📢 Free 6-Week Online 2e Adult Masterclass Starting April 11 – Click Here to Secure Your Spot 📢
As a 2e Adult, If you are looking for a DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SELF, a way to make MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS with other 2e Adults, and to learn TOOLS TO EMPOWER YOU, The Haystack Community is for you!
Why is The Haystack For You?
- You are seeking a community
- You want meaningful conversations
- You don’t want to mask
- You want to learn about relevant topics to you
- You want to feel understood
- You want meaningful conversations
- You want a supportive peer group
- You want a place where you can be YOU!
The Haystack
Julie Skolnick, M.A., J.D., Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, and author of Gifted & Distractible is excited to bring you The Haystack, a community for 2e Adults!
If you are looking for a DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SELF, a way to make MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS with others, and to learn TOOLS TO EMPOWER YOU, The Haystack Community is for you!
Ever feel like finding a friend who actually GETS YOU - when you don't have to mask - is like looking for a NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK?
I get it! It’s hard to drop your guard and say what you’re thinking or share how you really feel, when you are thinking and feeling SO MUCH!
When you do find that person – another “needle” – you feel better in your brain and your body! You can’t believe your fortune at being able to be your authentic you, that you are understood, appreciated, and even celebrated.
So…we’ve created The Haystack to gather 2e adult “needles.” Each month members receive:
- Week 1: Recorded expert addressing our monthly theme
- Week 2: Live Q&A and breakout room discussion with fellow members (Meeting Time: Tuesdays at 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET)
- Week 3: Articles and blogs addressing our monthly theme
- Week 4: Live Q&A and breakout room discussion with fellow members (Meeting Time: Tuesdays at 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET)
The Haystack is a safe space where all 2e needles are welcomed! So...what are you waiting for? MEET ME IN THE HAYSTACK!
Registration occurs quarterly and is currently closed. Join the waitlist, and get notified when registration opens for September.
Registration is officially open NOW until October 1st. Grab your spot!
Are you ready to thrive as your extraordinary self? Welcome to The Haystack, the ultimate membership community exclusively designed for 2e Adults like you! Here, it’s not just a group; it’s a close-knit fellowship of kindred spirits, a space where your uniqueness is celebrated and empowered.
What The Haystack Community Offers:
🎉 Monthly Themes
Each month we will address relevant topics for 2e Adults. Some topics are hard, some are fun, but all address concepts and issues important to you.
🌟 Live Discussion Groups
All 2e “needles” gather LIVE in The Haystack to discuss the monthly theme in small breakout groups. Every second and fourth Tuesday at 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET, find your people and nourish your soul through our meaningful meetups. Whether you're sharing your victories or seeking understanding, these gatherings are your sanctuary for camaraderie and authentic connections.
🌱 Monthly Education
Each month you’ll receive an article or blog addressing our monthly theme. Dive into the world of 2e with enlightening insights and discussions. Discover what it truly means to be twice exceptional and learn strategies for embracing your brilliance.
Registration For The Haystack Closes In…
💬 Ongoing Chat in Dedicated Discord Channel
Drop in at any time to pitch a question or topic, share something fabulous or frustrating, and receive feedback from other members. Our private discord channel allows ongoing conversation 24/7.
🔒 The 2e Vault
Don't worry if you just joined the Haystack, you will always have access to all past recorded and written materials. The Vault is meticulously curated to deepen your understanding of being twice exceptional. From nurturing meaningful relationships to amplifying confidence and mastering productivity, this vault is your go-to guide.
🎙️ Guest Experts
Enrich your experience with invaluable insights from renowned guest experts. Monthly, we're thrilled to introduce thought leaders who will illuminate various 2e topics, providing you with fresh perspectives and knowledge.
YOUR 2E EXPERT
Julie Skolnick, M.A., J.D
Julie Skolnick, M.A., J.D., founder of With Understanding Comes Calm LLC, has passionately guided thousands of parents of gifted and distractible children around the world, mentors twice exceptional adults, and advises educators and professionals on how to bring out the best and raise self-confidence in their twice-exceptional students and clients.
She is the author of the best selling book Gifted and Distractible, A practical, research-based guide that demystifies giftedness and learning differences in order to help twice exceptional children thrive.
She serves as secretary to the Maryland superintendent’s State Advisory Council for Gifted and Talented Students, and produces virtual conferences and other engagement opportunities for the twice exceptional community. Julie and her husband are parents of three twice exceptional children who keep them on their toes and uproariously laughing Julie’s therapist is a red standard poodle named Tigger.
