Brain Training Center Comes to Howard County

By Jillian Diamond, Feb 11, 2025

The Brain Balance Achievement Center program is coming to Howard County, offering resources for children and adults who aim to improve their focus, cognitive skills and mental health. The Brain Balance curriculum pairs participating students with a “cognitive coach,” whom they work with on improving and training mental facilities like behavior, focus and sensory processing, all without the use of drugs.

The Brain Balance Achievement Center’s owners, Johns Hopkins University professor Beth Snow and entrepreneur Chris D’Avanzo, opened a temporary pop-up center in Columbia Feb. 3 to introduce the program to the community and families of prospective students. The Center is set to open its permanent location in April.

The program is focused on strengthening the five domains of brain health—sensory, motor, behavioral, socio-emotional and cognitive—through the usage of physical and mental exercises that stimulate the brain. It also involves nutritional diet, ensuring that students are feeding their brains in more ways than one.

“After an assessment in our center, an individualized program is built for each participant,” Snow explains. “In-center, hybrid or at-home virtual sessions are set up for participants three times a week. These sessions with a dedicated coach include scientifically proven physical, sensory and cognitive exercises that enhance focus, mood, memory and overall daily behavior. … Small victories each day in areas such as balance, coordination, agility and cognition can lead to changes in the brain’s connectivity for enhanced overall well-being.”

Snow got involved in Brain Balance after a long career of working with students with ADHD and other learning differences. She was introduced to the program by a colleague whose partner operated three Brain Balance Achievement Centers in California. But when she looked into the program closer to home, she found that the closest center to her was 100 miles away.

Brain Balance Lead Coach Becca Woodland guides her participant through ab exercises as part of their program. (Caylie Silviera)

Howard County was chosen for the new location because of its proximity to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., ensuring its convenience for students from both cities and their surrounding areas.

Part of what sets Brain Balance apart is its holistic approach to mental wellness. The general idea is that different parts of the brain are connected, regardless of their different functions. Issues with attention span and sensory difficulties can be linked to poor connections between different parts of the brain, so Brain Balance training works to reforge and reinforce these neural pathways. These exercises can improve memory, focus, behavioral self-control and motivation, along with a number of other crucial skills.

“Stronger connections translate to improved attention, behaviors and social-emotional well-being,” Snow explains. “Gains in developmental reflexes, motor coordination, rhythm and timing, visual coordination and sensory perception can lead to improved experiences at home and in school. Often families or adults arrive at Brain Balance having tried many strategies or modalities, and we are excited to offer this holistic integrated approach to those who are struggling or wish ‘things could be better.’”

Brain Balance’s data states that as of January 2025, it has helped over 60,000 patients across the country. Snow says she hopes the program can bring similar benefits to the Baltimore and DMV areas.

“I love connecting with people and hearing their stories,” Snow says. “I have learned over the years that each person’s brain is unique and is like a gift to unwrap. I look forward to sharing how Brain Balance can help enhance people’s lived experiences. It is an honor to provide a service to others that creates real change.”

View this content on Baltimore’s Child Website