Conference Information

This is a frank and hilarious account of how it took Jessica Holmes two years to get diagnosed as depressed. It started small: she resented “fun stuff” like girls night out, developed a loathing for words like “wellness,” and avoided foods that promised to prolong her life. Even when she yawned her way through an emceeing job for Oprah Winfrey it didn’t sound any alarms for her.

In the nearly two years that she transitioned from “cheerleader” to “zombie”, she hadn’t taken stock of how far she had veered from her ideal life of fulfilment and gratitude.

Jessica’s story, which has a deeply happy ending, relates to anyone who has ever been on a downhill trajectory, whether with health, relationships, or career, who forgot to stop and ask “where am I?” She weaves comedy, characters and music in and out of the presentation to bring levity to a serious subject. She has written about her experience with depression and anxiety in her humorous new book, also called Depression The Comedy.

Robyne Hanley-Dafoe’s talk introduces the concept of resiliency from a broad world view that incorporates five key areas. Sharing from her experiences traveling through Central America, the Middle East, and North America, Hanley-Dafoe reviews what children and adults have in common that contributes to resiliency, and what we can do in our own lives to foster resiliency within ourselves and others.  Hanley-Dafoe’s talk highlights practical strategies and ideas that are grounded in optimal stress, resourcefulness, and the importance of continued goal setting. Using narrative pedagogy, Hanley-Dafoe’s talk shares candid encounters with resiliency that are research informed and readily available to all of us

 Gang prevention has become a critical component of discussions surrounding public safety, law enforcement, and inequality all over the world. After three years of research, project management, and initiatives exploring a feasible gang exit strategy, Detective Constable Ron Chhinzer will bring to light the key risk factors that a child faces that can result in gang membership and participation. Detective Constable Chhinzer will also discuss what can be done to potentially mitigate the risks and reduce gang membership and violence.

Youth who know they have a caring adult looking out for them are more likely to succeed in school and less likely to be involved in crime, drugs, and gangs. But how do we ensure that we are connecting with every child? This presentation will give teachers and caregivers practical strategies to help students feel welcome and celebrated. Anthony McLean will challenge everyone to think through the tone of voice, body language, and approach to discipline they are using. Caregivers will be reminded that “the kids who need love the most will ask for it in the most unloving ways.” Overall, this is a passionate plea for all to see the powerful role they play in shaping the lives of children and youth.