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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President - Shannyn Wentz

Shannyn is mom to Milo, an 11th grader at PHS, and Madeleine, a sophomore at Mizzou. She earned her degree in HDFS from Penn State University and her teaching credentials at Chatham University. This background, along with having two children identified as G/T, has formed her understanding that being a gifted learner is not a guaranteed road to success. Shannyn’s education and experience in the classroom has inspired her passion for advocating for learning and growth, no matter a child’s ability or need. Over the years, she has developed a special interest in learning more about the gifted population who also have learning disabilities, known as Twice-Exceptional (2e). She is grateful to have this opportunity to work closely with Prosper ISD to enhance both the educational experience of G/T students and the way teachers and families are supported. This Fall, Shannyn begins her first year as a Doctoral student in UNT's Educational Psychology, Gifted & Talented Program.

Vice President - Liz Yip

Liz is a homemaker who spends her time volunteering at the school and with Gifted Minds Prosper. She has 3 wonderful kids attending Baker Elementary, including twins who are being served by the G/T program. “Through the G/T program, I deeply see how they grow so much. Not only academically but also personally. Being a part of GMP, I learned that education is a community effort to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for our children and all.” As Program Chair, Liz works with Prosper ISD's G/T Coordinator to plan programs that will further the goals of GMP.

2nd Vice President - Nidhi Jaiswal

Nidhi is a mom to three. Her boys Reyaansh and Vedansh attend Folsom elementary and are a part of the gifted & talented program. Her daughter will be turning 4 soon. She is a dentist by profession and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the VCU School of Dentistry in Richmond, VA. She's had a private practice in McKinney for the last 9 years and has been in the dental profession for over 15 years. Her practice focuses on cosmetic, dental implants and family dentistry with care focused towards patients with Anxiety. Whenever she isn’t busy at her dental practice, she loves spending time with her family, reading books, writing poems, and volunteering in the community. She is a big people person and loves meeting new people every day and forming relationships, whether out in her neighborhood or at her office! She is excited to be part of gifted minds and is looking forward to serve her community in helping shape the thought leaders for tomorrow!!

Secretary - Astine Alaverdyan

Astine is mom of 2, and a corporate attorney with over 14 years of experience. She has had numerous opportunities to help start nonprofit organizations and foundations, as well as volunteer at various legal organizations supporting legal needs of low-income families. Her oldest child attends Windsong Elementary, while her youngest is at a preschool. Astine is extremely grateful for the amazing group of teachers at Windsong. “Not only does my daughter enjoy her G/T classes, but on weekends she requires us to do additional studies with her, and most of all, she enjoys playing chess with her dad.” Astine is very passionate about education and strongly believes that focusing on and developing critical thinking in children at a young age is key for their future success.

Treasurer - Courtney Stewart Van Dyke

Courtney is a licensed CPA and has been practicing for 10 years. She earned her Accounting Degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver followed with a Master's of Business Administration Degree with a specialization in finance from The University of Oklahoma. She is a mom of four. Her two oldest children are being served by the G/T program.

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