Polyvagal Theory Informed Offerings and Trainings

Welcome! We are Samantha Grimaldi, MS, LPC, and Samantha Saks, LCSW, known collectively as "The Sams." Since 2020, we’ve been facilitating Polyvagal Theory-informed trainings and workshops for clinicians in a variety of settings.

Much like the renowned partnership between Stephen Porges and Deb Dana, we combine our strengths to offer a well-rounded and impactful learning experience. Together, we embody the synergy between theory and practice, providing consultation and training that are grounded in science and highly applicable in clinical settings.

We believe in the transformative power of understanding the nervous system in ourselves, in our clients, and in our communities.

Over the past few years, we’ve had the honor of bringing Polyvagal Theory (PVT) to clinicians and organizations across Monmouth County, NJ and beyond.

Our approach is relational, experiential, and grounded in both clinical practice and lived nervous system awareness.

Whether you're brand new to this work or looking to deepen your integration of PVT, we're so glad you’re here.

Upcoming Trainings

We’re currently partnering with a local organization to co-create a Polyvagal Theory training series that combines an online asynchronous, and an in-person component.. This will include CEUs and be open to mental health professionals. (This series will replace the previously advertised 4.5-hour Intro and Intermediate workshops listed on this page.) More info will be shared in the coming months :) If you’ve signed up for our Polyvagal email list, you’ll be the first to know when registration opens!

Something new is on the horizon... :)

We’re working behind the scenes on a new way to stay connected with the Polyvagal community, something spacious, relational, and rooted in safety and co-regulation. We’ll be sharing more soon, and if you’re on our newsletter list, you’ll be the first to hear about it!

Bring Us to Your Organization

We’ve had the privilege of facilitating Polyvagal-informed trainings for a variety of organizations and clinical teams. If you're interested in bringing this lens to your staff or community, we'd love to connect. Whether you're looking for an introduction to Polyvagal Theory or a more experiential training tailored to your team’s needs, we’re happy to explore what might be possible together.

Where we’ve been:

Tree of Life Counseling

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Monmouth University

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Youth Consultation Service

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Worrywell

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Tree of Life Counseling - Monmouth University - Youth Consultation Service - Worrywell -

Meet the Sams

  • Samantha Saks, LCSW

    Samantha Saks is the owner and sole clinician at Journey to Meliora, LLC, where she specializes in trauma-informed care with a strong focus on mind-body integration. In addition to talk therapy, Samantha has integrated mind-body work into her practice by running mindfulness-based functional fitness groups to promote nervous system flexibility. Through these practices, Samantha has developed a strong interest in Polyvagal Theory, which she believes is the intervening variable that provides the scientific basis for trauma healing and nervous system work. Samantha has pursued further Polyvagal Theory education, completing the Clinical Applications in Polyvagal Treatment with Deb Dana and Stephen Porges Training. Samantha co-facilitates Polyvagal Theory workshops and consultation groups alongside Samantha Grimaldi, sharing their transformative knowledge with clinicians and helping them apply these principles in their clinical settings. Together, Samantha Saks and Samantha Grimaldi have been facilitating discussions and trainings on Polyvagal Theory to therapists since 2020, starting at a group practice they worked at together. The Sams empower others to integrate Polyvagal-informed care into their therapeutic work, supporting healing and resilience in trauma survivors.

  • Samantha Grimaldi MS, LPC

    Samantha Grimaldi is the owner and sole clinician at CoCreate Healing Center, LLC. Specializing in trauma-informed care and complex trauma, Samantha integrates Polyvagal Theory into her work with adults who have experienced childhood and relational trauma. Her passion for understanding the nervous system’s role in healing stems from both her professional and personal experiences, including her own journey with vasovagal syncope. This has driven her to explore the autonomic nervous system’s impact on trauma and healing, making Polyvagal Theory the cornerstone of her therapeutic approach. Samantha completed Deb Dana's Six-Month Immersive Foundations of Polyvagal Informed Practice Training, further deepening her expertise in applying this theory to clinical practice. Together with Samantha Saks, Samantha Grimaldi co-facilitates Polyvagal Theory workshops and consultation groups, providing clinicians and clients with the tools to understand and regulate their nervous systems. Since 2020, the Sams have been facilitating discussions and trainings on Polyvagal Theory to therapists, beginning at a group practice they worked at together. Samantha is dedicated to helping both clinicians and trauma survivors apply Polyvagal-informed care to foster safety, connection, and long-lasting healing.