Saturday Programs

April 11: Stealth Dyslexia, ADHD, and Other Learning Differences in Twice Exceptional Students - Dr. Liz Adams

We will explore together some of the most common learning differences among Twice Exceptional students, including Stealth Dyslexia, ADHD, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and Nonverbal Learning Disability. We'll talk about the following: what they are (symptoms/what to look for), where they come from (brains and genetics), and what to do about them (strengths-based perspective and support strategies).

Bio: Dr. Adams is a board-certified neuropsychologist and founder/CEO of Minnesota Neuropsychology. She has been practicing neuropsychology for 18 years, providing assessments for ADHD, dyslexia, gifted/twice exceptional. In clinical work and in teaching, Dr. Adams is known for her down-to-earth, approachable style and her strengths-based approach to learning differences. She enjoys making complex concepts and data accessible and relatable to her clients and students. Dr. Adams is honored to be a part of these organizations: Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota, Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented, International Dyslexia Association - Upper Midwest Branch, and clinical practicum supervisor for the University of Minnesota’s Doctoral Psychology program.

April 18: When Giftedness Is a Family Affair - Melanie Olson

Explore how giftedness can influence family dynamics over time. Participants will reflect on how giftedness may or may not appear among parents, siblings, and extended or blended family members—and how these patterns can create both strengths and challenges. This session is designed to be affirming, reflective, and practical, helping families better understand themselves, their children, and the systems they interact with.

Bio: Melanie Olson has been an educator at Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools for 21 years, with the last 15 being in the Quest Program which is a school-within-a school for gifted and talented students. She has a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.S. in Special Education from St. Cloud State University. She holds teaching certificates in Technology Education, Gifted Education, and Environmental Education from Hamline University. Melanie has served on the board of directors for The Minnesota Educators of the Gifted and Talented since 2015 promoting and supporting excellence in gifted education.

Recent Presentations:

• "Increasing Engagement and Success Through Creative Expression and Exploration" - Erin Boltik
• "Co-Regulation and Responsive Structure: Tools for Caregivers of Intense Children and Youth" - Dr. Mary Wandrei
• "Anxiety, Boredom, and Underachievement. How to Help Your Child Navigate School" - Dr. Mark Larson and Jodi Larson
• "Gifted Readers and the Science of Reading: What Parents Should Know" - Dr. Liz Fogarty
• "Decoding Puzzling Minds: Giftedness & Neurodiversity" - Dr. Megan Helmen
• "When Your Child’s Job of School is Taking Over Your Family" - Carol Malueg
• "Using Mind-Body Science to Enhance the Well-Being of Gifted Families" - Dr. Andrea Johnson
• "Recognizing Anxiety in Gifted Children" - Shelly Harvey
• "Supporting the Academic Success of the Visually-Spatially Talented" - Martha Palm
• "The Challenge of Being Good at Almost Everything" - Josh Chambers
• "The Parenting Journey" - Dr. Teresa Argo Boatman
• "Defining Success Your Own Way" - Tina van Erp
• "Easy Ways to Cultivate Critical and Creative Thinking at Home" - Molly Hammel
• "The Origin of Worries in Gifted Children" - Dr. Lori Migdal
• "Building Relationships And Self-Efficacy Skills To Support Academic Success" - Dr. Melissa Malen
• "ADHD: Symptoms, Superpowers, Self-Image, and Support" - Dr. Liz Adams
• "Guiding Principles For Raising Gifted Kids" - Dr. Danika Maddocks
• "If Gifted Kids Are So Smart, Why Can't They Just..." - Anne Tyler
• "Perfectionism, Passions, Problems, And Possibilities" - Pam McDonald
• "Executive Functioning in Gifted Children" - Jennifer Siebenaler
• "Navigating a Gifted Child's Educational Journey: Strategies to Support Parent-Teacher Collaboration" - Dr. Carol Hokanson