Speakers

Dr Rosemary Cathcart (OMNZ, QSM, PhD, Dip. Ed, Dip. Teaching) is a former national president of the NZAGC. Rosemary thanks that initial experience for leading her into her 40-year professional involvement in gifted education. She is deeply committed to a child- centred, holistic approach to teaching and supporting gifted children, and has made this the basis of her work with children, teachers, parents, and officialdom across almost every aspect of the gifted field. Rosemary is the director of REACH Education, with a focus on providing professional development both nationally and internationally.

Sue is a passionate and dedicated educator with over 50 years of experience, specialising in gifted education. A life member of the New Zealand Association for Gifted Children and Auckland Explorers, she has held key leadership roles, including NZAGC National President and board member for giftEDnz and the Gifted Education Centre.  Sue has organised and presented at numerous workshops and conferences both nationally and internationally, sharing her expertise with teachers, parents, and students. With a particular interest in creative writing, mathematics, science, and technology, Sue currently teaches "Small Poppies" classes for gifted young children in Christchurch. She is a strong advocate for holistic, inclusive education that provides challenging and authentic learning experiences, driven by skilled and passionate teachers.

Cristy is a Specialist Teacher for Gifted Education at St Mark's School and an Across Schools Teacher for Pūmanawa Gifted Education in Te Mana Raupō Kāhui Ako. She works directly with ākonga pūmanawa, gifted learners, while also supporting kaiako to strengthen their practice to better meet the social, emotional, and learning needs of gifted students. Cristy has a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching (Gifted) from Massey University and a Certificate of Effective Practice in Gifted Education from Aotearoa Gifted, as well as experience teaching for MindPlus.  

Alice is an experienced and dedicated Educational Psychologist passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and families. With over three decades of experience as a teacher, early childhood centre teacher and manager, and Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour, Alice has a deep understanding of diverse learning needs. As an independent psychologist and a strong advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practice, Alice celebrates the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals. She works closely with families to navigate challenges, empowering them with tailored strategies to help children thrive in their learning, social, and emotional environments. Committed to making a positive difference, she supports children and families in unlocking their potential and building brighter futures.

Holly is the Founder, CEO, and Pilot Director of the Hyphen Project. She has a personal understanding of being a neurodivergent teen and parenting one. Her mission is to create opportunities for neurodivergent learners. Holly has taught multiple subjects, held various educational roles, and has qualifications in English, Psychology, and a Masters in Educational Psychology. She has also completed a Certificate in Twice-exceptional Education from Bridges Graduate School in Los Angeles and is working on a PhD about strengths of adults with ADHD. Holly has become one of New Zealand’s foremost experts on twice-exceptionality.  Holly fundamentally believes young people are awesome.