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Thursday, May 29
 

7:45am PDT

Breakfast & Registration
Thursday May 29, 2025 7:45am - 8:45am PDT
Thursday May 29, 2025 7:45am - 8:45am PDT
Gary W. Harris - Foyer 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

8:45am PDT

Welcome & Land Acknowledgment
Thursday May 29, 2025 8:45am - 9:00am PDT
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Thain Liptak

Andrea Thain Liptak

Senior Operating Officer, AHS Central Zone
Andrea Thain Liptak is a settler, a daughter, a wife and a mother to two Ethiopian born boys. Andrea is the Senior Operating Officer in Central AHS with responsibility for Rural Acute Care, Allied Health and Indigenous Health. As part of her role, Andrea sits on the CACAC board and... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 8:45am - 9:00am PDT
Gary W. Harris - Gym 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

9:00am PDT

Keynote Session: Reclaiming Your Groove: Shifting Out of the 3+Fs
Thursday May 29, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am PDT
For those on the front lines of care, understanding our clients and our responses to emotional distress—whether from overwhelm, burnout, or stress—is crucial. In these moments, we may rely on various "F" responses: fighting, fleeing, or freezing. While these instinctive survival mechanisms serve a purpose, they can also trap us in limiting patterns of psychological states, often fueled by the belief that no alternatives exist or that these responses provide a false sense of safety. Join us to explore how these psychological safety responses manifest in our daily interactions, impacting our feelings, thoughts, and actions. Dawn will share practical strategies, including expressive arts interventions, to help us recognize when we "pop" out of our "groove" state and into a 3+F response. This session will focus on enhancing worker well-being while providing practical tools to share with clients of all ages.
Speakers
avatar for Dawn McBride

Dawn McBride

Reg. Psychologist, Associate Professor (Tenured) & National Counselling Ethics Expert.
Dr. Dawn McBride is a celebrated educator who has received numerous teaching awards, co-edited a book on multicultural practices, and is currently writing "The Big Cs in Canadian Ethics: Care, Consent, and Charting." She is a tenured associate professor and registered psychologist... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am PDT
Gary W. Harris - Gym 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

10:30am PDT

Coffee Break
Thursday May 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am PDT
Thursday May 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am PDT
Gary W. Harris - Foyer 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

11:00am PDT

Awaken Your Inner Butterfly: Using Expressive Arts with the Pendulation Technique to Address Burnout (1 hr)
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Join us for an inspiring keynote tailored for front-line helpers aiming to reignite their passion while prioritizing self-care. This engaging session will delve into the ethics of self-care in professional development and resilience, utilizing the butterfly metaphor to illustrate the essential struggle for growth. Participants will engage in creative activities that highlight the tools and core values that support them through challenges. Through interactive exercises rooted in the somatic experiencing concept of pendulation, attendees will validate their feelings of burnout and discover personalized self-care strategies. An origami butterfly activity will symbolize the transformation from burnout to resilience.
Speakers
avatar for Dawn McBride

Dawn McBride

Reg. Psychologist, Associate Professor (Tenured) & National Counselling Ethics Expert.
Dr. Dawn McBride is a celebrated educator who has received numerous teaching awards, co-edited a book on multicultural practices, and is currently writing "The Big Cs in Canadian Ethics: Care, Consent, and Charting." She is a tenured associate professor and registered psychologist... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

11:00am PDT

Gregory Williams (1 hr)
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
More details to come. 
Speakers
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

11:00am PDT

Healing and Forgiveness: Can you have one without the other? (1 hr)
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
To explore the role of forgiveness as a critical component in healing from trauma and fostering resilience, with insights from clinical research, personal experiences, and its application in professional environments, such as first responders and trauma survivors. The intent of the panel is to provide a compassionate and nuanced examination of forgiveness, emphasizing its power to transform pain into growth and to fortify resilience in the aftermath of trauma. By addressing both theoretical and practical aspects, participants will gain actionable insights into leveraging forgiveness as a tool for personal and collective healing.
Key Themes & Questions:
1. The Importance of Forgiveness in Daily Life:
  ○ Why is forgiveness significant for personal growth, healing, and resilience?
  ○ How does it influence emotional and psychological well-being?
2. Clinical and Practical Perspectives:
  ○ What do clinicians and researchers say about forgiveness as a therapeutic tool for trauma recovery?
  ○ Is forgiveness necessary for full recovery from trauma or adversity?
3. The Process of Forgiveness:
  ○ How does someone learn to forgive?
  ○ What factors determine whether an individual can forgive?
4. Barriers to Forgiveness:
  ○ Why can forgiveness be difficult or feel "stuck" for some people?
  ○ How do perspectives and mindsets influence forgiveness?
5. Forgiveness Beyond Religion:
  ○ Is forgiveness inherently tied to spirituality or religion?
  ○ How can forgiveness be understood in secular, practical terms?
6. Forgiveness and Reconciliation:
  ○ Does forgiveness always require reconciliation?
  ○ How can forgiveness occur without continuing a relationship?
  1. 7. Relevance for Frontline Workers:
○ Why might forgiveness be an essential tool for professionals, such as first responders and trauma workers?
○ How does forgiveness build resilience and mitigate burnout or secondary trauma?

