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!

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

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. 

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

Gain continuing education credits. The Breakthroughs in Twice-Exceptional Futures Conference is an Approved Sponsor of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) through The New York State Education Department (NYSED).

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.

© 2025 The Quad Preparatory School