The Hamilton Institute at Wheeler
7th annual Learning Differences Conference

Keynote speaker Dr. Karen Wilson presenting:
Social & Emotional Factors that Impact Learning: Strategies to Help Students Thrive
 

Conference Description

In her keynote, Social & Emotional Factors that Impact Learning: Strategies to Help Students Thrive, Dr. Karen Wilson will explore the unique social and emotional challenges faced by children with learning differences. This session is especially valuable for parents, caregivers, and educators who support elementary and middle school students, as well as those working with high schoolers encountering similar challenges.

Dr. Wilson will discuss how factors such as screen time, academic pressures, and social relationships influence brain development and student mental health. She will also provide actionable strategies to help students build resilience, manage stress, and foster healthy social connections. Educators will gain insights directly applicable to creating supportive classroom environments, while parents will learn tools to nurture their child’s self-esteem, independence, and social-emotional well-being.

About the speaker:

Dr. Karen Wilson is a Clinical Neuropsychologist, Director of West LA Neuropsychology, PC, and the founder of ChildNEXUS.com, a digital platform that connects parents whose children struggle with learning or social-emotional issues with professionals who provide psychological and educational support services. She is also the host of the podcast, DiverseThinking, Different Learning.

Dr. Wilson specializes in the assessment of neurodivergent children and teens and is passionate about helping them receive the support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

After receiving her Ph.D. from Howard University in Washington, D.C., Dr. Wilson completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship specializing in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders at the University of California, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. She is the former Chair of the Department of Psychology at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a former Clinical Supervisor at the UCLA Medical Assessment Center, a training clinic for neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic assessment serving children, adolescents, and adults. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Wilson is frequently invited to discuss assessments in various educational and professional settings.

Free for Wheeler alumni and community members using the sign up link provided, $30 general admission.

This event is sponsored by The Hamilton Institute and The Hamilton School at Wheeler. Visit The Hamilton Institute website to learn more about the Institute’s mission and initiatives.