The 2e Vault: (Additional Membership Perks)
Recorded Webinars
Feel like you could use a bit more time to soak in the brilliance? No worries! Our members have the awesome perk of holding onto monthly recorded expert interviews and webinars. That's right, as long as you're part of The Haystack, you can relish the fantastic content at your own pace, whenever you want! 📺🍿
The 2e Adult Toolbox
Inside, you’ll find resources designed to help you: 1. Understand your 2e profile from a strengths-based approach 2. Discover your strengths and passions 3. Navigate friendships, life, and emotions as a 2e adult 💪🛠️
Ever Expanding Resource List
Get ready to dive into a treasure trove of wisdom made just for you! As a member, you'll get your hands on a gorgeous PDF filled with handpicked Expert Resources for 2e Adults. And the best part? It's regularly updated to give you momentum on your journey! 📚🌟
Discounts and Perks
Get ready to snag exciting deals and be the first in line for all the buzz! As part of The Haystack community you'll be treated to exclusive discounts and get the inside scoop on upcoming events. It's like having a backstage pass to all the fun! 🎉🎟️
If this sounds like you...
- True friends are hard to come by – peers don’t get you or they make you feel like you’re out of sync.
- Intimate relationships are way too complicated and it feels like it’s more work than it’s worth.
- People tell you you’re too much: too sensitive, too fast, too slow, too perfectionistic, too emotional, too much.
- You wish your work/retirement was more meaningful, but you find yourself in a negative feedback loop.
- It’s hard to meet yours and others’ expectations – you feel like you’re always trying to catch up.
- People spend too much time focusing on challenges – they don’t seem to value your strengths and passions.
Then... meet me in The Haystack!
In The Haystack you’ll:
- Find people who care about the things you care about.
- Learn why some things are hard and others a breeze.
- Gain perspective – on yourself, and others.
- Spend time interacting – UNMASKED.
- Share your strengths and passions with others who appreciate YOU.
Haystack Guest Experts
Every month we connect with renowned thought leaders to illuminate the most important topics to 2e Adults. Here are just some of the many experts we learn from in our monthly webinars:
Daniel B. Peters, PHD
Dr. Dan Peters is a psychologist, author, co-founder and Executive Director of Summit Center. Dr. Peters has devoted his career to the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families, specializing in overcoming worry and fear, learning differences such as dyslexia, and issues related to giftedness and twice-exceptionality.
Dr. Peters is also host of Parent Footprint with Dr. Dan, a podcast available on Wondery, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and elsewhere.
Dr. Dan (as his clients call him) has been working with children and families for more than 25 years. He is passionate about creating healthy communities by helping parents and teachers engage children in the classroom, at home, and in life so that they can realize their full potential.
Matt Zakreski, PsyD
Dr. Matthew Zakreski (affectionately known as “Dr. Matt”) is a seasoned clinical psychologist and professional speaker renowned for his expertise in serving neurodivergent individuals (people with different brains such as gifted, ADHD, Autism, and dyslexia). Dr. Matt thrives in supporting young people in understanding, developing, and celebrating their unique brains while developing strengths-based ways of operating in their world. He is best known for his work with gifted individuals as an advocate for using accessible understanding of neurodivergent needs to implement high-level supports. Having delivered over 500 talks all over the world, Dr. Matt has cultivated a reputation as a dynamic keynote speaker,
Joy Lawson Davis, ED.D
Joy Lawson Davis a career educator with over 40 years of experience as a practitioner, scholar, author and consultant. In addition to local district and university experiences, Davis served for five years as the Virginia State Specialist for K-12 Gifted services. A graduate of the College of William & Mary, Dr. Davis holds both master’s and doctorate degrees in Gifted Education. She has published numerous articles, technical reports and book chapters and is the author of the award-winning book: Bright,Talented & Black: a Guide for Families of African American Gifted Learners and Gifted Children of Color Around the World: Diverse Needs, Exemplary Practices and Directions for the Future, co-edited with Dr. James L. Moore III.
Imi Lo
Imi’s background includes two Master’s degrees—one in Mental Health and one in Buddhist Studies—alongside training in philosophical consulting, Jungian theories, global cultures, and mindfulness-based modalities. Her experience spans a wide range of settings, from her work with organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, the mental health charity Mind, and LGBTQ charity London Friend to her previous roles as a mental health supervisor, psychotherapist, art therapist (formerly HCPC registered), suicide crisis counselor, and trainer to therapists and coaches.
