“My son had undergone numerous assessments, consults, etc.; but no one had been able to fit all the pieces
together in a way that actually produced hands-on, effective suggestions for helping him develop and learn in
a way that supported his gifts without foreclosing his opportunities. Melanie first got to know him through direct
teaching, which gave her important information about his day to day rhythms and interests. She took time to
see him when consumed with his learning passions, and also when bored, and frustrated. Very few assessors
take this kind of time, understand gifted and twice exceptional issues in this depth, and have the unique capacity
to use that information to formulate a PLAN. Melanie has been able to represent his interests in meetings with
his school that have brought them on board with accelerating him and providing much more flexibility throughout
his day and in his program--and this is a PUBLIC school. I felt her input in the meetings was essential as she
advocated with true understanding, and as a teacher herself, could talk the language of the school in a way that
produced real buy in. Melanie was also able to write a letter of recommendation for my son’s application to the
Stanford EPGY summer institutes, which was instrumental in his admission, and produced life changing
opportunities for him. We continue to rely on her expertise, sensitivity, and flexible approach in supporting and
advocating for the needs of gifted children.”
- Cheryl Theis, MA, Disability Rights Advocate and Mother of a gifted middle schooler
“Melanie's expertise has been very instrumental in helping us identify and mitigate our son's issues. She is
knowledgeable, kind, and most importantly, great with our son. Her insights into his giftedness have helped us
to appreciate him more and to bring out the best in us as parents and homeschoolers.”
- Dr. Anne Chan, Psychologist and Mother of a gifted kindergartner
“Melanie is a keen observer, empathetic, engaged, and has what the best mentors and educators have: the
crucial ability to go wherever the child is headed. Seems easy enough, but quite difficult in practice, especially
with gifted youth.”
- David Potter, Father of gifted children
“I have known Melanie both professionally and personally for the past three years. She is a gifted consultant in
her own right. Not only does she have a talent for identifying traits in accelerated children, but she also presents
useful options for the parents of those children to utilize. I recommend Melanie as a consultant.”
- Heather Woodiwiss, Entrepreneur and Mother of a gifted first grader
“Out of a number of excellent specialists we have consulted with regarding our son, Melanie has been the most
perceptive and helpful. She gave us excellent advice that helped us advocate for our son's needs at his school.
She also gave us a better idea of where he falls on the gifted spectrum so that we could be realistic about what
the school might or might not be able to provide. When we decided to homeschool, Melanie guided us in ways
to enable our children's learning, while following their leads regarding their interests and the pace they can learn.
Thanks to Melanie's expertise and support, our children are thriving--their educational and emotional needs are
being met, and our sanity is saved (as much as it can be while parenting kids like these!). We can't thank her
enough!”
- J. Marlow Schmauder, Executive Director, Non-profit Foundation and Mother of two gifted kids
“Melanie is a strong advocate for her clients. She takes the time for genuine personal engagement, gets to know
her client's situation and goals, gives well-reasoned recommendations, and then is a forceful and articulate
advocate for the most advantageous position. She is not easily intimidated or dissuaded once her course is set.”
- Jack Dodd, Advertising Manager and Father of gifted high schooler
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