Past Speakers and Topics

Here are some of the past speakers and the topics they have presented. Links to their presentation or other information is included where possible. The upcoming schedule is on the Gifted Community Enrichment (GCE) page.
 
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January 15, 2011
Carl Goodmonson
Grade Acceleration

Carl Goodmonson, Director of Admissions at Covington Latin School, will share the uniqueness of Covington Latin’s accelerated program and discuss acceleration as an educational concept.

January 22, 2011
Betsy Singh

Betsy Singh is a Coordinator of Gifted Programming for Cincinnati Public Schools and Gifted Resource teacher at SCPA.

At lunch break, Brown Bag Lunch, Part 2
This is a continuation of the Fall session conversation.
For students grades 4-6.  Betsy Singh will facilitate a discussion on ways to self-advocate at school and other hot topics for gifted kids.
 
 

January 29, 2011
Anne Flick, M.Ed.
Credit Flexibility and Gifted Kids, Part 2

 
This is a continuation of the Fall session conversation.

New this fall, every chartered, public and private school in Ohio must offer credit flexibility, which allows students to earn high school credits instead of, or in combination with seat time.  Perfectly aligned with the best practices of gifted education, credit flex allows students to test out of coursework they already know and to design a customized path for new learning.  This session will cover the specifics of the plan as well as applications for gifted kids.  Learn how gifted elementary and middle-school students can begin to accrue high school credits.  Discover how to achieve part-time homeschooling in districts that forbid it.  Consider how kids can follow their passions, and meet graduation requirements, in areas for which their district offers no courses.  Learn how to advocate for your child to maximize the full potential of this exciting new educational initiative.

Anne Flick is a gifted instructional specialist and former gifted coordinator and educational consultant with Creative Connections Group.  She has presented at both gifted and content-area national and state conferences on various topics related to the education and success of gifted children.  Working at the state and local level, her volunteer efforts involve advocacy on behalf of gifted children, offering testimony to legislators and state agency administrators as well as consultation to educators at all levels.  She is a contributor to the Review, the quarterly journal of the Ohio Association for Gifted Children.  She presents regularly to parent groups in between teaching accelerated reading and math to middle school students.

February 5, 2011
Tracy Alley, Ph.D.

Dr. Alley, Teacher and Coordinator of Gifted Programs for Madeira City School District, will discuss learning styles.  Parents will have the chance to take an optional survey to check their learning style preference.  Parents will receive a take-home survey for their children to complete if they wish.  Various ideas from different researchers will be presented on ways teachers can best address specific needs in the classroom and ways parents can address the learning styles at home.

March 12, 2011
Erin McNew, MSW, LSW
Sibling Issues

No one can rid your household of problems between siblings – they’re a normal part of family dynamics.  But there are ways for parents to address sibling relationships that can maximize the positive and minimize the negative.  This session will focus on some effective ways to address sibling issues in families with one or more child who is gifted.

Erin McNew is from the Family Life Education Jewish Family Service.

March 26, 2011
Dr. Dudley

Dr. Dudley will discuss some of the special concerns for twice exceptionalities and special sensitivities with gifted children.

April 2, 2011
Nicole Dietrich
Mindset for Gifted Girls: Parenting for Growth and Resiliency

Nicole Dietrich is a Gifted and Talented Consultant with the Hamilton County Education Service Center.

November 5, 2011
Carrie Bock-Hay
Odyssey Learning Games

Need holiday gift ideas for the kids and teachers in your life?  Odyssey Learning Games is a source for parents and classrooms alike to find the best in educational games – strategy, math, verbal, memory, and puzzles.  You will get to learn and play the games before you buy!  Some great new games to look forward to previewing are Swish, Kabaleo and City Square to name a few.

November 12, 2011
Chris Garten and Janet Hill
What the Independent School Can Offer the Gifted Child

Chris Garten is the head of school for The Seven Hill School.  Janet Hill is the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid.

November 19, 2011
Celebrating the Magnificence of Your Daily Parenting Role

Are you ready to step into a lighter version of parenting that leaves you feeling more balanced from inside out, creatively engaged in every aspect of your life and at ease with the world at large?  Then join us in a trusting space that allows everyone to embrace their inner freedom, intuition and amazing potential awaiting to be expressed in their parenting world.  Through the use of open conversations, a visual wellness model, and personal stories, you will enjoy some practical tools for conscious parenting and self-coaching skills for mastering your process.  It is time to celebrate the magnificence of your daily parenting roles and create new visions for being a parent of gifted children today.

