Karla Proaño is an educational neuropsychologist, consultant, and early childhood specialist whose work blends neuroscience, developmental science, technology integration, and play-based approaches to learning. Originally from Quito, Ecuador, and now based in New Jersey, she brings a deep passion for integrating neuroscience, play, and emotional intelligence to transform the way children learn and educators lead.
Karla created the REPAL Model, based on NeuroPlay, to fill the gap between playful, relationship-based learning and evidence-based executive function development. As Founder of the REPAL Neurodevelopment Center™, she leads this neuroeducation-based framework today — built on the principle of “connection before cognition” and guiding children’s learning and emotional growth through purposeful, relationship-based play. Her work offers a holistic, inclusive framework grounded in neuropsychology and supported by tech-enhanced strategies.
Karla is currently an Ed.D. candidate in Educational Technology Leadership at Kean University, where her dissertation research centers on early childhood educators implementing the REPAL Framework. As an educational neuropsychologist, she combines this academic work with years of hands-on experience as a Clinical Center Supervisor and Child Development Specialist, and holds credentials as a CDA Professional Development Specialist, IMH-E® (Infant Mental Health), and DIRFloortime Clinical Supervisor.
Her approach is non-clinical, play-based, and family-centered, always focused on observing, understanding, and empowering each child’s unique way of connecting and learning. Through the REPAL Framework’s family, educator, and therapist editions, Karla provides individualized guidance that nurtures emotional regulation, communication, and executive functioning skills — while also empowering educators and leaders to integrate neuroscience, empathy, and digital fluency into their practice.
Karla is the author of My Magic Guide to Conflict Resolution, a resource blending emotional awareness and practical strategies to support children’s growth and resilience, and is currently completing From Connection to Cognition: A Practical Neuroeducational Guide for Early Childhood Educators, published in both English and Spanish. Her published article, “From Regulation to Innovation: The NeuroPlay REPAL® Framework as a Pathway for Whole-Child Learning in the Digital Age,” reflects her ongoing academic contributions to the field. She has shared her work internationally as a speaker in Ecuador and Peru, and is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education.
Her philosophy is simple yet powerful:
“When we understand the brain and connect with the heart, learning becomes a joyful and transformative experience.”
With heart, purpose, and science, Karla continues to inspire families, educators, and communities to see education not just as instruction, but as connection, discovery, and growth.