(Dr. Holly Haynes, left, Executive Director of the Pillar Research Institute)
Meet Dr. Holly Haynes, Ed.D., the first Executive Director of the Pillar Research Institute. Pillar was established in 2024 to advance the IWBMCTM through data analysis, research, collaboration, and innovation. Drawn by our mission and the transformative work taking place on our flagship campuses, Dr. Haynes, a Harvard University graduate, is excited to advance educational and developmental neuroscience research through Pillar. We sat down with Dr. Haynes recently to learn more about the first-year plans for the institute and how Jacob’s Ladder’s 30 years of data will make an impact on the field of neuroscience. Check out our insightful interview!
Tell us about your background and your involvement in psychology and neuroscience.
“I always believed that problems could be solved by integrating various fields of study, which led to a rather eclectic educational background spanning history, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and neuroscience. It wasn’t until my senior year that I first took a neuroscience class, which truly captivated me. In graduate school, I studied under Dr. Kurt Fischer, a leader in developmental neuroscience, and worked in Dr. Ed Tronick’s laboratory at Children’s Hospital Boston. My academic journey evolved to explore prevention science, culture, and early childhood trauma, eventually merging with a deepening interest in mind-body connections.
Discovering neuroscience later in my undergraduate years and witnessing its renaissance during my graduate studies shaped my path profoundly. It’s remarkable how often the most impactful paths in life are those we least expect to take.”
What drew you to the Executive Director role at Pillar Research Institute?
“After completing my doctorate at Harvard University, I ventured into higher education teaching and administration, focusing on refining my teaching skills and striving to provide top-notch open-access education to students in California and Georgia. At Truett McConnell University in Georgia, where I developed psychology programs from the ground up, I first encountered Jacob’s Ladder through an invitation from the university president to visit this ‘amazing’ place to attend a meeting. Though I was initially reluctant to do so, I’ll never forget my first arrival on the Jacob’s Ladder campus. For those familiar with C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, I felt awestruck like Lucy when she stepped into Narnia. I remember thinking that this would be an incredible place to work if I ever left Truett.
So, when Amy O’Dell reached out about the Pillar opening, I knew in my heart it was the right place for me. But I want to emphasize that Jacob’s Ladder isn’t just another workplace—it’s an organization doing vital work, creating a sense of belonging for families and children facing neurodevelopmental challenges. It’s the mission, the people, and the meaningful work that truly draw me to this place. Looking back, I’m reminded of how God can guide our paths even when we are resistant.”
Describe the vision for Pillar and your priorities in the first year.
“Pillar’s vision aligns with advancing the effectiveness of Jacob’s Ladder’s care model. In our first year, we aim to showcase our expertise through detailed case analyses across various neurodevelopmental disorders. Specifically, our plan for the year ahead focuses on four distinct initiatives:
1. Case Analyses: We will begin by crafting concise case analyses for the various neurodevelopmental disorders we address. This will serve as a clear, accessible showcase of our expertise and outcomes.
2. Retrospective Cohort Analysis: As Jacob’s Ladder has three decades of retrospective cohort data, we will embark on an interpretative and analytic phase to further validate our methodology and outcomes.
3. Research Publications: Our goal is to publish several research articles, translating our practical success into academic recognition.
4. Scientific Outreach: We aim to increase Jacob’s Ladder’s visibility within the scientific community. This involves active participation in conferences where we can present our findings and engage with peers in the field.
Through these efforts, we intend to solidify our position as leaders in neurodevelopmental care and intervention. By systematically documenting and sharing our results, we are not just validating our approach internally—we are opening it up to the scrutiny and appreciation of the wider scientific community. It is about bridging the gap between what we know works and what the world recognizes as effective practice in neurodevelopmental care. It is time to share what we know works with the world. We have something special, and the data will prove it.”
How do you see the institute making a difference and advancing educational and developmental neuroscience research?
“While the institute should certainly make a difference in Jacob’s Ladder’s work, we hope it will also help inform the practice and applications of educational and developmental neuroscience. There is a pressing need for a deeper understanding of best practices when working with neurodivergent populations. Currently, the field tends to focus heavily on identifying the origins of neurodiversity but often falls short in developing innovative, holistic solutions for neurodivergent learners. The theories are there, the methods are there, but openness and creativity in designing models of care that speak to the whole person are not often well-documented.
