In this episode, we welcome Allison Yunkun, a doctoral candidate and an elementary educator and from The Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, Illinois. Allison shares insights about the Leadership Academy, a program designed to develop authentic leadership skills in gifted students from grades 2–4.
The conversation explores how the academy helps young learners understand leadership beyond titles—focusing instead on empathy, collaboration, and purpose-driven action. We also discuss the intentional design behind this initiative, how it supports diverse leadership styles (including introverted leaders), and how social-emotional learning (SEL) connects deeply to leadership development.
Later in the episode, a student participant from the Leadership Academy joins to offer a firsthand perspective on what it’s like to learn and practice leadership as a gifted student.
Host: Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Maha Zayed and Lora Dudek of The OCD and Anxiety Center to discuss the many ways anxiety can show up in children and adolescents. Together, we explore a scale of intensity to help distinguish between healthy anxiety and clinical anxiety. We also highlight why it’s so important for parents and teachers to understand anxiety—recognizing the signs early can make a critical difference in supporting children’s emotional well-being, learning, and development. Listeners will also gain practical strategies to help students manage anxiety more effectively in both home and school settings.
www.theocdandanxietycenter.com
Host: Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode, we welcome Darrell Maskell, who shares how he teaches writing to his gifted students. We explore his instructional techniques and process, the executive functioning skills embedded in his approach, and some of the remarkable outcomes that have emerged in his classroom.
Darrell Maskell has taught third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students for twenty-seven years in both the UK and the US. He began his career as an electrical engineer before transitioning into education at the age of twenty-eight. He started teaching in London public schools and has since worked in three private schools for gifted children. In 2007, he was recognized with both the Positive Promotions Midwest Teacher of the Year and the Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year awards.
Teacher Resource: Darrell Maskell’s Fantasy Writing Planner
Host: Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode, we sit down with Erin Vanek, founder of The Gifted Perspective, to explore the often misunderstood world of underachievement among gifted students. Erin shares insights into the behavioral and emotional profiles of gifted learners who aren't meeting their potential and helps us unpack the why behind their struggles.
From classroom engagement to parent support, she offers practical strategies educators and caregivers can use to reconnect these students with learning and motivation. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or advocate, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help gifted students thrive.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Learn more about Erin's work:
https://thegiftedperspective.com/
https://www.instagram.com/the.gifted.perspective/
Host: Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode, we welcome Krista Genovese to explore how giftedness, dyslexia, and hyperlexia intersect. As a first-grade teacher at Quest Academy—an independent school for gifted students in Palatine, Illinois—Krista specializes in foundational literacy skills to ensure that all learners receive the support they need.
A certified Orton-Gillingham dyslexia practitioner with a master’s degree in teaching and interdisciplinary arts, Krista shares valuable insights into the unique challenges gifted students with dyslexia and hyperlexia face. She highlights the importance of individualized instruction, one-on-one support, and fostering a classroom environment where students feel safe to take risks in their learning.
Host: Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
How can we design a curriculum that both challenges gifted learners and builds essential skills? In this episode, we welcome educators Sunshine Echevarria and Jennifer Marvel-Gillono to share their expertise on crafting curricular units that foster deep engagement and meaningful learning. They discuss their approach to balancing rigor with foundational skill development while ensuring lessons resonate with gifted students. Tune in for practical strategies and fresh insights on curriculum design that will empower and excite learners.
Host: Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode we welcome content specialists Stephanie Butler, Alissa Prestwich, and Elizabeth Foran. Together, we dive into the critical role content specialists play in schools, exploring how they collaborate with educators to enhance learning experiences for all students. Learn how these experts adapt their approach to meet the unique needs of gifted learners and navigate the complexities of the gifted profile.
Host: Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode we welcome Katie Baldwin, a 3rd grade educator, and Christina Fallstick, a middle school math educator, to the Gifted Ed Podcast to explore the importance of building rapport with their students. We discuss the various strategies that they implement to increase classroom connections and curricular engagement.
Host: Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Abby Spiwak, educator currently implementing Social Thinking Curriculum, and Kari Zweber Palmer, a social-cognitive therapist at Social Thinking, Stevens Creek and author of several award-winning social emotional learning curricula including: The We Thinkers! series and You are a Social Detective, to the Gifted Ed Podcast to explore a social learning curriculum that targets essential SEL needs of our gifted population.
In part 1, we discussed the various skills needed to initiate and maintain healthy relationships. In part 2, we continue the conversation about how the SEL needs of our gifted learners can be addressed by using the Social Thinking Curriculum, SuperFlex, that teaches these skills through a fun and interactive classroom program.
