The Model: Surf'sUP Method®️
The Surf'sUP Method, developed over many years by Dr. Hodges, is a universal developmental framework with practical tips for interacting with children. It redefines social-emotional development—not as an isolated skill to be taught to kids, but as a capacity that slowly emerges over time through co-regulation, rhythm, narrative, and efficacy. Rooted in neuroscience, developmental psychology, and ethical critique, this initiative responds to the urgent need for alternatives to developmentally insensitive models in education and mental health. It calls for systems where children—including neurodivergent learners—are supported by attuned adults, structured environments with high expectations, and dignity-based practices. Drawing on hundreds of cross-disciplinary studies, through Surf'sUP Method we educate policymakers and institutions on how they can move towards innovative relational ecosystems that promote resilience, agency, and developmental momentum.
First and foremost, Surf'sUP Method recognizes the following prerequisites for a meaningful and productive life:
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Stress: Having a decent threshold for stress
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Emotional Courage: Willingness to confront existential challenges for greater goals.
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Emotional Capacity: Volume and depth of emotions a person can tolerate at any given time.
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Well-Being: Purpose, direction, and human connection.
Surf'sUP Method offers adults communication skills that seamlessly integrate into daily routines in any home or school. Through Surf'sUP Method, adults can supports emotional courage in kids, enabling them to confront significant challenges, thereby improving overall well-being.
Holistic Approach
Surf'sUP Method considers developmental needs, physical health, circadian rhythms, manageable stress, and stress-related growth.
Clinical Application and Expansion
In her private practice, Dr. Hodges has successfully employed Surf'sUP Method℠ for clinical purposes for over 12 years. Driven by her professional aspirations, societal needs, and feedback from clients, she now offers Surf'sUP Method℠ in an educational format to educators, school administrators, and school staff through Raising Moxie.
Benefits Across Settings
For educators, these skills do not interfere with instructional time in core subjects. Teachers report that they love there is a framework and discrete skills within that framework that they can use flexibly to support healthy classrooms. Parents who have taken the course report increased harmony and teamwork at home.
Through immersive workshops, parents and professionals will gain transformative tools to strengthen youth resilience, emotional capacity, and well-being. Participants will:
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Deepen their understanding of the connections between physical and mental health.
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Identify the individual assets that lead to bravery in childhood.
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Recognize the environmental factors that support individual assets that cultivate courage.
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Sharpen situational awareness and mindfulness to enhance presence, empathy, and decision-making in high-stakes moments with young people.
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Master developmentally informed communication strategies proven to proactively reduce stress and to increase stress tolerance in children—then practice them through role-play.
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Harness the science of stress-related growth, learning how to pace and leverage stress as a catalyst for positive childhood development.
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Refine expectations and boundary-setting skills, ensuring alignment with developmental realities and applying techniques through guided practice.
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Adapt and optimize youth programs across settings—including home, school, and community spaces—integrating evidence-based insights from psychology.
