Speaking engagements

Hire Polina as a facilitator and presenter to educate professionals on the latest research in trauma-informed, neurodiversity affirming practices.
Hire Polina

Speaking engagements

Hire Polina as a facilitator and presenter to educate professionals on the latest research in trauma-informed, neurodiversity affirming practices.
Hire Polina

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Testimonials

  • "Thank you for sharing your expertise. Refreshing to hear how to really connect with the children we treat. So much work still ahead in the school systems."
    Leslie
    WEBINAR PARTICIPANT
  • “Session helped me understand the challenging behaviors seen in pre-k & kinders and also in neurodiverse kids - this was so helpful to understand how to communicate/respond (or not) within those behaviors - loved the connections to neuroscience.”
    Leslie
    WEBINAR PARTICIPANT
  • “Your 2 day training was AMAZING. I really enjoyed and learned so much! I’m so happy I attended. Thank you!”
    D.P.
    WEBINAR PARTICIPANT
  • "This has been so much wonderful content and it can be applied to everyone and I know I will be challenging myself to use these approaches in my home and with my students."
    D.P.
    WEBINAR PARTICIPANT
  • “I will use the knowledge of EF and behavior issues to help explain why some of my students are having difficulties in this area with classroom teachers and other professionals.”
    C.A.
    WEBINAR PARTICIPANT
  • “I took a deep dive on your page and immediately I was able to recognize where I’ve gone wrong and some new ways to adjust how I’ve gone about my approach. Thank you very much for posting all the information.”
    C.A.
    WEBINAR PARTICIPANT
  • “I was able to consider different phrasing to support the adults (teachers, parents) in understanding behavior from the child's perspective. Thank you.”
    Dayana
    WEBINAR PARTICIPANT
  • "One of the best trainings I have been a part of. Tons and tons of info, lots of examples, and I very much enjoyed the vibe of Polina. Will be looking for more trainings by her. Thank you!"
    Dayana
    WEBINAR PARTICIPANT
  • "I will use the techniques to build rapport and help develop comfort and safety."
    Dayana
    WEBINAR PARTICIPANT

Upcoming and current presentations

March 17 - 18
09:00AM - 4:00PM ET

Executive Function Mastery Course
Evidence-Based Strategies to Improve Attention, Memory & Self-Regulation in Kids and Teens

When executive function skills lag, everyday challenges with attention, memory, transitions, and emotional regulation can become overwhelming. In this self-paced training, Lynne Kenney, Polina Shkadron, and Peg Dawson explore evidence-based strategies for strengthening executive function in children and teens across ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning differences. Through a multidisciplinary framework grounded in neuroscience, participants learn to look beyond behavior and identify what may be blocking skill access. The course offers practical tools for assessment, sensory-motor integration, environmental supports, coaching, and co-regulation, helping professionals build individualized strategies that strengthen attention, cognitive flexibility, self-regulation, and independence across home, school, and clinical settings.
REGISTER HERE

March 17 - 18
09:00AM - 4:00PM ET

The “Not So Picky” Picky Eater

What starts as “picky eating” is often far more complex than it seems. In this pre-recorded training, Polina Shkadron explores how early food experiences, trauma, neurodivergence, and family dynamics shape a child’s relationship with eating — and how selective eating can evolve into persistent feeding challenges, including ARFID. Using a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming framework grounded in neuroscience and health behavior change, this session moves beyond surface-level strategies to address the emotional and behavioral roots of feeding difficulties. Participants gain practical tools to understand anxious mealtimes, the impact of labeling, and the gut-brain connection, while supporting families in building calmer, more sustainable feeding relationships.
REGISTER HERE

4-month online & immersive group training

4-month online & immersive group training

ADHD + Autism Dual Certification for Rehab Professionals

This cohort-based training explores the intersection of ADHD, autism, sensory processing, and nervous system regulation in rehabilitation practice. Designed for OTs, SLPs, and PTs, it examines how executive dysfunction, motor planning challenges, interoception, medication timing, and environmental factors shape behavior across settings. Using a neurodiversity-affirming, nervous-system-informed framework grounded in neuroscience, participants learn to distinguish sensory overload, regulation challenges, and executive dysfunction — and respond with interventions that work in real life. Through case-based learning and caregiver coaching strategies, clinicians gain practical tools to support regulation, strengthen carryover, and improve functional outcomes across the lifespan.
REGISTER HERE

