The Quad Preparatory School
in partnership with the 2e Study Center presents
Breakthroughs
in Twice-Exceptional
Futures Conference
Thursday, March 5, 2026
International House
500 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10027
Stay tuned for speaker and session announcements!
The Quad Preparatory School is recognized by the New York State Education Department as an approved provider of:
CTLE for Professional Classroom Teachers, School Leaders, and Level III Teaching Assistants
CE for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapist Assistants
About the Breakthroughs Conference
The Breakthroughs in Twice-Exceptional Futures Conference is a one-day event that brings together thought leaders and innovators from across fields for a day of expanding possibilities and methodologies for a more neuroinclusive future—in education and beyond.
For over a decade, The Quad Preparatory School has educated thousands of wonderfully gifted students with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and other neurodiversities—and as a result, we are positioned as a key leader in the conversation around twice-exceptional education. Presented by The Quad Preparatory School and the 2e Study Center, the annual Breakthroughs in Twice-Exceptional Futures Conference is a unique platform through which neuroinclusive practices are bolstered and advanced.
2026 Speakers
What the Breakthroughs Conference Offers
Learn from Experts
Learn about cutting-edge research and methodologies directly from the experts developing them. Each year, attendees engage in a robust program of seminars, panels, and discussions from educational leaders, twice-exceptional advocates, and clinical professionals. Past speakers include: • Peter Shankman, Co-Founder of Mental Capital Consulting and 6x best-selling author (2025) • Dr. Kelly Mahler, award-winning occupational therapist, author, and interoception groupie (2025) • Dr. Joy Lawson Davis, renowned gifted education expert and author of Bright, Talented, & Black (2024) • Dr. Ellen Braaten, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and Executive Director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) at Massachusetts General Hospital (2024) • Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP, internationally recognized executive functioning expert (2023 & 2024) • Steve Silberman, award-winning science writer and author of NeuroTribes (2023)
Find Your Network
Network with like-minded, forward-thinking professionals. No matter what your professional field is, you will find a space to connect with and learn from the attendees who join from across the country.
Explore New Perspectives
Gain new perspectives and inspire change. Challenge the status quo and envision the possibilities that abound if we embrace and uplift the voices of neurodivergent individuals. Through our thoughtful conversations, we create the neuroinclusive world we need.
Gain Continuing Education Credits
The Quad Preparatory School is recognized by the New York State Education Department's Office of Teaching Initiatives as an approved sponsor of CTLE for Professional Classroom Teachers, School Leaders, and Level III Teaching Assistants. The Quad Preparatory School is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Occupational Therapy as an approved provider of occupational therapy and occupational therapist assistant continuing education.
2025 Keynote Speaker Peter Shankman speaking in Davis Hall at the International House
Attendees have the opportunity to hear from the leading speakers in the field of twice-exceptional, neuroinclusive education
Quad Prep's Founder and Head of School, Kim Busi, with 2025 speaker Dr. Jennifer Hartstein
2025 Nancy Tarshis Legacy Fellow, Kelly Mahler
The Breakthroughs Conference brings in attendees from across fields
2025 panelists from Morgan Stanley and EY
Conference attendees with honoree Nancy Tarshis
2025 Speaker, Lisa Van Gemert
Get Involved & Learn More
Sponsorship Opportunities
We invite your organization to sponsor the Breakthroughs Conference in Twice-Exceptional Futures as we bring together experts and advocates to discuss and share research and approaches to empowering twice-exceptional individuals.
Your sponsorship will show your commitment to supporting twice-exceptional individuals and creating a neuroinclusive future.
If you are interested in sponsoring our 2026 Breakthroughs Conference, please reach out to breakthroughs@quadprep.org. We look forward to your participation!
The Nancy Tarshis Legacy Fellowship
Each year, we bring a world-renowned expert in the field of twice-exceptional learning to provide a keynote address for the continued education of 2e professionals and families through the Nancy Tarshis Legacy Fellowship.
This program honors and celebrates the extraordinary contributions of longtime Quad Prep educator and clinician Nancy Tarshis, whose legacy of mentorship and innovation live on at Quad Prep even in her much-deserved retirement.
Interested in making a gift to The Nancy Tarshis Legacy Fellowship Fund? Please reach out to philanthropy@quadprep.org to learn more.
Tickets
Stay tuned for announcements soon!
Stay Connected
Reach out to breakthroughs@quadprep.org with any questions.
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Co-presented by
A not-for-profit independent college preparatory school, Quad Prep’s rich and robust curriculum engages, challenges, and inspires students at all levels, K–12, through our Lower School and Upper School programs.