Speakers
avatar for Deputy Chief Tyler Pelke

Deputy Chief Tyler Pelke

Deputy Chief Tyler Pelke has dedicated over 30 years to municipal Fire & EMS public safety. An experienced leader in crisis management, he has been involved in some of Canada's most notable disaster responses as a member of Canada Task Force 2 National Disaster Response Team. Additionally... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Megan McElheran

Dr. Megan McElheran

Clinical Psychologist and CEO
Dr. Megan McElheran is a Clinical Psychologist and the Chief Executive Officer of Wayfound, a national organization that provides mental health services across Canada. Dr. McElheran’s research over the last 20 years has been focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

11:00am PDT

Motivating High Performing Teams (1 hr)
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Leading a high-performing team is no easy feat. Plenty of authors share models for this work but rarely guide a leader in the practices that can make a difference. In this presentation, we will review some of the Attitudes and Approaches that make a difference, emphasizing coaching behaviours that you can utilize to guide your team toward excellence.
Speakers
avatar for Stu Henry

Stu Henry

After a 33 year career in the education field with 29 years in leadership roles, Stu is now semi-retired, operating a successful Executive Coaching and Consulting company - Henry Executive Coaching.He has vast experience in change theory, management, human resources and financial... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Gary W. Harris - Foyer 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

11:00am PDT

Survivors of Sex Trafficking - Resilience and Recovery (1 hr)
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Four women, who survived sex trafficking as children and young adults, speak of previous vulnerabilities which allowed them to fall prey and of their subsequent recovery journey. They are among several whose stories are shared in the recently published (2024) book, When Men Buy Sex: Who Really Pays?
Speakers
avatar for Kathy King

Kathy King

Kathy is a retired clinical social worker (MSW) and mother of a MMIW, with over five decades of professional and volunteer experience.
avatar for Jenn Kovachik

Jenn Kovachik

Jenn was trafficked in western Canada and Macau, Asia, as a teenager. Since her liberation, she has worked in a health related field, is a visual artist and art instructor, and created the Butterfly Project to help women exiting commercial sexual exploitation.
avatar for Juanita Murphy

Juanita Murphy

Juanita focuses on familial exploitation, the result of inter-generational trauma, racism, and residential schools.  After breaking the chain, she worked as a peer support and educator with CEASE for 15 years.
avatar for Tanya Michelle

Tanya Michelle

Tanya Michelle was groomed from a group home, trafficked in Vancouver, and survived many years with an abusive pimp. She later wrote her own book, Out of the Shadows: A Memoir of a Childhood Lost, Modern Day Slavery, and a Life Reborn.
avatar for April Eve Wiberg

April Eve Wiberg

April Eve, traditional name Medicine Spirit Dancer, is a member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. She was cross-border trafficked from Canada to New York and Las Vegas as a young adult and has since become an active Human Rights advocate.
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

11:00am PDT

What happens next? An overview of a prosecution. (1 hr.)
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
As a trusted adult in the lives of victims and often the first person a child reports to, you may often wonder what happens next. I'll take you through the steps of a prosecution, the support children may receive, and the challenges young victims often face once charges are laid against the Accused.
Speakers
AS

Ann Siford

Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, Red Deer ACPS Office
Ann Siford has been a prosecutor for the majority of her 16 years as a lawyer. She has been with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service serving central Albertans for 11 years. She has had conduct of a number of serious, complex prosecutions involving children and other vulnerable... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

11:00am PDT

Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust Lessons on Vicarious Trauma and Resilience (1.5 hrs)
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
The Clinical Director for CTRI has over 30 years of trauma exposure by supporting and treating the most vulnerable clients: children, sexual violence, families of homicide, terrorist attacks and first responders. This includes her role as Director for a Muli Disciplinary Children’s Advocacy Centre in the USA for 8 years.
There is growing evidence that the impact of directly supporting others through experiences of trauma goes beyond burnout or fatigue. The toll of witnessing intense human experiences and emotions can contribute to a negative transformation of a helper’s own sense of safety, and of being competent and purposeful. This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to examine their own experiences and become aware of the signs of both vicarious trauma and vicarious growth. Gain insights for connecting with your values, beliefs and joy, to build a more sustainable and transformative self-care plan. Participants will hear how the presenter was able to repair the negative effects of trauma exposure and accelerate her resilience where she continues to treat First Responders who have PTSD.
Speakers
avatar for Joddie Walker

Joddie Walker

Joddie Walker, MSc, RP, CTRP-Clinical, D.A.A.E.T.SClinical Director for CTRIJoddie is the Clinical Director for the Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI) and owner/Clinical Director of Hummingbird Therapy Clinic. Joddie holds a Masters of Science in Forensic Psychology and is... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT

11:00am PDT

Innovation in Sexual Assault Response (1.5 hrs)
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
In December 2024 the AHS Central Alberta Sexual Assault Response Team, in partnership with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Center, opened the doors to the Truant Family Medical Suite. This innovative service re-imagined health care delivery for people who have experienced sexual violence. The Medical Suite located at the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence, is the first of it's kind in Canada allowing emergency services to be offered to patients in trauma informed spaces outside of the Emergency department. This is an example of how collaboration based on trust, careful planning, commitment and belief in innovation, can lead to better care.

