CES Sessions
All sessions are offered at no cost.
Building knowledge and community for child and adolescent mental health research ***please register using the poster only***
Noon - 1:00 PM
Please come and Join:
Dr. Paul Arnold, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Dr. Susan Graham, PhD, RPsych
Dr. Signe Bray, PhD
Dr. Whitney Hindmarch, PhD
Dr. Chad Bousman, MPH, PhD
Dr. Kara Murias , MD, PhD, FRCPC
Stephanie Howe, MSc
Understanding mental health and how to best treat concerns starts with research. At the University of Calgary, Mental Health Research 4 Kids aims to improve knowledge and treatment of child and adolescent (0-18 years of age) mental health concerns. The program supports connecting researchers with young people and their families around mental health research. Our research studies are learning more about mental health and how the brain works, testing promising new therapies and treatment options, discovering links between mental health and genetics, and exploring access to Calgary mental health services. This 1-hour session will provide more information about the program, the importance of mental health research, some of our research studies, and how you can get involved.
For researchers
• Learn about the research infrastructure Mental Health Research 4 Kids offers and how we can support your work.
• Find out how you can get involved with Mental Health Research 4 Kids.
For youth and families
• Learn about the importance of mental health research to improve knowledge and treatment.
• Find out about some of the exciting child and adolescent mental health research studies happening with Mental Health
Research 4 Kids.
• Discover how to support and get involved with mental health research.
Cherishing Parenthood: Understanding and Coping with Postpartum Emotions ***please register using the poster only***
10:30 AM - Noon
Presenters:
Sumeet Kalsi, Dip. in Early Childhood Development & Education, Parent Caregiver Support Services Coordinator, Strathmore/Chestermere Family Resources Network
Erika Tracey, Dip. Addictions, Early Childhood Development Resource Network Specialist, Trellis
The postpartum period is an intricate tapestry of emotions, woven with the threads of joy, exhaustion, love, and vulnerability. New mothers often find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster as they navigate the profound changes that come with bringing a new life into the world and having their relationships change. Amidst the euphoria of welcoming their bundle of joy, there can be moments of overwhelming fatigue, self-doubt, and a spectrum of emotions that may catch them by surprise. Hormonal fluctuations, coupled with the demands of caring for a newborn, create a unique emotional landscape. It's crucial for new mothers to recognize and embrace this range of feelings, seeking support when needed, and understanding that these emotions are a natural part of the transformative journey into motherhood.
Stress, Stigma, and Safety: Building Supportive Communities for Youth ***please register using the poster only***
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Presented by: Agnes Chen, Registered Nurse, Founder and Executive Director, Starlings Community
In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week and its focus on community, this session is 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.
Stress Management for Children and Youth ***please register using the poster only***
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Presented by: Ruta Vilunaite, MSW, RSW, Youth Facilitator, Closer to Home Community Services
Participants will learn:
- Signs of stress and how to recognize them
- Support for kids and teens in stress management
- Stress sources and levels
- How stress affects our body and mental health
The Science of Newborn Sleep: Unlocking Gentle Sleep Foundations (0-4 Months) ***please register using the poster only***
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Presenter:
Mary MacLeod, MSc, Community Health, Cumming School of Medicine, Director of Research Family Sleep Institute, Founder of De Somno, Member of – International Pediatric Sleep Association, Behavioural Sleep Medicine Association, International Association of Child Sleep Consultants
This presentation will review:
• Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns – Newborn Sleep Cycles, the role of active vs. quiet sleep, and why short sleep stretches are normal.
• Biological Sleep Foundations – Gentle ways to support healthy sleep habits, and establishment of baby’s circadian rhythm.
• Gentle Soothing and Sleep Strategies – Responsive techniques, white noise, and cues to encourage sleep.
• Common Sleep Challenges and Solutions – Managing day/night confusion, short sleep, colic, and practical tips to improve sleep for baby and you.
Helping Youth With Their Future ***please register using the poster only***
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Presented by: Landon Burns, B.A, Youth Facilitator, Closer to Home Community Services
We will be discussing how to help refine a youth's views on the future and help them achieve their dreams/goals. We will also be discussing the importance of communication between adults and youth, as well as supports that exist for parents and youth.
Digital Dilemma: The Impact of Screens, Social Media, and Gaming on Youth ***please register using the poster only***
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Presented by the Community Health Promotion Services Team, Recovery Alberta.
In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere—but what impact do they have on youth? This session will explore the effects of social media, video gaming, and screen time on key areas of life, including mental health, social connections, and overall well-being. We’ll discuss evidence-based insights on both the risks and benefits of digital engagement, as well as practical strategies for fostering a balanced approach. Join us for a meaningful conversation on how to support young people in developing healthy screen habits while strengthening real-world connections.
Dyslexia Essentials ***please register using the poster only***
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Presented By:
Tanya Keto, Registered Psychologist
AVERY Family and School Psychology Services
This presentation is suited for both caregivers of children/youth and educators working with children/youth.
Occurring in an estimated 5-15% of the population, Dyslexia refers to individuals who have foundational and often extreme difficulties with reading, spelling, and writing. These difficulties span academic settings and grades and can impact reading comprehension, the development of vocabulary, and the ability to spell and communicate in writing. Educators and caregivers play a critical role in the trajectory and outcomes of students with Dyslexia, and there is so much we can do to help these kids and alter their trajectories.
In this session we will discuss:
• Red flags
• Diagnosis, statistics, and developmental trajectory of students with Dyslexia.
• Cognitive processes involved in reading.
• Evidence-based Tier 2 and 3 interventions.