developingMINDS University (DMU)
A child’s behavior is an outward expression of their neurological integrity. Understanding a child’s neuro-expression will give you a window into the developmental state of their brain.
M. Buerger
One in six children in the United States are said to have a neurodevelopmental disorder, one in five are said to have a mental health disorder and approximately one-third of children in this country are said to have a chronic health disorder. The chiropractic profession has been growing in popularity in regards to working with the pediatric population; especially those children that are struggling with neurodevelopmental challenges. Many parents seeking alternative care for their children will rely solely on the Doctor of Chiropractic as their “primary care” doctor. Given this paradigm shift, it is important that those Doctors of Chiropractic working with children be well versed in potential neurophysiological and mental health consequences of autonomic dysregulation as the result of vertebral subluxations. In addition to being able to detect and correct vertebral subluxations, chiropractors should be competent in determining normal vs abnormal development, what this may be a sign of, if left unresolved how might it manifest later in life and how to best manage/co-manage these cases. The DMU curriculum is set within a subluxation based model with the course material designed to be practical and easy to implement across multiple practice paradigms without having to change the course of your dream practice!
Rather than having to intervene when a child is already struggling, the mission of this program is to prevent disease in the unborn child, promote optimal neurodevelopment in the newborn and create a life of optimal wellbeing for all! This begins prior to conception and should be supported throughout life. However, given the nature of the current health climate, developingMINDS will also address intervention strategies and care plans for the neurodevelopmentally challenged child.
In order to serve more families and children and to help you become as successful as possible, we have thought about everything! Not only will you get an incredible academic program, you will learn from leading experts on how to take this information to the public as well as other health professionals in order to generate solid referrals. Within the program, you will also have access to professionally curated materials. Ready to use and easy to implement for maximum success in YOUR community. A sample of which are:
- Practice implementation guides, forms and hand-outs!
- Our “Early Intervention: Prenatal Prep” workshop!
- Our signature “Brain Building and Bonding”: Creating healthy brains through play ™ in-office and community outreach classes focusing on fun neurodevelopmental movements and games for various age groups designed to optimize neurodevelopment in infants and toddlers- great for practice building!
- Our Precision NeuroIntegrative Protocols™: reflex and sensory-motor programs for individual care (home or office), group classes and sensory camps!
- More incredible tools to create your legacy and brand yourself as the expert in your community!
- A future phase will include patient Apps for a self-based “Brain Building and Bonding”™ programs and Precision NeuroIntegrative Protocols ™
About DMU
developingMINDS University was born from hundreds of social media tags, e-mails, calls and other ways that doctors from all around the world have reached out to Dr. Buerger for help with various levels of pediatric cases. developingMINDS is a one-of-a-kind mentoring and certification program. In order to minimize travel costs and time away from your practice and family, the program is designed as a self-paced on-line curriculum with the option of an accelerated one year tract or the traditional two year tract. In addition there will be monthly live on-line Clinical Rounds classes, a private Facebook forum for clinical care conversations and questions and the added caveat of one live intensive module. The live “functional assessment” module is designed to help “pull all the pieces together” as well as ensure that students have a full grasp of the on-line content and have the practical skills to be successful. The live functional assessment class will allow students to fine tune their skills learned from the on-line curriculum and is one of the most invaluable features about this program. Having the opportunity to learn the material on-line and start to implement it in a practical setting while also having a mentor to guide you through “pot holes” along the way and then meet with Dr. Buerger for an intensive gathering to hone your skills even more and work out any “kinks” is hands down the most optimal learning opportunity!
A final exam will also be required in order to obtain certification in Functional Neurodevelopment.
Additional Benefits:
- Private Facebook forum for collaboration and case discussion
- Live interaction with Dr. Buerger during monthly Clinical Rounds
- Dr. B at your fingertips to help you navigate difficult cases
- Chiropractic CE’s with certain modules while learning this amazing cutting edge information!
