THE PAUSE/PAWS™ FRAMEWORK

From Reaction to Reflection:

A Framework for Emotional Development and Decision-Making (EDDM)

The PAUSE/PAWS™ Framework is a trauma-informed, neuroinclusive approach designed to support Emotional Development and Decision-Making (EDDM) across multiple ages, stages, identities, and abilities.

Positioning you to PAUSE™ and make space for choices that align with your growth.

Why I Created the PAUSE/PAWS™ Framework

The PAUSE/PAWS™ Framework wasn’t born in a classroom.

It was born in my life.

While it’s been embraced by early years educators and child-focused programs, what makes this framework truly unique is its transferability. It’s not just for early learners. It’s for youth navigating identity, adults managing overwhelm, and life learners trying to slow down long enough to make intentional decisions.

And that includes me.

In my 20s, I migrated to a new country. As an undiagnosed neurodivergent learner with ADHD, I was constantly navigating internal turmoil, external expectations, and impulsive tendencies I didn’t yet understand. While I found ways to perform, I didn’t always feel supported, seen, or prepared. On paper, I had everything: I was studying full-time, working part-time, living independently, and building a growing social circle.

But in practice? I was operating on autopilot—saying “yes” to things I should’ve declined, and “no” to things I actually needed. I moved too fast until I burned out. Then I collapsed completely.

Like a pendulum, I swung between extremes:

Go, go, go → Full shutdown → Repeat

What I didn’t have was a moment to PAUSE™.

I didn’t have language for what I was feeling, or tools to manage the information and decisions coming at me too fast.

Whether you're a child struggling to name a feeling or an adult navigating a big life shift and trying to change patterns that no longer serve you, this framework meets you where you are and gives you what I wish I had:

⏸ Structure without shame

⏸ Support without suppression

⏸ Space to choose, reflect, and grow

Because learning to PAUSE™ can change everything.

If I’d had the PAUSE/PAWS™ Framework then, I believe I could’ve found balance before the breaking point.

I would’ve learned how to:

⏸ Sit with a feeling before reacting

⏸ Say no with confidence

⏸ Ask for support before unravelling

⏸ Recognize that stillness is not stagnation

I created this framework so you don’t have to wait for a crisis to choose clarity.

PAUSE/PAWS™ teaches that powerful decisions come from

Reflection — Not Reaction

Who Is the PAUSE/PAWS™ Framework For?

  • Four children jumping in the grass looking up at a ball in the air.

    Educators.

    From EarlyONs, Montessori schools, and childcare centres to school boards and higher education classrooms, I will position you to PAUSE™ to lead, teach and support from a place of co-regulation and reflection, not reaction.

    PAUSE. Reflect. Support.
  • A woman and child hugging.

    Families + Youth Groups.

    Positioning youth to PAUSE™ and make decisions with intention instead of impulse. Positioning families to PAUSE™ to recognize the need behind the noise, shift from chaos to clarity, and support emotional development.

    PAUSE. Listen. Connect.
  • Two people standing and hugging in a room with other people sitting around them.

    Wellness Leaders + Mental Health Practitioners

    Positioning you to PAUSE™ so every decision is grounded, informed, and intentional. Reconnect with your values before making your next move with simple, trauma-informed tools for reflection and purposeful progress.

    PAUSE. Heal. Empower.

Don’t see yourself in that list—but see yourself reflected in my story?

⏸ Maybe you’ve made fast decisions you regret.

⏸ Maybe you’re tired of reacting before you’ve had a chance to reflect.

⏸ Maybe you know there’s a better way forward… but haven’t had the language or tools to name it.

Before you walk away, PAUSE™.

Let’s talk about how this framework might fit your life, your learners, or your leadership.