March 8, 2025 10 AM Pacific

Join us for a transformative conversation with Sheldon Gay, host of the I Must Be Bug'n Podcast, as we explore the power of "Mirroring"—how we see ourselves reflected in others and how those reflections shape our identity, relationships, and self-worth. Drawing from his personal journey as a late-identified neurodivergent, gifted Black man, Sheldon offers deep insights into navigating authenticity, masking, and the search for true connection. This session will challenge you to consider how you show up in the world, the ways you mirror those around you, and how embracing your full self can lead to more meaningful relationships and community.

️ Key Takeaways:

~ Understand the concept of mirroring and its impact on self-awareness.
~ Explore the intersection of giftedness, neurodivergence, and racial identity.
~ Gain tools to embrace authenticity while navigating societal expectations.
~ Learn how mirroring can foster connection and personal growth.

‍ About Sheldon:

Sheldon Gay is the host of the I Must Be Bug'n Podcast and a passionate advocate for neurodivergent and marginalized communities. With a background in engineering and entrepreneurship across healthcare, nonprofits, and education technology, Sheldon brings a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise to his work. As Vice Chair of the neurodivergent-affirming nonprofit Umbrella Us, he champions spaces where individuals can show up as their full selves. His journey as a Black man who discovered his giftedness and neurodivergence later in life fuels his mission to help others embrace their complexity, find their community, and live authentically. Learn more at sheldongayisbugn.com.

May 3, 2025 10 AM Pacific

How do we break free from the systems that tell us we’re never enough? Join Caroline J. Sumlin, author of We’ll All Be Free, for a powerful conversation on Collective Liberation. Drawing from her personal journey and research, Caroline invites us to explore how white supremacy culture and societal expectations have shaped our sense of worth—and how we can begin to reclaim it. Together, we’ll unpack how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and overwork keep us stuck, and why true freedom lies in building a culture of collective care, authenticity, and rest.

️ Key Takeaways:

~ Understand how systems of oppression shape our self-worth.
~ Learn ways to divest from perfectionism, productivity culture, and other harmful norms.
~ Explore the power of collective liberation and community care.
~ Gain tools to cultivate a sense of enoughness—both for yourself and those around you.

‍ About Caroline J. Sumlin:

Caroline J. Sumlin is a writer, speaker, and the author of We’ll All Be Free: How a Culture of White Supremacy Devalues Us and How We Can Reclaim Our True Worth. Passionate about dismantling the systems that tell us we’re never good enough, Caroline empowers individuals to reclaim their inherent worth and live in alignment with values of justice, rest, and collective liberation. She brings her own experiences as a Black woman, adoptee, mother, and advocate to her work, blending personal storytelling with social analysis. You can find her writing, podcast, and more at carolinejsumlin.com.

Sept. 6 2025, 10 AM Pacific

Join us for an enlightening session with Kaitlin Smith, MSW, founder of Our Wild Minds, as we delve into "Tasting the Gifted Rainbow." This discussion will explore the multifaceted nature of giftedness, emphasizing its diverse manifestations across different cultures and identities. Kaitlin will share insights from her extensive research and personal experiences, shedding light on how societal and cultural dynamics influence the recognition and expression of gifted traits. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of their unique intensities and learn strategies to navigate and celebrate their authentic selves in various contexts.

️ Key Takeaways:

~ Understanding Giftedness: Explore the broad spectrum of giftedness and its varied expressions beyond traditional definitions.
~ Cultural Influences: Examine how cultural backgrounds impact the perception and development of gifted traits.
~ Navigating Intensity: Learn practical tools to harness and embrace personal intensities in daily life.
~ Community and Support: Discover the importance of finding and building communities that validate and nurture diverse gifted experiences.


‍ About Kaitlin Smith:

Kaitlin Smith, MSW, is a Boston-based scholar, writer, and former psychotherapist dedicated to empowering gifted Black adults. As the founder of Our Wild Minds, she offers online communities and programs designed to help individuals unleash their natural gifts through connection and learning experiences. Kaitlin is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in History of Science at Harvard University, where her research critically examines the history of mind sciences and their intersections with African American studies. Her work is informed by her clinical training at the University of California San Francisco Department of Psychiatry and Smith College School for Social Work. Through her multifaceted endeavors, Kaitlin strives to disrupt limiting narratives around giftedness and foster spaces where diverse expressions of intelligence are recognized and celebrated.

Nov. 1 2025, 10 AM Pacific

Ever feel like your brain is fighting against you when it comes to getting things done? You’re not alone. Join therapist Fizzah Zaidi, LCPC, for an empowering conversation on executive functioning—those mental skills that help us plan, organize, and follow through on tasks. Whether you’re neurodivergent or just feeling stuck, this session will help you better understand your unique “operating system” and how to work with your brain, not against it. Through compassionate insight and practical tools, Fizzah will guide us toward strategies that foster self-kindness and productivity—on our terms.

️ Key Takeaways:

~ Understand what executive functioning is and how it impacts daily life.
~ Explore the connection between neurodivergence (ADHD, giftedness, etc.) and executive functioning challenges.
~ Learn to identify your strengths and work with your unique processing style.
~ Gain practical tips to improve task initiation, planning, and follow-through.
~ Shift from self-blame to self-compassion in the face of executive functioning struggles.

About Fizzah Zaidi:

Fizzah Zaidi, LCPC, is a psychotherapist based in Chicago specializing in working with adults navigating ADHD, giftedness, and executive functioning challenges. With a background in both mental health and animation, Fizzah blends creativity and compassion to support clients in understanding their brains and building lives that work for them. She is especially passionate about social justice and empowering individuals to thrive in systems not built with neurodivergent minds in mind. Learn more at fzpsychotherapy.com.

3rd Saturdays @ 10 AM Pacific:


Jan – Harnessing The Power of Your Intensity
Feb – From Mental Chaos to Clarity & Connection
Mar – Nurturing Self Empathy
Apr – Balancing Your Time & Energy
May – Building Positive Coping Skills
Jun – Creatively Meeting Your Own Needs
Jul – Finding Meaning in Challenge
Aug – Prioritizing & Simplifying Your Life
Sept – Habit Change Beyond Willpower
Oct – Building Resiliency
Nov – Assertiveness & Owning Your Power!
Dec – Getting Support

PDX Panels (In-Person) – Community Care & Healing in Times of Burnout at Milieu PDX in Bridgeport Village (Dates TBD)