learning differences
When Greg was a child, it became clear he 'thinks & learns differently'. He learned how to navigate that path, but it was still not always easy for others to see his potential. Despite graduating high school with a near perfect GPA, he was rejected from every college he hoped to attend. He did not give up, talked his way into another college and went on to eventually graduate with Highest Distinction. The Washington Post wrote a kind story about Greg & Steven Spielberg and the rejection they faced - and overcame - as students, and the legacies of their respective journeys. As an adult, Greg's path came full circle when he became an educator. His foundation (The 11-10-02 Foundation) funded a number of grants & college scholarships for students who have Autism &/or learning differences. SCROLL DOWN TO CONTINUE
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His books, The Silhouette Man (and its condensed edition for students, The First Thirty) have been used at schools that value students who think & learn differently (i.e. a school for students with autism & learning differences got copies for staff & students and used the book as a theme for projects & activities at school). The First Thirty's page 1 reviews include one from the founder of Autism Eats. Groups (i.e. Fifth Third Bank, Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce) & individuals (i.e. Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer & his friends/representatives at BBI Sports Group) have ordered copies of the books &/or companion workbooks for students or staff at a school for students with learning differences. Groups (i.e. Lambs Farm; a chapter of Special Olympics, The Arc of Norfolk) have ordered the books or book posters or Legacy Posters for their Board or staff or local students. Greg wrote an article for American Magazine about an organization that supports families impacted by autism.
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Greg has taken part in book-related events in various cities (i.e. book signing at Bluegrass Autism Walk). He has been asked to speak with students who think & learn differently in places like Massachusetts, Pennsylania, Kentucky & Michigan (i.e. school assemblies, young writer workshops &/or graduations, MLK Jr. Day speaker at a school for students with learning differences). He also has spoken at events for parents, educators, future educators & others about the ways in which a 'creative mind' can be a unique strength (i.e. guest presenter on non-traditional learning at National Conference on Family Literacy; events for Education majors about working with students who think & learn differently; an event on thinking methodologies for graduate students). To read about a meaningful collaboration between Greg & a school for students with learning differences, see page 2 of this link. To read about a meaningful day long experience at a K-12 school for students who think & learn differently, click here. In some cases, he has been one of multiple guest speakers at events related to creative thinkers' impact on communities (i.e. At YP Summit, Outliers author Malcolm Gladwell & Greg were the guest speakers). In one memorable case, Greg's collaboration with a school for students with learning differences took on a surprise twist: he helped arrange for a group of awesome students from the school to meet with a pro hockey player in their city.
DR. ALEX HAMILTON, THEORETICAL PHYSICS, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN (SOUTH AFRICA): "A refreshing reminder to those of us who could be rocket scientists that there is more than one way to define well-educated."
ALYSSA CONIGLIARO, SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER, NEW YORK: "As a special education teacher, it can be so hard to teach social-emotional concepts and have it resonate for young learners. I can't wait to read The Milkshake Man with my Kindergarten / 1st grade class. It is,,,so relevant in a world where connection is so strained... I look forward to using this book for years to come."
LENARD ZOHN, FOUNDER, AUTISM EATS: "....[The First Thirty] shows what is possible when we celebrate difference and include others at our table.... [the story of] a man who found his calling to bring people of diverse backgrounds together and build much needed community and understanding."
JANET GILLESPIE, HEAD OF SCHOOL, THE JANUS SCHOOL: "A Place To Sit supplies educators and school administrators with wonderful ideas to use with students of all ages and learning styles."
LLEANNA McREYNOLDS, HEAD OF SCHOOL, RAINTREE MONTESSORI SCHOOL: "The Silhouette Man is a must-read for parents, grandparents and teachers. A testament to what a kid who thinks differently can achieve. 'A Beautiful Mind', set in the world of volunteerism and philanthropy...."
PATRICK BRANDT, OFFICE OF SCIENCE, TRAINING & DIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA: "Greg's story [in The Silhouette Man] is living proof of Dr. King's words - "Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better."
DR. ALEX HAMILTON, THEORETICAL PHYSICS, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN (SOUTH AFRICA): "A refreshing reminder to those of us who could be rocket scientists that there is more than one way to define well-educated."
ALYSSA CONIGLIARO, SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER, NEW YORK: "As a special education teacher, it can be so hard to teach social-emotional concepts and have it resonate for young learners. I can't wait to read The Milkshake Man with my Kindergarten / 1st grade class. It is,,,so relevant in a world where connection is so strained... I look forward to using this book for years to come."
LENARD ZOHN, FOUNDER, AUTISM EATS: "....[The First Thirty] shows what is possible when we celebrate difference and include others at our table.... [the story of] a man who found his calling to bring people of diverse backgrounds together and build much needed community and understanding."
JANET GILLESPIE, HEAD OF SCHOOL, THE JANUS SCHOOL: "A Place To Sit supplies educators and school administrators with wonderful ideas to use with students of all ages and learning styles."
LLEANNA McREYNOLDS, HEAD OF SCHOOL, RAINTREE MONTESSORI SCHOOL: "The Silhouette Man is a must-read for parents, grandparents and teachers. A testament to what a kid who thinks differently can achieve. 'A Beautiful Mind', set in the world of volunteerism and philanthropy...."
PATRICK BRANDT, OFFICE OF SCIENCE, TRAINING & DIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA: "Greg's story [in The Silhouette Man] is living proof of Dr. King's words - "Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better."