We envision a world where people are prepared to handle challenges with resilience and empathy.

Founders

Founder of Pathways to Empower

Dr. Donna Volpitta

Always an educator, Dr. Volpitta loves finding ways to translate neuroscience so that people can apply it to their own lives. Her work is grounded in the latest research in neurology, psychology, and education. She is the co-author of The Resilience Formula, author of Neuroworld, co-creator of the Nametags Education Program, and is a sought-after speaker. A former classroom teacher (and mother of 4 adolescents!) with experience in both general and special education, Donna holds a doctoral degree in Learning Dis/Abilities from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Co-Founder/CEO

Jason Schofield

With a strong background in coaching, management, entrepreneurial consulting, and developing products and services in the technology space, Jason brings his creative spirit and forward-thinking mindset to the Pathways products. Jason feels incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to unite his three main passions, education, health, and entrepreneurship, through Pathways to Empower.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why do you use cartoon characters to explain the brain?

    Some people think cartoons are, "just for kids", we disagree. So does Pixar, South Park, Rick & Morty, etc. Most importantly, cartoons are memorable, relatable, and offer wide-ranging appeal.

  • Why do your professional development programs focus on educators first?

    Have you ever been on an airplane and seen the directions to put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting others. That's how resilience and mental wellness work too. Educators give, give, give, and often forget about themselves. Giving real-world applications for educators to use in their classrooms is incredibly important as well, so we include that too along with a TON of free age-appropriate activities.

  • We use an SEL (social emotional learning) curriculum, do we really need to add mental health?

    That question is similar to asking, "We have a math program, do we really need science?" Like math and science, SEL and mental health programming are different things that have some overlap. Many mental health literacy programs include SEL components but differ by educating people about their brains, coping, factors for wellness & illness, getting help, treatment, and strategies for maintaining health.

  • I've noticed your learning videos are all really short, why is that?

    We've found (and our users tend to agree) that it's easier to engage with the material this way. Learning should be relatable and light. Watching long dense videos creates the opposite experience. So we keep videos short, visual, and engaging then provide reflective activities that reinforce the content.

  • Our organization is overwhelmed, should we really add more to everyone's plate?

    Ultimately, that's up to you. But resilience and mental wellness directly help with that issue. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, after all.