- Learn from world renown instructors: Dr. Monika Buerger, BA, DC; Nicole Cowley; Dr. Heidi Haavik, DC, PhD; Bonnie Horsburgh, LCSW; Dr. Nicole D. Lindsey, DC; Dr. Janet Lintala, DC and Dr. Elizabeth Mumper, MD, Susan Quam-Weinstein, Educator
This program is open to: Doctors of Chiropractic, chiropractic students in their third year or higher, chiropractic assistants, Naturopaths, Osteopaths, Occupational Therapists, and Nurse Practitioners. (CE’s only granted for DC’s)
Course Curriculum
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- Module 1: Derailed: The Hijacking of our Children’s Neurodevelopment (8 hrs on-line CE’s available; $50)
- Chapter 1: The Developing Brain
- An overview of brain development and functional regions of the brain and the potential role chiropractic care can play in proper brain development.
- Brain regions associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and, if affected, how this might be expressed in children.
- What signs/symptoms the Doctor of Chiropractic should be aware of in a clinical setting.
- Chapter 2: Behavioral Neuroscience: How mother’s stress resilience capacity affects neurodevelopment
- The role maternal stressors play in neurodevelopment and the role chiropractic care can play in minimizing prenatal stress.
- Epigenetic Inheritance: How emotional toxins affect DNA of the offspring
- The neurobiology of disease and the potential physical and mental health consequences that can occur later in life.
- Chapter 3: Turning the Tide: Early Intervention Strategies
- Fundamental preconception considerations including diet, lifestyle, environment, mindfulness and chiropractic care.
- Fundamental prenatal considerations including diet, lifestyle, environment, mindfulness and chiropractic care.
- Fundamental chiropractic considerations to help optimize the health and neurodevelopment of the newborn during the first year of life.
- Pediatric “Red flags” to consider in the clinical setting.
- Chapter 1: The Developing Brain
- Module 1: Derailed: The Hijacking of our Children’s Neurodevelopment (8 hrs on-line CE’s available; $50)
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
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- Module 2: Preconception Prep A to Z
- Chapter 1: Methylation biochemistry
- Chapter 2: Mitochondrial function
- Chapter 3: Metabolism and endocrine function
- Chapter 4: MOM: Microbiome of Mother
- Chapter 5: Environmental & Lifestyle Considerations
- Module 2: Preconception Prep A to Z
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
*Associate workshops for “Early Intervention: Prenatal Prep”
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- Module 3: Conceived
- Chapter 1: Neuronutritional considerations and functional lab testing for optimal prenatal development
- Module 3: Conceived
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
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- Module 4: Special Considerations
- Chapter 1: The truth about TOT’s: Tethered Oral Restrictions
- An overview of tongue, lip and buccal ties and their possible implications on neurodevelopment
- Chapter 2: MOB: Microbiome of Baby
- Neuronutritional considerations to build an optimal microbiome and immune system & using specific strains of probiotics for specific brain regions
- Chapter 3: Neuronutritional considerations for picky eaters
- Chapter 4: Brain food: How specific foods effect brain regions and function
- Chapter 5: Pre/Post immunization considerations
- Chapter 6: PANDAS/PANS/AE
- Chapter 1: The truth about TOT’s: Tethered Oral Restrictions
- Module 4: Special Considerations
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
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- Module 5: Functional neuroanatomy for the chiropractor made easy (12 hours on-line CE’s available; $50)
- Chapter 1: Overview (CNS, PNS, neurons, glial cells, neurotransmitters, and brain regions)
- Chapter 2: The Autonomic Nervous System
- Chapter 3: Prefrontal Cortex
- Chapter 4: Cerebellum
- Chapter 5: Limbic system
- Chapter 6: Somatosensory/proprioception (SMI brain areas)
- Chapter 7: Vestibular system
- Module 5: Functional neuroanatomy for the chiropractor made easy (12 hours on-line CE’s available; $50)
Instructor: Dr. Heidi Haavik
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- Module 6: The Developing Years
- Chapter 1: The first 365 days
- Pot holes in development
- Understanding typical vs atypical neurodevelopment: Cognitive, social, emotional & sensory-motor
- Chiropractic connections
- Developmental concerns
- Quick screening protocols for developmental milestones
- Cognitive, social, emotional & sensory-motor
- Fostering optimal neurodevelopment
- Primitive Reflexes
- Evaluation and promoting integration in the first year of life
- Pot holes in development
