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.

Poster

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.

Solution Focused Parenting ***please register using the poster only***

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Presenter: Harriet Johnston, PhD, RPsych, Eckert Psychology and Education Centre

This workshop is about using solution focused therapy principles in parenting. In this workshop you will learn ways to communicate with your children that will harness their strengths, resources, and focus you and your child on positive solutions to handle everyday challenges.

Resiliency and You: Practices and Strategies to Build Resiliency ***please register using the poster only***

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Presenter: Eric Perrault, BEd, MA, EDD

Learn what resilience is and some strategies and practices for building resiliency in ourselves and others.

Understanding Teen Mental Health ***please register using the poster only***

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Presenters:

Ashley Meagher, Certified Child and Youth Care Counsellor, Success Coach
Sydney Sommers, BEd., BSPH, BN, Success Coach
Rockyview School Division, MHCB Stepping Stones to Mental Health

Everyone has mental health, even teens. This workshop will provide information to help parents and
caregivers understand and support positive mental health for youth in their teen years. Learn to distinguish between normal feelings and behaviour of young people, and signs and symptoms of mental health concerns and issues.

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.

Cross Cultural Parenting Program - Session 4: Discipline Strategies - part 2 ***please register using the poster only***

10:00 AM - Noon

Presented by: Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)

Objectives:
- Understanding a child's misbehaviour
- Positive discipline vs. punishment
- Positive discipline strategies and skills

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Recognizing, Responding, and Reporting Child Abuse ***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

This session will cover the essentials of recognizing, responding to, and reporting child abuse.
We will focus on the common indicators of child abuse observed recently at Luna, providing practical insights and real-world examples to help participants understand and identify these signs effectively.

Parenting with The Whole Family in Mind ***please register using the poster only***

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Presenters: Jenny Harrison, R. Psych, Perinatal Mental Health Specialist, Moss Post Partum House & Dr. Theanna Bischoff, R. Psych, Early Childhood Development Specialist, Heartstrings Psychology

Jenny and Dr. Bischoff join together to take a whole - family view on parenting - join us to discuss how parents can help their kids stay emotionally regulated and learn new skills, and also how parents can support their own mental health while doing one of the toughest jobs out there!

Understanding and Managing Video Gaming Addiction in Kids ***please register using the poster only***

10:00 AM - Noon

Presented by: Dr. Caroline Buzanko, PhD, Registered Psychologist, Clinical Director, Koru Family Psychology

Video games are designed to be highly engaging, often leading to addictive behaviours in children and adolescents. In this workshop, learn about the mechanisms behind gaming addiction; the impacts on emotional regulation, learning, and socialization; and effective strategies to help kids maintain a healthy relationship with gaming.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the neurological impact of gaming addiction
2. Recognize the psychological and emotional effects of gaming
3. Identify healthy gaming practices
4. Develop effective parental strategies

By attending this workshop, parents will gain a foundational understanding of video gaming addiction and practical tools to help their children develop healthier gaming habits.

Cross Cultural Parenting Program - Session 2: Parenting Styles ***please register using the poster only***

10:00 AM - Noon

Presenters: Yanping & Marco
Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)

Objectives:
• Discussion on different parenting styles
• Impact of parenting styles on child development and growth
• Experience of immigrant children growing up in a cross-cultural context

Can We Talk: Sexual Health and Parenting ***please register using the poster only***

11:00 AM - 1:00 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.

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.

Perinatal Mental Health 101 - What you need to know and how to support ***please register using the poster only***

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Presented by:
Amanda McMillan BA and CPS (Certified Peer Supporter)
Manager of Family & Community Programs

Maternal mental health struggles are the most common complications of childbirth, yet they are not screened for or treated for enough. The focus of this presentation will be discussing the prenatal/postpartum experience and how it can impact a person's mental and emotional health. How common it is, what to look for, how to talk about it, and how to support yourself, a loved one, or in a professional setting. This discussion can never happen enough or too early or too late, and all are welcome to join this very important discussion.

ADHD Essentials for Parents ***please register using the poster only***

2:00 PM - 4:00 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.

Cross Cultural Parenting Program - Session 1: Introduction to Parenting ***please register using the poster only***

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Presenters: Yanping & Marco
Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)

Participants will learn:
• Challenges of parenting in a new country and culture
• Social and institutional pressures
• Norms, values and laws in Canada with a focus on supervision and child abuse laws