I hope that Pillar will bridge the gaps in research, theory, and practice. We want to offer our model of care as a foundation while encouraging adaptation to suit specific community needs. Hopefully, Pillar’s research will help those in the trenches who are working in the field. We are not just aiming for academic recognition; we want our findings to make a real difference in day-to-day practice. In essence, Pillar is about elevating the entire field and fostering a more inclusive, effective approach to neurodivergent education and care.”
“It is about bridging the gap between what we know works and what the world recognizes as effective practice in neurodevelopmental care. It is time to share what we know works with the world. We have something special, and the data will prove it.”
How do you plan to foster collaboration with other research institutes and partners?
“Our work is not done in isolation. Although our research is unique, collaboration with other research institutes and partnerships with faculty members from different institutions are essential. Our work encompasses various disciplines, and while neuroscience plays a significant role in understanding neurodiversity, insights from other fields also contribute to supporting neurodiverse individuals.
When the time is right, we will establish connections with schools and institutes involved in similar work. We aim to leverage our research and conference presentations to build networks within the academic community. Additionally, as we continue to publish our work, we hope other institutes will approach us to engage in meaningful research and discussions on crucial neurodiversity issues.”
How will Pillar’s research improve outcomes for individuals and families navigating neurobiological challenges?
“Our primary mission is to enhance the lives of individuals and families grappling with neurobiological challenges. While our research will undoubtedly strengthen Jacob’s Ladder’s approach, we are also aiming for a broader impact. We want to see our findings benefit a wide range of organizations working with neurodiverse populations.
A key focus for us is creating new avenues of hope for those who have found little success with traditional treatment methods. For parents navigating this complex landscape, access to current, practical information can be a game-changer. We are committed to facilitating these conversations and disseminating knowledge that can make a real difference in daily life. We are excited about transforming care, not just making small improvements! It’s about changing the narrative around neurodiversity and empowering individuals, families, and caregivers with the tools and understanding they need to thrive.”
What excites you most about the mission of Pillar Research Institute?
“I am most excited about the opportunity to help improve the lives of those living with neurodevelopmental challenges. The prospect of pushing the boundaries in academic discussions around neurodiversity really energizes me. I believe we have the potential to challenge existing paradigms and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of neurodiversity in both theory and practice.
I am incredibly excited to participate in our research initiatives, knowing that our discoveries could provide new possibilities for those who have struggled to find effective solutions elsewhere. The prospect that our work could offer hope and practical strategies to families who may have felt like they had no options is what motivates me. Ultimately, it’s about being part of something greater than ourselves. It’s about contributing to a shift in how we approach neurodevelopmental challenges and, in doing so, potentially changing the course of many lives for the better. That’s what makes this opportunity so thrilling and meaningful to me.”
On a personal note, what does a perfect day look like for you?
“The absolute dream day for me would be lounging on a couple of gorgeous beaches in St. John, US Virgin Island, with my family around me and a good book in hand. Sun, sand, loved ones, and a great book to read— that is my idea of paradise!
However, it’s pretty simple for me when it comes to a more down-to-earth perfect day. Our family loves music, and with three athletic kids—two teenagers and a young adult—many of our best moments revolve around soccer games and those car rides to out-of-town matches. As we drive down the highway, we turn up the music, sing at the top of our lungs, and pontificate over the meaning of deep lyrics. Then, we get to the game and annoy whoever is playing with loud cheering and sideline coaching. That’s it. With our hectic schedules, these moments when we can all be together, just having a blast—that’s what makes life special.”
Learn More About Dr. Haynes
Dr. Haynes completed her bachelor’s degree in history and science from Harvard College and her master’s and doctorate in human development and psychology at Harvard University. She has taught at several institutions, including Harvard College, California State University at Long Beach, and Loyola Marymount University. Before joining Pillar, Dr. Haynes served as the Dean, Chair, and Professor of Behavioral Sciences at Truett McConnell University. While at Truett McConnell and as a charter faculty member at Georgia Gwinnett College, Dr. Haynes demonstrated her commitment to teaching by instructing courses across education, human development, and social psychology. Her research endeavors have spanned institutions such as Boston’s Children’s Hospital (the Brazelton Institute), the California Endowment, and Harvard University. Dr. Haynes’ scholarship has delved into critical issues surrounding childhood trauma, parenting practices, and the exploration of creativity. Her work in these areas has contributed to our understanding of human development and psychological well-being.