December 3, 2011
Anne Flick, M.Ed.
The Constellation of Opportunities for College Coursework Before Age 18
and Highlights from the NAGC 2011

There are many options available to gifted youths and teens who are eager for rigor beyond high school courses.  For those ready early for full-time college, there are special early college programs as well as independent routes to college matriculation.  A high school diploma is not required, and financial aid is available.  This session will cover the nuts and bolts of all those options.  Additionally, Ohio’s PSEO program allows students to take free college courses for up to four years, but action is required by March of the 8th grade year.  Come to this session to learn how to navigate the PSEO system as well as how to take advantage of the many options for low-cost college courses while still in middle or high school.  Also discover the caveats to ensure scholarship opportunities remain intact for full-time college.  Finally, we’ll cover college credit by exam through such programs as AP, IB, and CLEP, as well as the pros and cons to consider.

At the second session: Every November the National Association for Gifted Children holds its annual convention, where 3,000 parents, educators, and other advocates for gifted students learn from experts about effective practices that are working for gifted kids across the country and around the world.  Come hear the highlights from a teacher/consultant who both attended and presented at the event, held this year in New Orleans.  You will get to view the new 10-minute documentary film that was introduced at the convention.  You’ll also learn of assorted tips and resources presented, from great web sites for creative kids to counseling techniques all adults can use to support gifted kids.  Participants at this session will get copies of some of the same handouts and links provided to convention attendees.  Finally, we’ll examine the controversial statement released at the convention by the NAGC president and discuss the implications of her bold proposal.

Anne Flick Bio ↑

February 4, 2012
Mike Irwin
Raising Gifted Children and
Math Education for Gifted Children

Mike Irwin, Super Saturday Math-a-Nation teacher, author of books on mathematics and computers; parent of three gifted children will share his personal experiences of raising gifted children and negotiating the often difficult path of gifted children in schools.  He will also discuss the state of gifted education, laws, and budgetary constraints.

In the second session, Irwin will discuss math education and provide practical tips for math and the gifted child.  Learn about “the math we don’t teach” and new ways to explore math.

February 11, 2012
Erin McNew, MSW, LSW
Temperament

Temperament is made up of a unique combination of genetic traits that organizes our approach to the world.  A child’s temperament influences how she behaves toward, and is affected by, the world around her.  Parenting methods that are effective with one child may not work well with another – even within the same family.  Understanding temperament can help parents identify their child’s unique strengths and challenges and the most effective ways to help them thrive.

Erin McNew is with Family Life Education Jewish Family Service.

March 10, 2012
Eric Dustman

Dustman is the head of school at The New School Montessori.  He will share the passionate philosophy of the school and supporting the social, emotional and academic needs of students.

March 24, 2012
Patti Guethlien

Patti Guethlien is Head of Seven Hills Doherty School.  Doherty, one of two lower school divisions of The Seven Hills School, serves children Pre-K through 5.  Patti Guethlein will share the Seven Hills philosophy on Pre-K through grade 5 education and the importance of building a strong foundation for gifted students.

March 24, 2012
Sandra Schilling, J.D.

Dr. Schilling will discuss ideas that parents can do on their own to enrich their child’s education.

April 14, 2012
Cathy Reed

Cathy will discuss the difference between the brain functions of gifted students and regular Ed. students. She will also share her experience as an advocate for gifted education.

Cathy is a Gifted Coordinator at Hamilton County Educational Service Center.

November 10, 2012
Roni Craft
School Choice Ohio

School Choice Ohio is a nonprofit organization that provides outreach to Ohio’s parents and children, as well as to their legislative and community leaders, and encourages them to engage in the discussion about school choice, as well as dialogue about school improvement initiatives.  They seek to build on the school choice momentum in the state by focusing on four guiding themes: opportunity, education, outreach, and advocacy.
 
 

December 1, 2012
Edward R. Amend, Psy.D.
Myths and Realities of Gifted Children

 
This session will include an overview of the social and emotional development of gifted children with an emphasis on what has been learned from research.  There are many myths that do not reflect the true realities of gifted children, and this presentation will focus on the characteristics of gifted children and the special needs associated with growing up gifted.  Gifted children generally develop in an asynchronous or uneven pattern, with, for example, intellectual development typically outpacing emotional growth.  This asynchrony and other characteristics, such as overexcitabilities and perfectionism, can lead to difficulties in a gifted individual’s adjustment.  Dr. Amend will review common myths about gifted children and provide practical advice for parenting a gifted child, including discussion communication, discipline, motivation, perfectionism, and stress.

