Every Brain Belongs: Teaching The Twice-Exceptional w/ Mandi Davis Skerbetz

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz, co-founder of Sage School of Dallas, who has dedicated her career to reshaping how we support neurodivergent and twice-exceptional students. Dr. Skerbetz shares how she identified gaps in public, private, and charter institutions, the hard reality for parents forced to pick between academic or emotional support, and reveals how Sage is rewriting what an effective, compassionate school can be when it’s built for the kids who don’t fit anywhere else.We Also Cover:Why “gifted” doesn’t guarantee success without the right supportThe concept of Consequence ChoiceHow Sage addresses social, emotional, and academic needsWhy classrooms shouldn’t look like “traditional schools” anymoreTips for parents advocating for their children in non-inclusive systemsWhy busywork and rote memorization fail neurodivergent learners—and what to do insteadThe balance between freedom and structure in a 2e-focused classroomThe connection between executive functioning skills and long-term career readinessHow to foster authentic friendships versus just peer connections for neurodivergent studentsHow Mandi’s theory of “consequence choice” builds buy-in and confidenceThe role of curiosity, connection, and inclusion in transforming educationQuotes:"I want a parent to drop their kid off and know they’re getting everything they need in the same day.""Kids do not need to memorize. I don't care who they are, I don't care if they're gifted, I don't care if they have a 'lower IQ.' You can Google anything. We need critical thinking skills.""For kids that are super smart, super gifted, but have social emotional challenges, it's like, 'They're smart, they'll be fine.' And no, it doesn't work that way."About Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz:For over 20 years Mandi has worked in the field of special education including being a special education and gifted teacher. Neurodiverse students and their families have been at the heart of everything Mandi has done throughout her career. It has been her dream to have a school where students' strengths are truly enhanced and needs supported for long-term success and achievement. Dr. Skerbetz has worked in various roles at public, charter, and private schools in Dallas, TX and Pittsburgh, PA. She has taught and mentored students in the field of Special Education at Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, Southern Methodist University, and University of Pittsburgh.Connect with Dr. Skerbetz:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandidavisskerbetz/https://www.sageschooldallas.org/https://www.instagram.com/sageschoolofdallas/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567948017506  Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Mindshttps://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunchMike on Instagram: @followshisghostMike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:https://followyourghostcoach.com/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.