By Ciminy St. Clair.
My name is Dr. Ciminy St. Clair. I am excited to join the SENG board of directors. A little background about me, I have two decades of experience working with gifted students in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade within the state of Pennsylvania. I also mentor many young neurodivergent individuals including transitioning into adulthood. In addition, I have served on the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education for six years and currently serve as the immediate past president of the organization. I enjoy advocating for the gifted population and aim to assist others by speaking at the state, national, and international levels. As a board member of the Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) organization, my goals and dreams for the organization align closely with the April theme of "Twice Exceptionality" in conjunction with Autism Awareness Month. SENG's mission is to empower gifted individuals, their families, and the professionals who support them to better understand and meet the unique social, emotional, and intellectual needs of gifted and twice-exceptional individuals.
One of my primary goals in my work with SENG is to increase awareness and understanding of twice-exceptionality, particularly within the context of autism spectrum disorders. Twice-exceptional individuals possess both exceptional intellectual abilities and one or more learning differences or disabilities, such as autism. These individuals often face unique challenges and opportunities that require specialized support and advocacy. By focusing on this intersection between giftedness and autism, SENG can play a vital role in promoting acceptance, understanding, and empowerment for twice-exceptional individuals and their families.
I envision SENG expanding its community outreach efforts to include more educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers. By providing resources, training, and support, these stakeholders will better recognize and address the needs of twice-exceptional individuals in educational, therapeutic, and community settings. This may involve developing and disseminating educational materials, hosting professional development workshops and conferences, and advocating for policies that support the rights and well-being of twice-exceptional individuals.
SENG aims to foster a sense of community and belonging among twice-exceptional individuals and their families. Many gifted and twice-exceptional individuals struggle with feelings of isolation and alienation due to their unique combination of abilities and challenges. SENG serves as a beacon of support and connection by offering peer support groups, online forums, and community events where individuals and families can share their experiences, learn from one another, and form meaningful connections with others who understand their journey.
I dream of a future where gifted and twice-exceptional individuals are fully recognized, supported, and celebrated for their unique talents and contributions to society. Additionally, I envision a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their cognitive or neurodevelopmental profile. By working together as a community, I believe we can make this dream a reality.
As a board member of SENG, I am committed to advancing these goals and ensuring that the organization continues to be a leading voice in the field of gifted education and twice-exceptionality. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world where all individuals are valued and supported for who they are.
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Dr. St. Clair earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Penn State University. She taught first grade before moving to Norwin School District where she has been in the gifted department for over 18 years. She has coordinated the gifted programs for grades K-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12. She holds her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, her Gifted Endorsement, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership through Liberty University. She is a true advocate for the gifted population and is an active member of PAGE, NAGC, and SENG.