Dr. Amend is a longstanding and generous supporter of The Super Saturday Program and a clinical psychologist at The Amend Group, a comprehensive center for psychological, educational, and gifted services (including ability testing).  His practice focuses on the social, emotional, and educational needs of gifted and talented youth, adults, and their families.  He is co-author of two award-winning books: A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children and Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, Bipolar, OCD, Asperger’s, Depression, and Other Disorders.  Dr. Amend has authored or co-authored a number of articles, book chapters, and columns about gifted children.  As a strong advocate for the gifted population, Dr. Amend’s years of service have included the Board of Directors of Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted (SENG); President of the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education (KAGE) and Chair for the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Counseling and Guidance Network.  He presents locally and nationally on topics related to the needs of gifted children.

January 12, 2013
Nicole Dietrich
Motivation & Mindset

Every so often a truly ground breaking idea comes along. “Mindset” is one of them!  Has your child been identified as needing special education or gifted services? Is s/he afraid of failure, hesitant to take risks, and/or difficult to motivate?

Come join Nicole Dietrich, Educational Consultant from Hamilton County Educational Service Center (HCESC) to find out:

  • Why brains and talent don’t bring success and how they can stand in the way of it.
  • Why praising brains and talent doesn’t foster self-esteem and accomplishment, but jeopardizes them.
  • How teaching a simple idea about the brain increases academic growth and productivity.
  • What all great CEOs, parents, teachers, athletes know.

In her current capacity at HCESC, Nicole provides professional development for K-12 teachers and administrators in the areas of differentiation, gifted programming, academic service learning, brain research, mindsets, 21st century skills and competencies, leadership, curriculum, and gifted issues.  She is particularly interested in gifted girls, twice exceptional, ESL, economically disadvantaged, and other under-represented populations of gifted students.  She works directly with gifted teachers and provides materials for their classrooms.

January 12, 2013
Anne Flick, M.Ed.
Above Grade Level Testing

Anne Flick Bio ↑

February 2, 2013
Lorraine Charbonneau

Lorraine Charbonneau, Learning Coach and Facilitator of The Davis Method will share her experience raising a dyslexic daughter and discuss the giftedness of the visual-spatial and kinesthetic learner.  Parents will come away with a greater understanding of this learning profile and the next steps to address specific needs of the child.  The Davis Method has been successfully used not only with students having this learning profile but with students diagnosed with Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, Auditory Processing Disorders, Specific Learning Disabilities and Receptive Language Delays.

March 16, 2013
Cathy Reed

Cathy will discuss the new Common Core Standards. She will share resources from the National Association for Gifted Children regarding differentiation for gifted students for math and language arts within the standards.  She will also share her experience as an advocate for gifted education.

Cathy is a Gifted Coordinator at Hamilton County ESC.

March 23, 2013
Anne Flick, M.Ed.
EXPLORE Result Distribution and Interpretation

Topics will include:
Understanding what the various data points indicate.
What educational opportunities are appropriate for students scoring at various levels.
Which national programs are available for students scoring at various levels.
How to use scores in educational advocacy with schools and in educational planning for homeschool students.
Answers to parent questions.

Anne Flick Bio ↑

April 6, 2013
John Overbeck

John will share his experiences working with gifted students, homeschoolers and reluctant writers as well as a discussion of his writing-mentoring program – with new materials, insights and discussion points.

John Overbeck is a gifted teacher, journalist, and freelance writer.  John is a writing mentor with students ranging from excellent writers who want to take their skills to the next level, to students who, for a variety of reasons, have found writing to be an extremely difficult, and sometimes painful, challenge.  His students have won both local and statewide awards.  He was given the privilege of assisting a Muslim survivor of the Bosnian War with the writing and editing of her memoir, Nana’s Shoes, which she has self-published.

Beginning in 1999, John spent seven years teaching at The Schilling School for Gifted Children.  He founded the John Scott Academy, a school for gifted junior high and high school students.  The school evolved into the work he does now – mentoring writing and sometimes literature and history.  John has previously taught at The Super Saturday Program and has spoken to Super Saturday parents in the past.

November 2, 2013
Julie Shore
Toolkit of Strategies

Julie Shore, SENG Model Parent Group Facilitator, mother to gifted children and gifted educator, will speak about strategies to help you help your gifted child and work with your school.

