Our Gifted Kids Podcast

It’s our final BONUS episode for Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’ve been Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus all week with seven podcasts!

As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again as we talk about #gifted joy & equity!

Enjoyed the podcasts?

Our online communities are currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Find out more here!

Or subscribe, join our online community or get freebies, say thanks at ourgiftedkids.com

Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us!

Resources

• Subscribe to Our Gifted Kids
• Sign up for Our Gifted Kids Online Communities
• Marc Smolowitz & The G Word

Bio

Marc Smolowitz

Marc Smolowitz is a multi-award-winning director, producer, and executive producer who has been significantly involved in 50+ independent films. The combined footprint of his works has touched 250+ film festivals & markets on 5 continents, yielding substantial worldwide sales to theatrical, television, and VOD outlets, notable box office receipts, and numerous awards and nominations.

His credits include films that have screened at the world's top-tier festivals such as Sundance, Berlin, Venice, Tribeca, Locarno, Chicago, Palm Springs, SF FILM, AFI Docs, IDFA, DOC NYC, CPH: DOX, Tokyo, Melbourne, Viennale, Jerusalem, among others.

In 2009, Marc founded 13th Gen, a San Francisco-based boutique film and entertainment company (see: https://www.13thgenfilm.com/) that works with a dynamic range of independent film partners globally to oversee the financing, production, post-production, marketing, sales, and distribution efforts of a vibrant portfolio of films and filmmakers.

The company has successfully advanced Marc's career-long focus on powerful social issue filmmaking across all genres. In 2016, he received one of the prestigious Gotham Media Fellowships to attend the Cannes Film Festival's Producers Network marking him as one of the USA's most influential independent film producers.

In 2022, Marc is currently in post-production on THE G WORD -- a feature-length documentary that aims to be the most comprehensive film ever made on the topics of gifted, talented, and neurodiverse education across the United States. The film asks the urgent equity question -- In the 21st century, who gets to be Gifted in America and Why?. Learn more at: https://www.thegwordfilm.com/

Hit play and let’s get started!

It’s Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’re Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus with this year’s theme.

As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again with a whole week of podcasts. Actually, 6 episodes! Where we talk about #gifted joy!

Podcast Line Up

• Marc Smolowitz introduces the week with - #064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy
• Monday
  • #065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue
• Tuesday
  • #066 Why Gifted Folk Need Board Games! w/ Justin Ratcliff
• Wednesday
  • #067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer
• Thursday
  • #068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith
• Friday
  • #069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young

Enjoyed the podcasts? Our online community is currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Find out more here!

Or subscribe, join our online community or get freebies, say thanks at ourgiftedkids.com

Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us!

Our GTN Awareness Week Links

• Sign up for free virtual events at Gifted Talented Neurodiverse Awareness Week
• Subscribe to Our Gifted Kids
• Sign up for Our Gifted Kids Online Communities
• Marc Smolowitz & The G Word
• Kate Donohue & Dynamic Parenting
• Justin Ratcliff’s Favourite Board Game Links:
  • boardgameoracle.com
  • boardgamegeek.com
• Johannes Dreyer & Beat Frequency Mentoring
• Josh Smith & Free Mind Skate School
• Sam Young & Young Scholars Academy

Bio

Sam Young

Samuel Young, MEd, is a growth-minded, two-time Fulbright Scholar and Director of Young Scholars Academy, a strength-based, talent-focused virtual enrichment center that supports twice-exceptional students and their families. Samuel is a neurodivergent educator who has ADHD. As an ADHD learner, he has a tremendous understanding of, experience in, and respect for all things related to neurodiverse education.

Before founding Young Scholars Academy, Samuel taught in a variety of capacities—including nearly a decade at Bridges Academy—at an array of programs in the US, Europe, and Asia. Travel and culture are near and dear to him. He has led 2e students to over 7 countries for immersive cultural and educational trips.

Samuel has been featured in the documentary 2e2: Teaching The Twice Exceptional, the textbook Understanding The Social and Emotional Lives of Gifted Students, 2nd Ed., Variations Magazine, 2e News, and other publications.

Hit play and let’s get started!

It’s Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’re Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus with this year’s theme.

As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again with a whole week of podcasts. Actually, 6 episodes! Where we talk about #gifted joy!

Podcast Line Up

• Marc Smolowitz introduces the week with - #064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy
• Monday
  • #065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue
• Tuesday
  • #066 Why Gifted Folk Need Board Games! w/ Justin Ratcliff
• Wednesday
  • #067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer
• Thursday
  • #068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith
• Friday
  • #069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young

Enjoyed the podcasts? Our online community is currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Find out more here!