Host: Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode, we welcome Abby Spiwak, educator currently implementing Social Thinking Curriculum, and Kari Zweber Palmer, a social-cognitive therapist at Social Thinking, Stevens Creek and author of several award-winning social emotional learning curricula including: The We Thinkers! series and You are a Social Detective, to the Gifted Ed Podcast to explore a social learning curriculum that targets essential SEL needs of our gifted population.
In part 1, we discuss the various skills needed to initiate and maintain healthy relationships. In part 2, we continue the conversation about how the SEL needs of our gifted learners can be addressed by using the Social Thinking Curriculum, SuperFlex, that teaches these skills through a fun and interactive classroom program.
Host: Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Kirsty Montgomery, Head of The Avery Coonley School (an independent school for gifted students), for an insightful conversation on gifted education from a leadership perspective. Dr. Montgomery shares her unique experiences and expertise, delving into the multifaceted roles that administrators play in nurturing gifted learners. We explore the distinctive challenges and opportunities of leading a school specifically designed for gifted students, comparing these to the leadership dynamics in traditional, non-gifted educational environments.
Host: Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode, we talk through tips and strategies outlined throughout the book, The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson. This is a great resource for educators as there is a workbook that accompanies the text that we are going to talk about today. While this book is not explicitly written for gifted children, we have found that the framework can be applicable to gifted needs.
https://drdansiegel.com/book/the-whole-brain-child/
Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode, we welcome Julie Skolnick, author of Gifted and Distractible, to the Gifted Ed Podcast to explore giftedness and 2E(plus) profiles. We discuss various methods to better understand these profiles, as well as strategies to better support their needs.
Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
This episode features our discussion with Dr. Maha Zayed, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and owner of the OCD & Anxiety Center. She specializes in working with kids, teens, and adults who struggle with anxiety, OCD, and anxiety-related disorders. She provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure-Based Therapy and has had the privilege of seeing people get back to living happier, healthier lives where anxiety and OCD are managed in a relatively short amount of time. In this episode, we discuss how gifted students may experience and present their anxieties, as well as how teachers and adults can respond to their needs.
Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode we welcome back Robin Speizman and Katherine Wilkie to the Gifted Ed Podcast to explore classroom strategies and structures that support executive functioning needs. We discuss how to develop tiered levels of intervention within instruction as it pertains to executive functioning.
Katie Wilkie is the owner of Imagination Therapy PLLC, a speech-language pathology and executive function coaching business serving Forest Park, Oak Park, and the surrounding areas.
She is a graduate of Rush Medical Center and her business, Imagination Therapy PLLC, was established in 2017 to service individuals from ages 7-65, with a particular interest in teens and younger adults. Utilizing both bottom-up and top-down interventions, Imagination Therapy approaches executive function needs through a brain-based approach with the understanding that an individualized and tailored plan can target personal strengths and weaknesses. You can find out more at www.imaginationtherapyllc.com, or find her on Meta.
Robin Grais-Speizman received a MS.Ed in Educational Psychology from National Louis University in June of 1994. She received Bachelors Degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1989, in both Rehabilitation Psychology and in Special Education with a Type 10 Certification.
She then worked at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (currently Shirley Ryan Ability Lab) as a Pediatric Behavioral Specialist and Senior Neuropsychometrician for 11 years. She performed neuropsychological testing evaluations to both inpatients and outpatients suffering from brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. She also provided cognitive retraining and school reentry services to children and adolescents upon inpatient discharge and often continued for long term follow-up. From 1999 -present, Robin has worked as a neuropsychometrician, executive function coach, and clinical intake coordinator in the practice Roger Stefani and Associates, Chicago NeuroBehavior Specialists and now Stefani Neuropsychology Services. She continues to provide neuropsychological testing, school observations, and executive function coaching to patients with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, learning and educational struggles and other neurodivergent diagnoses to pediatric patients ages 6-22. In January of 2019, Robin established this executive coaching and consultation practice named Refocus.
Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode we welcome back Robin Speizman and Katherine Wilkie to the Gifted Ed Podcast to explore classroom strategies and structures that support executive functioning needs (Shifting/Flexibility, Social Awareness/ Perspective Taking, and Organization and Planning). We discuss how to develop tiered levels of intervention within instruction as it pertains to executive functioning.
Katie Wilkie is the owner of Imagination Therapy PLLC, a speech-language pathology and executive function coaching business serving Forest Park, Oak Park, and the surrounding areas.
She is a graduate of Rush Medical Center and her business, Imagination Therapy PLLC, was established in 2017 to service individuals from ages 7-65, with a particular interest in teens and younger adults. Utilizing both bottom-up and top-down interventions, Imagination Therapy approaches executive function needs through a brain-based approach with the understanding that an individualized and tailored plan can target personal strengths and weaknesses. You can find out more at www.imaginationtherapyllc.com, or find her on Meta.