November 9, 2013
Carl Goodmonson

Carl will introduce topics related to choosing the right school and curriculum for your gifted child. Come with your questions about rigorous coursework, acceleration, specialization and scheduling.

November 16, 2013
Jessica Donovan

Jessica is the Assistant Director of Scholar Recruitment at the University of Cincinnati Admissions Office.  She will offer a unique inside perspective on the school and curriculum challenges that parents face, as well as the perspective of what colleges and universities want from top students.

February 15, 2014
Angela Grimm

Angela Grimm will provide information on the parent organization within the Ohio Association for Gifted Children as well as tips for setting up a parent support group within your local school.

March 22, 2014
Cathy Reed

Cathy Reed is a Gifted Coordinator at Hamilton County Educational Service Center focused on executive functioning and gifted brain research.

March 29, 2014
John Overbeck

If our children are to grow up happy, successful, contributing citizens, we must “walk with them” as they grow, which means that both we and our children will often be out of step with the rest of the world.  Preschool, kindergarten, grade and junior high school, high school, college, and graduate or professional school in lock-step order may not be the walk our children need to take.  So what to do? We will “walk together for a while,” exploring the ramifications of that question with stories, questions and discussion.

John Overbeck Bio ↑

November 15, 2014
Sherry McHenry

Sherry McHenry, mindfulness and stress management instructor, will discuss strategies for dealing with stress and anxiety. Experientials.  Sherry is teaching Inner Space this term.

January 24, 2015
Anne Flick, M.Ed.
AM Session: PSEO Graduates to College Credit Plus: Ohio’s Remodeled Plan
PM Session: From Proficiency to College Scholarships: Guiding Gifted Students through the Testing Maze

AM Session: Even as limited as Ohio’s gifted funding is, its College Credit Plus program is a windfall for families. Over the summer of 2014, the state legislature overhauled the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program as well as various dual-enrollment programs in high schools to create the new College Credit Plus program.  Much is the same as PSEO, but there are some big changes too.  Learn how all Ohio students in public, charter, or private schools as well as homeschooled have access to free college courses in grades 7 through 12.  Come learn, too, about the deadlines families must meet, beginning March of the student’s 6th grade year.  Discuss how to determine when your child is ready for college coursework, and discover the long-term benefits gifted young adults now enjoy after participating in the predecessor program.

PM Session: No matter how we feel about them, tests are a reality in students’ lives.  As students progress to high-school-level coursework (like Algebra I), new tests are required in Ohio.  Graduation from both public and private high schools requires more tests, but there is an alternative path that can be attractive to gifted students.  Meanwhile, the testing series of the SAT and ACT, so prominent in college admissions, are undergoing changes.  Still, though, one particular test holds the opportunity for huge scholarships for students nationwide, but students have to follow the process and know how to maximize that opportunity.  Hear the latest news on the new Ohio state tests starting in 3rd grade, the testing requirements and alternatives for Ohio graduation, above-grade-level testing options for gifted students, and, finally, the format of the college admissions tests and all that hangs on them.

Anne Flick Bio ↑

January 31, 2015
Joan Dostal
Understanding Sensory Differences

February 14, 2015
John Overbeck

Let young learners write, and help them write, but don’t tell them what they must write. This will go a long way toward preparing them – whether they become poets or physicists – to be successful, happy and productive participants in the emerging STEM world they will live in.

John Overbeck Bio ↑

March 21, 2015
Aaron J. Vaughn, Ph.D.
Executive Functioning – What is everybody talking about?

Dr. Vaughn unfolds issues with Executive Function in children and adolescents, its impact on learning, and approaches to intervention.  In particular, we examine how problems with executive functioning may affect motivation (initiating daily tasks/homework), learning and memorization, problem-solving, completing academic tasks independently, and planning ahead.  Dr. Vaughn provides an overview of interventions to promote and develop improved academic functioning in each of these areas.
Dr. Vaughn is a Clinical Psychologist and Senior Director of Behavioral Health Programming at Cincinnati Children’s.