Or subscribe, join our online community or get freebies, say thanks at ourgiftedkids.com

Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us!

Our GTN Awareness Week Links

• Sign up for free virtual events at Gifted Talented Neurodiverse Awareness Week
• Subscribe to Our Gifted Kids
• Sign up for Our Gifted Kids Online Communities
• Marc Smolowitz & The G Word
• Kate Donohue & Dynamic Parenting
• Justin Ratcliff’s Favourite Board Game Links:
  • boardgameoracle.com
  • boardgamegeek.com
• Johannes Dreyer & Beat Frequency Mentoring
• Josh Smith & Free Mind Skate School
• Sam Young & Young Scholars Academy

Bio

Josh Smith

Free Mind Skate School was founded by Josh Smith, a local skateboarder who has been skating in Adelaide for 20+yrs. Josh has become well known in the skate community and to local councils over the years due to his constant involvement in the facilitation of skate-related events and competitions, as well as being a competition judge with the Australian Skateboard Federation. On top of that, for nearly half a decade Josh has been seen at skateparks across Adelaide coaching beginners to help boost the next generation of Adelaide skaters. What started as a part-time job while studying full-time all those years ago, has turned into a way of life.

As well as being an avid skater, Stigma Stall mentor Josh also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioural Science and has vast experience in youth mentoring/engagement. Using positive mentorship through skateboarding to build a trusting and informal relationship, this serves as the foundation that positive change can be built upon.

Skateboarders are incredibly resilient, which comes from years of mastering their craft. In life we must get back up when we fall, and although falling is inevitable at times, this does not have to mean failure. Through progression in their skating, clients see within themselves that positive change is possible in their life. This inherently promotes clients to willingly take responsibility for their own future, whilst continually building confidence and developing resilience.

Hit play and let’s get started!

It’s Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’re Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus with this year’s theme.

As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again with a whole week of podcasts. Actually, 6 episodes! Where we talk about #gifted joy!

Podcast Line Up

• Marc Smolowitz introduces the week with - #064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy
• Monday
  • #065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue
• Tuesday
  • #066 Why Gifted Folk Need Board Games! w/ Justin Ratcliff
• Wednesday
  • #067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer
• Thursday
  • #068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith
• Friday
  • #069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young

Enjoyed the podcasts? Our online community is currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Find out more here!

Or subscribe, join our online community or get freebies, say thanks at ourgiftedkids.com

Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us!

Our GTN Awareness Week Links

• Sign up for free virtual events at Gifted Talented Neurodiverse Awareness Week
• Subscribe to Our Gifted Kids
• Sign up for Our Gifted Kids Online Communities
• Marc Smolowitz & The G Word
• Kate Donohue & Dynamic Parenting
• Justin Ratcliff’s Favourite Board Game Links:
  • boardgameoracle.com
  • boardgamegeek.com
• Johannes Dreyer & Beat Frequency Mentoring
• Josh Smith & Free Mind Skate School
• Sam Young & Young Scholars Academy

Bio

Johannes Dreyer

Johann Dreyer is a South African-born music producer, educator and expressive therapist. Johann's ethos can be defined as: "Ask not what the pen does to the paper, instead ask what the paper does for the pen." 

Johann's diverse experience and formal qualifications provide a broad perspective when working with clients, creating an interactive and personalised experience. Johann has a great passion for working with neurodiverse people, assisting with creative expression and emotional well-being.

For the past six years, Johann has provided a person-centered approach utilizing modern technology to facilitate music production or digital art sessions. Client outcomes have included public performances, art exhibitions and the formal release of music on public platforms.  

He has been involved in the music industry for the past 15 years and teaching for the last eight years. He actively creates music and art and amongst his qualifications has completed a Master of Creative Industries and a Bachelor of Audio Production.

Hit play and let’s get started!

It’s Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’re Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus with this year’s theme.

As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again with a whole week of podcasts. Actually, 6 episodes! Where we talk about #gifted joy!

Podcast Line Up

• Marc Smolowitz introduces the week with - #064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy
• Monday
  • #065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue
• Tuesday
  • #066 Why Gifted Folk Need Board Games! w/ Justin Ratcliff
• Wednesday
  • #067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer
• Thursday
  • #068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith
• Friday
  • #069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young

Enjoyed the podcasts? Our online community is currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Find out more here!

Or subscribe, join our online community or get freebies, say thanks at ourgiftedkids.com

Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us!