Join us for a discussion on creating a safe, private, and warm space provides patients, of all ages, space to tell their story. We will share our journey to getting here, sharing the challenges and successes. Explore how we navigated the barriers, and built off each learning to create a new way to look at trauma informed response.

At the end of the presentation we will tour the clinic space & share feedback from our patient's experience in the clinic.
Speakers
avatar for Ronnie Biletsky

Ronnie Biletsky

Central Alberta Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence program Coordinator, Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre
Ronnie is the Clinical Nurse Educator providing education to RCMP, physicians, nurses, students & community partners on sexual assault response, domestic violence, sexual exploitation & trafficking. With 20 years of Emergency & 18 years of sexual assault nursing experience combined... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT

12:00pm PDT

Complimentary Lunch (1.5 hrs)
Thursday May 29, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
Thursday May 29, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
Gary W. Harris - Arena 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

1:00pm PDT

Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust Lessons on Vicarious Trauma and Resilience (1.5 hrs)
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
The Clinical Director for CTRI has over 30 years of trauma exposure by supporting and treating the most vulnerable clients: children, sexual violence, families of homicide, terrorist attacks and first responders. This includes her role as Director for a Muli Disciplinary Children’s Advocacy Centre in the USA for 8 years.
There is growing evidence that the impact of directly supporting others through experiences of trauma goes beyond burnout or fatigue. The toll of witnessing intense human experiences and emotions can contribute to a negative transformation of a helper’s own sense of safety, and of being competent and purposeful. This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to examine their own experiences and become aware of the signs of both vicarious trauma and vicarious growth. Gain insights for connecting with your values, beliefs and joy, to build a more sustainable and transformative self-care plan. Participants will hear how the presenter was able to repair the negative effects of trauma exposure and accelerate her resilience where she continues to treat First Responders who have PTSD.
Speakers
avatar for Joddie Walker

Joddie Walker

Joddie Walker, MSc, RP, CTRP-Clinical, D.A.A.E.T.SClinical Director for CTRIJoddie is the Clinical Director for the Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI) and owner/Clinical Director of Hummingbird Therapy Clinic. Joddie holds a Masters of Science in Forensic Psychology and is... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT

1:00pm PDT

Innovation in Sexual Assault Response (1.5 hrs)
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
In December 2024 the AHS Central Alberta Sexual Assault Response Team, in partnership with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Center, opened the doors to the Truant Family Medical Suite. This innovative service re-imagined health care delivery for people who have experienced sexual violence. The Medical Suite located at the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence, is the first of it's kind in Canada allowing emergency services to be offered to patients in trauma informed spaces outside of the Emergency department. This is an example of how collaboration based on trust, careful planning, commitment and belief in innovation, can lead to better care.

Join us for a discussion on creating a safe, private, and warm space provides patients, of all ages, space to tell their story. We will share our journey to getting here, sharing the challenges and successes. Explore how we navigated the barriers, and built off each learning to create a new way to look at trauma informed response.

At the end of the presentation we will tour the clinic space & share feedback from our patient's experience in the clinic.
Speakers
avatar for Ronnie Biletsky

Ronnie Biletsky

Central Alberta Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence program Coordinator, Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre
Ronnie is the Clinical Nurse Educator providing education to RCMP, physicians, nurses, students & community partners on sexual assault response, domestic violence, sexual exploitation & trafficking. With 20 years of Emergency & 18 years of sexual assault nursing experience combined... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT

1:00pm PDT

Nathan Chasing Horse - A Human Trafficking Case Study (1.5 hrs)
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
CONTAINS SENSITIVE CONTENT
In January 2023, a Tsuut’ina Nation member/victim attended the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service and provided an in-depth statement which detailed historical long-term abuse that included human trafficking dating back to 2007. Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service initiated a criminal investigation and identified Nathan Lee CHASING HORSE (American) as the prime suspect who was currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada with his 7 wives. This investigation quickly transpired into a multi-jurisdictional and international criminal investigation which spanned 3 Canadian Provinces and 5 U.S. States. As a result of additional (related) criminal charges from Fort Peck, Montana, Keremeos, British Columbia and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan as well as the ongoing criminal proceedings in Las Vegas, Nevada, the prosecution of Nathan Chasing Horse required significant planning and cooperation between various law enforcement agencies, Crown Prosecutors, and the District Attorney’s office in Clark County, Nevada, USA. This case is ongoing and still before the American and Canadian courts.


