Our mission is to promote emotional growth and self-understanding, with the ultimate goal of fostering a generation that is emotionally brilliant and prepared to face life’s challenges. We are committed to creating a world where emotional well-being is given the same value as intellectual growth.
GoEQ's™ curriculum's holistic approach, including brain health, lifestyle, and personal spirituality, is designed to meet the needs of the whole student as they learn about mental and emotional health. Created with students in mind, it’s structured to be accessible to students’ varied learning styles. Integrating science with reading, writing, research, art, and activities, cross-curricular connections are formed and students are challenged to apply their knowledge and learning techniques in each area of life.
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Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the greatest predictor of an individual’s success in their career and personal life. EQ is a critical component of positive mental health, reducing the likelihood of violence and drug abuse and increasing the probability of living a happy, fulfilling life.
One in every five children in the United States struggles with a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder. Thankfully, with the right tools, EQ can be taught, and children can develop the skills that have been proven to alleviate their struggles and help them achieve their fullest potential in and out of the classroom.
Schools provide an excellent opportunity for cultivating the principles and practices of emotional intelligence. While EQ has not traditionally been a part of the required curriculum, research shows that daily intentional instruction increases emotional intelligence in students. With GoEQ, students and teachers have all the tools they need to implement emotional intelligence education seamlessly into their classrooms.
The GoEQ™ Curriculum is the result of a collective dream to bring the principles of emotional intelligence and holistic mental and physical health to children and adolescents. Using the rich background of scientific research presented in Dr. Nedley’s published books and resources on mental health, a curriculum team of educators, mental health professionals, designers, and writers has crafted a turnkey, engaging program for K–12 students.
The original project, named Optimize Your Brain™, was initiated by the Pacific Judicial Council (PJC). They approached our advisor, Dr. Neil Nedley, with the request to create an emotional intelligence curriculum for Grades 1–12 in 2021 for the purpose of reducing mental illness, drug abuse, and violence in the Pacific islands.
In August 2021, lessons were tested for the first time at the Weimar Elementary School in California. One teacher reported that:
Testing lessons for the first time was exciting! We saw the curriculum come alive in the classroom and change students’ lives. One particularly difficult third grader began practicing self-control and emotion regulation strategies in the classroom and at home. His mother said, “I’ve never seen my son so calm. This program is truly amazing! It has completely transformed our family.”
Following the initial testing and revision of the curriculum, the team flew to Guam to present the Optimize Your Brain™ Curriculum for piloting to the PJC and Departments of Education from participating islands.
Beginning in January 2022, select public schools from Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Chuuk, Pohnpei, the Northern Mariana Islands, Yap, Kosrae, and American Samoa piloted the curriculum. In the initial pilot study run by the PJC, 21 schools taught the program and at least 500 students attended classes where the curriculum was taught. Following the curriculum pilot project, a reporting conference was held in December 2022 where teachers shared data collected and testimonies from their classrooms. Today, the Optimize Your Brain™ Curriculum is being implemented in many more public school classrooms in the Pacific island region.
In 2023, a new version, GoEQ™, was developed for schools in North America. The GoEQ™ Curriculum was launched to be piloted in K–12 classrooms through online access. Since then, the Lower and Upper Elementary materials have been refined based on pilot feedback and are now printed and available for purchase. The Middle School and High School pilot versions are still available online with updated printed versions coming in late 2025 and early 2026. We invite you to partner with us as we seek to bring emotional brilliance to every child and adolescent.
GoEQ™ is built on research-based principles that have helped thousands of people worldwide recover from depression and anxiety disorders, optimize their mental health, and lead fulfilling lives. This curriculum makes this knowledge accessible to school-aged children, offering an integrated SEL and health program resulting in a comprehensive approach to emotional intelligence and holistic well-being. Here’s a glimpse of what students can expect to explore and learn throughout the curriculum:
We've crafted our team with passion and purpose. Each member brings unique expertise and a deep commitment to fostering social and emotional growth.
Erica Nedley is a physical therapist and curriculum lead for GoEQ with a passion for emotional intelligence education.
Elisabeth Crabtree is a teacher and curriculum specialist who is passionate about mental health education for all ages!
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Amanda Anguish is a licensed marriage and family therapist who brings clinical insight to GoEQ.
Kelli Daugherty is a writer and editor specializing in health, religious, and educational materials.
Krystin is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and mental health coach
Josi Fossmeyer joined the GoEQ team in July of 2023 and has been working on content development for middle school.
Neil Nedley, MD, is president of Weimar University, founder of Nedley Health, and medical advisor for GoEQ™.
