The Avery Coonley School - Podcast Details

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The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 32: Writing Strategies for Gifted LearnersIn 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...2025-05-2747 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 31: Underachievement in Gifted Learners – Erin Vanek from The Gifted PerspectiveIn 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.2025-04-3029 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 30: Supporting Gifted Students with Dyslexia & HyperlexiaIn 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...2025-03-2628 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 29: Designing Meaningful Curriculum for Gifted MindsHow 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 McCarthyCo-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff WestbrookOriginal Music by Adam G-F 2025-02-2831 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 28: Unlocking Potential - Insights from Content SpecialistsIn 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...2025-01-2624 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 27: Building Rapport and Classroom ConnectionsIn 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...2024-12-1921 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 26: Social Thinking with Abby Spiwak & Kari Zweber Palmer (Part 2)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...2024-11-2018 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 25: Social Thinking with Abby Spiwak & Kari Zweber Palmer (Part 1)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...2024-10-2927 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 24: Leadership in Gifted Education with Dr. Kirsty MontgomeryWe'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...2024-09-2719 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 23: Whole-Brain Strategies for Gifted StudentsIn 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...2024-05-2911 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 22: Gifted and Distractible with Julie SkolnickIn 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 w...2024-04-2924 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 21: Addressing Anxiety in Gifted Students with Dr. Maha ZayedThis 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.2024-03-2122 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 20: Executive Functioning Strategies for Success (Part 3)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...2024-02-2744 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 19: Executive Functioning Vulnerabilities in Gifted Students (Part 2)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...2024-01-3025 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 18: Unpacking Executive Functioning for Gifted Students (Part 1)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 T...2023-12-2225 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 17: Supporting Gifted Students through Diversity, Equity, and InclusionIn 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...2023-11-2721 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 16: Navigating the Digital WorldIn 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...2023-10-2415 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 15: Artificial Intelligence in the ClassroomIn 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 po...2023-09-2920 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 14: Strategies for Supporting Introverted Gifted Students - Voices from the TrenchesIn this episode, we reflect on strategies to optimize the school experience for introverted and extroverted students by sitting down with two teachers in the field of gifted education. Jim Leesch (Middle School Math) and Jeff Westbrook (1-8 Drama) share their insights about accommodating different personality traits. Jim has over 30 years of experience teaching children in math, science, and drama. Seeing students in a wide variety of contexts has given him insight into the ways that teachers can learn about each student as a whole child. Working in independent schools for most of his...2023-05-3126 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 13: Supporting Introverted Gifted StudentsIn this episode we’re going to take you on an exploration of the gifted introvert and extrovert experience. In the general population, extroverts outnumber introverts by 3:1. However, gifted introverted students are the majority within the gifted population. Given this, we’ll focus more attention on the experiences of introverted 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: ⁠⁠thegifte...2023-04-2409 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 12: Neurodiversity: Twice Exceptional Students with Dr. Nichole DawsonThis episode features a recording from our ACS Family Speaker Series. The learning challenges of a Twice Exceptional (2E) student are often overlooked because of strengths and gifts that may be masking special characteristics and learning differences in other areas. How are these students identified and what are the impacts of their challenges? Pediatric Neuropsychologist Dr. Nichole Dawson will join us to explore how to identify twice exceptionalities (social, emotional, behavioral and/or learning differences) and discuss the importance of identification of twice exceptionalities for a student's self-confidence, mental health, and ability to reach their potential. 2023-03-2757 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 11: Accelerated and Passionate Learners - Voices from the TrenchesIn this “Voices from the Trenches” episode, we reflect on how teachers accommodate passionate and accelerated learner profiles by sitting down with two teachers in the field of gifted education. Alexis Bryant (Middle School Literacy) and Chris Makowski (K-8 Visual Arts) share their insights and experiences through the lens of literacy and visual arts. 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...2023-02-2726 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 10: Helping Your Child Read and Write Well with Nancy ParkinsonThis is a special edition episode as it will feature a recording from our ACS Family Speaker Series. The Family Speaker Series is new this school year and its purpose is to provide support and education for families on a variety of topics that all relate to giftedness. In this episode, we will hear from Nancy Parkinson as she helps us explore the intricate components of literacy to better navigate the developmental and diverse needs of our ACS readers and writers. To develop the proper tools and skills to be a successful reader and writer, young learners are given ver...2023-01-3144 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 9: Executive Functioning with Dr. Ann WellerThis is a special edition episode as it will feature a recording from our ACS Family Speaker Series. The Family Speaker Series is new this school year and its purpose is to provide support and education for families on a variety of topics that all relate to giftedness. In this episode, we will hear from Dr. Ann Weller, owner of Plum Tree Psychology. She will be introducing the ACS community to the concepts and scope of executive functioning — a broad term for the brain functions that help us execute daily tasks and a skill set that is often tied to s...2022-12-0848 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 8: Gifted Learning Styles - Accelerated and Passionate LearnersThere are various profiles of gifted learners, and in this episode we compare and attend to the characteristics of accelerated and passionate gifted students. We explore how these characteristics may impact their learning experiences. It’s important to note that a student is not exclusively one profile or another profile. For these selected profiles, think of it as a continuum where a student may lean more to one side than the other or maybe just right in between. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook ...2022-10-1708 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 7: Identifying and Nurturing GiftednessIn this episode we invite Kristen Teague, our Interim Director of Enrollment, to discuss the characteristics of giftedness. We examine various aspects of giftedness and how they may present in children differently. Additionally, this is a great episode to learn more about what we (parents and educators) can do once we suspect a student is gifted. 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...2022-09-2013 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 6: Navigating Perfectionism (Part 4) - ReflectionsThis episode wraps up the series on perfectionism. Join Meghan McCarthy and Angel Van Howe as they reflect on teachers’ thoughtful responses to perfectionism within their classrooms. Meghan and Angel share their takeaways and suggestions for moving towards the path of excellence. 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...2022-06-2715 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 5: Navigating Perfectionism (Part 3) - Voices from the TrenchesThis episode is part 3 of our series about perfectionism. Occasionally, we will be featuring teachers who have experience working with gifted students. We plan to refer to these special episodes as “Voices from the Trenches.” This episode is a continuation of our conversation with Sarah Batzel, Elizabeth Roberts, and Jenny Garetto. These experienced teachers can provide valuable insight into the struggles and challenges of perfectionism—as well as some strategies to help students learn to embrace the growth that comes from overcoming setbacks and learning from your mistakes. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Prod...2022-05-3117 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 4: Navigating Perfectionism (Part 2) - Voices from the TrenchesThis episode is part 2 of our series about perfectionism. Occasionally, we will be featuring teachers who have experience working with gifted students. We plan to refer to these special episodes as “Voices from the Trenches.” This episode, as well as our next episode, will be spotlighting three educators (Sarah Batzel, Jenny Garetto, and Elizabeth Roberts) who work with gifted students. Experienced teachers can provide valuable insight into the struggles and challenges of perfectionism—as well as some strategies to help students overcome perfectionism while on their educational journey. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Prod...2022-04-2927 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 3: Navigating Perfectionism (Part 1)The pursuit of perfectionism or excellence leads to different destinations. This episode focuses on the differences and commonalities between perfectionism and excellence and how those paths impact gifted children. Helping gifted children navigate their desires for high standards, awareness of quality, and capacity for accomplishment, requires us to reflect on our own orientation towards perfectionism. 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: ⁠⁠theg...2022-03-2111 min

