Passion drives our motivation. Discussion cements our understanding and reveals our needs. A life-long learner, Heather has found her passion in teaching gifted children for over a decade, inspiring these amazing young minds to fly higher and reach their goals.  However giftedness is more than a student's academics. Knowing and understanding the social and emotional aspect of giftedness is vital for a student to develop their potential. This understanding extends to the family as well, and parents need similar support to interpret and embrace how giftedness affects family dynamics. Heather is a certified SENG facilitator and trainer. She lives in Columbus with her husband and two young children.

Jeanne Melvin is a veteran educator who has raised three gifted children of her own. After 24 years as an elementary classroom teacher, she ventured into gifted education to learn more about the cluster of talented students in her class and to better understand some of the unique characteristics of her gifted daughters. That experience provided many opportunities for self-discovery as well. Before her retirement in May, 2014, Jeanne was a gifted teacher in a central Ohio public school system, where she provided a weekly pullout program for students in grades K-5. She strongly believes that parents, educators, and family health professionals need to learn to recognize and accept the quirky intensities of gifted children and to provide strategies to help them succeed in life. Jeanne lives in the Worthington area.

Sarah Belfield is a scientist. She is involved in running a small consultancy that helps its clients to analyze and interpret their geological, geochemical and geophysical data. Sarah firmly believes it’s important to embrace giftedness whenever it’s identified in our friends, in our families and in ourselves, because of its power to accurately describe and explain at once so many aspects of our behaviors and our lives. Sarah lives in Columbus with her husband and energetic son.

Ashley Aellig is a middle school counselor who collaborates with students, parents, educators, and the community. Ashley advocates for the personal, social, academic, and career needs of all students. She believes that all students deserve to thrive in supportive environments that are conscious of their learning styles and abilities. Ashley lives in Marysville with her family.  

Heather and Jeanne will be co-facilitating the 2015 spring and fall parent guided discussion groups.

Heather and Sarah will be co-facilitating the 2016 winter parent guided discussion group.