Speakers
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT

1:30pm PDT

Awaken Your Inner Butterfly: Using Expressive Arts with the Pendulation Technique to Address Burnout (1 hr)
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Join us for an inspiring keynote tailored for front-line helpers aiming to reignite their passion while prioritizing self-care. This engaging session will delve into the ethics of self-care in professional development and resilience, utilizing the butterfly metaphor to illustrate the essential struggle for growth. Participants will engage in creative activities that highlight the tools and core values that support them through challenges. Through interactive exercises rooted in the somatic experiencing concept of pendulation, attendees will validate their feelings of burnout and discover personalized self-care strategies. An origami butterfly activity will symbolize the transformation from burnout to resilience.
Speakers
avatar for Dawn McBride

Dawn McBride

Reg. Psychologist, Associate Professor (Tenured) & National Counselling Ethics Expert.
Dr. Dawn McBride is a celebrated educator who has received numerous teaching awards, co-edited a book on multicultural practices, and is currently writing "The Big Cs in Canadian Ethics: Care, Consent, and Charting." She is a tenured associate professor and registered psychologist... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

1:30pm PDT

Gregory Williams (1 hr)
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
More details to come. 
Speakers
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

1:30pm PDT

Healing and Forgiveness: Can you have one without the other? (1 hr)
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
To explore the role of forgiveness as a critical component in healing from trauma and fostering resilience, with insights from clinical research, personal experiences, and its application in professional environments, such as first responders and trauma survivors. The intent of the panel is to provide a compassionate and nuanced examination of forgiveness, emphasizing its power to transform pain into growth and to fortify resilience in the aftermath of trauma. By addressing both theoretical and practical aspects, participants will gain actionable insights into leveraging forgiveness as a tool for personal and collective healing.
Key Themes & Questions:
1. The Importance of Forgiveness in Daily Life:
○ Why is forgiveness significant for personal growth, healing, and resilience?
○ How does it influence emotional and psychological well-being?
2. Clinical and Practical Perspectives:
○ What do clinicians and researchers say about forgiveness as a therapeutic tool for trauma recovery?
○ Is forgiveness necessary for full recovery from trauma or adversity?
3. The Process of Forgiveness:
○ How does someone learn to forgive?
○ What factors determine whether an individual can forgive?
4. Barriers to Forgiveness:
○ Why can forgiveness be difficult or feel "stuck" for some people?
○ How do perspectives and mindsets influence forgiveness?
5. Forgiveness Beyond Religion:
○ Is forgiveness inherently tied to spirituality or religion?
○ How can forgiveness be understood in secular, practical terms?
6. Forgiveness and Reconciliation:
○ Does forgiveness always require reconciliation?
○ How can forgiveness occur without continuing a relationship?
  1. 7. Relevance for Frontline Workers:
○ Why might forgiveness be an essential tool for professionals, such as first responders and trauma workers?
○ How does forgiveness build resilience and mitigate burnout or secondary trauma?
Speakers
avatar for Deputy Chief Tyler Pelke

Deputy Chief Tyler Pelke

Deputy Chief Tyler Pelke has dedicated over 30 years to municipal Fire & EMS public safety. An experienced leader in crisis management, he has been involved in some of Canada's most notable disaster responses as a member of Canada Task Force 2 National Disaster Response Team. Additionally... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Megan McElheran

Dr. Megan McElheran

Clinical Psychologist and CEO
Dr. Megan McElheran is a Clinical Psychologist and the Chief Executive Officer of Wayfound, a national organization that provides mental health services across Canada. Dr. McElheran’s research over the last 20 years has been focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

1:30pm PDT

Motivating High Performing Teams (1 hr)
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Leading a high-performing team is no easy feat. Plenty of authors share models for this work but rarely guide a leader in the practices that can make a difference. In this presentation, we will review some of the Attitudes and Approaches that make a difference, emphasizing coaching behaviours that you can utilize to guide your team toward excellence.
Speakers
avatar for Stu Henry

Stu Henry

After a 33 year career in the education field with 29 years in leadership roles, Stu is now semi-retired, operating a successful Executive Coaching and Consulting company - Henry Executive Coaching.He has vast experience in change theory, management, human resources and financial... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Gary W. Harris - Foyer 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

1:30pm PDT

Survivors of Sex Trafficking - Resilience and Recovery (1 hr)
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Four women, who survived sex trafficking as children and young adults, speak of previous vulnerabilities which allowed them to fall prey and of their subsequent recovery journey. They are among several whose stories are shared in the recently published (2024) book, When Men Buy Sex: Who Really Pay?
Speakers
avatar for Kathy King

Kathy King

Kathy is a retired clinical social worker (MSW) and mother of a MMIW, with over five decades of professional and volunteer experience.
avatar for Jenn Kovachik

Jenn Kovachik

Jenn was trafficked in western Canada and Macau, Asia, as a teenager. Since her liberation, she has worked in a health related field, is a visual artist and art instructor, and created the Butterfly Project to help women exiting commercial sexual exploitation.
avatar for Tanya Michelle

Tanya Michelle

Tanya Michelle was groomed from a group home, trafficked in Vancouver, and survived many years with an abusive pimp. She later wrote her own book, Out of the Shadows: A Memoir of a Childhood Lost, Modern Day Slavery, and a Life Reborn.
avatar for Juanita Murphy

Juanita Murphy

Juanita focuses on familial exploitation, the result of inter-generational trauma, racism, and residential schools.  After breaking the chain, she worked as a peer support and educator with CEASE for 15 years.
avatar for April Eve Wiberg

April Eve Wiberg

April Eve, traditional name Medicine Spirit Dancer, is a member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. She was cross-border trafficked from Canada to New York and Las Vegas as a young adult and has since become an active Human Rights advocate.
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

1:30pm PDT

What happens next? An overview of a prosecution. (1 hr)
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
As a trusted adult in the lives of victims and often the first person a child reports to, you may often wonder what happens next. I'll take you through the steps of a prosecution, the supports children may receive, and the challenges young victims often face once charges are laid against the Accused.
Speakers
AS

