Who we are
We are a dedicated group of educators united by a shared mission—to ensure that gifted and twice-exceptional children receive the understanding, support, and opportunities they deserve. Too often, these remarkable learners are misunderstood within our society and educational systems.
Just like every child, gifted and twice-exceptional children have unique needs, but their advanced abilities and asynchronous development require a unique understanding and specialized services to help them thrive.
Our goal is to guide families in accessing the programs, resources, and advocacy necessary to nurture each child’s spark and prepare them for a successful, fulfilling future. Gifted children possess extraordinary potential, yet without the right support, they may become disengaged from school, disheartened by society, and uncertain about their path forward.
Although we are a new organization, we are committed to building strong partnerships, offering scholarships and grants, and connecting families to enrichment programs, specialized schools, and vital services. Together, we can help these children not only reach their potential—but also see the limitless possibilities ahead of them.
We invite you to join us in championing gifted and twice-exceptional children, ensuring they have every opportunity to learn, grow, and shine.
Meet The Board
President & Executive Director
Adam C. Laningham is a nonprofit leader, award-winning educator, and advocate dedicated to empowering gifted and twice-exceptional learners. With more than 20 years in public education, Adam has taught across multiple grade levels, created and led innovative gifted programs, and coordinated district-wide services for over 6,000 students.
As the founder and President of Growing Intellect & Fostering Talent, Adam leads this mission-driven organization focused on ensuring gifted children have access to the resources, programs, and opportunities they need to thrive. He also founded The Gifted Collective, a learning center that provides direct support to gifted and 2e children and their families.
Adam’s leadership extends nationally and internationally. He served six years on the board of Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), including as Past President, and contributes his expertise as a member of the Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented (AAGT) Advisory Council, a founding member of Callisto (supporting gifted foster youth), and an advisor for CogAT Riverside Insights.
An author, speaker, and consultant, Adam combines deep educational expertise with a strong commitment to advocacy, building networks, and creating programs that help gifted learners reach their full potential.
Focus - Giftedness
Vice President
Denise Michele Hicks, a proud alumna of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern University, comes from a Blue Star Military Family in Chicago, Illinois. Her own early experiences in gifted programming and STEM enrichment within Chicago Public Schools inspired a lifelong dedication to advancing equity, access, and excellence in education.
Denise has an extensive record of nonprofit leadership, including serving on the board for Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) and leading the organization as its president. She continues to contribute nationally through her work with the National Association for Gifted Children’s STEM Committee, Javits-Frasier Scholars’ Program, and Dr. Martin Jenkins Scholars’ Program.
Holding advanced certification in Gifted and Talented Education from the University of Connecticut at Storrs, Denise is now pursuing her doctoral studies in STEM Education Leadership. She also serves at Arizona State University in the Center for Bio-mediated, Bio-inspired Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, supports ASU ACCESS Educational Program Initiatives, and advises the U.S. Military Academies for Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District.
Her board service is guided by her deep expertise in gifted education, STEM leadership, and community engagement, as she works to advance initiatives that foster opportunity, innovation, and excellence for diverse learners.
Focus - STEM
Board Secratary
Cally Flox is an accomplished teaching artist, educator, and administrator with a passion for improving student learning and school culture through the arts. As the Founding Director of the BYU ARTS Partnership, she has built significant partnerships with arts organizations, other universities, and school district leaders to develop large-scale professional development initiatives that empower educators to integrate the arts into their teaching practice. She is also the lead author of A Teacher’s Guide to Resilience Through the Arts and an international speaker, sharing expertise in human development, neurophysiology, and brain-compatible, multi-sensory teaching strategies.
With many years of experience teaching creative dance and integrated arts in both public and private settings, Cally brings a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and instructional expertise to her board service. She has taught dance, math, and P.E. in public schools and holds an MEd in Educational Leadership.
Cally currently serves on both the Utah and National boards of Dance and the Child International (daCi), contributing her vision for arts integration, equity, and lifelong learning. Her board work reflects a commitment to fostering collaboration, advancing arts-based education, and inspiring creative growth in communities of all ages. Additionally she is a past President of the Utah Dance Education Organization.
Focus - The Arts
Board Treasurer
Kristin Ashley is a gifted holistic health clinician and registered yoga therapist (C-IAYT) dedicated to helping individuals heal, recover, and cultivate well-being through life’s transitions. With a strong foundation in clinical psychology, crisis and suicide prevention, and pain management, Kristin brings a compassionate, integrative approach to health and personal growth.
Her experience working with nonprofit boards, as well as her extensive experience in holistic health, yoga, and mindfulness practices, combined with her ongoing studies in the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University, inform her leadership and vision in nonprofit board service. Kristin is committed to supporting our mission as it promotes mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness in diverse communities.
Focus - Social and Emotional Wellness