Meet the Creator and Founder
The Mind Behind The Zones of Regulation®
Leah Kuypers is the creator of The Zones of Regulation, a globally recognized framework that helps individuals develop the lifelong skill of self-regulation. As a licensed occupational therapist with a background in education, Leah has spent over two decades supporting learners in both clinical and classroom settings. Her work centers on a powerful idea: that emotional and behavioral regulation skills can—and should—be taught.
With The Zones of Regulation, Leah transformed lessons custom-designed and deployed for her learners into a comprehensive, evidence-aligned framework now used in over 40 countries and trusted by schools, therapists, and families alike. Her approach bridges neuroscience and practice, offering an accessible path to emotional awareness, resilience, and connection.
A Thought Leader in Emotional Well-Being
Leah is widely regarded as a leading voice in the field of regulation competencies. She brings a unique lens to the conversation—combining deep clinical expertise with a passion for practical, inclusive strategies. Her perspective is especially sought after in discussions around neurodiversity, social-emotional learning, and mental wellness.
As a keynote speaker, workshop leader, and consultant, Leah partners with school systems, therapy providers, and organizations around the world. Her insights and expertise are frequently requested by national and industry media, and she continues to help shape how regulation is taught, supported, and understood.
A Mission Rooted in Access and Empowerment
Leah’s creation of The Zones of Regulation began with a need she observed firsthand: students overwhelmed by emotions without the tools to support them. Drawing from cognitive behavioral theory, sensory processing, and her experience as both a therapist and educator, she developed a visual framework that breaks complex emotional states into four easy-to-understand Zones.
What began as a simple tool for her clients has since grown into a transformative framework embraced globally. Through Leah’s leadership, The Zones continues to evolve—guided by science, empathy, and a deep belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive.
The Person Behind The Zones
Leah is a proud resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she lives with her husband and their two children. Her family loves to explore new places together and enjoys traveling whenever they can. At home, Leah stays active as an outdoor enthusiast—whether she’s playing pickleball on local courts, walking around the lakes, or hiking and skiing the woods of northern Wisconsin, where she and her extended family spend time together at their cabin.
This deep connection to family, nature, and community grounds Leah’s work and continues to inspire her mission of empowering others with the skills to regulate, connect, and grow.
Invite Leah to Speak or Contribute
Leah Kuypers is available for keynote presentations, media interviews, panel discussions, and editorial contributions. Whether you’re planning a national conference or publishing a piece on emotional wellness, Leah offers an informed, compassionate voice rooted in real-world experience.
“Together we can make regulation the norm, and not the exception.”
— Leah Kuypers
To inquire about speaking engagements or press opportunities, please visit our Media Inquiries & Speaking Requests page.