The challenges continue in 2021. We are here for our community if you need us. On the positive side, our professionals are beginning to get their first round of vaccinations against Covid. The vaccines will get us back to our normal lives. We will get through this. We will persevere.

- Sibs, for siblings of children with significant special needs, with Amy Feldman, LEP, for ages 11-13

- Gifted Teens: Navigating Social Situations, with Dr. Lisa Hancock, for ages 14-18

- Girl Talk, with Dr. Lisa White and Gohar Jaffer, for girls, ages 14-16

- Unstuck: Executive Functioning Skills for Teens, with Dr. Rupa Robbins and Olivia McDonald, for ages 14-18

- The Preschool Buddy Group: Building Social Skills Together, with Amy Feldman, LEP, for ages 4-5

For details on each group, go to https://summitcenter.us/services/. Groups will meet weekly beginning in February. Please inquire now to guarantee a spot for your child. For more information, email info@summitcenter.us or call our office at (925) 939-7500 or (310) 478-6505.

Last month, Dr. Dan continued the momentum beyond Episode #100 with two new episodes of the Parent Footprint Podcast.

In the newest episode of the Parent Footprint podcast, Dr. Dan welcomes author Helena Dea Bala to discuss her new book CRAIGSLIST CONFESSIONAL: A Collection of Secrets from Anonymous Strangers.

An Albanian immigrant, Helena Dea Bala spent five years documenting people’s secrets through “Craigslist Confessional,” a personal project which became a Quartz column and her book. Helena’s work challenges us to treat the strangers among us with empathy and respect. She explains, “This experience has taught me about what it means to be human, about genuine connection. It has taught me how to listen to learn. Not to change. Not to fix. Not to respond. To learn.” Helana and Dr. Dan discuss the inspiration for Craiglist Confidential, the stories about parenthood in her book, and the importance of practicing empathy and compassion, both for yourself and for others.

Dr. Dan welcomes Tony Walker, financial expert, author, and host of The WorryFree Retirement® to the podcast.

A fiduciary, six-time author (Don’t Follow the Herd 7 Costly Mistakes People Make with Their Money and Live Well, Die Broke), podcast host, and host of his own television show, The WorryFree Retirement®, Tony teaches a new and positive perspective on money, savings, and retirement.

In this episode Dr. Dan and Tony discuss:

• How to talk to your kids about finances and retirement from a young age to prepare them for life

• It is never too early – or too late -- to start saving

• Kids are always watching their parents – even with money

• A retirement vision is important

Listen and Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, Android, RSS, or on our show page.

Our friends at Bridges Academy are launching an online high school aimed at supporting twice-exceptional students across the country. Bridges Academy Online (BAO) will bring Bridges’ unique brand of strength-based learning to students starting in fall of 2021. Learn more at their upcoming Open Houses, for professionals on 1/20/21 and for parents on 1/27/21 or 1/28/21.

Dr. Dan Peters, Dr. Melanie Hayes, and other Summit Center professionals will be speaking, virtually, around the world this month. Check out our website for details.

Camp Summit for the Gifted will not take place this summer due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Camp Summit West and Camp Summit East will both be closed in 2021.

However, Camp Summit for the Gifted continues and will return in 2022! Camp Summit West in California will be next held: June 11-17, 2022.

Camp Summit East in Maryland is working on the 2022 schedule; check our website for updates.

"To our campers: we hope you and your family are healthy and safe. We miss you, and look forward to when we can be together again."