Think, Dream & Create Possibilities.
The clinical practice of Melissa Sornik, LCSW PLLC and its other initiatives, including Talent Development Connection and its programs are now grouped as Smart Practice Network, a name that represents the programs and services of the practice and has been developed specifically for gifted individuals, including those who are twice-exceptional, and their families.
Watch for us online as Smart Practice Network or SPN.
Talent Development Connection (TDC), offers inclusive mentor-supported and facilitated programming for bright, inquisitive children and teens ages 5 - 17. Activities are available both online and onsite to provide flexible programming that is emotionally and physically safe and comfortable. Onsite programs are held in and out of doors in an environmentally adaptive maker space. TDC was created to provide a growing community of support, understanding, and mutual respect.
The Magic of Mentorship
Since 2006, the cornerstone of TDC programming has been mentorship. Many of our teen mentors (9th - 12th graders) participated in our programs during elementary and middle school, and have asked to return as teen mentors. TDC teen mentors share a comradarie with our young program participants, identifying with their interests, strengths and challenges.
Our teen mentors have written about their TDC experiences in their college essay applications and are now attending schools including Duke University, Macauley Honors College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and New York University.
All TDC programs are facilitated, co-facilitated, or under the direction of a licensed social worker.
Community
At TDC, non-traditional learners and creative thinkers find friends, make connections and build a community in which no one has to fit in, and everyone belongs.
At TDC, all participants are encouraged to think, dream, and create collaboratively based on individual ideas and shared interests.
TDC welcomes children and adolescents who may face challenges in more traditional programs where specific talents or learning styles may not be recognized or nurtured.
Collaborative Creativity Labs: Share Your Big I
deas!
Every Saturday, Collaborative Creativity Lab program participants will become strategists, builders, designers, planners, directors, and producers as they identify, implement and weave together individual strengths, talents, and big ideas to complete projects and activities that incorporate science, technology, engineering and art.
KidsTalk
When Kids Talk, Kids Listen
KidsTalk invites 6th - 8th graders to join a unique and affirming community that builds confidence, strength, and positive identity through discussion, sharing of ideas, and play.
An Encouraging Environment
We provide our community with an opportunity to discover and grow their interests and talents through collaboration with peers and mentors who share their passion.
Teen mentorship opportunities are available for program participants to continue to grow with us and to build their leadership skills!
TDC is a supervised, safe, and supported meeting place that understands and embraces neurodiversity, and allows each child to be themselves, work, create and play together.
RPG at TDC —
Adventure Awaits!
Is your child interested in collaborative storytelling, fantasy - and Dungeons & Dragons, but hasn’t had an opportunity to play with other children yet? Register with us today for our many programs full of peer collaboration and fun!
The online RPG program is so great! The Dungeon Master, Riley was really good at his job and made it feel like you were really in the world. I could play it all night!
— Zach, 11
Character -Building
All TDC programs are designed to promote creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and leadership skills. Our online and onsite roleplaying games target each of these skills for brave adventure seekers ages 9 through 17.
Our game masters are “wizards” at honing players’ crafts and challenging imaginations as they guide and encourage the development and growth of skills in world-building, game design, and exploration with table-top roleplaying games including but not limited to Dungeons & Dragons.
Camp Haven Mini-Camps: School Breaks & Summer Evenings
Imagine dragons, spells, potions and quests. Explore the outdoors as a character you create, encountering creatures and exploring new worlds. Develop your own universe to play in through cartography, exploration and game design. Join us for a magical adventure during vacation and let your imagination run free! We even offer virtual camp for online adventurers!