February 19, 2026 · 08:00AM - 4:00PM CT

March 17 - 18
09:00AM - 4:00PM ET

Executive Functioning in Children and Adolescents

Meltdowns, shutdowns, resistance, and “defiance” often mask what’s really happening in the brain – executive function overload. For kids with ADHD or Autism, their ability to plan, shift, and self-regulate collapses under stress, leaving adults unsure how to help. This hands-on training bridges neuroscience and practice to give you concrete tools that promote emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and engagement – without relying on compliance charts or behavioral control. Through real-world examples, clinical demonstrations, and interactive activities, Polina Shkadron will share strategies that build executive skills through language, movement, and emotional safety.
REGISTER HERE

Past presentations

February 19, 2026 · 08:00AM - 4:00PM CT

NOVEMBER 16 
10:30AM - 11:30AM PT

Executive Functioning in Children and Adolescents

Meltdowns, shutdowns, resistance, and “defiance” often mask what’s really happening in the brain – executive function overload. For kids with ADHD or Autism, their ability to plan, shift, and self-regulate collapses under stress, leaving adults unsure how to help. This hands-on training bridges neuroscience and practice to give you concrete tools that promote emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and engagement – without relying on compliance charts or behavioral control. Through real-world examples, clinical demonstrations, and interactive activities, Polina Shkadron will share strategies that build executive skills through language, movement, and emotional safety.
MORE INFORMATION

November 13 · 09:00AM - 04:00PM ET

NOVEMBER 16 
10:30AM - 11:30AM PT

Advanced application and knowledge of executive functioning: Clinical focus

This is an advanced course examining executive functioning difficulties in neurodivergent populations, including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. The impact of a skill deficit in the areas of executive functioning is described through in-depth case studies and clinical examples, indicating how a relationship-based approach addresses language and behaviors. Supportive strategies are demonstrated for participants to partake in cooperative problem solving for managing challenging situations.
MORE INFORMATION

July 16 · 09:00AM ET

NOVEMBER 16 
10:30AM - 11:30AM PT

The "not so picky" picky eater

This session will introduce you to the foundations of mealtimes and how early food experiences, along with environmental stressors impact the child and the family. It addresses the impact of anxious mealtimes, offering strategies grounded in theories of health behavior change to heal the food relationship by putting theory into practice. The labels of eating and feeding are discussed, explaining how those labels negatively affect health outcomes. Participants also learn the nuanced differences between praise and encouragement, as well as how mealtimes are interconnected with executive function skills.
MORE INFORMATION

June 4 · 09:00AM - 04:00PM ET

NOVEMBER 16 
10:30AM - 11:30AM PT

Executive functioning: Brain based solutions and practical insights

This training presents a dynamic, relationship-based approach to conceptualizing executive function skills from a neurodevelopmental perspective. Understanding the brain hierarchy and developmental expectations from infancy into adulthood brings the impact of executive function challenges to the forefront. The areas of cognition, language, and social-emotional growth are deeply rooted in children establishing the necessary foundational capacities for learning. A framework that focuses on the roles of self-regulation and essential precursors to emotional development is integral to practicing treatment approaches that are in-tune with current, brain-based research.
MORE INFORMATION

March 17 - 18 · 09:00AM - 04:00PM ET

NOVEMBER 16 
10:30AM - 11:30AM PT

Executive functioning: From foundation to application for neurodivergent clients

This 2-day intensive training presents a dynamic, relationship-based approach to conceptualizing executive function skills from a neurodevelopmental perspective. A framework that focuses on the roles of self-regulation and essential precursors to emotional development is integral to practicing treatment approaches that are in-tune with current, brain-based research. For neurodivergent populations, executive functioning difficulties underlie daily struggles. An in-depth analysis of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and developmental learning disability will be explored through case studies to indicate the progression of executive functioning.
MORE INFORMATION

FEBRUARY 22  · 10:50AM MT

NOVEMBER 16 
10:30AM - 11:30AM PT

Mealtimes are more than just eating: The mental health and nutrition connection

This session explores the connections between mealtimes and mental health, focusing on how early food experiences and environmental stressors shape long-term well-being. It addresses the impact of eating labels and family dynamics on the gut-brain axis, offering strategies grounded in theories of health behavior change to heal the food relationship.
MORE INFORMATION

NOVEMBER 16 · 10:30AM - 11:30AM PT

NOVEMBER 16 
10:30AM - 11:30AM PT

It's not a misbehavior, it's a regulation challenge

The intricacies of play therapy from a relationship model will be outlined for participants to examine a child's play perspective and how to acknowledge individual differences within a supportive space. This presentation will showcase the immense, evidence-based benefits of play therapy for ADHD kids, especially in the areas of working memory, impulse inhibition, and cognitive flexibility.

