Dr. Meryl chats with Dr. Jennifer Lemoine about her journey from classroom teacher to district leader in gifted education. They discuss her advocacy for twice-exceptional and economically disadvantaged students, her doctoral research on family experiences in gifted programs, and the systemic shifts needed to create more equitable opportunities for all learners.

Dr. Meryl talks with educator and equity advocate Michael Sykes about supporting exceptional learners through empathy, advocacy, and student-centered practices. They explore special and gifted education, navigating IEPs, and the message behind Michael’s book Easy Equity: that self-love and accountability are the roots of lasting change in education.

Follow Michael on Instagram @equitablesolutionscolorado and check out his website for more information on his book and services: https://equitablesolutions.net/

Dr. Meryl is joined by psychologists Jennifer Merry and Dr. Angela Wall for a meaningful conversation on the emotional lives of gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) students. They dive into the importance of social emotional learning (SEL), explore the impact of masking and perfectionism, and discuss how risk-taking, justice sensitivity, and advocacy play powerful roles in supporting gifted learners. With insights for both educators and parents, this episode offers encouragement and practical strategies for creating emotionally safe, student-centered learning environments.

Dr. Meryl sits down with educator, consultant, and educational equity advocate Torrye Parker for a powerful conversation on how race, neurodiversity, and systemic bias intersect in gifted education.

As the founder of Reimagine Consulting Group, Torrye partners with organizations to improve operations, stakeholder engagement, and leadership capacity, ensuring they have the tools to create lasting impact. Grounded in a deep commitment to equity and culturally responsive leadership, she works with organizations to build systems that are inclusive, sustainable, and reflective of the communities they serve.

Dr. Meryl reconnects with fellow educator, Dr. Erin Castle, for a meaningful conversation about belonging in advanced academic spaces like AP and IB programs.

Dr. Castle shares her journey from working on a presidential campaign to entering the complex world of public education. With 15 years of experience as a teacher and coordinator in advanced academics—and a doctorate focused on belonging in high school advanced courses—she brings powerful insights into the barriers students of color and twice-exceptional learners still face.

Dr. Meryl chats with Cecilia Quintanilla, a Bolivian-born educator, musician, and nonprofit founder whose journey into gifted advocacy is both personal and powerful.

Cecilia shares her story of navigating two educational systems—as a student in Bolivia and as a parent and educator in the United States. Inspired by her own late-in-life neurodivergence discovery and her children’s experiences in school, she founded YB Neuro, a nonprofit focused on supporting neurodivergent families with compassion, creativity, and community.

YBNeuro is a nonprofit inspired by the Andean concept of yachay; wisdom of the mind, heart, hands, and land. We create spaces where neurodivergent individuals and their families feel seen, supported, and empowered. After five successful cycles in Spanish, we’re excited to launch our first free workshops and discussion groups in English. If you’re a neurodivergent adult, parent, or professional looking for community and connection, reach out to cecilia@ybneuro.orgor go to www.ybneuro.orgto join us!

Dr. Meryl talks with Dr. Marisa Soto-Harrison, a dedicated educator, researcher, and parent whose work centers on supporting profoundly gifted and twice-exceptional students. With more than two decades of experience in gifted education, Marisa shares how her journey began with her own children and evolved into a mission to better understand the academic and emotional needs of gifted learners.

Marisa also shares her next exciting step: the creation of Sierra Gifted Environmental School, an online program designed specifically for gifted, creative, and twice-exceptional learners. Her vision is clear—create an education that actually works for them.

Dr. Meryl sits down with Simon Wilson—a special education teacher, school counselor, life coach, and mental health advocate—to talk about the connection between emotional well-being and student success.

Simon shares his powerful personal story of navigating childhood anxiety and school struggles, and how those early experiences shaped his path as an educator and father. Together, they explore the emotional needs of children—especially those in gifted and special education settings—and how empathy, open communication, and self-understanding can foster emotional resilience.

Simon also introduces Learning to Love Your Monster, a heartfelt children’s book he co-authored with his partner to help kids better understand their emotions. The conversation highlights how emotional support, both at home and in school, can transform the learning experience for all children.

Coming soon! (7/23/25)

Coming soon! (7/30/25)

Coming Soon! (8/6/25)

Coming soon! (8/13/25)