March 28, 2015
Ellen Mavriplis
IEP and Section 504 Plans for 2e Students

November 7, 2015
Timothy L. Heaton, Ph.D.
Gifted Learners

Dr. Heaton retired in 2019 from his role as Professor Emeritus of Education, at Cedarville University where he taught for 25 years. He received degrees from Wittenberg University, Grace Theological Seminary, and the University of Dayton.  He taught Introduction to Urban Teaching and the Multicultural/Inclusive Field Experience for all majors, Social Studies Methods for Middle Childhood, Responsive Schools for Middle Childhood, and the Honors class on Creativity.  He has also served on numerous committees at the college and with the community.  He was Chair of the Advisory Board of the Urban Institute at Central State University.  His areas of specialty include Gifted Education, Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligence, Classroom Discipline and Management, Cooperative Learning, Creative Teaching Methods, and Urban Education.  Dr. Heaton also taught courses in graduate education at the University of Dayton, Columbia International University, Kyotonabe University, and Baptist Bible College and Seminary.  He is a frequent ACSI conference speaker both nationally and internationally.  He has also presented papers and done workshops at National and International Professional conferences.

November 14, 2015
Suzanne M. James, Psy.D.
2e Students: Dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Twice-exceptional students can struggle with a variety of obstacles. Today’s session will focus on the characteristics of dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (including Asperger’s Disorder and PDD-NOS) in gifted school-age children.

Dr. Suzanne James is a Licensed Psychologist providing clinical services in the Greater Cincinnati area.  She received her Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology in 2000 from University of Louisville and Doctorate in Psychology from Spalding University in 2004. She has been in private practice since 2000.  She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Kentucky Psychological Association, and the Ohio Psychological Association and is licensed to practice in Ohio and Kentucky.  She continues to train and research new ways to help her clients to reach their potential.

Dr. James specializes in working with children, adolescents and families.  Her primary clinical interests include understanding the unique potential in gifted and twice-exceptional children and adults, individuals with learning disorders and individuals with depression and anxiety.  Dr. James provides a variety of services including individual and family therapy, neuropsychological, psychological, and educational testing, parent coaching, and school consultation.  She also speaks locally and nationally on a number of topics.

January 23, 2016
Dr. Beth Moore
Yoga for Relaxation

Dr. Moore will demonstrate how we can use yoga, breathing, and mindfulness techniques to help us and our children relax.  She has taught all grade levels and now teaches university students who are seeking their certification in gifted education.

March 19, 2016
Edward R. Amend, Psy.D.
Outsmart Your Smart Child: Practical Strategies for Parenting Gifted Children
Managing Intensity, Perfectionism, and Stress

Dr. Amend Bio ↑

March 19, 2016
Anne Flick, M.Ed. and Raymond Hebert, Ph.D.
2016 Changes and Updates to College Credit Plus

Qualified Ohio students in grades 7-12 can take college courses for free, paid for by the state.  The revamped program, now halfway through its first year, has just undergone additional changes, adding summer courses but also drastically moving up deadlines. The changes have a huge impact on private-school and homeschooled students but affect public-school students, too.  Anne Flick provides a quick review of the essentials of the program and a thorough explanation of everything families now need to consider to maximize this opportunity under the new rules.  She will be joined by Dr. Ray Hebert, who will discuss Thomas More College’s opportunities under CCP in addition to its economical alternatives for private-school and homeschooled students who are not awarded adequate funding.

Anne Flick Bio ↑

Dr. Hebert has been with Thomas More College since 1977.  In addition to teaching history, he currently served as director of the college’s extensive dual enrollment program.  He also is Dean Emeritus, having served as Dean of the College and Vice President for Academic Affairs for 14 years.  He also was Director of the Honors Program for 11 years.

March 19, 2016
Ann Anzalone
Setting Gifted Students up for Success

The key to learning is to empower students to know how to learn for themselves.  Teach your gifted students how to learn.  Build their academic foundation so that they are able to know, remember and apply their learning.  Learn how to develop the root skills of learning that form the basis for all academic success.  Discover how to increase focus, attention span and brain speed to enhance learning.

Ann Anzalone is a nationally known dynamic speaker and experienced trainer.  For the past 30 years she has conducted workshops for K-12 teachers, administrators, and parents, as well as for businesses and corporations.  She teaches graduate classes at Wright State University and has taught at Antioch Midwest University.  She serves as a consultant for adult students, parents, and their children regarding learning styles, educational plans, and academic performance.

Ms. Anzalone taught special needs middle and junior high school students, was honored as an Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America, and listed in the Who’s Who in American Education.  Ann specializes in communication skills, community building, learning styles, cooperative learning, study skills, and stress management.  She models what she teaches in her sessions.

