About Us
Cindy and Julia connected in 2009 when a colleague introduced them through e-mail. They soon visited each other's classrooms, shared curriculum ideas and quickly connected. After several discussions about the issue of isolation in the field of Gifted Education, they decided to do something about it by starting the Gifted Education Network. Their mission is fundamentally simple: we don't need any additional stress or obligations; we just need a place to connect with one another.
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Mrs. Julia C. Johnson graduated from Adelphi University with a BA in English, a Master's in Education and also holds a certification extension in Gifted and Talented Education. Julia currently coordinates the EXCEL Program at Islip School District, and is the instructor of the Simply Natural Yoga and Meditation series at Seatuck Environmental Association. Julia also works as an Educational Consultant. In addition to consulting for Nassau BOCES, she is a member of the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Coaching Network. Julia has been requested to lecture on the topics of Connecting Kids with Nature, Character Education, and Technology Integration. In her spare time, Julia enjoys spending time with her husband, Don, and daughters, Sarah and Liliana.
Mrs. Cindy Dwyer recieved a B.A. in Elementary Education & Sociology (1995) and M.S. in Elementary Education with a specialty in Children's Literature (2000) from CUNY Queens College. She has also completed over 100 additional graduate level credits with a focus on gifted education & educational technology, and holds a certification extension in Gifted & Talented Education. Cindy is currently the Elementary Enrichment Facilitator for Sayville Public Schools where she enjoys developing creative curriculum for her students while integrating educational technology. She has presented at several regional technology conferences, teaches professional development in-service & graduate level courses. She currently serves as editor of the NAGC Creativity Network newsletter "Celebrate Creativity" & is beginning her 3-year term on the NAGC Education Committee. Her latest pursuit is developing Enrichment 4 Kids, a gifted education resource for teachers, parents & students.
