DR. JOHNNA BURNS
Founder & Chief Wisdom Officer
At The Wise Institute, we believe success is about more than being smart. Knowledge is what we acquire. Learning is how we grow. Wisdom is how we live.
For more than 25 years, Dr. Burns has helped thousands of emerging adults ages 14 - 26 develop the thinking, learning, and life skills that lead to lasting success. As a professor, educational researcher, and neurocognitive performance specialist, she translates neuroscience learning and developmental research into practical strategies that strengthen executive functioning, social and emotional skills, resilience, motivation, and purposeful decision making.
Dr. Burns completed advanced postdoctoral study at Harvard University in student transformation and is a Stanford Life Design Facilitator, helping emerging adults navigate education, careers, relationships, and life's biggest transitions with confidence and purpose.
As Founder and Chief Wisdom Officer, Dr. Burns created StudentWise, ParentWise, and WorkWise to help individuals, families, schools, and organizations move beyond simply gaining knowledge. Through evidence-informed coaching, education, and practical tools, The Wise Institute equips people to become lifelong learners who live with wisdom.
Knowledge informs. Learning transforms. Wisdom endures.
Areas of Specialization
True transformation begins where exceptional expertise meets unwavering belief in a client's potential. We bring both — without exception.
Our Network & Multidisciplinary Team
We believe in a comprehensive and collaborative approach to support your child's well-being and academic success. While our core team consists of highly trained educational therapists and specialists, we often collaborate with a network of allied professionals to provide holistic and effective care.
This includes collaboration with:
With your permission, we coordinate with these professionals to ensure all aspects of your child's needs are addressed.
ALL COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT PLANS ARE DEVELOPED BY OUR FOUNDER, DR. JOHNNA BURNS, ensuring consistency and excellence. Once the plan is created, you or your child will be properly onboarded with a coach who is best suited to their specific needs.
By integrating our expertise with that of allied professionals, we offer a coordinated and comprehensive approach to your child's development — fostering an environment where they can thrive both academically and personally.
Core Values
These are not aspirations — they are the commitments we make to every client and family we serve.
We will see potential before performance.
Every client carries strengths, purpose, and possibility beyond grades, labels, or test scores.
We believe struggling learners deserve world-class support.
Learning differences are not limitations. The right support can change the trajectory of a life.
We will meet clients with truth, hope, and compassion.
Growth happens best when clients are both challenged and deeply understood.
We are builders of independence, not dependence.
Our goal is not to make clients need us forever, but to help them confidently thrive without us.
We will always treat clients with dignity and respect.
No client should feel ashamed for learning differently, thinking differently, or needing support.
We pursue progress over perfection.
Small consistent wins create lifelong transformation.
We bring energy, excellence, and intentionality to every session.
Clients rise when the adults around them prepare, care, and give their best.
We equip the whole person, not just the client.
Academic growth is connected to emotional resilience, executive functioning, confidence, relationships, and purpose.
We believe every client can grow.
Brains can change, skills can be developed, and futures can be rewritten.
We exist to create hope-filled futures.
Education is not just about surviving school. It is about helping young people build meaningful, capable, and purposeful lives.
Let's Talk.
Book a free 15-minute call with Dr. Burns. You share what is going on. She tells you what she sees. No pressure, no commitment.
Serving families throughout Northwest Arkansas and virtually nationwide