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Family Retreat Session Descriptions & Speakers
Sessions Include Youth Workshops, Parent Workshops, Whole Family Presentations, and Keynote Speakers
Please note, prior registration is not needed for Parent Workshops, only for Youth Workshops.
Keynote Presentations
What would change if you stopped hiding your true self?
In this inspiring keynote, Sam Young invites gifted and twice-exceptional families to explore the transformative power of authenticity. Mr. Sam highlights the courage it takes to remove societal “masks,” the vulnerability involved, and the profound freedom that follows.
This empowering talk emboldens families to embrace their unique strengths, foster authentic connections, and navigate life with clarity and confidence.
Prepare to be inspired by stories of growth, resilience, and unmasking brilliance.
Sam Young, M.Ed.: Sam Young, M.Ed., is the Head of School at Young Scholars Academy, a strength-based, virtual enrichment program that supports gifted, twice-exceptional, and bright, differently-wired students to thrive!
Sam is a two-time Fulbright Scholar, TEDx presenter, Keynote speaker, and a neurodivergent person himself who has committed his life to supporting bright, quirky students to overcome the harmful deficit-based system and discover, develop, and lead strength-based, talent-focused lives!
Families with gifted children often feel isolated, singled out, different. Families with gifted children who also have children with disabilities or whose gifted child is twice exceptional often feel even more isolated! In this interactive presentation, Dr. Fink will explore how to connect with other families to created sustainable and vital communities. She will also help families explore their own gifted/exceptional/dis/ability lineages. Beyond these labels, beyond the boundaries of the nuclear family, how can we create communities in which we can all thrive?
Dr. Jennifer Natalya Fink: Dr. Jennifer Natalya Fink is a professor of English and co-founder of the Program in Disability Studies at Georgetown University. Dr. Fink is the author of seven award-winning books, including All Our Families: Disability Lineage and the Future of Kinship. She has written about disability lineage and neurodiversity for the New York Times, the Atlantic, Teen Vogue, and many others. An equally committed teacher and researcher, Dr. Fink received the Dean's Award for Teaching Excellence and the President's Award for Distinguished Scholar-Teachers. A lifelong learner, she recently completed a certificate from the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis. Dr. Fink is a 2024 recipient of the Fulbright Peer Specialist award, and is currently at work on Neuropsyches: Neurodiversity, Narrativity, and the New Psychoanalysis. First and foremost, Dr. Fink is a mother: the transformative experience of parenting her gifted autistic daughter is the center of her work. Photo by Damith da Silva
Youth Workshops
This interactive workshop empowers participants to explore community, authenticity, and story stewardship. Through engaging activities, participants will identify what they seek in meaningful connections and learn how to foster spaces where they and their peers can thrive.
Highlights include:
--> embracing authenticity
--> holding space for others
--> building the communities they’ve been searching for
Participants will leave with actionable tools to create supportive, inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and inspire thoughtful action.
Sam Young, M.Ed.: Sam Young, M.Ed., is the Head of School at Young Scholars Academy, a strength-based, virtual enrichment program that supports gifted, twice-exceptional, and bright, differently-wired students to thrive!
Sam is a two-time Fulbright Scholar, TEDx presenter, Keynote speaker, and a neurodivergent person himself who has committed his life to supporting bright, quirky students to overcome the harmful deficit-based system and discover, develop, and lead strength-based, talent-focused lives!
Students will learn how to create a character using voice, body and emotion, and practice with games and activities. As a group, Ms. Jackson and students will put together a "show" using fairy tales. With Ms. Jackson as the narrator, volunteer actors will perform and shine on the "stage." There will be much silliness and laughter!
Kirsten Jackson: Teaching, performing for children as “Queen of Theatre,” or directing “Ms. Jackson’s Theatre!,” Kirsten Jackson facilitates imagination and confidence using silliness and laughter to create a safe place where students shine. A widow who raised three 2E children on a small farm surrounded by animals, she believes creativity is key to authentic self-awareness. Jackson has 27 years teaching experience and 15 years directing experience. She currently teaches theatre and writing for Outschool and Young Scholars Academy.