Robin Grais-Speizman received a MS.Ed in Educational Psychology from National Louis University in June of 1994. She received Bachelors Degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1989, in both Rehabilitation Psychology and in Special Education with a Type 10 Certification.
She then worked at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (currently Shirley Ryan Ability Lab) as a Pediatric Behavioral Specialist and Senior Neuropsychometrician for 11 years. She performed neuropsychological testing evaluations to both inpatients and outpatients suffering from brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. She also provided cognitive retraining and school reentry services to children and adolescents upon inpatient discharge and often continued for long term follow-up. From 1999 -present, Robin has worked as a neuropsychometrician, executive function coach, and clinical intake coordinator in the practice Roger Stefani and Associates, Chicago NeuroBehavior Specialists and now Stefani Neuropsychology Services. She continues to provide neuropsychological testing, school observations, and executive function coaching to patients with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, learning and educational struggles and other neurodivergent diagnoses to pediatric patients ages 6-22. In January of 2019, Robin established this executive coaching and consultation practice named Refocus.
Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode we invite Robin Speizman and Katherine Wilkie to define and discuss the components of executive functioning and how it presents within our gifted community.
Katie Wilkie is the owner of Imagination Therapy PLLC, a speech-language pathology and executive function coaching business serving Forest Park, Oak Park, and the surrounding areas.
She is a graduate of Rush Medical Center and her business, Imagination Therapy PLLC, was established in 2017 to service individuals from ages 7-65, with a particular interest in teens and younger adults. Utilizing both bottom-up and top-down interventions, Imagination Therapy approaches executive function needs through a brain-based approach with the understanding that an individualized and tailored plan can target personal strengths and weaknesses. You can find out more at www.imaginationtherapyllc.com, or find her on Meta.
Robin Grais-Speizman received a MS.Ed in Educational Psychology from National Louis University in June of 1994. She received Bachelors Degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1989, in both Rehabilitation Psychology and in Special Education with a Type 10 Certification.
She then worked at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (currently Shirley Ryan Ability Lab) as a Pediatric Behavioral Specialist and Senior Neuropsychometrician for 11 years. She performed neuropsychological testing evaluations to both inpatients and outpatients suffering from brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. She also provided cognitive retraining and school reentry services to children and adolescents upon inpatient discharge and often continued for long term follow-up. From 1999 -present, Robin has worked as a neuropsychometrician, executive function coach, and clinical intake coordinator in the practice Roger Stefani and Associates, Chicago NeuroBehavior Specialists and now Stefani Neuropsychology Services. She continues to provide neuropsychological testing, school observations, and executive function coaching to patients with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, learning and educational struggles and other neurodivergent diagnoses to pediatric patients ages 6-22. In January of 2019, Robin established this executive coaching and consultation practice named Refocus.
Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode, we invite Michael Dixon (he/him), Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, to discuss the role of DEI within our gifted community. Mr. Dixon has served 18 years in higher education at a variety of institutions and administrative positions, most recently as the Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. He previously served in the Office of Admission at Knox College (Galesburg, IL) recruiting in the city of Chicago and the southern suburbs. Michael earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and race from North Carolina State University. He went on to earn his master’s degree in college student affairs leadership from Grand Valley State University and is a doctoral candidate at Indiana State University. In this episode, Michael will elaborate on how attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion supports the needs of gifted students.
Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode, we discuss the significant insights shared by our recent guest in the Family Speaker Series, Dr. Devorah Heitner. While on campus, she provided valuable guidance on how to help gifted students navigate the complexities of the digital world. Some key topics we explore include empathy, self-monitoring, and the potential impact on one's self-concept.
Dr. Devorah Heitner, PhD, is the author of 'Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World,' as well as 'Growing Up in Public.' Her writings have been featured in reputable publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN Opinion, and Fast Company, among others. Dr. Heitner earned her PhD in media/technology and society from Northwestern University and has taught at esteemed institutions like DePaul University and Northwestern University.
Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.
In this episode, we invite Kenny Bae, Director of STEAM Innovation, to discuss the uses and implications of artificial intelligence in the classroom. Kenny has been in the education field for 17 years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, Radiation, and Applied Physics with a minor in Mathematics from Eastern Illinois University, and a Master’s degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We explore a variety of topics pertinent to the gifted profile, such as how artificial intelligence can be used to challenge perfectionistic tendencies and promote a growth mindset, as well as potential ethical concerns when integrating AI into classroom strategies.
Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy
Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook
Original Music by Adam G-F
How you can be involved:
Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast
Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org
Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.