Our GTN Awareness Week Links

• Sign up for free virtual events at Gifted Talented Neurodiverse Awareness Week
• Subscribe to Our Gifted Kids
• Sign up for Our Gifted Kids Online Communities
• Marc Smolowitz & The G Word
• Kate Donohue & Dynamic Parenting
• Justin Ratcliff’s Favourite Board Game Links:
  • boardgameoracle.com
  • boardgamegeek.com
• Johannes Dreyer & Beat Frequency Mentoring
• Josh Smith & Free Mind Skate School
• Sam Young & Young Scholars Academy

Bio

When I think of board games I don't know anyone else who knows more than my friend, Justin. I'm delighted he came on the show to share his joy with us!

He's introduced our family to sooo many board games!

Justin is originally from the US, is a high school teacher, a parent, and a self-confessed board game enthusiast & proselytizer!

Hit play and let’s get started!

It’s Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’re Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus with this year’s theme.

As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again with a whole week of podcasts. Actually, 6 episodes! Where we talk about #gifted joy!

Podcast Line Up

• Marc Smolowitz introduces the week with - #064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy
• Monday
  • #065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue
• Tuesday
  • #066 Why Gifted Folk Need Board Games! w/ Justin Ratcliff
• Wednesday
  • #067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer
• Thursday
  • #068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith
• Friday
  • #069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young

Enjoyed the podcasts? Our online community is currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Find out more here!

Or subscribe, join our online community or get freebies, say thanks at ourgiftedkids.com

Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us!

Our GTN Awareness Week Links

• Sign up for free virtual events at Gifted Talented Neurodiverse Awareness Week
• Subscribe to Our Gifted Kids
• Sign up for Our Gifted Kids Online Communities
• Marc Smolowitz & The G Word
• Kate Donohue & Dynamic Parenting
• Justin Ratcliff’s Favourite Board Game Links:
  • boardgameoracle.com
  • boardgamegeek.com
• Johannes Dreyer & Beat Frequency Mentoring
• Josh Smith & Free Mind Skate School
• Sam Young & Young Scholars Academy

Bio

Kate Donohue

Kate has been working in the disability sector for more than 20 years. She has been a DIR therapist, kindergarten and school teacher, service leader, mentor, support worker and public speaker & presenter. 

Kate was raised in rural SA and was a first-generation university attendee. She taught on Pitjantjatjara land, leading the special needs programs and co-facilitating the aboriginal inclusion programs with Aboriginal elders. Kate is grateful to be able to live and work on Kaurna land.

Her passion developed from her experiences of growing up 'thinking, learning and experiencing my world differently'. She found ways to thrive in her own unique way in a world that is not designed for people who are different. This gives her valuable insights and a natural ability to relate.

Kate's work experiences include researching disability inclusion in Norway, working with youth at risk in Canada and supporting children with severe and complex needs in the Cook Islands and rural Australia. Kate has facilitated many parent support groups and committees.  

Kate's learning journey really began when she became a parent to 2 neurodivergent girls and began to explore her own neurodivergence from a neurodivergent-affirming perspective.

Kate has supported hundreds of neurodivergent people and their families, educators, therapists & employers in the last 20 years. Kate has a deep understanding of neurodivergence which she uses to mentor, educate and support regardless of where people are on their journey.

Hit play and let’s get started!

It’s Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’re Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus with this year’s theme.

As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again with a whole week of podcasts. Actually, 6 episodes! Where we talk about #gifted joy!

Podcast Line Up

• Marc Smolowitz introduces the week with - #064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy
• Monday
  • #065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue
• Tuesday
  • #066 Why Gifted Folk Need Board Games! w/ Justin Ratcliff
• Wednesday
  • #067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer
• Thursday
  • #068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith
• Friday
  • #069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young

Enjoyed the podcasts? Our online community is currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Find out more here!

Or subscribe, join our online community or get freebies, say thanks at ourgiftedkids.com

Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us!

Our GTN Awareness Week Links

• Sign up for free virtual events at Gifted Talented Neurodiverse Awareness Week
• Subscribe to Our Gifted Kids
• Sign up for Our Gifted Kids Online Communities
• Marc Smolowitz & The G Word
• Kate Donohue & Dynamic Parenting
• Justin Ratcliff’s Favourite Board Game Links:
  • boardgameoracle.com
  • boardgamegeek.com
• Johannes Dreyer & Beat Frequency Mentoring
• Josh Smith & Free Mind Skate School
• Sam Young & Young Scholars Academy

Bio

Kate Donohue

Kate has been working in the disability sector for more than 20 years. She has been a DIR therapist, kindergarten and school teacher, service leader, mentor, support worker and public speaker & presenter. 

