Keynote Session with Genein Letford

Building Brain Capital and 21st Century Skills With Creativity for Gifted Children

Building the leaders of tomorrow begins by knowing how the brain, the arts and social connection are intertwined in a unique symphony of creative development in the gifted learner. Join us for an interactive, jovial keynote that will teach you the newest methodologies, backed by neuroscience, to develop creative thinking and other essential life skills for our gifted students who will be leading in ambiguous times.

“You Figured Out Elementary School, Now What? Supporting Gifted Secondary Students”

Dr. DJ Graham and Elizabeth Mendoza, Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy

In this session, two veteran secondary educators will share information and strategies to support gifted students in grades six through twelve. We will discuss unique needs of middle school students, social-emotional development, academic supports, and the transition to post-secondary education. We will share best practices and resources for supporting our gifted adolescents.

Any Opportunity is an Opportunity for Talent Development

Dr. Jessica Manzone, Assistant Professor of Practice in the College of Education at Northern Arizona University

Talent development is the repeated encouragement and support of identified talents and abilities, and the nurturing of new strengths and passions. This session will provide parents with tangible, at-home activities to activate the talents, passions, and interests of their children. As a group, we will explore these activities and discuss how they become the catalyst for other experiences that leverage student choice, empowerment, and creative engagement. We will also focus on the idea that talent development is a “team sport,” and is something that all members of a family can participate in.

Turning Teachers into Teammates: A Gifted Parent’s Guide to Effective Collaboration

Elizabeth Warner and Dr. Karen Brown, Paradise Valley Unified School District

Build a Strong Parent-Teacher Partnership: Learn strategies to foster a positive and collaborative relationship with your child’s teacher.

Prepare for Effective Communication: Develop effective techniques for preparing for and conducting successful parent-teacher meetings.

Avoid Common Communication Pitfalls: Understand and address potential communication challenges that may arise in parent-teacher relationships.

Collaborative Problem Solving for Gifted Families

Dr. Sarah Bald, Nest Psychological

In this session, attendees will develop an understanding of Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) techniques. The presentation will cover the fundamental principles of CPS and demonstrate effective strategies for applying this approach with gifted learners. Additionally, participants will explore methods for identifying and overcoming common challenges associated with implementing CPS, to promote a more successful collaboration.

Date & Registration Coming Soon

The Power of Gifted Curiosity for Brain Health, Cultural Connections and Creativity

Genein Letford

Curiosity has a trifecta effect when it comes to improving our creativity and brain health as well as our ability to connect across cultures. Award winning educator and speaker Genein Letford will share brain based research on how to effectively utilize curiosity that can empower people to take initiative and increase their brain capital and exploration abilities. She will lead you in curiosity expanding exercises, question prompts, and help you revitalize this innate skill you and your children were born with. Learn how to raise a mentally healthy, curious life long learner who connects across cultural lines.

Date & Registration Coming Soon

Executive Function

Dr. Paul Beljan, Beljan Psychological Services

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Date & Registration Coming Soon

Twice Exceptionalisty

Dr. Justin Gardner, Beljan Psychological Services

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