- Chapter 1: The first 365 days
- Module 6: The Developing Years
*Associated “Brain Building & Bonding” workshops for in-office and/or community outreach
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
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- Chapter 3: Years 2-5
- Pot holes in development
- Understanding typical vs atypical neurodevelopment: Cognitive, social, emotional & sensory-motor
- Chiropractic connections
- Motor milestones associated with language development
- Developmental concerns
- Quick screening protocols for developmental milestones:
- Cognitive, social, emotional & sensory-motor
- Fostering optimal neurodevelopment
- Pot holes in development
- Chapter 3: Years 2-5
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Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
*Associated “Brain Building for Toddlers” and “Brain Building, the Preschool Years” workshops for in-office and/or community outreach
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- Module 7: Taming the Primitive Brain
- Chapter 1: Vagal Tone
- The polyvagal theory’s role in neurodevelopment
- Understanding Heart Rate Variability and neurodevelopment
- Chapter 2: Primitive Reflexes
- Evaluation in the older child & adult
- Integration protocols for the older child/adult
- Adaptive protocols for the difficult child and the special needs population
- Chapter 1: Vagal Tone
- Module 7: Taming the Primitive Brain
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
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- Module 8: Postural Reflexes
- Chapter 1: Significance of and evaluation of postural reflexes
- Chapter 2: Neuroenhancement of postural reflexes
- Chiropractic connections
- Specific exercise protocols across all ages and stages
- Module 8: Postural Reflexes
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
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- Module 9: Sensory-Motor Assessment, Development, Function and Chiropractic Connections
- Chapter 1: The Vestibular System
- Evaluation & Precision NeuroIntegration Protocols ™ across all age and stages
- Chapter 2: The Proprioceptive System
- Evaluation & Precision NeuroIntegration Protocols ™ across all age and stages
- Chapter 3: The Visual System
- Evaluation & Precision NeuroIntegration Protocols ™ across all age and stages
- Chapter 4: The Auditory System
- Evaluation & Precision NeuroIntegration Protocols ™ across all age and stages
- Chapter 5: The Tactile and Olfactory systems
- Evaluation & Precision NeuroIntegration Protocols ™ across all age and stages
- Chapter 6: The Neurovisceral System (Interoception)
- Chapter 7: Brain Circuit Training ™
- Chapter 9: Connecting with the Sensory Defensive Child
- Understanding the “3 P’s and the 3 C’s” for better practice outcomes and calming protocols for difficult to adjust kiddos
- Chapter 1: The Vestibular System
- Module 9: Sensory-Motor Assessment, Development, Function and Chiropractic Connections
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
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- Module 10: Neurodevelopmental bases of psychopathology
- Chapter 1: Windows of Opportunity
- Sensitive periods of affective development
- Neurodevelopment and Fear-extinction: the amygdala and prefrontal connection
- Chiropractic connections
- Chapter 1: Windows of Opportunity
- Module 10: Neurodevelopmental bases of psychopathology
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
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- Module 11: Frontal Lobe and Executive Functioning
- Chapter 1: Understanding the signs/symptoms of Executive Functioning Disorders
- Chapter 2: Neuroenhancement of Executive Functioning
- Chiropractic connections
- Specific exercises across all ages and stages
- Module 11: Frontal Lobe and Executive Functioning
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
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- Module 12: “Parental Presence: Promoting Healthy Development and Attachment Through Mindfulness”
- Chapter 1: Preconception Care for the Mind
- Learn concrete skills for managing stress via mindfulness to thoughts, sensations, and emotions
- Learn self-compassion practices, which are proven to increase adherence to healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices to optimize healthy neurodevelopment in the offspring
- Chapter 2: Warrior Women and Mindful Moms: Behavioral mindfulness to promote optimal neurodevelopment in children
- Create a parenting plan (values clarification) to optimize the well-being of the parent and child
- Bonding and relationship building with baby
- Chapter 3: The Resilient Child
- Skills for parents to learn how to optimize developmental attachment and healthy emotional regulation in their children
