CES Sessions
All sessions are offered at no cost.
Adolescent Brain Development and Navigating the Parent-Teen Relationship **please register using the poster only***
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Adolescence is a magical time when children enter a period of huge growth and change. Bodies and brains change, emotions become more volatile, friends become more important, and the parent-child relationship morphs into a parent-teen relationship. In this session we will discuss the adolescent brain, how to support healthy brain development, promoting resilience, and navigating the ways that your relationship with your teen will evolve as they slowly but surely become little adults.
In Partnership with Stepping Stones to Mental Health and Rocky View Schools
Building Strong Bonds: Understanding Parent-Child Attachment ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Presenters:
Jessica George RSW, Dip. in Social Work, Family Support Facilitator,
Sumeet Kalsi Dip. in Early Childhood Development & Education, Family Coordinator
Robyn Macpherson ECE, BA (ChSt), Family Support Facilitator
Parent & Caregiver Support Services with the City of Chestermere
This presentation looks at the important relationship between parents and children, showing how it affects a child's emotions and social skills. We will discuss key theories and real-life examples, and share tips on how to strengthen these important bonds in daily life.
Emerging Trends and Community Involvement in Child Abuse Prevention ***please register using the poster only***
10:30 AM - Noon
Presented By:
Jennifer McAlpine, RSW, Research and Evaluation Project Manager And Sandi Pineda-Selva, MA, Manager of Prevention Services
Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre
In this session, we will explore the latest trends in child abuse, highlighting new challenges and patterns.
We will discuss how the community can play a proactive role in prevention efforts, offering strategies and resources to empower community members to take action.
Raising Awareness of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) & Learning about the Outcomes of DCD ***please register using the poster only***
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Presented By:
Paulene Kamps Ph.D., R. Psych., C. Teach., DCD Advisor
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness Week is October 13th -19th
This session is designed to bring awareness to this condition & highlight some key points about DCD.
Topics discussed in the presentation include:
- How my background, life experiences, unique training, & inquisitive mind led me to learn about DCD & its high prevalence rates
- The information & surprising trends of DCD as recorded in each of the APA's DSMs since 1987
- The early 'red flags' that are seen & the diagnostic criteria associated with DCD as per the DSM (2022)
- How the signs, symptoms, & outcomes of DCD mimic autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD & other conditions
Cross Cultural Parenting Program - Session 3: Discipline Strategies - part 1 ***please register using the poster only***
10:00 AM - Noon
Presented by: Yanping & Marco, Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)
Objectives:
- Understanding a child's misbehaviour
- Positive discipline vs. punishment
- Positive discipline strategies and skills
Peer Pressure: what is it and what can I do about it? ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Presenter: Nicole Sheldon, R. Psychologist, Sheldon Psychology Group
Pressures to conform are all around us. Exploring the psychology behind peer pressure makes it easier to understand the dynamics in play and how to make reasoned, rather than reactive decisions.
Navigating ADHD: Challenges and Strategies for Home and School Success** IN PERSON SESSION, PLEASE REGISTER VIA THE POSTER **
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Please note this session is IN PERSON and NOT online.
We are solely using this for registration, due to technical issues on our webpage.
This session will be hosted LIVE and IN PERSON at Calgary Academy School, in Calgary.
Session Description:
Presented By:
Dr. Alethea Heudes, Registered Psychologist
ADHD has become an almost common household name; just about everyone seems to know someone who has a child or teen with ADHD. Despite how commonplace ADHD diagnoses appear to be, there are still gaps in our collective understanding of what this diagnosis actually means.
This session will delve into the real-world context of ADHD, and present resources and strategies for parents and teachers looking to support their children and students at home and school.
Neurodevelopmental genetic conditions: A broad range of presentations and testing options ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Presenters:
Billie Au MD, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Calgary
Kara Murias MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Calgary
Many neurodevelopmental conditions are either caused or influenced by an individual's genetics. This presentation will give an overview of how genetics can contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. We will review most recent Canadian recommendations for genetic testing for neurodevelopmental conditions.
How to respond when a child or teen discloses abuse- info for caregivers and professionals ***please register using the poster only***
10:30 AM - Noon
Presented By:
Lauren E. Joly, Ph.D., R. Psych. Psychologist, Child Abuse Service, AHS with Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre
Learning that your child or a child under your care has been abused is often a devastating experience. Responding to that child when they tell you they've been hurt can feel especially overwhelming when you're not sure what to say or do.
This 1.5 hour session addresses the "responding" aspect of the recognizing, responding, and reporting framework. Participants will learn how to respond in a way that is both supportive and addresses immediate needs. Session topics include coming into 'Wise Mind,' empathy and validation, who to contact, and safety, including addressing self-harming and suicidality in teens.
Can We Talk: Early Childhood and Sexuality ***please register using the poster only***
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Presented By:
Diana Wark (She/Her), Parent Program Coordinator for Centre for Sexuality
Join us for an interactive workshop to learn how to navigate those sometimes awkward but essential conversations that foster well-being, healthy relationships and informed decision-making. We empower parents with knowledge, skills and confidence to engage in open, honest and supportive conversations about sexuality and sexual health with their children.
Come to this session to learn about early childhood milestones, how to use correct words for body parts, establish boundaries and discuss consent for the very young. Get your own questions answered and learn how to answer your little ones’ questions.
Eating Disorders: An Introduction ***please register using the poster only***
10:00 AM - Noon
Presented by: Suzanne Evanson MSW, RSW and Lindsay Arbuthnot MSW, RSW
AHS Family Counsellors & Program Consultants with the Calgary Eating Disorders Program
By the end of this course, participants will be equipped to:
• Explain what is considered an eating disorder and the complex nature of these illnesses.
• Describe potential risks and consequences of an eating disorder.
• Describe basic engagement techniques and considerations for treatment.
Can We Talk: Healthy Relationships ***please register using the poster only***
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Presented by:
Diana Wark (She/Her), Parent Program Coordinator for Centre for Sexuality
Join us for an interactive workshop to learn how to navigate those sometimes awkward but essential conversations that foster well-being, healthy relationships and informed decision-making. We empower parents with knowledge, skills and confidence to engage in open, honest and supportive conversations about sexuality and sexual health with their children.
In this workshop, we will describe and explore healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationship patterns. We will learn about effective communication and practice discussing topics related to romantic/intimate relationships in ways that are grounded in your values.
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.
Mental health for highly sensitive teens; unique struggles for these emotional feelers ***please register using the poster only***
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Presented by: Tracy Fields, BSW, MSW in partnership with Tracy Fields Consulting
Highly sensitive teens are often misunderstood by parents and teachers as they often have stronger emotional reactions. In this presentation, learn why this happens, and the necessary tools required to help these teens manage their emotions so they don't become derailed.