The way in which theory of mind is connected to challenges experienced by the ADHD population will further be examined in relation to social understanding and perspective taking.
MORE INFORMATION

OCTOBER 19 · 09:00AM - 04:00PM ET

OCTOBER 19 
9AM - 4PM ET

Executive functioning: Brain-based solutions and practical insights

This training presents a dynamic, relationship-based approach to conceptualizing executive function skills from a neurodevelopmental perspective. The areas of cognition, language, and social-emotional growth are deeply rooted in children establishing the necessary foundational capacities for learning. A framework that focuses on the roles of self-regulation and essential precursors to emotional development is presented. Challenges in executive function skills for Autistic, ADHD and DLD clients are explained to help mold individualized intervention.
MORE INFORMATION

September 29 · 02:00pm - 03:00pm CT

September 29 
2pm - 3pm CT

It's not a misbehavior, it's a regulation challenge

This session presents a dynamic, relationship-based approach to conceptualizing executive function skills from a neurodevelopmental perspective. The areas of language and social-emotional growth are deeply rooted in children establishing the necessary foundational capacities for learning. The presentation will showcase the immense, evidence-based benefits of play therapy for ADHD kids, especially in the areas of working memory, impulse inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. Considering the neurodivergent brain in relation to self-determination theory (SDT) will be outlined and expanded upon when it comes to school struggles. The way in which we should support ADHD kids will be connected to self-regulation and the impact of a skill deficit in the areas of executive functioning.

MORE INFORMATION

Professional development topics

Understanding executive functioning: Brain-based solutions and practical insights

This training presents a relationship-based approach to executive function skills from a neurodevelopmental perspective. A framework that focuses on the roles of self-regulation and emotional development is integral to treatment approaches that are in-tune with current, brain-based research. Considering challenges in EF skills for Autistic and ADHD kids, as well as children with developmental language disorders, helps to mold individualized intervention.

Learning objectives

  1. Participants will define executive functioning and explain the precursors necessary for development from infancy into adulthood.
  2. Participants will identify the brain regions necessary for integration to support executive function skills and reflect on how stress derails EF development.
  3. Participants will connect language, cognition and social-emotional development to the foundations of executive functioning.
  4. Participants will explain the core developmental challenges in Autism, ADHD, and DLD to demonstrate how to support foundational growth across environments.
  5. Participants will discuss five benefits for using developmental, relational, and play-based approaches in therapy to address executive function challenges.

Advanced application and knowledge of executive functioning: Clinical focus

This is an advanced course examining executive functioning difficulties in neurodivergent populations, including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. The impact of a skill deficit in the areas of executive functioning is described through in-depth case studies and clinical examples, indicating how a relationship-based approach addresses language and behaviors. Supportive strategies are demonstrated for participants to partake in cooperative problem solving for managing challenging situations.

Learning objectives

  1. Participants will identify the foundational capacities that underlie common struggles of neurodivergent clients, including autism, ADHD, and DLD.
  2. Participants will discuss how relational and play-based therapy address challenges associated with autism, ADHD, and DLD, including social emotional skills, executive functioning, and theory of mind.
  3. Participants will connect brain-based research in trauma-informed education to weaknesses in executive functioning domains.
  4. Participants will analyze the core developmental deficits in neurodivergent populations to determine effective strategies that support foundational growth across environments.

Executive functioning: From foundation to application for neurodiverse clients

This 2-day training presents a comprehensive framework that focuses on the roles of self-regulation and emotional development as precursors to building executive function skills. An in-depth analysis of autism, ADHD, and developmental learning disability connects EF challenges to neurodevelopmental models, including Maslow’s Hierarchy. Clinical examples explain the need for bottom-up developmental therapeutic interventions, as opposed to those that prioritize top-down consequence-based methods.

Learning objectives

Learning Objectives Day 1:

  1. Participants will define executive functioning and explain how pertinent skills are represented in daily living.
  2. Participants will discuss the main purpose of whole-brain integration using knowledge of brain hierarchy.
  3. Participants will analyze the connections among executive functioning, cognition, language, and social-emotional development to understand how these domains are intertwined with essential components of EF skills.
  4. Participants will track the progression of executive function skills through play development to discuss the benefits of using play in therapeutic intervention.