Students will learn how to create a character using voice, body and emotion, and practice with games and activities. In small groups students will play "Expert Interview" where students take turns being an expert while the others are reporters interviewing them. Time permitting, students will also have an opportunity to prepare and perform a skit with their newly developed "expert" characters. There will be much silliness and laughter!
Kirsten Jackson: Teaching, performing for children as “Queen of Theatre,” or directing “Ms. Jackson’s Theatre!,” Kirsten Jackson facilitates imagination and confidence using silliness and laughter to create a safe place where students shine. A widow who raised three 2E children on a small farm surrounded by animals, she believes creativity is key to authentic self-awareness. Jackson has 27 years teaching experience and 15 years directing experience. She currently teaches theatre and writing for Outschool and Young Scholars Academy.
Davidson Young Scholars and non-member siblings ages 5-18 can attend these.
Check back later for speaker bios & engaging workshop descriptions!
Parent Workshops
Neurodivergence is extremely common in the gifted student community. Yet the label can feel alienating, frightening, othering. What is 'neurodivergence', anyway? What kinds of community does the neurodivergent world offer families of gifted children? What tools exist to help families navigate the world with their gifted neurodivergent child? What tools do we need to create? Dr. Fink will demystify neurodivergence, using the most up-to-date neuroscientific and social science research. She will offer her own journey as the gifted parent of a gifted neurodivergent child, and provide resources and opportunities for connection.
Dr. Jennifer Natalya Fink: Dr. Jennifer Natalya Fink is a professor of English and co-founder of the Program in Disability Studies at Georgetown University. Dr. Fink is the author of seven award-winning books, including All Our Families: Disability Lineage and the Future of Kinship. She has written about disability lineage and neurodiversity for the New York Times, the Atlantic, Teen Vogue, and many others. An equally committed teacher and researcher, Dr. Fink received the Dean's Award for Teaching Excellence and the President's Award for Distinguished Scholar-Teachers. A lifelong learner, she recently completed a certificate from the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis. Dr. Fink is a 2024 recipient of the Fulbright Peer Specialist award, and is currently at work on Neuropsyches: Neurodiversity, Narrativity, and the New Psychoanalysis. First and foremost, Dr. Fink is a mother: the transformative experience of parenting her gifted autistic daughter is the center of her work. Photo by Damith da Silva
Centered on the research explored in her book Fed Up, Gemma Hartley shares how to recognize the mental load and emotional labor that comes with raising an exceptional child. From tireless advocacy work to managing high emotions, there are added challenges that often fall to the default parent in families with highly gifted students. This session will teach participants how to make the invisible visible, as well as co-create plans for managing emotional labor and the mental load.
Gemma Hartley: Gemma Hartley is a freelance journalist, writing coach, and author of Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward and the forthcoming No One Loves An Angry Woman. She has spoken on the topic of emotional labor and the mental load around the world, from corporate conferences to festivals at the Sydney Opera House. She is passionate about creating a more equitable world in which invisible labor is valued and supported by both personal partners and public policy alike.
Gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) learners often experience the world with heightened intensity and awareness, making them particularly susceptible to today's increasing pressures and rapid changes. Their unique cognitive profiles and emotional sensitivities can amplify both challenges and opportunities in managing mental health. During this session, we'll explore practical strategies tailored to these learners' distinct needs, focusing on how to leverage their strengths while supporting their vulnerabilities. Learn how to recognize early warning signs, foster resilience, and help gifted/2e students process complex emotions while maintaining their characteristic curiosity and drive.
Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC: Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to the development of children and teens who are neurodivergent and cognitively gifted, including "Raising Twice-Exceptional Children: A Handbook for Parents of Neurodivergent Gifted Kids" and "A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children: A Resource for Caregivers and Advocates." She started her career in education and now works as a mental health counselor in private practice outside of St. Louis, Missouri.
Check back later to see our exciting topics and speaker details soon!