Edward R. Amend, PsyD
Edward R. Amend, Psy.D. Edward R. Amend, Psy.D., is a Clinical Psychologist at The Amend Group in Lexington, Kentucky. The Amend Group is a comprehensive center for psychological, educational, and gifted services. Dr. Amend is licensed to provide services in both Kentucky and Ohio, and his work focuses on the social, emotional, psychological, and educational needs of gifted, talented, and twice-exceptional (2e) youth and their families. Dr. Amend provides evaluations and therapy for a variety of special needs populations, including gifted children and adolescents, children with learning disabilities and attention disorders, and 2e children.
Linda Roggli
Linda Roggli is a “midwest farmers’ daughter” who, at the tender age of nine, set a goal to write books. She penned a short cartoon book “Angies’ Choice” (2002) to illustrate the subtleties of passion and possibility before releasing “Confessions of an ADDiva: midlife in the non-linear lane” (2011), a book for and about women with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. When she’s not dreaming up ideas for new books, projects and products, she is an ADHD coach for adults, based in Durham, NC and she is the dream catcher for GardenSpirit Guesthouse, her women’s retreat house in central NC.
...Plus many, many more!
Transformative Objectives of Joining The Haystack Membership
Nurture your self esteem
By joining The Haystack, you'll embark on a journey of self-discovery, understanding your unique strengths and challenges as a 2e Adult. Through expert resources and shared experiences, you'll gain profound insights that lead to self-acceptance and embracing your identity with pride.
Celebrate your uniqueness
Joining The Haystack isn't just about belonging to a community; it's about your personal evolution. With monthly themes that encompass every facet of your 2e life, you'll continually expand your knowledge, amplify your strengths, and tackle challenges head-on. The Haystack membership offers a transformative path to self-growth and empowerment, guiding you toward a life that truly reflects your remarkable identity.
Address your whole self
Navigate the complexities of your 2e journey with purposeful tools. The Haystack provides you with targeted strategies for self care, boosted confidence, and holistic well-being. These practical skills will empower you to overcome obstacles and unlock your full potential.
Cultivate Relationships
The Haystack is a thriving community of 2e Adults who truly comprehend your journey. Through meaningful interactions, meetups, and discussions, you'll forge connections and find lasting friendships with a genuine support system that celebrates your triumphs and stays with you through challenges.
Unlock Transformation, Forge Connections, and Grow With Us.
Find other “needles” in The Haystack community today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
The Haystack is a monthly membership for 2e adults hosted by Julie Skolnick, MA, JD of With Understanding Comes Calm. It includes monthly themes pertinent to the community.
Each month members meet on the second and fourth Tuesday at 2:00-3:00 US EDT via unique zoom link for Q/A about the monthly topic and breakout rooms with other 2e adults for discussion.
On the first Tuesday of each month members receive a pre-recorded webinar or expert interview regarding the topic of the month.
On the third Tuesday of every month members receive an article and/or blog on the topic of the month.
Members receive Bonus material – usually an expert interview.
We open enrollment for a few weeks four times a year – September, December, March, and June.
If you decide to leave The Haystack you simply stop payment when you’re ready to leave.
You will have access to all pre-recordings and articles/blogs in The Haystack vault. You won’t, however, have access to the live Q/A and breakout rooms. We want members to feel they can speak their minds confidentially during those live meetings.
$47 a month (just under $12 a week!)
Understanding your twice exceptional self
Acknowledging and Addressing Loneliness
Professional Life – work and retirement
Freedom to be YOU – The role of Masking in 2e adult
The Importance of Laughter and Play
Organization and the 2e Mind
Family, Relationships, Expectations
Finding Neurodiversity Affirming Mental Health Support
Intensity
Highly Sensitive Minds
Multi Exceptionalities – Exploring Culture and Gender
Empowerment
New topics added every year
Please email Support@WithUnderstandingComesCalm.com
At The Haystack, we’re privileged to host a diverse range of experts who bring invaluable insights to our community. Our esteemed guest experts include:
Melanie Hayes, Otto Siegel, Gordon Smith, Linda Roggli, Eric Windhorst, Ed Amend, Nicole Tetreault, Imi Lo, Andre Solo, Joy Lawson Davis, PJ Sedillo, Sarah Wayland, and more to be announced.
Meet Me In The Haystack - $47/mo
Registration is officially open NOW through October 1st. Grab your spot!
*The yearly membership discount does not permit cancellation at any time, but cancellation is allowed after one year. Monthly memberships can be canceled anytime.*
Registration is Closed
• Please Use the Form Below to Join the Waitlist •
When you join the waitlist, you subscribe to the newsletter and get notified in September when we open registration for The Haystack.