CES Sessions
All sessions are offered at no cost.
Unhealthy Relationships and Dating Violence ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Presented by: Nathan Moore, RCMP
• Learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships
• Discuss the impact of unhealthy relationships and dating violence on victims
• Discuss the legal consequences of dating violence
• Examine Strategies for preventing unhealthy relationships and responding to dating violence
Working Together to Prevent Technology Based Child Sexual Abuse ***please register using the poster only***
10:30 AM - Noon
Presented by: Jennifer McAlpine, RSW, Research and Evaluation Project Manager & Sandi Pineda-Selva, MA, Manager of Prevention Services, Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre
This session will explore how technology is changing the impacts of child sexual abuse including issues such as sextortion, sharing of intimate images and child sexual abuse material. Participants will also learn how to recognize, respond and report child abuse emphasizing the community's collective role in child abuse prevention.
Learning Outcomes:
1) Participants will understand the risks associated with technology-based child abuse
2) participants will learn about how technology is being used in child sexual abuse
3) participants will learn how to recognize, respond and report child abuse
Unraveling the Relationship Between Mind Wandering and Executive Function in Childhood ADHD ***please register using the poster only***
Noon - 1:30 PM
Presented by: Fiza Hasan, BSc Hons in Psychology (2022), MA in Psychology & Law (Current)
The current study examined the link between mind wandering frequency and its impact on executive function skills in children (ages 8-12) with ADHD. Participants will learn about cognitive abilities useful in understanding and addressing the dynamics of mind wandering in ADHD. Furthermore, the study findings may hold relevance in academic or home settings to help children better regulate their attention.
Managing Transitions
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Presented by: Kayla Yuzdepski, a Family Champion Facilitator at the YW Family Resource Network
We are faced with many transitions throughout the day. These transitions can pose many challenges; how do we get children to move from watching tv to eating dinner, or how do we make leaving the house smoother?
In this presentation you will learn practical strategies, gain valuable insights, and strengthen family bonds as we embrace transitions together.
Building Resiliency in Today's Youth ***please register using the poster only***
Noon - 1:30 PM
Presented by: Andrea Halwas, BA, MFA, PhD, REACE, Registered Expressive Arts Therapy Consultant, Associate Therapist & Educational Coordinator at Juno House
Brought to you by specialists in Girls' Mental Health
Before High School graduation, one-third of adolescent girls will experience depression, anxiety disorders, self-harm or an eating disorder. However, there is an incredible power in caregivers who can support our youth, both young women and men, before they seek therapy.
At Juno House®, we believe in the extraordinary healing power of parents, caregivers, coaches, and teachers. In our 1.5 hour workshop presentation, we will share steps and strategies from the Juno House Therapeutic Model® that will provide effective emotional coaching tools for today’s youth as they develop through adolescence and into young adulthood.
We believe that talking does not grow neurons; experience grows neurons. This workshop is designed to give caregivers the skills to become their child’s emotional coach. The workshop will provide participants with:
• Basic introduction of interpersonal neurobiology,
• Where emotions live in our brains,
• The essential role emotions play in mental well being,
• How to identify emotions in youth,
• How to become an emotional coach in only five steps.
Video Gaming & Youth ***please register using the poster only***
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Presented by: Health Promotion Facilitators, Community Health Promotion Services (CHPS), Mental Health Collaborative, Alberta Health Services
Video gaming is accessible to virtually everyone including our children. In Canada, gaming is a billion dollar industry. This session will look at the video gaming prevalence among genders and age groups, impact on major life areas, and strategies to encourage a more balanced approach to gaming.
A Team Approach to Supporting Children with Neurodevelopmental Conditions in the Classroom ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Presented by: Gabrielle Wilcox PsyD, NCSP, Registered Psychologist, Associate Professor
Dana Kuzmanovski M.Ed., BCBA, Education Consultant, Child Development Services
Kara Murias MD, PhD, FRCPC, Pediatric Neurologist, Assistant Professor
Children with neurodevelopmental conditions can have a variety of academic and behavioural challenges in schools and classrooms. We will discuss strategies for family and healthcare professionals to work with schools and educators in supporting children with differing abilities.