Kate was raised in rural SA and was a first-generation university attendee. She taught on Pitjantjatjara land, leading the special needs programs and co-facilitating the aboriginal inclusion programs with Aboriginal elders. Kate is grateful to be able to live and work on Kaurna land.

Her passion developed from her experiences of growing up 'thinking, learning and experiencing my world differently'. She found ways to thrive in her own unique way in a world that is not designed for people who are different. This gives her valuable insights and a natural ability to relate.

Kate's work experiences include researching disability inclusion in Norway, working with youth at risk in Canada and supporting children with severe and complex needs in the Cook Islands and rural Australia. Kate has facilitated many parent support groups and committees.  

Kate's learning journey really began when she became a parent to 2 neurodivergent girls and began to explore her own neurodivergence from a neurodivergent-affirming perspective.

Kate has supported hundreds of neurodivergent people and their families, educators, therapists & employers in the last 20 years. Kate has a deep understanding of neurodivergence which she uses to mentor, educate and support regardless of where people are on their journey.

Hit play and let’s get started!

It’s Gifted, Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week; and we’re Bringing Joy & Equity in Focus with this year’s theme.

As a proud partner of The G Word, Our Gifted Kids is delighted to raise awareness once again with a whole week of podcasts. Actually, 6 episodes! Where we talk about #gifted joy!

GTN Awareness Week Podcast Line Up

• Marc Smolowitz introduces the week with - #064 Gifted Talented & Neurodiversity Awareness Week does #giftedjoy
• Monday
  • #065 Gifted Joy & Gifted Play; Why it's Different w/ Kate Donohue
• Tuesday
  • #066 Why Gifted Folk Need Board Games! w/ Justin Ratcliff
• Wednesday
  • #067 How to Express Your Gifted Self with Digital Music & Art w/ Johannes Dreyer
• Thursday
  • #068 A Higher Skate of Mind for Gifted Kids w/ Josh Smith
• Friday
  • #069 Why Dungeons & Dragons is Gifted Bliss w/ Sam Young

Enjoyed the podcasts? Our online community is currently open until midnight Thursday 3 November! Find out more here!

Or subscribe, join our online community or get freebies, say thanks at ourgiftedkids.com

Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us!

Our GTN Awareness Week Guest Links

• Sign up for free virtual events at Gifted Talented Neurodiversity Awareness Week
• Marc Smolowitz & The G Word
• Kate Donohue & Dynamic Parenting
• Johannes Dreyer & Beat Frequency Mentoring
• Josh Smith & Free Mind Skate School
• Sam Young & Young Scholars Academy

Bio

Marc Smolowitz

Marc Smolowitz is a multi-award-winning director, producer, and executive producer who has been significantly involved in 50+ independent films. The combined footprint of his works has touched 250+ film festivals & markets on 5 continents, yielding substantial worldwide sales to theatrical, television, and VOD outlets, notable box office receipts, and numerous awards and nominations.

His credits include films that have screened at the world's top-tier festivals such as Sundance, Berlin, Venice, Tribeca, Locarno, Chicago, Palm Springs, SF FILM, AFI Docs, IDFA, DOC NYC, CPH: DOX, Tokyo, Melbourne, Viennale, Jerusalem, among others.

In 2009, Marc founded 13th Gen, a San Francisco-based boutique film and entertainment company (see: https://www.13thgenfilm.com/) that works with a dynamic range of independent film partners globally to oversee the financing, production, post-production, marketing, sales, and distribution efforts of a vibrant portfolio of films and filmmakers.

The company has successfully advanced Marc's career-long focus on powerful social issue filmmaking across all genres. In 2016, he received one of the prestigious Gotham Media Fellowships to attend the Cannes Film Festival's Producers Network marking him as one of the USA's most influential independent film producers.

In 2022, Marc is currently in post-production on THE G WORD -- a feature-length documentary that aims to be the most comprehensive film ever made on the topics of gifted, talented, and neurodiverse education across the United States. The film asks the urgent equity question -- In the 21st century, who gets to be Gifted in America and Why?. Learn more at: https://www.thegwordfilm.com/

Hit play and let’s get started!

In this episode, we’re talking to Dr Gail Post about the very different journey that we experience as parents of gifted kids.

Enjoyed the podcast? then subscribe or get your show notes, free eBook or course at ourgiftedkids.com

If this episode inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it in our Facebook group or Instagram or feel connected & supported in our community, the Our Gifted Kids Hub.

Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us!

Memorable Quote

“There's so much more now about what to do when you're raising a gifted child… but, very little looking at what the parents are going through and their experiences and as we know, raising a gifted or twice exceptional child is challenging in ways that folks with neurotypical kids may not experience.

