Melanie Hayes

About

Melanie Hayes is the Founder and Executive Director of Big Minds Unschool, a school designed to meet the unique academic needs of twice exceptional children. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on twice exceptionality, a Masters of Arts in Gifted Education, a Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, a California Teaching Credential, and is currently working toward LMFT/LPCC licensure in California. Melanie has 20 years experience teaching, mentoring, coaching, and advocating for 2e persons. She won the Innovations 4 Entrepreneurs National Award for her work using adaptive technology for twice exceptional students, and the Jefferson Award in recognition of her contributions to the 2e community. She also received SENG’s Educator of the Year Award for her groundbreaking work in educating gifted and twice exceptional children. Melanie is a certified SENG Model Parent Group Facilitator and supports parents to help them develop their parenting skills. She also works with various other professional associations, such as the IECA, where she serves as the Affinity Group Co-Chair for Gifted/Talented and Twice Exceptional.