Supporting a gifted child is often challenging.
As parents and educators, it can be difficult to understand how best to meet the complex needs of gifted children. IEA offers complimentary Gifted Support Group meetings featuring professionals who are experts on various aspects of gifted youth. These meetings provide support and community, a venue for shared discovery, and a space to exchange resources and ideas. Sharing experiences with other parents and educators who interact with gifted children has proven to be enormously helpful.
Upcoming Meetings
Understanding and addressing perfectionism and motivation in gifted youth. Refreshments and childcare will be provided.
Presenter: Judy Wiener, LCSW, LMFT
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
4:00 PST
569 S Marengo Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101
RSVP at bit.ly/iea-gsg-jul9
About the Presenter:
Judy Wiener, LCSW, BCD, MFT, is a licensed therapist specializing in giftedness, twice-exceptionality, anxiety, and relationships. As a parent of two gifted children, she has been deeply involved in supporting families with similar experiences, including serving on the Oak Park District Advisory Committee to advise on implementing new state standards. Judy is a trained SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted) facilitator and offers social and emotional needs support groups for parents of gifted children. She has been recognized with the California Association of Gifted’s Pacific Region Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to the field. She currently practices in Agoura Hills, CA.
This session will offer expert advice on navigating LA’s competitive high school admissions landscape to help you choose the best fit for your child. Refreshments and childcare will be provided.
Panelists: Deborah Monroe (IEA President), Mallory Aldrich (IEA Senior Manager), and Stephen Milich (Consultant)
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
4:00 PST
569 S Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA
RSVP at bit.ly/iea-gsg-sep10
About the Panelists:
Deborah K. Monroe brings over three decades of experience in K-12 education to her role as President of the Institute for Educational Advancement. With a distinguished career in both Los Angeles and international schools, Deborah has consistently championed innovative college preparatory programs and comprehensive socio-emotional curricula within premier PK-12 institutions.
Mallory Aldrich is the Senior Manager, Caroline D.Bradley Scholarship Program at the Insitute for Educational Advancement. Mallory graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.A. in Secondary Social Studies Education. She then pursued a MEd. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Gifted Education at Arizona State University. Prior to joining IEA she worked an Advanced Placement High School Social Studies teacher for nearly nine years in Arizona.
Stephen Milich is an experienced educational consultant with over 25 years in independent school admissions. Based in Los Angeles over 15 years, Stephen has served as an Admissions Officer at Occidental College, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at The Buckley School, and Director of Admissions at Carlthorp School. He works with families at all levels, striving to provide extraordinary service, support, and expertise to successfully navigate the preschool, independent school, and college admission processes. His extensive background in K–6, K–12, and college settings equips him to offer invaluable guidance to families throughout their educational journey.
Seven practical strategies for tackling perfectionism in gifted kids.
Presenter: Lisa Van Gemert
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
4:00 PST / 7:00 EST
Virtual
RSVP at bit.ly/iea-gsg-oct8
About the Presenter:
Lisa Van Gemert is an expert in neuropsychology, pedagogy, and education, known for combining humor, technology, and fun in her work. A former teacher, school administrator, and Youth & Education Ambassador for Mensa, Lisa is also an expert consultant for TV shows like Lifetime’s Child Genius and the author of four books, including the Legacy Award-winning Perfectionism: A Practical Guide to Managing Never Good Enough. She shares resources for educators and parents through GiftedGuru.com and VocabularyLuau.com. Lisa holds a degree in English and an M.Ed.T. from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Recent Meetings
- Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-Being in the Face of Adversity (April 16, 2025)
- Speakers: Elizabeth D. Jones and Annalise Kordell, LCSW
- Executive (Dys)Function: Making Things Better (March 6, 2025)
- Speaker: Lisa Van Gemert
- Homeschooling Considerations for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Families
- Speaker: Kasi Peters, MT-BC
- Sensory Integration: What is it and How Does it Impact Behavior, Emotional Regulation and Development in Gifted Learners
- Speaker: Dr. Jamie Chaves, OTD, OTR/L, SWC
- Homeschooling Considerations for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Families
- Speaker: Kasi Peters, MT-BC
- Opportunities to Activate Talents and Passions at Home
- Speaker: Dr. Jessica Manzone
- Gifted Identification & Programming
- Speaker: Dr. Dave Palmer
- Emotional Regulation
- Speaker: Olivia Hauge
- Tools to Explore the Complex Identities of Gifted and 2E Learners
- Speaker: Cynthia Z. Hansen, Ed.D., ET/P
- Getting to the Root of 2E: Beyond The Usual Suspects
- Speaker: Austina De Bonte
- Beyond Mindfulness: Nourishing Body, Mind, and Spiritual Wellness
- Speaker: Dr. Paula Wilkes
- Encouraging Balance to Serve the Varied Needs of the Gifted Child: Fostering Intrinsic Motivation (November 16, 2021)
- Speaker: Karen Anderson
- How to Communicate Effectively with My Child’s Teacher (November 9, 2021)
- Speaker: Jere Chang
- Helping Your Gifted Child Transition Back to the Classroom (October 14, 2021)
- Speaker: Sharon Duncan
- Inner Crucible – Truth Telling and the Gifted Child (September 7, 2021)
- Speaker: Catherine Zakoian
Click here to visit our Youtube page to view recordings of past Gifted Support Groups.
Consulting with Youth & Families
IEA also consults with gifted youth and their families. Please reach out regarding your needs at ieagifted@educationaladvancement.org.
“IEA Provides a Wealth of Information and Is the Best Resource We’ve Found for Support and Guidance in the Gifted Community.”
– IEA Parent