Ann Siford

Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, Red Deer ACPS Office
Ann Siford has been a prosecutor for the majority of her 16 years as a lawyer. She has been with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service serving central Albertans for 11 years. She has had conduct of a number of serious, complex prosecutions involving children and other vulnerable... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

2:30pm PDT

Coffee Break
Thursday May 29, 2025 2:30pm - 2:45pm PDT
Thursday May 29, 2025 2:30pm - 2:45pm PDT
Gary W. Harris - Foyer 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

3:00pm PDT

Keynote Session: Before Operational Stress for Social Services: Protecting those who Protect Vulnerable Children.
Thursday May 29, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
 Those in trauma-exposed occupations, including social services, are at empirically validated increased risk of psychological injury due to the chronic and often severe exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events they face within their operational roles. This session will begin with an exploration of current data, which will demonstrate the significantly higher psychological risks these workers face in relation to their operational roles, and how exposure has been determined to correlate with the onset of different mental health conditions. Following a review of current data regarding psychological wellness in frontline workers, the sessions will cover the first three BOS modules exploring the mental health of trauma exposed professionals, focusing on operational stress, its physiological impacts, and strategies for self-awareness and regulation. Participants will learn about key mental health terms, the effects of chronic stress on the brain and nervous system, and how to use tools like the Window of Tolerance for self-monitoring and managing stress.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Megan McElheran

Dr. Megan McElheran

Clinical Psychologist and CEO
Dr. Megan McElheran is a Clinical Psychologist and the Chief Executive Officer of Wayfound, a national organization that provides mental health services across Canada. Dr. McElheran’s research over the last 20 years has been focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of... Read More →
Thursday May 29, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Gary W. Harris - Gym 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

4:00pm PDT

Thursday Night Mixer
Thursday May 29, 2025 4:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Join us upstairs in the Four Season Room of the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre building for cocktails, appetizers and networking.
Thursday May 29, 2025 4:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre- Four seasons Room 70 College Cir #310, Red Deer, AB T4R 0V4
 
Friday, May 30
 

8:00am PDT

Registration & Breakfast
Friday May 30, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Friday May 30, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Gary W. Harris - Foyer 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

9:00am PDT

What We Inherited and Roles We All Shall Play When It Comes To The Relationship Between Canadians and Indigenous People
Friday May 30, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Prior Chief of Cowessess First Nation Cadmus Delorme provides a message of hope, reality, and a strategic direction we call can focus on. He explains on what we all inherited in our history and how Truth and Reconciliation Calls To Action can refocus Canada to be the greatest we can be.
Speakers
avatar for Chief Cadmus Delorme

Chief Cadmus Delorme

Cadmus Delorme was Chief of the Cowessess First Nation. During his time in leadership, his focus was on three pillars: economic self-sustainability, political sovereignty, and cultural rejuvenation. Cadmus leads areas in child welfare reform, agriculture, renewable energy projects... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Gary W. Harris - Gym 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

10:00am PDT

Coffee Break
Friday May 30, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am PDT
Friday May 30, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am PDT
Gary W. Harris - Foyer 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

10:30am PDT

22 Timely Topics on Caregiver Health & Wellness - Ideas I Stole from Others (1 hr)
Friday May 30, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Come and join us for this discussion-based session for caregivers in the area of health and wellness. During our time together, we will engage in small and large group discussions around timely topics on staff health and wellness. In addition to learning some practical strategies, we’ll also help each other by sharing key ideas from our own practice, organization or school division. Together, we will connect and engage around one of the most important topics in education today, taking care of ourselves.
Speakers
avatar for Ray Hoppins

Ray Hoppins

Facilitator & Coach, Hoppins People Services
Ray Hoppins is a grateful husband, father, and son who thoroughly enjoyed his 33-year career in education. He retired in 2024 from the role of associate superintendent people services with Chinook’s Edge School Division, and now serves organizations as a presenter, mentor, and coach... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am PDT

10:30am PDT

Facility Dogs: Transforming Lives Through Canine Partnerships
Friday May 30, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Facility Dogs are specially trained working dogs that provide comfort and support in a variety of professional settings, including child advocacy centres, hospitals, victim services, and more. This session will explore what Facility Dogs are, the profound impact they have on individuals and communities, and the specialized training that prepares them for their unique roles. Attendees will gain insights into the selection, training, and placement process, as well as client stories. Whether you're a professional considering a Facility Dog for your organization or simply curious about their life-changing work, this session will provide valuable knowledge and inspiration.
Speakers
avatar for Piera Angotti

Piera Angotti

Director of Canine Operations & Instructor, Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society
Piera Angotti is a dedicated Service Dog Instructor with Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society, specializing in training and placing highly skilled Assistance and Facility Dogs. With a passion for enhancing lives through canine partnerships, Piera works closely with volunteers, clients... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am PDT

10:30am PDT

Therapy is great, but what about the rest of the time? (1 hr.)
Friday May 30, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
We will do a quick review of the impact of trauma (emotional, neurological, CNS, health) but the focus of this session will be to explore what we can do outside of the therapy office. Pulling heavily from The Other 23 Hours and Life Space Crisis Intervention concepts, we will explore specific strategies from models such as NMT and polyvagal theory, to discuss the role and impact that all safe adults can have in the recovery of traumatized children.
Speakers
avatar for Shantelle Szuch

