CES Sessions
All sessions are offered at no cost.
Our work takes place on historical and contemporary Indigenous lands, including the territories of Treaty 6, Treaty 7 & Treaty 8 and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta and 8 Métis Settlements. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous communities that have been forged in urban centres across Alberta.
CBE Caregiver Series 2026: Mental Health & Youth ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Presented by: Community Health Promotion Services (CHPS), Recovery Alberta
It is normal for children and youth to experience various types of emotional distress as they develop and mature. To promote positive mental health, it is important to be aware of mental illnesses, recognize signs, engage in meaningful conversations, and support a balanced life. This presentation will support you in gaining a greater understanding of mental health and reflect on how you can support the young people in your life.
CBE Caregiver Series 2026: Unmasking ADHD in Girls Part 2: Supporting Females with ADHD ***please register using the poster only***
Noon - 1:30 PM
Presented by: Dr. Alethea Heudes, Registered Psychologist
Heudes Child Psychology and Consulting
Supporting girls with ADHD requires more than simply repeatedly telling them what to do.
Part 2 explores practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting executive functioning, building skills, and helping them manage everyday demands at home and school.
CBE Caregiver Series 2026: Vaping & Youth ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Presented by: Community Health Promotion Services (CHPS), Recovery Alberta
Join the Community Health Promotion Services (CHPS) team to learn more about vaping. CHPS aims to prevent and reduce harms related to substance misuse and mental health disorders by maximizing the well-being of children, adolescents and families.
Participants will learn about:
• Youth vaping is increasing – let’s understand what they’re using and why
• Learn about vaping devices, nicotine, cannabis, and the health risks
• Discover how to have open, honest conversations with your teen about vaping
CBE Caregiver Series 2026: School Avoidance: Moving towards reducing distress and improving attendance *IN PERSON ONLY SESSION ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Presented by: Jory McMillan, Clinical Supervisor of Walk In Services at the Summit
Join us as we explore the possible reasons behind school refusal and share practical strategies for parents and caregivers to support their child in building confidence and improving attendance.
This Session is IN PERSON ONLY and ZOOM is only being used for registration purposes.
Session will be held at: Sir John A. Macdonald School - 6600 4 St NW, Calgary
This session is NOT recorded
CBE Caregiver Series 2026: Raising Healthy Humans in a Digital World: Conversations About Technology, Mental Health, and Growing Up Online ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Presented by: Dr. Sterling Sparshu MD, FRCPC
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Recovery Alberta
Clinical Assistant Professor, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Understand how digital media can affect children's learning, relationships, and mental health.
2. Recognize signs that screen use may be becoming problematic.
3. Have more productive conversations with children and teens about using screens safely and positively
CBE Caregiver Series 2026: Sexual Health: How to Have Conversations at Home ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Presented by: Primary Care Alberta, Sexual & Reproductive Health, Calgary Zone
Parents, caregivers and trusted adult family members – are you ready to talk with your children about bodies, relationships and sexuality?
Talking with your children about sexual health helps children and teens:
• Understand, respect and care for their bodies
• Set and follow healthy boundaries
• Build stronger relationships with friends and family
• Feel great about themselves
Many people worry that this talk will be hard. Learning about how to do it can make it easier! Join an educator from Primary Care Alberta Sexual & Reproductive Health, Calgary, for an education session to help you in your role as your child’s first and most important sexuality educator. It’s never too early.
Topics include:
• Why these conversations matter
• Tips for making talking easier
• Answering children's questions
• Resources and support
CBE Caregiver Series 2026: Stress, Stigma, and Safety: Building Supportive Communities for Youth ***please register using the poster only***
Noon - 1:30 PM
Agnes Chen, Registered Nurse, Founder and Executive Director, Starlings Community
Join us for a session dedicated to empowering caregivers who journey alongside the 1 in 5 young people growing up with the stress and stigma of a parent’s substance use.
Through a lens of lived experience, we’ll shed light on the hidden barriers to community youth often face – like shame, fear, and isolation – and inspire new ways to create safety, resilience, and connection.
CBE Caregiver Series 2026: School Avoidance and Sleep Hygiene: Working towards improving attendance and communication with your child *IN PERSON ONLY SESSION *please register using the poster only*
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Presented by: Jory McMillan, Clinical Supervisor of Walk In Services at the Summit
An interactive presentation for the parents/caregivers of children 7-18.
The barriers to children getting good sleep are examined and parents/caregivers are provided
with ways to support their children in getting a good night’s rest.
This Session is IN PERSON ONLY and ZOOM is only being used for registration purposes.
Session will be held at: Sir John A. Macdonald School - 6600 4 St NW, Calgary
Mental health for highly sensitive teens; unique struggles for these emotional feelers ***please register using the poster only*** *NOT being recorded*
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Presented by: Tracy Fields, BSW, MSW in partnership with Tracy Fields Counselling
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.
NOT being recorded
Growing Resilient Teens ***please register using the poster only*** *NOT being recorded*
Noon - 1:30 PM
Presented by: Andrea Halwas Larsen, PhD, CT, REACE, Associate Therapist and Education Coordinator of Juno House
This session 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.
Before high school graduation, 1/3 of adolescent girls will experience depression, anxiety disorders, self-harm or an eating disorder. However, parents, coaches and teachers have extraordinary healing powers to support our teens as they develop into young adulthood.
Resilience is not taught, it is grown in our children. There are ways that we can help our children become more resilient starting within our relationship first.
This 90-minute session will provide participants with:
• a basic introduction of interpersonal neurobiology and anxiety,
• the essential role emotions play in mental well-being,
• how to identify emotions in your child,
• strategies to have a better relationship with your child including how to be an emotion coach.
NOT being recorded
Raising Flexible Thinkers: Helping Children Adapt, Solve Problems & Thrive Through Change ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Presented by: Creative Sky Psychology
With Creative Sky Psychology, participants will explore how flexible thinking develops across childhood and adolescence and why it is essential for learning, relationships, emotional wellbeing, and resilience. You'll discover how everyday moments can become opportunities to help children navigate change, manage disappointment, and approach challenges with curiosity and confidence. Participants will leave feeling equipped with creative, evidence-based strategies to foster adaptability, persistence, and problem-solving skills at home and beyond.
Participants will learn:
• What flexible thinking is, how it develops, and why it is a key skill for lifelong success
• Why some children become "stuck" when faced with change, mistakes, or unexpected challenges
• Practical coaching strategies that encourage adaptability, perspective-taking, and creative problem solving
• How to support children through transitions, setbacks, and uncertainty while building confidence and resilience
• Simple, evidence-based activities and family routines that strengthen flexible thinking in everyday life