Hi, I’m Dr. Karla Garjaka — a holistic child psychologist, emotional literacy expert, gut-brain health specialist, and bestselling author with over 30 years of experience transforming how we support children’s development from the inside out.
My passion lies in helping children thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically. I’ve spent decades bridging cutting-edge research in emotional literacy, neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, and the gut-brain connection to create practical, science-backed strategies that empower families, educators, and schools.
As the founder of Foundation Matters, I lead initiatives that bring emotional education and holistic mental health tools into homes and classrooms. Whether I’m working with parents, speaking internationally, or writing about the heart-brain-gut connection, my mission is simple: to raise a generation of emotionally resilient, self-aware, and deeply connected children.
My journey began with a powerful realization: academic success is deeply rooted in a child’s emotional and physical well-being — not just what happens in the classroom. After years working in education, I noticed a critical gap: we were prioritizing test scores over emotional development, and it was costing our children dearly.
Driven by this insight, I immersed myself in the study of emotional literacy, holistic psychology, and the gut-brain connection. I came to understand how anxiety, distraction, and behavioral challenges often stem from unaddressed emotional needs and imbalances in the body.
Today, my work brings together the latest research in neuropsychology, cognitive science, and integrative health to offer real-world solutions for families and educators. Through my nonprofit, Foundation Matters, and my programs around the world, I help children build resilience, strengthen focus, and thrive emotionally — both in and out of school.
This mission began with a deep curiosity and continues with an unwavering passion: to change how we nurture our children, one mindful step at a time.
I was born and raised in Brazil, where my passion for supporting children and families first took root. Driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful impact, I moved to the United States to pursue my dream: empowering families to raise emotionally resilient, mindful, and connected children.
I’m endlessly grateful to share this journey with my husband — the love of my life — and our three incredible daughters, who inspire me every single day. Their presence keeps me grounded and fuels my commitment to helping others create strong, emotionally healthy families.
From Brazil to every corner of the globe, my purpose remains the same: to nurture the heart, mind, and body of every child — and to support the parents and educators who guide them.
