Emery Brown, NCSP, SB-RPT – Rethinking How Schools Respond to Student Behavior
SUMMARY:
In this episode of TLC Connections, John Moody speaks with Emery Brown, NCSP, SB-RPT, a school psychologist with The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth. Emery discusses her work expanding mental health services in Camden City School District under a federal grant to build a multi-tiered support system.
She explains how child-centered play therapy and strong adult-child relationships foster self-regulation and belonging.Emery highlights Ukeru, a trauma-informed, restraint-free approach to crisis de-escalation that prioritizes safety over control. She also shares insights on teacher consultation, family partnerships, and her leadership with the Gloucester County Collaborative of School Psychologists.
GUEST BIO:
Emery Brown is a nationally certified school psychologist, school-based registered play therapist, and certified Ukeru trainer. A contributing writer for Education Week, her work focuses on equipping schools with trauma-informed tools to ensure students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Emery Brown LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emery-brown-b3a938180/?isSelfProfile=false
Emery’s Ukeru Trainer Spotlight: https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGE0OGEzNTRmLTIyODEtNDBkOS05MjAzLWE5MDA5ODc2ZmU3OAAQAGCU1Xx67bNIlBJw2kJZrfM%3D
Emery’s August 2026 Education Week article about developing student leadership and confidence at an early age: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-even-2nd-graders-are-leaders-in-my-school-heres-what-that-looks-like/2026/08
Information about trauma-informed, restraint-free behavior management: https://www.ukerusystems.com/
Information about play therapy and professional credentials: https://www.a4pt.org/
Resources on school psychology and comprehensive school psychological services: https://www.nasponline.org/
SPONSOR:
The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia Area and operating in multiple states. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing K-12 education, behavioral health care, outpatient therapy, wellness coaching, professional development, and grant management services.