Shantelle Szuch

Registered Psychologist in 2 provinces, since 2011. Gained provisional hours while working in live-in treatment for children and adolescents through Children's Services from 2007-2011 and moved back to AB to help create and launch AHS Step Up Step Down program. Certified in TFCBT... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am PDT

10:30am PDT

Commercial Sex: Empowerment or Exploitation? (1.5 hr.)
Friday May 30, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
This session explores various legislative responses to commercial sex, development of the Equity Model, legal changes in Canada, and challenges facing Canada's current PCEPA legislation, the Protection of Communities and Exploited Person Act, enacted in 2014.
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Heinz

Andrea Heinz

Andrea, a former experiential woman, holds a diploma in Correctional Services and is presently completing a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law, and Management.Together Kathy King and Andrea spent three years researching and compiling a book, When Men Buy Sex: Who Really... Read More →
avatar for Kathy King

Kathy King

Kathy is a retired clinical social worker (MSW) and mother of a MMIW, with over five decades of professional and volunteer experience.
Friday May 30, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

10:30am PDT

Innovation in Sexual Assault Response (1.5 hrs)
Friday May 30, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
In December 2024 the AHS Central Alberta Sexual Assault Response Team, in partnership with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Center, opened the doors to the Truant Family Medical Suite.  This innovative service re-imagined health care delivery for people who have experienced sexual violence.  The Medical Suite located at the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence, is the first of it's kind in Canada allowing emergency services to be offered to patients in trauma informed spaces outside of the Emergency department.  This is an example of  how collaboration based on trust, careful planning, commitment and belief in innovation, can lead to better care.

Join us for a discussion on creating a safe, private, and warm space provides patients, of all ages, space to tell their story. We will share our journey to getting here, sharing the challenges and successes. Explore how we navigated the barriers, and built off each learning to create a new way to look at trauma informed response.

At the end of the presentation we will tour the clinic space & share feedback from our patient's experience in the clinic.
Speakers
avatar for Julie Hansen

Julie Hansen

Area Manager, Sexual Health, CASART, DV, Public Health Nursing
Julie is the manager of the AHS CASART / Domestic Violence program in Central Alberta with over 30 years of nursing or leadership experience in a variety of programs including Public Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Health Promotion, Comprehensive School Health, Sexual Assault... Read More →
avatar for Ronnie Biletsky

Ronnie Biletsky

Central Alberta Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence program Coordinator, Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre
Ronnie is the Clinical Nurse Educator providing education to RCMP, physicians, nurses, students & community partners on sexual assault response, domestic violence, sexual exploitation & trafficking. With 20 years of Emergency & 18 years of sexual assault nursing experience combined... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Third Floor Classroom - Child Advocacy Centre

10:30am PDT

Kairos Blanket Exercise: Building Bridges Toward Reconciliation (1.5 hrs)
Friday May 30, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Join us for an engaging and transformative experience that deepens understanding and fosters connection. The Blanket Exercise is an interactive workshop that brings to life the history and ongoing impacts of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Through hands-on participation, you'll gain insight into nation-to-nation relationships and explore meaningful steps toward reconciliation.
Following the exercise, engage in a reflective sharing circle to discuss how we can support young people in overcoming trauma and systemic barriers. Transform your practice to empower resilience and foster success by deepening your knowledge and understanding. This session offers a unique opportunity to build bridges of respect, understanding, and hope.
Speakers
avatar for Hayley Christen

Hayley Christen

Coordinator, Learning Services, Red Deer School Division
Hayley Christen is a Coordinator with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Learning Services for Red Deer Public Schools. With over 25 years of experience as a teacher and a vice-principal, Hayley has dedicated her career to supporting students with diverse learning needs and at-risk... Read More →
avatar for Heather Steele

Heather Steele

Heather Steele is a passionate First Nations Social Studies educator and advocate for youth empowerment. Known for her innovative teaching methods, Heather creates engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect students to real-world issues. Her work emphasizes inclusivity... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

11:00am PDT

Internet Child Exploitation in Alberta (1.5 hrs)
Friday May 30, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
The Northern Alberta Internet Child Exploitation (NAICE) Unit welcomes everyone to attend an information session on the realities of internet child exploitation in Alberta, and strategies to navigate these issues in an open and collaborative way. Some of the topics we discuss include: who we are and what we do, the internet and social media, child luring and sextortion, artificial intelligence and emerging online sites/apps, our partners, and how we can all work together to keep kids safe online.
Speakers
avatar for Constable Scott Sterling

Constable Scott Sterling

Constable Scott Sterling - Scott has been a member of the RCMP for nearly 20 years, serving both rural and municipal Detachments in Alberta.After 12 years in front-line policing, Scott joined the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, spending 5 years as part of this Federal... Read More →
avatar for Constable Stephanie Bosch

Constable Stephanie Bosch

Constable Stephanie Bosch – Stephanie has been a member of the Edmonton Police Service for 6 years, spending her first three years in general duty patrol before transitioning into a position as a community beat officer serving the neighbourhoods of Alberta Avenue in Edmonton.In... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Red Deer Polytechnic

