Speaking About Gifted & Talented Issues

speaking

I have spent the majority of my career as a professional educator, consultant and trainer, proficient in topics such as distance education, regional accreditation, and systems training. In addition to full-time work, I have kept busy raising my three children. I have also been and continue to be an active advocate for gifted and talented children in my local public schools and beyond.

After Patrick's death, I felt the need to understand why he took his own life. That journey of discovery uncovered many examples of how the intensity of his personality and the over-excitabilities that he exhibited contributed to his sense of despair on the night of his suicide. I knew that I had to tell Patrick's story, highlighting the exceptionalities he exhibited that are shared by many gifted youth and adults. It is my belief that by telling Patrick's story, other children's lives may be saved.

Over the past few years, I have given presentations to audiences of gifted and talented educators, parents and students. I enjoy working with audiences of all ages and interests who share a desire to learn more about gifted and talented issues.

If you are looking for a talented, knowledgeable facilitator to speak to your group about issues related to gifted and talented children or adults, look no further. 

events include:

• Parent Nights

• Conference Sessions & Keynotes

• Webinars

• Student Sessions

• Advocacy

presentations on gt issues:

• Keep Your Children Well: Exploring Risk and Protective Factors to Keep Kids Safe, 2020 Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented (CAGT), October, 2020. https://www.patrickstrautfoundation.org/cagt-2020-presentation

• Suicide Among the Gifted: Exploring Risk and Protective Factors to Keep Kids Safe, 2020 Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) Annual Conference, July, 2020. https://www.patrickstrautfoundation.org/seng-2020-presentation

• 2019 The Quiet Storm: The Impact of Overexcitabilities on Gifted Children, Jefferson County Public Schools Mental Health Day, January, 2019.

• 2018 Colorado Association for Gifted & Talented (CAGT), Navigating the Education System: Empowering Parents for Effective Advocacy, Loveland, CO, October 2018.

• 2016 Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), Typical Teenage Angst or Suicidal Ideation?, Williamsburg, VA, July 2016.

• 2015 Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), Behind Blude Eyes: The Impact of Intensity, Emotionality & Sensitivity on Teenage Boys, Denver, CO, July, 2015.

• 2014 Jefferson County Gifted & Talented Parent Night, The Quiet Storm: The Impact of Introversion and Intensity on Boys, Golden, CO, November, 2014.

• 2013 Colorado Association for Gifted & Talented (CAGT), The Quiet Storm: The Impact of Introversion and Intensity on Boys, Denver, CO, October, 2013.