Supporting a gifted child is often challenging.
As parents and educators, it can be difficult to understand how best to meet the complex needs of gifted children. During the school year, 优蜜视频 offers complimentary Gifted Support Group meetings featuring聽 professionals who are experts on various aspects of gifted youth. These meetings provide support and community, a venue for shared discovery, and a space to exchange resources and ideas. Sharing experiences with other parents and educators who interact with gifted children has proven to be enormously helpful.
Upcoming Meetings
In response to recent events, this panel will explore strategies for helping children manage emotional well-being following traumatic events and loss. Refreshments and childcare will be provided.
Panel: Elizabeth D. Jones (优蜜视频 President Emeritus, Co-Founder, and Senior Advisor), the Aspire Therapy Center and The Center for Connection
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
4:00 PST
569 S Marengo Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101
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About the panelists:
Elizabeth D. Jones is the President Emeritus & Co-Founder, Senior Advisor at the Institute for Educational Advancement. Ms. Jones has been an educator, researcher, and administrator of educational programs for over 45 years. She served as the Associate Director of Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) and the Director of the Western Region for 10 years prior to founding the Institute for Educational Advancement. she went on to lead in the creation and implementation of the award-winning Yunasa summer camp for the gifted and the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship program. Ms. Jones currently serves on the Advisory Board for GRO Gifted, the Advisory Board for Young and Healthy, and the Board of Directors for Math Academy.
Understanding and addressing perfectionism and motivation in gifted youth. Refreshments and childcare will be provided.
Presenter: Judy Wiener, LCSW, LMFT
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
4:00 PST
569 S Marengo Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101
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About the Presenter:
Judy Wiener, LCSW, BCD, MFT, is a licensed therapist specializing in giftedness, twice-exceptionality, anxiety, and relationships. As a parent of two gifted children, she has been deeply involved in supporting families with similar experiences, including serving on the Oak Park District Advisory Committee to advise on implementing new state standards. Judy is a trained SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted) facilitator and offers social and emotional needs support groups for parents of gifted children. She has been recognized with the California Association of Gifted鈥檚 Pacific Region Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to the field. She currently practices in Agoura Hills, CA.
This session will offer expert advice on navigating LA鈥檚 competitive high school admissions landscape to help you choose the best fit for your child. Refreshments and childcare will be provided.
Panelists: Deborah Monroe (优蜜视频 President), Mallory Aldrich (优蜜视频 Senior Manager), and Stephen Milich (Consultant)
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
4:00 PST
569 S Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA
RSVP at
About the Panelists:
Deborah K. Monroe brings over three decades of experience in K-12 education to her role as President of the Institute for Educational Advancement. With a distinguished career in both Los Angeles and international schools, Deborah has consistently championed innovative college preparatory programs and comprehensive socio-emotional curricula within premier PK-12 institutions.
Mallory Aldrich is the Senior Manager, Caroline D.Bradley Scholarship Program at the Insitute for Educational Advancement. Mallory graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.A. in Secondary Social Studies Education. She then pursued a MEd. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Gifted Education at Arizona State University. Prior to joining 优蜜视频 she worked an Advanced Placement High School Social Studies teacher for nearly nine years in Arizona.
Stephen Milich is an experienced educational consultant with over 25 years in independent school admissions. Based in Los Angeles over 15 years, Stephen has served as an Admissions Officer at Occidental College, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at The Buckley School, and Director of Admissions at Carlthorp School. He works with families at all levels, striving to provide extraordinary service, support, and expertise to successfully navigate the preschool, independent school, and college admission processes. His extensive background in K鈥�6, K鈥�12, and college settings equips him to offer invaluable guidance to families throughout their educational journey.
Seven practical strategies for tackling perfectionism in gifted kids.
Presenter: Lisa Van Gemert
Thursday, March 6, 2025聽
4:00 PST / 7:00 EST
Virtual
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About the Presenter:
Lisa Van Gemert is an expert in neuropsychology, pedagogy, and education, known for combining humor, technology, and fun in her work. A former teacher, school administrator, and Youth & Education Ambassador for Mensa, Lisa is also an expert consultant for TV shows like Lifetime鈥檚 Child Genius and the author of four books, including the Legacy Award-winning Perfectionism: A Practical Guide to Managing Never Good Enough. She shares resources for educators and parents through GiftedGuru.com and VocabularyLuau.com. Lisa holds a degree in English and an M.Ed.T. from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Recent Meetings
- Executive (Dys)Function: Making Things Better (March 6, 2025)
- Speaker: Lisa Van Gemert
- Homeschooling Considerations for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Families
- Speaker: Kasi Peters, MT-BC
- Speaker: Dr. Jamie Chaves, OTD, OTR/L, SWC
- Speaker: Kasi Peters, MT-BC
- Speaker: Dr. Jessica Manzone
- Gifted Identification & Programming
- Speaker: Dr. Dave Palmer
- Speaker: Olivia Hauge
- Speaker: Cynthia Z. Hansen, Ed.D., ET/P
- Speaker: Austina De Bonte
- Speaker: Dr. Paula Wilkes
- Speaker: Karen Anderson
- Speaker: Jere Chang
- Speaker: Sharon Duncan
- Speaker: Catherine Zakoian
聽to visit our Youtube page to view recordings of past Gifted Support Groups.聽
Consulting with Youth & Families
优蜜视频 also consults with gifted youth and their families. Please reach out regarding your needs at ieagifted@educationaladvancement.org.
鈥溣琶凼悠� Provides a Wealth of Information and Is the Best Resource We鈥檝e Found for Support and Guidance in the Gifted Community.鈥�
鈥� 优蜜视频 Parent