Windy City Biz PodcastWomen in Leadership: Featuring Rebecca Malotke-Meslin of Pleasantly AggressiveToday we have a very special guest, Rebecca Malotke-Meslin the owner of Pleasantly Aggressive and the Director at Avery Coonley located in Downers Grove, Illinois.Rebecca empowers women in independent schools, to confidently own their leadership through consulting and coaching. She offers workshops for schools and associations to help women find their authentic leadership style while understanding the internal and external forces holding them back from achieving their potential. Pleasantly Aggressive 2022-03-0930 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 2: Asynchronous DevelopmentAsynchronous development is part of the gifted experience for many children. This episode dives deeper into the definition of asynchrony, as well as the impact it can have on learning and emotional experiences. Simply becoming more aware of the challenges that asynchronous development poses, can allow for teachers and adults to respond more compassionately 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...2022-02-2506 min

The Gifted Ed PodcastEpisode 1: Introduction - What is Giftedness?Giftedness is so complex that experts can’t agree on a single definition that encompasses all the different ways it presents in a person’s performance, processing, work habits, learning habits, social/emotional characteristics, etc. In this episode we look at how these definitions contribute to the gifted experience and ask you to reflect on how your views of these definitions influence your instruction, understanding, and connection with 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 invo...2022-01-2805 min

We Admit!Energetically Empowering Others with Rebecca Malotke-MeslinAccording to Rebecca Malotke-Meslin, her life runs at two speeds: fast and... asleep. As the tireless Director of Enrollment Management & Financial Aid at The Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, IL, Rebecca cultivates her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion by building strong relationships within her school and local community. Learn how she manages her work-life balance, empowers her team to succeed, and raises two young boys all while prioritizing a full night of rest. Connect with AISAP: Connect with AISAP at https://www.aisap.org/home. LinkedIn...2021-09-2851 min

Member VoicesRebecca Malotke-Meslin, Director of Enrollment & Financial Aid, The Avery Coonley SchoolRebecca tells us her approach to retention management and working with millennial parents, and how she's a little protective of her Rosie the Riveter mug.2019-09-0329 min

The Enrollment Spectrum PodcastA Strategic Approach to RetentionEvery year your school will graduate a certain number of students who need to be replaced. Whether you have one entry point for new students or many grade levels where students can join your program, your job is to make sure the school community is vibrant. This job becomes much more difficult if you are losing students through attrition. As the old saying goes the best student is the one you already have. Rebecca Malotke-Meslin, Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid at the Avery Coonley School shares details of her exceptional retention program which begins right...2019-07-1928 min