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.
How to support quiet, sensitive teens at home and in the classroom ***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
School Avoidance: Moving towards reducing distress and improving attendance ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 8:00 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 confidences and improving attendance.
When Worry Comes to School: Understanding Anxiety and Helping Students Thrive ***please register using the poster only***
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tanya Keto (MEd), Clinic Co-Director, Registered Psychologist
AVERY Family and School Psychology Services
This presentation explores anxiety in children and adolescents, its effects on learning, and ways families and educators can help. It distinguishes everyday worry from persistent anxiety that disrupts functioning and explains how distress can appear as physical symptoms, inattention, withdrawal, or school avoidance. We will look at rising youth anxiety in relation to increased smartphone use, reduced independent play, disrupted sleep, and fewer in-person connections with others.
We will wrap up by discussing supports, including therapy, medication (when appropriate), family collaboration, predictable routines, emotional validation, calming strategies, and individualized accommodations.
Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of anxiety in youth, their underlying needs, and creating safe, supportive environments.
What is the Manosphere and What Can We Do About It? ***please register using the poster only***
Noon - 1:30 PM
Presented by: Primary Care Alberta, Sexual & Reproductive Health, Calgary Zone
Participants will learn exactly what the manosphere is, how our boys and young men are finding it, and what we can do to support the boys and young men in our lives to navigate these digital spaces.
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
School Avoidance and Sleep Hygiene: Working towards improving attendance and communication with your child ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 8:00 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.
Raising Independent Kids: Building Responsibility, Motivation & Life Skills ***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 independence develops across childhood and adolescence and how caregivers can intentionally foster responsibility, motivation, and confidence through everyday experiences. You'll learn practical ways to gradually transfer responsibility while maintaining connection and support, helping children build the skills they need to thrive at home, at school, and in life. Participants will leave feeling equipped with creative, evidence-based strategies to encourage capable, confident, and self-motivated young people.
Participants will learn:
• How responsibility and independence develop at different ages and stages
• Why motivation grows through autonomy, competence, and connection rather than rewards or pressure
• Practical strategies for teaching life skills, decision-making, and age-appropriate responsibility
• How to reduce power struggles while increasing ownership, accountability, and confidence
• Simple, evidence-based routines that help children become more independent, resilient, and prepared for adulthood
Building Resilience and Well-being Through Everyday Actions
Noon - 1:30 PM
Presented by: Suzanne Tough, PhD, Professor, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, and Faculty of the Max Bell Public Policy Training Institute
Jessica Walsh, MBBCh MSc, Manager, Owerko Centre, University of Calgary
In this inspiring webinar, we explore how resilience is about more than getting through hard times. Using the 3Rs: Routines, Resources, and Relationships, a framework built on decades of research, we share how simple actions can reduce the impact of stress and build a strong foundation for a healthy, fulfilling life. These everyday practices can help us feel our best and support the well-being of those around us.