11:30am PDT

Complimentary Lunch
Friday May 30, 2025 11:30am - 1:00pm PDT
Friday May 30, 2025 11:30am - 1:00pm PDT
Gary W. Harris - Arena 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

12:30pm PDT

Canada's Indigenous Policy: understanding its lasting effects - historical trauma in a contemporary world (1.5 hrs)
Friday May 30, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm PDT
Participants will be able to build their foundational knowledge by exploring many Canadian government policies that have affected Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island for centuries. Historical trauma/intergeneration trauma have been the direct result of many governmental policies. This session will be presented as a Breakout EDU game. Breakout EDU is a fun filled, participant centered, active way to learn! Solve puzzles, collaborate, and remove all the locks in a preset amount of time! Work as a team to accomplish your mission! Then, to wrap up the session, participants be given the opportunity to share their insights and learning as a result of participating.  
Speakers
avatar for Terry Lakey

Terry Lakey

Lead Teacher, Red Deer Pubic Schools
Terry Lakey has been a teacher with Red Deer Public since 1999. As well as a classroom teacher, he has spent many years developing and sharing, both with students, district staff, and provincially as well, resources connected to Indigenous peoples authentic histories, stories, and... Read More →
avatar for Brian St. Germain

Brian St. Germain

Brian St. Germain was born and raised in Red Deer. He's been teaching with Red Deer Public School District for many years. Brian is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and also a descendant of the Alberta Papaschase Band/First Nation. He has presented throughout the province... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm PDT

12:30pm PDT

Commercial Sex: Empowerment or Exploitation? (1.5 hrs)
Friday May 30, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm PDT
This session explores various legislative responses to commercial sex, development of the Equity Model, legal changes in Canada, and challenges facing Canada's current PCEPA legislation, the Protection of Communities and Exploited Person Act, enacted in 2014.
Speakers
avatar for Kathy King

Kathy King

Kathy is a retired clinical social worker (MSW) and mother of a MMIW, with over five decades of professional and volunteer experience.
avatar for Andrea Heinz

Andrea Heinz

Andrea, a former experiential woman, holds a diploma in Correctional Services and is presently completing a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law, and Management.Together Kathy King and Andrea spent three years researching and compiling a book, When Men Buy Sex: Who Really... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm PDT

1:00pm PDT

15 Helpful Things I Learned from Retiring Staff (1 hr)
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Come and join us for this discussion-based session on an important life event that comes sooner that we think, retirement. The presenter had a wonderful opportunity to learn from hundreds of retiring caregivers over many years in a large rural school division. The retiring staff had powerful and helpful stories to share. You may enjoy hearing their messages. During our time together, we will also engage in small and large group discussion around the notion, importance, and joy of retirement.
Speakers
avatar for Ray Hoppins

Ray Hoppins

Facilitator & Coach, Hoppins People Services
Ray Hoppins is a grateful husband, father, and son who thoroughly enjoyed his 33-year career in education. He retired in 2024 from the role of associate superintendent people services with Chinook’s Edge School Division, and now serves organizations as a presenter, mentor, and coach... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

1:00pm PDT

Silent Cries: Child Abuse Trends in Alberta (1 hr.)
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Silent Cries: Child Abuse Trends in Alberta builds on the State of Child Wellbeing report, offering an in-depth analysis of child abuse trends in Alberta from 2017 to 2024.

Using national and provincial data, the report highlights that Alberta consistently reports higher rates of child abuse compared to the national average, with certain populations including Indigenous communities, sexual minorities, and individuals with disabilities facing disproportionate risks. Municipal-level analyses reveal that cities such as Lethbridge,
Edmonton and Red Deer have particularly concerning rates of police-reported violent crimes against children.

The report underscores the importance of a centralized data repository to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of child abuse reporting, supporting more effective policy interventions and resource allocation. It also emphasizes the need for community-driven solutions, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive support services, particularly for Indigenous communities and other vulnerable groups. Key recommendations include enhanced professional training, strengthened legal protections for children, and increased funding for victim support services and research. The report calls for a more integrated and evidence-based approach to child protection in Alberta, ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed most.
Speakers
avatar for Cassandra Galenzoski

Cassandra Galenzoski

Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre
Cassandra has been a dedicated member of the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) since its inception, serving as the Director of Operations. With nearly a decade of experience in child advocacy, Cassandra has played a role in building and sustaining the Centre’s multidisciplinary... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Jones Adjei

Dr. Jones Adjei

Jones Adjei is a Sociology Instructor at Red Deer Polytechnic, with a focus on social demography and applied statistics. His research interests include immigrant settlement experiences, population health disparities, and child wellbeing. His research has been published in peer-reviewed... Read More →
avatar for Emile Johnson

Emile Johnson

Emile Johnson is a dedicated community leader and advocate with over 10 years of experience working to improve the lives of children, youth, and families across Alberta. He currently serves as the Director of Resiliency and Child Advocacy Research at Red Deer Polytechnic, where he... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