April 9, 2016
Christina Mayhaus
Anxiety

Christina is an independently Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LPCC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). She received her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati and her Master of Arts in Counseling from Xavier University.  She grew up in Cincinnati and has been working with children, teens, young adults, adults and families in the mental health field for several years.

October 29, 2016
John Overbeck
“Listen deeply and touch gently. Remember, your work is not to act, but to react. There are no mistakes… only dialogue and positive feedback.”

John Overbeck Bio ↑

November 12, 2016
Amy Darpel
Accelerated Learning & Gifted Education

Amy Darpel is the Director of Advancement (previously Admissions Director) at Covington Latin School.  Prior to working in admissions, Amy was a teacher focused on giftedness and twice-exceptional education; an educational consultant working with families and their children on educational issues such as executive functioning skills, special education modification plans, giftedness and basic skills instruction; and a home schooler.  Her children, Jake and Samantha, were alums of The Super Saturday Program.  Amy also has presented at the Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) Conference and National Association for Gifted Children.

October 21, 2017
Amy Darpel
Accelerated Learning & Gifted Education

Presentation

October 18, 2017
Betsy Singh
Make Your Worrier A Warrior

Betsy Singh is the Coordinator for Gifted Programming for Cincinnati Public Schools.  Betsy has been actively involved with gifted education for 15 years, and has worked with the Ohio Association for Gifted Children’s state conference committee and also served as president of the Southwestern Ohio Coordinators of Gifted.  Additionally, Betsy is a former board member for The Super Saturday Program.

November 4, 2017
Suzanne M. James, Psy.D.
Motivating Your Gifted Child

Presentation

Dr. Suzanne James Bio ↑

November 18, 2017
Stephanie and Grant Bruner
Mensa Gifted Youth Opportunities

Stephanie and Grant are members of Cincinnati Area Mensa.  Stephanie is active in the Sycamore GEAR group for gifted students where she has coordinated clubs for gifted youth.  She has taught Zoology 101 with her husband, Joe, at The Super Saturday Program, inspiring future veterinarians.  She is also a member of the Ohio Association for Gifted Children and the Nation Association for Gifted Children.  Grant is a junior at Sycamore High School, a Mensa member, and former student of TSSP.  He holds many leadership postions and believes “Master of Fun” is the best job title in the world.

January 20, 2018
Jamie Overbey
Decisions, Challenges & Opportunities for Gifted Students

Jamie Overbey is an executive advisor with Vistage Worldwide and former TSSP volunteer.

February 10, 2018
Anne Flick, M.Ed.
College Credit Plus

Presentation

October 27, 2018
John Overbeck
“Write It Just as Your Mind Spins It Out: The Death and Rebirth of the Five-Paragraph Essay”

John Overbeck Bio ↑

November 3, 2018
Stephanie Bruner
Cincinnati Mensa Gifted Youth Opportunities

Stephanie Bruner from Cincinnati Mensa will share information on what the Cincinnati Mensa program has to offer your gifted students and how to take part.  Stephanie is a married mother of three children, two fellow Mensans—Grant and Pierce, and a Mensan-in-training, Alexandra.  She has been active in her local school system’s parent support group for gifted, Sycamore GEAR, where she was the coordinator for the gifted youth reading and adventure clubs.  Stephanie co-taught the Super Saturday class, “Zoology 101”, with her very supportive husband, Joe, for a number of years, and she is a member of Ohio Association for Gifted Children (OAGC) as well as the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC).  In 2014, Stephanie was honored by OAGC as Parent of the Year and spoke at the NAGC Annual Conference.  In her spare time, Stephanie co-owns Greater Cincinnati Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services with Joe, where Stephanie is the Staff Veterinary Dermatologist.

November 10, 2018
Jamie Overbey
Peer Advisory Model (Issue Resolution)

March 30, 2019
Renee Croenemann and Laurie Jahnke, D.C.
Mindfulness, Nutrition, Movement and Interception

Renee Croenemann is from Spirit(ed) Growth LLC

November 16, 2019
Corey Hatfield
Parenting Today’s Students with Strengths & Mindfulness

Corey Hatfield is a specialist with The Character Effect™. Corey will present on gaining a better understanding of mindfulness and character strengths and the benefits; understanding how to leverage these strategies during parenting challenges; and learning practical ways to begin utilizing these practices.

