Integrated Counseling Services
Gifted Microschool - Unique Learners 2e Academy

We’re excited to join the Gifted Collective community as your new on-site counseling team! As licensed therapists partnering with the microschool, our goal is to support each child’s social-emotional growth in ways that align with the values already at the heart of this learning environment: connection, curiosity, and compassion.

We believe emotional well-being and authentic relationships are essential to learning. That’s why we’ve developed a counseling program tailored specifically for gifted, neurodivergent, and twice-exceptional (2e) students — one that recognizes their strengths, honors their differences, and supports their challenges with care and creativity.

Many gifted and 2e children shine intellectually but may need extra support navigating anxiety, friendships, emotional regulation, or identity development. These services are a proactive, affirming, and integrated layer of support designed to help each child flourish as their full self.

Our approach is:

  • ✅ Neurodiversity-affirming

  • ✅ Trauma-informed

  • ✅ Strengths-based

Our mission is to create a space where every child feels safe, supported, and empowered — not just to succeed academically, but to grow socially and emotionally as well.

1. Developmental & Psychosocial History Review

Before we teach, we seek to understand.

Each family begins with a comprehensive intake process that allows us to understand your child’s full story — not just their behaviors, but the context behind them. This process is grounded in respect, curiosity, and clinical insight.

What to expect:

  • A detailed parent questionnaire exploring developmental, medical, emotional, and social history.

  • Standardized screeners, such as the PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety), and ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences).

  • A review of biological, psychological, and social factors impacting your child’s functioning.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with one of our clinicians for a 30–60 minute intake interview — offered by phone, video, or in person — to review your responses and add any important details that might not come through in writing.

This intake process helps us:

  • Understand your child’s needs and strengths

  • Identify potential supports or referrals

  • Collaboratively create a personalized service plan designed to help your child thrive.

If your child needs additional support beyond what we offer on-site, we’re here to help coordinate care — either through our own practice or by connecting you with trusted, neurodiversity-affirming providers in our extended network.

Signed consent forms are required prior to starting services to ensure clarity, transparency, and alignment on our shared goals.

This is where we begin — with understanding, not assumptions.

2. Weekly Group Counseling

Each week, students participate in counseling groups led by licensed therapists with deep experience supporting neurodivergent youth.

Structure:

  • 1.5-hour weekly groups

  • 6–10 students per group

Focus Areas:

  • Emotional regulation and self-awareness

  • Friendship skills, team building, cooperative play

  • Communication and conflict resolution

  • Self-advocacy and identity development

  • Support through transitions and challenges

Tools we use:
Play, narrative, somatic practices, and expressive arts.

3. Monthly Parent Collaboration & Training

You’re part of this learning community, too.

Every month, we plan to host a 1.5-hour parent session to support, educate, and connect families.

Each session includes:

  • A brief, expert-led topic presentation (20–30 min).

  • Group Q&A, discussion, and shared support.

You’ll learn:

  • Practical tools for regulation and routines.

  • Sensory-informed parenting strategies.

  • How to reframe behavior through a neurodiversity lens.

  • How to navigate anxiety, transitions, and sibling challenges.

Staff Profiles

Terri Pratt

I am a dedicated therapist intern with a deep passion for working with neurodivergent individuals. My personal journey as a mother of several neurodivergent children fuels my commitment to helping individuals with autism, learning challenges, OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

My Approach

I use a strengths-based theory to guide individuals in embracing their authentic selves, managing struggles, and developing strengths to foster self-love and joy.

Expertise

Neurodivergent Individuals: Specializing in autism, learning challenges, OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, I tailor my approach to each individual's unique needs.

LGBTQ Community: Providing a safe, inclusive space, I support LGBTQ individuals in navigating their journeys with pride and resilience.

Parents of Neurodivergent Children: Offering practical insights and support, I help parents guide their neurodivergent children towards thriving.

Mission

My mission is to empower individuals to manage their struggles, harness their strengths, and embrace their true selves. I aim to create a supportive environment where clients can find joy and fulfillment in their authentic identities.

Riley O’Toole, LAC

Therapy is a journey of growth, and it all begins with a genuine connection. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming space where children, teens, and adults feel truly heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.

I specialize in supporting children ages 4 and up, as well as teens and adolescents, who may be navigating challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, and emotional regulation. My approach is integrative and personalized, drawing from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques. In my practice, I include creative methods such as sand tray therapy, play therapy, art, movement, and interactive activities to help clients express their emotions in a way that feels natural and engaging.

I have extensive experience working with children, including my role as a habilitation provider, which has deepened my understanding of how to support children in developing essential life skills and emotional regulation. This background enriches my therapeutic approach, allowing me to create tailored interventions that meet the unique needs of each child.

I also work with adults who are facing life challenges, anxiety, or depression, offering a compassionate, evidence-based approach that encourages growth and self-acceptance.

Outside of my practice, I cherish time with my family and friends, love exploring local coffee shops, and enjoy being outdoors and staying active. Whether you're seeking therapy for yourself, your child, or your adolescent, I invite you to reach out. Taking this step toward healing is a courageous act, and I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.

Nadina Hedzic, LAC

Nadina is a neurodiversity-affirming, regulation-first therapist who works from a foundation of connection, curiosity, and compassion. She specializes in supporting both children and adults in understanding their nervous systems, building emotional insight, and strengthening relational safety. Rather than focusing on correction, Nadina approaches behaviors as expressions of internal states—signals from a system doing its best to adapt.

She brings creativity and playfulness into her work, often designing original games and experiential tools to make therapeutic concepts feel meaningful and accessible. Nadina believes that all nervous systems impact one another—like a beautiful orchestra—and learning how to navigate this shared energy is one of the most powerful ways we grow, both individually and together.

In her role, Nadina will co-facilitate student groups and offer weekly staff consultation, with a focus on creating environments where regulation is supported, differences are honored, and everyone—students and adults alike—feels safe to be fully themselves.

Still have questions?

Contact us!