Navigating Emotional Storms: Strategies for Managing Emotional Disorders in Children and Teens ***please register using the poster only***
Noon - 2:00 PM
Presented by: Dr. Caroline Buzanko | PhD, Registered Psychologist
Clinical Director | Koru Family Psychology
In the dynamic and complex world we live in, children and teens are increasingly exposed to challenges that test their emotional resilience and well-being. From navigating social pressures to coping with the demands of academic life, the need for robust emotional support is more critical than ever. In this workshop, you will explore emotional disorders and dysregulation, which can profoundly impact the mood, behaviour, and overall functioning of children and teens.
By attending this workshop, you will gain an understanding of the core vulnerabilities associated with emotional disorders and the essential skills young people need to navigate these challenges. You will also acquire the knowledge and strategies needed to foster emotional growth, resilience, and supportive environments that cater to the needs of children and teens facing emotional difficulties.
Learning Objectives:
• Understand the impact of emotional disorders on children’s overall functioning across contexts.
• Identify the common vulnerabilities associated with emotional disorders and the critical emotional regulation skills children and teens need to develop.
• Master strategies to support young individuals, focusing on promoting resilience and positive coping mechanisms.
• Develop practical skills to create nurturing and supportive environments and respond effectively to an emotionally dysregulated child or teen.
Executive Functioning Essentials for Parents ***please register using the poster only***
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Presented By: Tanya Keto (MEd), Registered Psychologist
Clinic Director of AVERY Family and School Psychology Services
Executive Functioning (EF) refers to the behaviour management system of the brain. These cognitive processes tell us what to do, when to do it, and how well to do it. Individuals with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD may experience increased difficulty in the development and use of these functions compared to their same-aged peers. When kids struggle to regulate their executive functioning it can result in lower grades, lack of motivation, school avoidance, social difficulties, anxiety and stress. But these “problem behaviours” are simply symptoms of unmet needs. Join Tanya to learn how difficulties with executive functioning could be causing problem behaviours and what you can do to help!
Learn to Live with Anxiety Series: Mind Body Connection ***please register using the poster only***
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Presented by: Thressa Zilinski, BSc Food & Nutrition and Laurie Hunter, RSW, BSW.
North Zone Mental Health Promotion- AHS
This workshop increases understanding on anxiety and supports skill building to cope. Participants will identify signs and symptoms of anxiety, review strategies and tools to decrease anxiety, and develop a personalized action plan for anxiety
ADHD Essentials for Parents ***please register using the poster only***
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Presented By: Tanya Keto (MEd), Registered Psychologist
Clinic Director of AVERY Family and School Psychology Services
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviours, or over-activity. There are three different types of ADHD, depending on which symptoms are strongest in the individual, and each of these subtypes may impact children differently. Neurological deficits, not unwillingness, keep kids with attention deficit disorder from learning and behaving in expected ways. Adults are key in setting these students on a path to success! In this session, we will discuss ADHD diagnosis, the ADHD brain, ADHD as a disorder of Executive Functioning, treatment, and setting kids up for success.
Navigating Technology with our Youth ***please register using the poster only***
Noon - 1:30 PM
Presented by: Andrea Halwas Larsen, in partnership with Juno House
In this 1.5 hour presentation, we will discuss the role of technology and today’s youth. The message of this presentation is not only based on technology, but also about a child’s healthy brain development and the necessary parenting/caregiver role in creating healthy, emotional, regulated, and integrated brains. This presentation will address the underpinning of a child’s emotional brain development and how to grow it, as well as how technology can dangerously hijack this.
We believe that talking does not grow neurons; experience grows neurons. This workshop is designed to give attendees the skills to become their child’s emotional coach. The workshop will provide participants with:
• An understanding of the basic neuroscience behind healthy brain development,
• The dangers of technology for healthy brain development,
• Technology use rules that will help your child
• When building healthy brains, how to identify emotions in your child/student, and
• How to become your child’s/student’s emotional coach in only five steps and in that, build a resilient child.
The presentation is facilitated by a therapist from Juno House who has years of both clinical and facilitating experience. Juno House was founded in 2008 as a Centre of Excellence for adolescent girls and young women who are experiencing anxiety-based mental health issues of self harm, obsessive compulsive disorders, depression and eating disorders.