Learning Objectives Day 2:

  1. Participants will identify the foundational capacities that underlie common struggles in Autism, ADHD, and DLD.
  2. Participants will discuss how relational and play-based therapy address executive function challenges, including higher-level processes, for neurodivergent populations.
  3. Participants will analyze the core difficulties experienced by ND kids and teens to determine and implement effective strategies across environments.
  4. Participants will connect how derailment of EF impacts development and affects future health outcomes.

Food experiences and mental health in a stress induced age: Shifting the paradigm

Based on theories of health behavior change, influences on our food choices are initiated early in development. Environmental characteristics either assist or significantly disrupt the formation of a positive relationship with food. The way in which mealtime is approached impacts one’s mental health status from childhood into adulthood. By enhancing the mealtime environment and furthering our understanding of health behavior change, we can utilize preventative measures to heal the connections made with food.

Learning objectives

  1. Participants will explain how early feeding experiences affect development.
  2. Participants will link theoretical constructs to child-caregiver feeding practices.
  3. Participants will analyze the body’s response to environmental stressors to explain hunger and satiety cues.
  4. Participants will describe the connection between ACEs and health outcomes.
  5. Participants will select 3 key strategies for enhancing mealtimes.

Mealtimes are more than just eating: The mental health and food connection

This training presents an in-depth perspective into mealtime development, including our food choices. The way in which mealtime is approached and the labels we receive when it comes to feeding, including “the picky eater,” the “food neophobic eater,” and the “avoidant/restrictive” eater, have a major impact on one’s mental health status into adulthood. The gut-brain axis and the overwhelming obesity epidemic are also described and connected to environmental stressors, trauma, and family dynamics.

Learning objectives

  1. Participants will list the building blocks of mealtime and explain how early feeding experiences affect development.
  2. Participants will link theoretical constructs of health behavior change to feeding practices and the impacts environmental stressors have on the food relationship.
  3. Participants will define the characteristics of ARFID and make connections to the diagnostic impacts on mental health.
  4. Participants will analyze the gut-brain axis to understand how the body responds to stress and explain the override of hunger and satiety cues.
  5. Participants will select 3 key strategies for enhancing the mealtime environment focusing on preventative measure to health disparities.

Social emotional regulation through play: Understanding challenging behaviors

In this workshop, we will delve into an innovative and dynamic approach that places relationships at the core intervention. By linking executive function skills to neurodevelopment, we gain insights into the mechanisms that contribute to effective emotional regulation.

Learning objectives

  1. Participants will define executive functioning and explain how pertinent skills are represented in daily living.
  2. Participants will discuss the main purpose of whole-brain integration using knowledge of brain hierarchy.
  3. Participants will analyze the connections among executive functioning, language, and social-emotional development.
  4. Participants will discuss the benefits of using a relationship-based approach in therapeutic intervention.

Building executive functioning from the bottom-up: Practical insights across the lifespan

This workshop presents a dynamic, relationship-based approach to conceptualizing executive function skills from a neurodevelopmental perspective. Understanding the brain hierarchy and developmental expectations from infancy into adulthood brings the impact of executive function challenges to the forefront, especially in the ADHD population. A framework that focuses on the roles of self regulation and essential precursors to emotional development is discussed including how stressors can derail executive functioning capacities.

Learning objectives

  1. Participants will define executive functioning and explain how pertinent skills are represented in daily living.
  2. Participants will analyze the connection between executive functioning and social-emotional development in order to understand how they are intertwined.
  3. Participants will explain the core deficits in ADHD and demonstrate how to support foundational growth across environments.
  4. Participants will recognize how various stressors impact executive function skills in order to understand the importance of regulation.

Meet Polina

MA/SLP, MSNE, CTP, ADHD-RSP
Polina is a trauma and ADHD certified speech-language pathologist, family communication and feeding expert. As a specialist in Autism, ADHD, and language and literacy difficulties, she uses play to engage with each child’s unique perspective. She explains that understanding the “why” is not enough because parents, educators and professionals need to know the “how.” This is where her cross-disciplinary approach incorporates brain-based research and the development of executive function skills.

Polina earned her Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from CUNY Queens College, where she held the position of adjunct lecturer for seven years. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Nutrition Education from American University, which has transformed the feeding therapy aspect of her practice, focusing on ARFID. Polina is an integrator of information, continuously expanding and evolving her knowledge to ensure effective therapeutic interventions.
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