Illuminating Interviews- Dr. Rick Olenchak

Parenting 2e kids is tough. Really tough! It often seems like the whole world only sees challenge areas. Sadly, we live in a society that identifies and diagnoses deficits and prescribes “solutions” based on what kids struggle with…

This constant negativity can do some serious harm to our 2e kiddos’ self-esteem and overall psyche.

Are you and your child in need of a pick-me-up? Tune in to this Illuminating Interview with Dr. Olenchak to discover how to be a part of the changing wave of positive, strength-based, talent-focused education.

Rewrite the narrative and discover how to diagnose strengths and prescribe strength-based learning.

Dr. Olenchak is Professor of Educational Psychology and Research Methodology, Professor of Gifted/Creative/Talented Education, and Professor of Higher Education at Purdue University. Previously, Rick was Associate Provost at the University of Houston and Chair of Special Education and then Teacher Education at the University of Alabama.

Having taught grades 2-11, he served as P-12 Director of Talent Development Education in two school districts and as principal at elementary and middle schools, including a forerunning twice-exceptional school. He also was a consulting psychologist for students whose talent is inhibited by socioeconomic, psychosocial, or other challenges. His dominant interest is multiple exceptionalities or young people with gifts and talents who grapple with numerous challenges such as neurodiversity. 

Having served as President of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), President of the International Future Problem Solving Program, President of the Association for the Education of Gifted Underachieving Students, he is a member emeritus of the Board of Directors of SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted). 

Publications number over 100, including the award-winning books, Social-Emotional Curriculum with Gifted (2009)and Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults (2005 and 2016). Awards include: Distinguished Service from NAGC; John Gowan from NAGC; leadership from four states; Special Education from Mexico; Lily Endowment Teaching Fellow; and Leadership for Students with Talents and Disabilities from the University of Houston.