January 25, 2020
Anne Flick, M.Ed.
AM Session: Spatial Intelligence
PM Session: College Credit Plus

In the morning session, Ann will talk about the value of spatial intelligence and how to nurture it with toddlers to teens.  In the afternoon session she will talk about how to participate in College Credit Plus (CCP) and how to know it’s right for you.
Anne Flick Bio ↑

February 1, 2020
Suzanne M. James, Psy.D.
Executive Function Difficulties in the Gifted Population

Dr. Suzanne James Bio ↑

April 3, 2021
Maggie Gunnerson
Equity & Inclusion: Challenges of Gifted Education in the US

Join us as Maggie shares her experiences, research, and resources in understanding gifted education in public schools and the challenges for equity inclusive to race, gender, economic background, and neurodiversity.  We welcome hearing about your experiences and journey as well.

April 10, 2021
Edward R. Amend, Psy.D.

Dr. Amend Bio ↑

February 5, 2022
Becca Patrick and Jenna Ruberg
Social Skills, Making Friends, and Big Emotions

Does your child struggle with social skills and making friends?  Does your child have big emotions s/he has difficulty regulating?

Two Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center experts talk about The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) and Emotional Regulation Intensive Outpatient Program.  The PEERS® is a social skills training intervention developed at UCLA by Elizabeth Laugeson, author of The Science of Making Friends, to support individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other social disorders who have difficulty with peer interactions and relationships.  The program imparts skills related to making and keeping friends, and counsels on handling conflict, rejection and bullying. Regulating Together Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is based the philosophy that helping a child or teen requires a family-based approach.

February 19, 2022
Steve Schneider
Supercharge Your Kids: Essential Knowledge for the Future of Work

We want our kids to have a good job and equate that to a good life, but are we really preparing our kids for the future?  This talk explores how the world is changing and what that means for our kids’ future, including how tech has changed the work world, new areas young people are using to make money, what kids need to learn that they aren’t being taught, and how kids can prepare for the future by starting NOW.

February 26, 2022
Jamie Overbey

 
 

October 22nd, 2022
Po-Shen Loh, Ph.D. and Eddie Kong
Math, Invention & Life

Eddie Kong

Want to learn how to invent both inside and outside of math?  Professor Po-Shen Loh will weave together a variety of topics, starting from some math questions which demonstrate the power of mathematical creativity.  The talk will rapidly expand to stories from his own experiences applying mathematical thinking to implement new solutions to real world problems. Professor Loh gives valuable insight into the limitations of public curriculum and acceleration versus the benefits of mathematics competitions and deep learning.

Po-Shen Loh is a math professor at Carnegie Mellon University, and the national coach of the USA International Math Olympiad team.  His innovations have made headlines in national newspapers, across a breadth of topics from pandemic control to education and talent development.  His academic distinctions range from an International Math Olympiad silver medal, to the USA Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. He shares his experience with the public through YouTube videos, which have totaled over 15 million views. Through his online math school, Daily Challenge with Po-Shen Loh, he offers online, live, innovatively interactive, beyond-curricular lessons in Algebra, Geometry, Combinatorics, Number Theory, and Probability.

Eddie Kong is currently an intern for Po-Shen Loh’s live online math classes.  He was the inaugural teaching assistant and has inspired the current look of the program.  While in middle school, Eddie was the Ohio State MATHCOUNTS Champion, and has been coaching the middle school MATHCOUNTS team for two years.  In his free time, Eddie enjoys biking, watching esports, and learning languages.
 
 

 

October 29th, 2022
Maggie Gunnerson
Getting YOU Involved in Mensa Gifted YOUth

Maggie Gunnerson will provide a brief overview of the national and local American Mensa programs and the opportunities they present for highly gifted youth in the Greater Cincinnati area.  We will discuss admissions criteria, activities, and networking opportunities for both gifted children and their parents/guardians.  We will also discuss a few “insider tips” we have learned through connections with other families involved in this program.

Maggie is a married mother of two children: Gaven who is also a Mensan and “Master of Fun” for the Gifted Youth program and Elaina who is in 1st grade.  Maggie has been attending The Super Saturday Program for the last four years.  She is highly involved in the gifted community as a board member and active volunteer to The Super Saturday Program, a parent member of the Ohio Gifted Advisory Council, Co-Chair of the gifted advocacy group in her school district, and the parent leader of the Cincinnati Area Mensa Gifted Youth Program.  Maggie’s gifted advocacy journey started at The Super Saturday Program which helped her understand both her child and her own twice-exceptional nature.  Since then, Maggie has successfully advocated for her own children as well as many other students in her school district.

