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.

Deb (Massey University Specialist Teaching and GEMS Aotearoa) is a highly experienced teacher and facilitator, having been an educator, facilitator, coordinator, consultant, leader, manager and advisor across all sectors for many years. She has worked alongside teachers and senior leadership teams to build their capacity to meet the needs of gifted and neuro-diverse learners under the LSAP priorities and to implement culturally-sustaining, mana-enhancing practices to enhance the progress, achievement and well-being of all gifted learners. She is known for her relatability, her practical approach, and her positivity towards those she works with.

Mel (Ashburton College) is an experienced teacher, having taught in primary schools since 1998. She has been a classroom teacher, Specialist Learning Support teacher, tutor and Specialist Teacher Gifted (past 7 years to present). She also has strengths in maths and literacy and has worked for Massey University in a part-time capacity to train teachers in the Numeracy Project. She has a special interest in teaching children with multiple exceptionalities and is passionate about inclusive education and supporting teachers to meet the needs of all learners in their classrooms.

Ruby-Grace Miller is a gifted young leader whose lived experience gives her rare insight into supporting diverse learners. Diagnosed at nine with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and auditory processing disorder, she understands both the challenges and strengths of thinking differently. Her creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills drive her to connect with others and advocate for change in education. Through speaking, mentoring, and community work, Ruby-Grace inspires students, parents, and teachers - showing that giftedness and learning differences can coexist, and that every learner’s potential should be recognised.