- Chapter 1: Preconception Care for the Mind
- Module 12: “Parental Presence: Promoting Healthy Development and Attachment Through Mindfulness”
Instructor: Bonnie Horsburgh, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Mindfulness Trainer
*Associated “Mindfulness Parenting” workshop for in-office and/or community outreach
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- Module 13: Technology and the Developing Brain
- Chapter 1: The effects of technology on the developing brain
- Chapter 2: The effects of EMF’s on the developing brain and special populations such as autism and ADHD
- Module 13: Technology and the Developing Brain
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
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- Module 14: Trauma and the Developing Brain
- Chapter 1: Whiplash, concussion and mild traumatic brain injury
- Associated neuroendocrine disorders
- Associated psychiatric disorders
- Associated learning, attention & mood disorders
- Chiropractic care plans
- Chapter 1: Whiplash, concussion and mild traumatic brain injury
- Module 14: Trauma and the Developing Brain
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
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- Module 15: Putting is all Together
- Chapter 1: Taking a “Red Flag” History and understanding the “little things”
- Module 15: Putting is all Together
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
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- Module 16: Office Strategies & Implementation
- Chapter 1: Implementation strategies for individual office paradigms
- Chapter 2: Waiting room and sensory room recommendations
- Chapter 3: Developing successful individualized exercise plans for home or in-office
- Chapter 4: Sensory camps and group classes
- Module 16: Office Strategies & Implementation
*Associated workshops for sensory camps and group classes
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
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- Bonus Module: Success Strategies
- Chapter 1: Neuroscience of Communication for Building a Waiting List Practice
- Chapter 2: Communicating chiropractic neuroscience to the public
- Chapter 3: Communicating chiropractic care for pregnant mothers, babies and children to other health professionals and stimulate strong referrals
- Chapter 4: Connecting and communicating your message with schools
- Chapter 5: How to successfully master social media marketing
- Bonus Module: Success Strategies
Instructors: Dr. Monika Buerger (Chapter 1), Dr. Heidi Haavik (Chapter 2), Dr. Nicole Lindsey (Chapter 3), Susan Quam-Weinstein (Chapter 4) and Nicole Cowley, ChiroSocial Tech (Chapter 5)
Clinical Rounds
Clinical rounds classes will be held on Tuesday’s from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM MST one time per month in a “live webinar” classroom setting. Each DMU student is required to submit at least two case presentations during their enrollment prior to certification. This time will be used to discuss cases, answer questions and/or present any new material or information that may be appropriate.
Classes will be recorded and available to all students for continued listening and learning!
Live Intensive & Functional Assessment (26 hours)
This class will be held one time per year. Location and dates TBD each year.
Functional Assessment of on-line curriculum material:
*Must attend for certification with exception to Intersect4Life Lifetime Achievement Doctors
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- Hands-on assessment, integration and implementation of primitive & postural reflexes learned through the on-line curriculum
- Hand on assessment of sensory-motor evaluations
- Hands-on Precision NeuroIntegration Protocols ™
- Hands-on Brain Circuit Training ™
- Open forum
Instructor: Dr. Monika Buerger
Neurodevelopmental disorders and chronic disease in children: Gut, immune, and bionutritional considerations for special populations:
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- “Gut Rehab” 101
- Immune dysfunction 101
- The Cell Danger Response
- Mitochondrial considerations
Instructors: Dr. Janet Lintala and Dr. Elizabeth Mumper
Tuition Investment for Live Intensive:
developingMINDS students: $399
General attendees: 599
Chiropractic CE’s: 50
Full Program Payment Options (for on-line curriculum)
One-time payment:$6,480 (savings of $750)
Fast tract (1 year): Four modules to be released every ninety days
Tuition Investment: $1,800 per quarter
Traditional tract (2 years): Two modules to be released every ninety days
Tuition Investment: $900 per quarter
*Note: DMU will carry your tuition costs with no finance charges for the length of your contract (Fast tract or Traditional tract)
Classes will remain available for two additional years from anticipated finish date.