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In the popular imagination, 'gifted' means you're a supergenius who is exceptional at everything. In reality, gifted children often have 'co-morbid' diagnoses, and may have deficits and challenges along with their gifts. In this interactive workshop, we will explore both the blessings and challenges of this doubleness, both for the child and his/her/their family, and in navigating their communities, schools, and social circles. How do we reimagine and redefine giftedness to include the full complexity and humanity of our doubly exceptional children? Dr. Fink will offer her own journey as the twice exceptional parent of a twice exceptional child, and provide resources and opportunities for connection.
Dr. Jennifer Natalya Fink: Dr. Jennifer Natalya Fink is a professor of English and co-founder of the Program in Disability Studies at Georgetown University. Dr. Fink is the author of seven award-winning books, including All Our Families: Disability Lineage and the Future of Kinship. She has written about disability lineage and neurodiversity for the New York Times, the Atlantic, Teen Vogue, and many others. An equally committed teacher and researcher, Dr. Fink received the Dean's Award for Teaching Excellence and the President's Award for Distinguished Scholar-Teachers. A lifelong learner, she recently completed a certificate from the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis. Dr. Fink is a 2024 recipient of the Fulbright Peer Specialist award, and is currently at work on Neuropsyches: Neurodiversity, Narrativity, and the New Psychoanalysis. First and foremost, Dr. Fink is a mother: the transformative experience of parenting her gifted autistic daughter is the center of her work. Photo by Damith da Silva
Building on the topics explored in Managing Emotional Labor and the Mental Load, Gemma Hartley will spearhead a discussion on the importance of self-care for parents of highly gifted students. Beyond its importance for mental health and avoiding burnout, participants will learn how to build a foundation of support that creates room for self-care. This session will teach participants strategies for engaging with real self-care and lightening the mental load.
Gemma Hartley: Gemma Hartley is a freelance journalist, writing coach, and author of Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward and the forthcoming No One Loves An Angry Woman. She has spoken on the topic of emotional labor and the mental load around the world, from corporate conferences to festivals at the Sydney Opera House. She is passionate about creating a more equitable world in which invisible labor is valued and supported by both personal partners and public policy alike.
How do you discuss challenging topics with a child who thinks deeply, feels intensely, and asks complex questions? This session provides parents of gifted and twice-exceptional children with practical strategies for navigating sensitive conversations about mental health, loss, and other difficult subjects. Learn how to balance honesty with age-appropriate explanations, validate intense emotions while building coping skills, and create safe spaces for processing complex feelings. Discover techniques for transforming challenging discussions into opportunities for emotional growth, deeper parent-child connections, and increased resilience.
Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC: Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to the development of children and teens who are neurodivergent and cognitively gifted, including "Raising Twice-Exceptional Children: A Handbook for Parents of Neurodivergent Gifted Kids" and "A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children: A Resource for Caregivers and Advocates." She started her career in education and now works as a mental health counselor in private practice outside of St. Louis, Missouri.
Check back later to see our exciting topics and speaker details soon!
Whole Family Presentations & Sessions
The whole family should join in for this important presentation.
Check back later to check out the exciting details for these presentations!
The whole family should join in for this important presentation.
Check back later to check out the exciting details for these presentations!
Each morning, families can start their day with a morning movement option of yoga or an intention setting walk around campus. Forego both and just enjoy extra time to get ready and have breakfast as a family.
Rise and shine with gentle movement in this feel-good morning yoga session. Durning this hour, we'll connect to our breath, set our intentions for the day, and wake up the body with stretches and sun salutations. This is a family-friendly yoga flow that will help clear the mind and energize the body, preparing you for the rest of the day.
Sara Kwasna: Sara Kwasna earned her 200-hour yoga teaching certificate in May of 2022. She’s been trained in vinyasa yoga, trauma-informed yoga, accessible yoga, and is a Level 2 Reiki practitioner. Sara believes that yoga should be made available to all people regardless of gender identity, race, size, age, socioeconomic status, or physical ability. This year, she will complete her 300-hour YTT.