Dr. Tere Linzey is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and the founder of BrainMatterZ, a program meant to improve auditory processing, executive functioning skills, attention/focus, and memory in youths. Dr. Linzey specializes in “Brain Optimization,” or the practice of training ones brain to develop optimal fundamental skills that are necessary for learning. Dr. Linzey is certified in Neuropsychology and holds three additional masters degrees.
FWM: Tell us about BrainMatterZ and your multi-faceted approach.
In the age of neuroplasticity, we now know that we can build cognitive capacity at any age. Brains and muscles train the same, so we train brains the way an athlete trains for excellence! Because it takes 20 hours to create new neuro-pathways we work on the fundamental skills pertinent for learning and productivity, just like an athlete would practice the fundamental skills for his/her sport. After the transformation, learning and performance are enhanced and the individual becomes empowered!
FWM: You have helped students improve test-taking skills, improve issues with dyslexia, concussions, and ADHD. Explain.
The steps to success:
A baseline is established through a quick assessment to determine
what needs optimization.
Next we provide 20 hours of brain optimization in the areas of need, like dyslexia, attention, executive functioning,or test taking.
The process entails repetition, speed training, visual spatial training and focus, along with scaffolding to “make the practice harder than the game” so to speak.
When fundamental skills such as attention, visual processing speed, and auditory processing are optimized, then test taking gets stronger, dyslexia and ADHD are minimized and the student feels more confident performing in the school environment or an adult more productive in the work arena.
FWM: “What we “practice” is what we hardwire is the philosophy behind BrainMatterZ. Share a few success stories.
Since ” what you practice is what you hardwire,” it’s very important that you are practicing the things that move you closer to your goals. Students have raised SAT scores by 200 points and were able to get into their first choice college. One student raised his scores so much that he was flagged for cheating and I had to write him a letter. Parents have reported their non-readers beginning to read for pleasure. Many students report better eye-hand coordination which helps in sports and easier, faster reading speed. Many students have even reported that zoom classes were easier for them after the program.Many people fly in from out of the country to do the program so we developed a Brain Lab Intensive which is 4 hours daily for 5 days. They can get their 20 hours in and we have also added some mental health to that since COVID. It’s quite effective and they only have to work hard for 5 days.
FWM: Tell us about your book, Measuring Up; The Go-To Guide for Parents & Students Looking for an Edge in the Hyper-Competitive World of Education. Why is the book a must-have as students are heading back to school?
I wrote Measuring Up for parents because navigating public and private education is very difficult if you don’t know the system. I later republished it after we completed the clinical trials. It’s particularly important now because parents need to know that there are solutions to the “learning loss” and deficits that students may encounter as a result of COVID. In addition, Adults need to also know there are interventions available for ” Zoom Gloom” and productivity in the workplace.
FWM: What is the secret to learning success?
The secret to performance in anything, whether it’s learning or sports or productivity, is making sure your brain is working at an optimal level. We all rise to the ” level of our training,” no matter what we are attempting to accomplish. If you want to get better at something, there is no shortcut when it comes to the art of practice! It’s a very simple, fundamental approach to life and success that I wish more people understood. Right now, we are working with many students 1-1 or in Brain Labs, making sure that they go back to school with their fundamentals of learning in optimal shape. Think of it like an athlete, say a tennis player, getting his/her forehand, backhand, and serve ready to go for league play. That’s what we are doing for kids right now– getting their focus, executive functioning skills, visual and auditory processing back in shape for them. Parents who are doing that for their children will be glad they did!
