April 14, 2026
6:30PM CST
Cost: free
Children who are adopted or in foster care face unique psychosocial challenges which may be amplified by the shared challenges and intensities of their giftedness. These same Issues and challenges may mask their giftedness which can further fuel the misunderstandings and preconceived ideas of how an adoptee or foster child should look or behave.
This webinar will explore these challenges and ways they may impact these children’s education. Stories collected during a qualitative study of this population will be shared to highlight lived experiences.
Topics discussed will include trauma, loss, grief, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, relationships, transitions, and school assignments. These topics are not often discussed in the education community, therefore attendees will learn about how to spot and address the above challenges, while also encouraging students’ strengths, developing their talents and interests, and advocating for the gifted adoptees and gifted foster children in an educational environment.
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Presenters
Dr. Alissa Cress is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Gifted, Creative, and Talented Studies at Purdue University. Prior to completing her Master’s and Ph.D. from Purdue in Gifted, Creative, and Talented Studies, she taught elementary school students in Indiana after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She has also served in various capacities in the Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute’s (GER2I) youth enrichment programs, and is now an Assistant Director of Youth Programs in the organization. Alissa teaches undergraduate pre-service teachers in a variety of courses, and is a Co-Principal investigator on a federally-funded Javits Grant. Her research interests include the identification and service of traditionally underrepresented students in gifted education, including adopted youth and those in foster care, talent development, social and emotional needs of students with gifts and talents, parent and society perceptions of giftedness, and teacher training.
Kathy Green is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Iowa teaching classes on talent development in the arts & athletics and perfectionism. She teaches private oboe students and directs her church choir. She taught middle school band and creative arts for 30 years, after which she and created and ran a high school internship program for gifted music students for the Wheaton College Artist Series. Kathy received a Bachelor of Music Education from Wheaton College and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology/Gifted Education from the University of Connecticut. Kathy and her husband are the parents of a gifted, adopted daughter.
Mariel Tader received a PhD in theoretical physics from Cornell University as well as a B.S. in Mathematics and Physics at Case Western Reserve University. Devoted to outreach and mentoring, she knows the importance of considering the individual needs of each student. As an adoptee who has personally experienced the challenges and rewards of being adopted and in a gifted program, Mariel is enthusiastic about exploring the diverse perspectives of gifted people as they find their path in life. She believes that this work is important for a better future and brings her research experience and knowledge of study design to contribute to this work.