October 29th GCE Presentation Slides

 

November 5th, 2022
Maria Lohr, Michael Demczyk, and Jeffrey Shoemaker
Understanding the Gifted Operating Standards

Maria Lohr, Michael Demczyk, and Jeffrey Shoemaker of the Ohio DoE Office for Exceptional Children will present an overview of the current laws and rules, their purpose, and how parents and guardians can keep themselves informed to ensure their students are being appropriately educated.  Presenters will also talk about the rule revision process occurring every five years, where they are in the current timeline for this process, and how we as parents, guardians, teachers, administrators, employers and other community members can participate in public comment when that opportunity is available.  Finally, presenters will describe the work that the Gifted Advisory Council is doing regarding the development of the state plan for gifted education and how the plan ties into the rules.

From the ODE’s website: The Office for Exceptional Children provides leadership, assistance and oversight to school districts and other entities that provide differentiated instruction for students with disabilities and gifted students.

Among its responsibilities, the office administers state and federal funds; coordinates and administers programs to improve outcomes for students with disabilities and gifted students; implements a statewide monitoring and complaint-resolution system designed to assess district/educational agency compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations; and provides technical assistance to districts and educational agencies around issues of compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA).

Link to sign up for DoE news for gifted education 

 

November 12th, 2022
Erica S. Baer
Guiding the Gifted: Nurturing and Challenging

Erica S. Baer will talk about the fundamentals of gifted students from her extensive knowledge base.  Erica is the Director of Student Achievement and Gifted Learning at the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center, an organization serving the Ohio counties of Hardin, Shelby and Logan.  At the Midwest Regional ESC she works alongside districts, teachers, and families to explore and experience the joys and challenges inherent in gifted education.

Erica is also a member of the governing board of the Ohio Association for Gifted Children (OAGC) as 2nd Vice President.  OAGC is a gifted education advocacy group.  She previously served as the Coordinator Division’s Region 4 Representative.  In that role during COVID, Erica worked alongside gifted colleagues to collaboratively navigate the challenges and changes sparked by the pandemic.  Erica received OAGC’s 2022 Coordinator of the Year award.

Prior to formally working in gifted education, Erica taught freshman, honors, College Credit Plus, and AP literature and writing.  She holds a B.A. in English and M.Ed in elementary education from OSU and attended gifted education classes at Wright State.

Overexcitabilities handout

 

January 21st, 2023
FIRST Robotics and GE Aerospace
with Vasanth Kothnur

In July of last year, General Electric announced it would be divesting its operations in the health care and energy sectors, focusing its core business on aerospace.  Mr. Kothnur is from this exceptional local enterprise we’ve known as GE Aviation.  He will talk about FIRST Robotics programs for various age groups and GE Aerospace including new product introductions.
 
 
 

January 28th, 2023
Smart But Scattered, A Crash Course
with Maggie Gunnerson

Many Super Saturday Program students are fantastically smart and equally scattered.  From assignments they don’t know they need to do, to assignments they did but never turned in and much more, it can be difficult as a parent to adapt to this divergence of abilities.  The book, Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare has some concrete advice for how to assess yourself and your child and how to go through the process of change while using your child’s unique strengths to overcome some of their weaknesses.  This session is intended to get you started with the Smart but Scattered method.  While it is one of our most recommended books, it is not needed prior to the session.
 
 
 

February 4th, 2023
Twice-Exceptional Students: Issues and Interventions
with Edward R. Amend, Psy.D.

 
Dr. Edward Amend will discuss how twice-exceptional (2e) students show exceptional ability and disability, which results in asynchronous development to a greater degree than seen in the typical gifted person.  Students with ADHD, learning disabilities, or autism as examples, present challenges for their parents and teachers because they require services to both foster strengths and support weaknesses.  The characteristics and special needs of these twice-exceptional youth will be explored and intervention strategies reviewed.
Dr. Amend Bio ↑
 

February 18th, 2023
Cincinnati Area Schools for Gifted Children
and Networking

Presenters from local schools and Program leads will showcase some of the alternatives available.

AM Session
Krista Fehring-Gustavsson, an Intervention Specialist from Cincinnati Public’s Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students

PM Session
Christin Reynolds, the Director of Admissions and Communications at Covington Latin School
Dr. Sandra Kelly-Schilling, the Head of School at The Schilling School for Gifted Children