FACILITATOR

Anita is an educational consultant and founder of the HAGT Learners Collaborative. She conducts professional development workshops, comprehensive school audits, and provides courses and ongoing coaching for school leaders and faculty at a number of private international schools with European and American curricula. She previously coordinated special education programs and created gifted education programs at the American School of Bombay, the American School of Doha, and Academia Cotopaxi. Prior to relocating abroad, Anita supported more than a dozen schools in her role as a program specialist in the Los Angeles Unified School District in California. She has a master's degree in special and gifted education, a K-12 principal’s license, certification as an educational diagnostician, certification as an instructional coach, and she is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. In addition to presenting regularly at regional and worldwide educational conferences, Anita serves as a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation school visitor, as a professional mentor for the Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color (AIELOC), and as a Special Education Network & Inclusion Association (SENIA) India Board Member.

FACILITATOR

Dr. Selena Gallagher is a founding member of the High Ability/Gifted & Talented Learners Collaborative and has steered several international schools through the process of designing and implementing deliberate provision for highly able learners. She currently teaches at Cairo American College. She has also co-authored a guidebook for international schools on highly able learners, and is a contributing editor for the Springer International Handbook of Giftedness and Talent Development in the Asia-Pacific.

FACILITATOR

Ms. Cynthia Hogwood’s life began as a gifted and talented student, so it’s no surprise that she has a passion for Gifted Education. After graduating from the University of Texas with honors in English and Liberal Arts, she started working with gifted high school English students in Houston, Texas. She spent several years as the Gifted and Talented Coordinator at the Anglo-American School of Moscow, both creating and implementing the school's initial programming,; she is also a high school IB English teacher, having taught the IB in Texas (Langham Creek High School), Switzerland (Leysin American School), Russia (AAS Moscow), and the Philippines (International School of Manila). Cindi has a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Cultural Studies from the University of Houston. Though she hold a principal certification, her heart lies in the classroom with students, particularly the high school English classroom. Cindi advocates for all learners, whether she is the classroom teacher or the specialist, and looks forward to developing her understanding of how to accommodate and differentiate for gifted and talented students in whatever role she holds.

FREELANCE CONSULTANT & PRESENTER

Rodnella Turner is the Talent and Enrichment Coordinator at The KAUST School in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. She has worked in schools in North Carolina, Mumbai, and Dubai as a learning support teacher, co-teacher and high ability teacher. She has received her Masters degree in special education and has a graduate certification in gifted education. She has presented to faculty and parents in various settings about the nature and needs of gifted learners, as well as identification practices and differentiation methods.

FREELANCE CONSULTANT & PRESENTER

Seth Jaeger, EdD is an IB instructor at Rabat American School in Rabat, Morocco and is the former Coordinator of Gifted & Talented Programs at Colegio Nueva Granada in Bogota, Colombia. He is the current delegate to the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC) for Colombia and has been a past board member of the Gifted Association of Missouri (GAM). Seth is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Ukraine 04-06) and was in a touring 80's tribute band before making the move to Colombia.

FREELANCE CONSULTANT AND PRESENTER

Karen Diaz currently serves as the Gifted and Talented Coordinator for Primary & Elementary grades at Colegio Nueva Granada in Bogotá, Colombia. She also represents Colombia as a delegate for the World Council for Gifted Children (WCGTC). Karen has a BA in Psychology, an MS in Learning Disabilities, a graduate certificate in Gifted and Talented Education, and is currently pursuing an additional Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Karen´s passionate journey in gifted education started as an identified student herself. As a professional, she began in special education with twice-exceptional students (2E) and later worked as a gifted and talented teacher, case manager, and coordinator. Additionally, Karen supports and consults with parents and schools in Colombia, Central America, and other areas of South America, educating and advocating for gifted and talented students' needs and for increased gifted education programming.

HAGT INTEGRATED RESEARCH AND OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Ashley is a dynamic and resourceful Clinical Psychology Master’s student with an extensive background in both qualitative and quantitative research. With a keen understanding of ethics and a sharp focus on critical thinking, Ashley excels in the nuanced realms of mental health and emotional intelligence. Ashley's practical experience spans diverse areas, from conducting in-depth research in community settings to creating tailored educational plans for intellectually challenged children. With a hands-on approach, Ashley has implemented therapeutic interventions, employing techniques like Applied Behavior Analysis, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Sensory Integration Therapy.

GIFTED INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY INSTRUCTOR

Lily is a dedicated Learning and High Ability Coach at the American School of Bombay. With a passion for nurturing young minds, she not only guides her students with personalized teaching methods but also advocates for high ability learners, sharing her insights with parents and educators alike. She designs and facilitates engaging summer courses for the Gifted International Academy (GIA), fostering an environment where bright young minds can explore, learn, and flourish. Lily's expertise in elementary, middle, and exceptional education equips her with a comprehensive understanding of diverse learning needs, enabling her to provide specialized guidance and support to her students and advocate effectively for gifted learners.