1:00pm PDT

Therapy is great, but what about the rest of the time? (1 hr.)
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
We will do a quick review of the impact of trauma (emotional, neurological, CNS, health) but the focus of this session will be to explore what we can do outside of the therapy office. Pulling heavily from The Other 23 Hours and Life Space Crisis Intervention concepts, we will explore specific strategies from models such as NMT and polyvagal theory, to discuss the role and impact that all safe adults can have in the recovery of traumatized children.
Speakers
avatar for Shantelle Szuch

Shantelle Szuch

Registered Psychologist in 2 provinces, since 2011. Gained provisional hours while working in live-in treatment for children and adolescents through Children's Services from 2007-2011 and moved back to AB to help create and launch AHS Step Up Step Down program. Certified in TFCBT... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

1:00pm PDT

Cultivating Connection: Interpersonal Neurobiology, Mindfulness, Compassion, and Attunement (1.5 hrs)
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Participants will learn about Dr. Daniel Siegel's (1999) Interpersonal Neurobiology and how the brain develops within the context of close relationships. We will explore the role of mindfulness and compassion in cultivating attunement through improved neural integration. Integration encourages healthy brain development, cognitive flexibility, self-awareness, emotional well-being, and psychological resilience. Emotional states like compassion and contemplative practices (e.g., mindfulness) facilitate integrative attunement, which enhances well-being within one’s own body-mind as well as promotes security and connection within relationships. Attunement allows people to feel safe with their own emotions and experiences and to become a healing presence for others (e.g., partners, children, clients, coworkers, etc.). Together we will do short practices to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and attunement (e.g., mindful breathing, body scan, loving-kindness, wheel of awareness).
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Anomi Bearden

Dr. Anomi Bearden

Dr. Anomi G. Bearden has been teaching Psychology at Red Deer Polytechnic since 2008. She teaches courses in social psychology, positive psychology, mindfulness, motivation & emotion, consciousness, consumerism, interpersonal relationships, and gender. Anomi also supervises student... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT

1:00pm PDT

Internet Child Exploitation in Alberta (1.5 hrs)
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
The Northern Alberta Internet Child Exploitation (NAICE) Unit welcomes everyone to attend an information session on the realities of internet child exploitation in Alberta, and strategies to navigate these issues in an open and collaborative way. Some of the topics we discuss include: who we are and what we do, the internet and social media, child luring and sextortion, artificial intelligence and emerging online sites/apps, our partners, and how we can all work together to keep kids safe online.
Speakers
avatar for Constable Stephanie Bosch

Constable Stephanie Bosch

Constable Stephanie Bosch – Stephanie has been a member of the Edmonton Police Service for 6 years, spending her first three years in general duty patrol before transitioning into a position as a community beat officer serving the neighbourhoods of Alberta Avenue in Edmonton.In... Read More →
avatar for Constable Scott Sterling

Constable Scott Sterling

Constable Scott Sterling - Scott has been a member of the RCMP for nearly 20 years, serving both rural and municipal Detachments in Alberta.After 12 years in front-line policing, Scott joined the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, spending 5 years as part of this Federal... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Red Deer Polytechnic

2:00pm PDT

Coffee Break
Friday May 30, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Friday May 30, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Gary W. Harris - Foyer 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

2:30pm PDT

Keynote Session: Mental Health: The Good, the Bad, and the Funny
Friday May 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
The stigma surrounding mental illness leads to unnecessary suffering and stops people from seeking help. Higher rates of stress and burnout have left people grappling with how to be healthy, hopeful, and engaged. It’s time to talk, but discussing mental health doesn’t have to be heavy or burdensome. In fact, it can feel inspiring, empowering, and even joyful.

Comedian and Bell Let’s Talk ambassador Jessica Holmes breaks down the stigma by using heart and humour to share her experience with depression. She weaves comedy, characters, and music to bring understanding and hope to a serious subject, describing how she went from successful entertainer who opened for Oprah Winfrey to couch potato who slept more than a cat!

Holmes shares the lessons she wrote about in her heartwarmingly funny book, Depression The Comedy, to motivate your team to prioritize their well-being. Your team will learn:
  1. Where to begin if they or someone they know is struggling.
  2. How a small perspective shift can increase their fulfillment and happiness at work and at home.
  3. Simple, achievable steps EVERYONE can use to improve their mental health.
  4. That no one is alone, and we’re all entitled to a sense of well-being.

Holmes’ story, which has a deeply happy ending, leaves audiences with a better understanding of mental illness, more empathy for those suffering with it, and that wonderful feeling you get from a good laugh.
Bring on the Joy! Building Resilience and Engagement in Times of Change
Years of flux and uncertainty have left people burnt out and many are still grappling with stress and disconnection. It’s an important time to foster a sense of well-being and engagement so people can thrive again.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Holmes

Jessica Holmes

Beloved comedian Jessica Holmes has brought the house down opening for giants such as Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Peters, Jerry Seinfeld, and Oprah Winfrey. She has performed at Just For Laughs and The Second City, and starred in the comedy series, The Holmes Show and Royal Canadian... Read More →
Friday May 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Gary W. Harris - Gym 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7

3:30pm PDT

Closing Ceremony
Friday May 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Speakers
Friday May 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Gary W. Harris - Gym 120 College Cir, Red Deer, AB T4N 0T7
 
Transforming Practices Conference 2025
From CA$133.46
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