive Director
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Jen Stengel
Director of Enrollment
& Customer Care
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Lisa Gleeson
Web Developer/Designer

Jerry Mocciola
Media Director
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Chanti Calabria
Events & Communications Coordinator
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Blake O'Connor
Director of Education
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Stephanie D'Angelo
Head of Organizational Training & PVI Community App Manager

Caroline Vásquez
Director of Communications & Marketing
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Andrea Woods
International Partner Liaison & Community Events Coordinator
ADVISORS