Course meetings are weekly: June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, Aug. 3
We also have a 4 week group with Dr. Lisa Hancock on Tuesdays, morning or evening. Learn more at https://conta.cc/3gVYZFX.
Parenting a gifted or twice-exceptional child (a child who is both gifted and has a learning difference) can be both a challenging and rewarding experience. While it may feel isolating at times (especially during this pandemic), you are not alone! Please join us, along with other parents of gifted children, in a guided weekly discussion group around the unique challenges that gifted children bring to families. Groups offer a forum for parents to speak freely about their child’s development, share parenting concerns, and seek support with others who have similar experiences. Simultaneously, we will also learn more about the social emotional needs of the gifted, the unique parenting challenges that arise, and the resources that are available.
Groups are held virtually, and led by certified SENG facilitator Dr. Ellena Chen, licensed psychologist, and Dr. Melanie Hayes, MFT Intern. Topics include:
Group participation costs $250 for one person for the 6 sessions. Pre-registration is required. Register early as space is limited.
Ellena Chen, Psy.D., is a Licensed Psychologist who specializes in collaborative strength-based work with children and their families. She provides a range of services, including individual and family counseling, psychological assessments, and consultations. Dr. Chen is passionate about twice-exceptionality, parenting, and helping children and families who are struggling with learning differences, ADHD, and anxiety. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute, and is a certified SENG facilitator. As a parent of two young children, Dr. Chen also has an in-depth understanding of the rollercoaster of emotions that coming with raising a child and partners with parents to provide a continuity of care.
Melanie Hayes, Ed.D., MTF Intern, provides counseling to children, teens, adults, and families at Summit Center's Walnut Creek office. Dr. Hayes has made it her life’s work to help gifted and twice exceptional persons find their niche and work to their strengths. She is an expert in the needs of gifted/2e persons and works with a wide range of clients to help them thrive. Dr. Hayes holds a doctorate in educational leadership with a focus on giftedness and twice exceptionality, and is a certified SENG facilitator. Dr. Hayes created Big Minds, a school for 2e children that lets them learn without limits through mentoring and supporting their intellectual, social, and emotional well-being. She also has 2e twins, so she is intimately familiar with the joys and hardships of raising and educating exceptional children.