Virtual Mini Conference

June 16, 2023
8:30 am - 12:00 pm CDT
 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
KGTC has organized a professional learning opportunity highlighting the twice-exceptional (2E) community, with national 2E thought leaders, advocates, and researchers. This mini-conference will present 2E 101, which will provide general information about what it means to be twice-exceptional, including characteristics and sometimes competing behaviors that exist or present in 2E individuals. Attendees will also learn strategies for supporting 2E populations and creating a neurodivergent inclusive school community and world. Lastly, best practices regarding writing IEPs for 2E students will be provided, including for 2E gifted and those with other exceptionalities.
 

INTENDED AUDIENCE:

ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKERS:

Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients.  He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher.  He has spoken over 200 times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent kids.  Dr. Zakreski is a member of Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC), and Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE).  Dr. Zakreski graduated from Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) in 2016.  He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective: https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/

Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.Ed., LPC,  inspired by her own experiences as a neurodivergent person, is dedicated to destigmatizing neurodiversity and supporting neurodivergent people of all ages. She started her career in education and is now in private practice near St. Louis, Missouri as a licensed professional counselor, where she specializes in supporting neurodivergent kids and adults (and their families). Emily hosts The Neurodiversity Podcast, which explores the psychological, educational, and social needs of neurodivergent people, and she is the author of several books related to parenting and educating neurodivergent children and teens. Emily speaks at statewide, national, and international conferences and frequently provides virtual and in-person professional development to educators, mental health clinicians, and parents worldwide. Many of her presentations and workshops can also be found at the Neurodiversity University online learning platform. Learn more at Emily's website here. 

Deborah McVey currently works as a consultant for the Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) as part of the Technical Assistance Team (TAT), providing technical assistance and training on evaluation and eligibility for special education, IEP development for IDEA and gifted students, secondary transition, and Emergency Safety Interventions (ESI). Resources for these and other TASN activities are available at the TASN website www.ksdetasn.org. Previously, Deb helped in the creation of professional development materials and training for the Kansas Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS), and she has 30 years of experience as a school psychologist. She has a B.S. and M.A. from the University of Iowa and completed the school psychology certification program there.

REGISTRATION:
30 for KGTC Members
$40 for Non-Members

LOCATION:
Zoom (Link will be sent to participants after registration is complete.)

REFUND POLICY:
No refunds are issued for any reason unless KGTC cancels the session.

CERTIFICATES:
Certificates of completion will be available by request for PD documentation.