Dr. Matt Zakreski

10/25/2025

For real.

10/25/2025

As an extrovert who married an introvert, it took me like ten years to learn this. So true.

10/24/2025

Sharing to amplify. Your challenges are valid regardless of whether people can see them

October 19-25th is invisible disabilities week.

Approximately 80-85% of people with disabilities have an “invisible disability”.

Living with disability that isn’t immediately obvious can come with a sense of isolation, judgements and disbelief based on external appearances, and a huge lack of empathy and understanding.

Image ID: Black text on a pastel yellow background. To the bottom left is a white ghost icon, to symbolise something that is there but isn't always seen.

10/24/2025

A haiku in response:

I feel targeted
'cause that's my whole life story
Get outta my head!!!

10/23/2025

**original post alert**

Well this is a blast from the past!!

My wife found this picture of me giving my first talk ever (a poster presentation for the Delaware Psychologist Association in 2015!!). And can I just say that OMG I looked like a BABY!!! And btw I miss that shirt/tie combo.

The point is that we all have to start somewhere. This grad student version of me had no idea what was coming for him; he was just happy that someone wanted to see his research. Now I have a *somewhat* different relationship with public speaking.

Starting something new is hard. You have to deal with being small, and insecure, and under prepared. You have to deal with seeing other people who are much better and more resourced and more experienced than you. You might feel like you're never going to get there and reach your goals.

And that's when most people quit.

But if you keep going, you keep getting better. And if you keep going, more options are available and opportunities will emerge. And while that happens you're leveling up. The time will come when you look at yourself and won't even recognize your work because of how much better you've gotten.

When I talk about my growth as a speaker, I often mention that I have the recording of the very first webinar I ever did in 2017 (for The Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE) . And I sound awful!!!!! I'm stumbling over my words and I'm awkward and I have no sense of timing. It is legitimately hard to watch. No you can't see the video 😅

Thankfully there's a BUT! But you can also see some of the things in that video that made me and continue to make me a good speaker. I have a lot of content knowledge. I care a lot. I'm a good storyteller. I'm funny. There's clearly something there in terms of potential.

So I kept working at it and keep working at it. And now I'm pretty successful! I never would have guessed I'd have gotten this far. But I'm not done growing! Maybe I'll post this again in ten more years when I can't even believe how much further I've gotten. Who knows?

But I know that, no matter what, I'll keep going.

10/22/2025

I mean I love any opportunity to work with my friends at The Dorm but the fact that their NYC office is right next to Grays Papaya is a definite plus! What better way to celebrate after a successful training on and needs than with a delicious hotdog???

10/22/2025

Love this ❤️🏳️‍🌈

10/21/2025

I'm legitimately shocked that this is what *punk* is for me now... But I don't hate it.

10/21/2025

Happy Diwali!!!

As millions light diyas to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, we’re reminded that mental health deserves that same light.

Even in difficult moments, there’s strength in reaching out, sharing your story, and supporting one another.

This Diwali, let’s shine compassion on ourselves and our communities—because every mind deserves light.

10/20/2025

Welp, it was an early morning and a very sleep-deprived drive, but I made it. I love working with Moorestown Township Public Schools (especially in their amazing theatre space!!) because their teachers are so engaged and willing to put in the work to learn how to meet ALL of the needs of ALL of their learners.

Thanks for having me and playing along!!

10/19/2025

Four talks in one day? Whatever WAETAG - Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted wants they get! was an exceptional and I was beyond honored to be their speaker. The passion for learning about kids is off the charts in this state. And they're hilarious when it comes to trivia 😉

Thanks for having me!! I can't wait to come back!

10/19/2025

"Your keynote this morning was like going to HiCap church!! It was a revival for gifted teachers."
Love that feedback