In-Person Leadership Summit – October 8–10, 2025
A collaborative gathering for leaders, researchers, and policy makers
The Leadership Summit is the heart of the 2e experience. Over three days, participants meet face-to-face at Cleveland State University to share expertise, ask questions, and develop solutions that move twice-exceptional education forward.
From keynote sessions and panels to hands-on working groups and evening networking, this in-person event is designed to spark ideas and build lasting connections. Participants leave with actionable plans and new partnerships to support 2e learners at every level.
Schedule – In-Person Leadership Summit
Wednesday, October 8 – Who Is in the Room?– Mather Mansion
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 3:00–3:30 | Registration & Worksheet Review (Who did you meet? Who do you want to talk more to?) |
| 3:30–5:30 | Presentations: Schools 3:30-4:30- Sarah McLuskie: From Exclusion to Connection: Rethinking Exclusionary Discipline Policies for Neurodivergent Learners 4:30-5:30- Nicole Cavaliere: Designing for Brilliance: Interdisciplinary Curriculum Strategies for Twice-Exceptional Learners |
| 3:30-5:30 | Presentations: Researchers 3:30-4:30- Yemi Adediran: Working Memory in Twice-Exceptional Neurodivergent and Gifted Students 4:30-5:30- Ophelie Desmet: Dyspraxia Demystified: Supporting Gifted Students with Coordination Challenges |
| 6:00-7:00 | Welcome Social- The Lumen: Welcome to the BeeHive (working sessions) |
| 7:00 | Dinner (on your own or with the group) |
Thursday, October 9 – What Do We Know? Mather Mansion
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00–9:00 | Check-In & Worksheet Review (What information did you learn? What additional information do you need?) |
| 9:00–10:00 | Keynote: Kait Brennan |
| 10:00–11:00 | Group Discussions: Focusing on Mental Health Debbie Troxclair: From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Cultivating Identity in Twice-Exceptional Students |
| 11:00–12:00 | Group Discussions: Focusing on Mental Health Maggie Eubanks: Unlocking Creativity for 2e Learners by Fostering Self-Actualization |
| 12:00–1:00 | Lunch & Poster Sessions |
| 1:00–2:00 | Group Discussions: Curriculum Framework: Claire Hughes, Debbie Troxclair and Wendy Behrens: Using AI to Design Lessons for 2e Learners |
| 2:00–3:00 | Group Discussions: Planning Professional Learning Michelle DuBois and Leslie Gaiser: Multi-Exceptional Learners |
| 3:00–4:00 | Possibility Finding – What Could You Do? (Speed networking + worksheets) |
| 6:00–Evening | Dinner & Show (optional, own cost) |
Friday, October 10 – Applications & Local Workshops Julka Hall and Urban Building
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00-8:30 | Check-In |
| 8:30-9:00 | Opening Ceremonies- NEOEA Day |
| 9:00–9:50 | Claire Hughes, Debbie Troxclair and Wendy Behrens: Trellis and Blossom Model for Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners |
| 9:50-10:00 | Tour of the Community Learning Center |
| 10:00-10:50 | Daniel Canfield: Achievement Unlocked: The Potential of Videogames as Therapeutic Tools for Twice-Exceptional Individuals |
| 10:50-11:00 | Therapy Dogs |
| 11:00-11:50 | Michelle Dubois & Leslie Gaiser: Autism and Giftedness |
| 11:50-12:00 | Line Dancing |
| 12:00–1:20 | Lunch (Marketplace vouchers)/ Yoga |
| 1:20-1:30 | Art Moments with Debbie Troxclair |
| 1:30-2:20 | Maggie Eubanks: AuDHD – There’s a Reason Why What We’re Doing Isn’t Working |
| Ophelie Desmet: Beyond Barriers: Nurturing Academic Excellence in Twice-Exceptional Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students | |
| Justin Dove: From Rhetoric to Reality: Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices in Today’s Schools | |
| Tammy Byrd: Unlocking Potential: Empowering Twice-Exceptional Students to Thrive. | |
| 2:20-2:30 | Cookie Break |
| 2:30-3:20 | Jimmy Huston: Big Thinkers: Creativity and Neurodiversity |
| Brian McMichael: Creating a Thriving Environment for Twice-Exceptional Students | |
| Debbie Troxclair: The Paradox of Potential: Carolyn’s 2e Experience | |
| 3:20-4:00 | Closing Ceremony: Presentation of the Brian Harper Twice-Exceptional Recognition Award |
| 4:00–6:00 | Optional Social – German Restaurant |
| (Ongoing) | Silent Auction |
✨ Who should attend?
- Education leaders and policy makers shaping systems of support
- Researchers and practitioners exploring new directions for 2e education
- Anyone ready to problem-solve and possibility-find in a collaborative community