A lot of the intensity and heightened sensitivity and quirkiness and asynchronous development, all of that make it a more challenging job, on top of the fact that it often falls on parents to advocate in the schools or figure out some way of patching together a more enriching education for them.

So it's quite a challenge and that leaves families with a lot of emotions that are really hard to talk about… there's very little that's written about it.” – Dr Gail Post

Resources

• Book: The Gifted Parenting Journey by Dr Gail Post
• Gifted Challenges Website
• Gifted Challenges Facebook
• Gifted Challenges Twitter
• Dr Gail Post Website

Bio

Gail Post, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist, parenting consultant, workshop leader, and writer. In practice for over 35 years, she provides psychotherapy with a focus on the needs of the intellectually and musically gifted, parenting consultation and workshops, and consultation with educators and psychotherapists.

She is also an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Dr. Post is the parent of two gifted young adults and served as co-chair of a gifted parents advocacy group when her children were in school. Her writing includes online articles, several book chapters, and a long-standing blog, Gifted Challenges. 

Her upcoming book through Gifted Unlimited Press, “The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children” extends her advocacy efforts to address the needs of parents of gifted children. 

Hit play and let’s get started!

We’re back with Part 2 of our episode talking to Kintara Phillips about navigating schools and education with gifted kids.

In these episodes we ask Kintara to answer all of those questions you have about how to talk to your child’s teacher, what questions to ask a new school, when is it time to move on, what kind of education is your child going to need and so much more… there was so much we have split it into two episodes!

Enjoyed the podcast? then subscribe or get your show notes, free eBook or course at ourgiftedkids.com

If this episode inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it in our Facebook group or Instagram or feel connected & supported in our community, the Our Gifted Kids Hub.

Please leave a review on your podcast player and help parents find us!

Memorable Quote

Kintara Phillips - “Are they getting a hundred percent on all their tests?

Are they getting perfect marks on all of their English essays? Which on the surface parents would be like, well, that's amazing. Like what are you complaining about?

I'm complaining because if my kid, with no effort, gets 100%, could they have gotten a hundred at the start of the unit? The conversations I have with teachers are like, I'm a happy parent when my kids test results are around 75, 80%. It means you've pitched it well. We've got that point where there's stuff he doesn't know.” 

Sophia Elliott – “Yeah. The sacred ground of the stuff they don't know. Absolutely.”

Resources

• Emergence Education Website
• Emergence Education Facebook
• Emergence Education Instagram
• James & Susie Youtube Video
  • “An allegory about what happens to smart kids who skate through elementary school, and don't get opportunities to develop persistence, grit, and the true self-confidence that comes from knowing how to tackle a genuine challenge.”
• Heather’s Podcast – what happens when you don’t learn how to learn - #033 [GTN Awareness Week] #ActuallyGifted Adult with Heather Cox
• State Gifted Associations – Australia (AAEGT) - USA
• GERRIC

Bio

Kintara Phillips worked as a Secondary English teacher for 21 years across government, independent and catholic schools. After a principal suggested that her ‘gut feeling’ about extending the gifted students in her class needed to be backed by some evidence – always the overachiever, she completed a Masters in Gifted Education at UNSW in 2016 and presented said evidence at the International Gifted Conference later the same year (and yes, her gut feeling was right). Leaving the classroom in 2021, frustrated by the restrictive system and desperate to find a way to shake things up, she now finds herself almost halfway through a Graduate Diploma in Psychology and plans to complete honours then a Masters in Educational Psychology sometime before she turns 50.

Earlier this year, Kintara was formally diagnosed with ADHD, confirming her place in the2e community and further strengthening her passion for supporting young people and their families, but also educating teachers to be able to provide better inclusions and educational outcomes for gifted and 2e learners. Longer term she hopes to blend her years of classroom experience and psychology training to bridge the gap between schools, psychologists and gifted education and would love nothing more than to see her name mentioned when parents ask about for recommendations for a psychologist experienced with giftedness in the future.

Kintara currently teaches in the Masters of Teaching at two Victorian Universities, and hopes that by employing the butterfly effect and mentioning gifted learners frequently, even if it’s not in the course outline, to the future teacher’s she works with, that perhaps a little shake up may occur in schools sooner than later.

In all her spare time, Kintara and her teacher bestie, have started to build and nurture a small business specifically positioned to support gifted students navigate school, help families plan and advocate and work in schools with teachers providing professional learning opportunities that build understanding of gifted learning needs.

Hit play and let’s get started!