The Student Based Mental Health & Education Conference: Digital Wellness & AI, Trauma, Anxiety, ADHD & Resilience in a Changing World
Presented by Lisa Porter, DCP, CCC, CCS and Steven G. Feifer, D.Ed., ABSNP and Tracey Whittaker-Taggart, M.A.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 – Friday, November 20, 2026 | Saskatoon, sk
Date & Location
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 – Friday, November 20, 2026
8:30am – 4:00pm
Park Town Hotel
924 Spadina Crescent E
Saskatoon, SK S7K 3H5
Who Should Attend
Education and Clinical Professionals: All education and mental health or healthcare professionals who work with children or youth including, but not limited to K–12 Classroom Teachers, School Counsellors, Learning Assistance/Resource Teachers, School Administrators, School Paraprofessionals including Special Education Assistants, Classroom Assistants and Childcare Workers • All other professionals who support behavioural challenges and complex learning needs including but not limited to: Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Clinical Counsellors, Family Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Addiction Counsellors, Youth Workers, Mental Health Workers, Probation Officers and Community Police Officers.
Day One – November 18, 2026
Digital Wellness in the AI Era & AI in Action
Presented by
Lisa Porter, DCP, CCC, CCS
8:30am - 4:00pm November 18, 2026
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Navigating the Digital Future: AI, Wellbeing, and Human Connection Artificial intelligence, social media, smartphones, and other digital technologies are transforming how people learn, communicate, work, form relationships, and seek support. For educators, clinicians, therapists, and allied health professionals, these changes present both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. Understanding how to respond effectively has become an essential professional competency.
This engaging and practical workshop explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital wellness, education, and mental health. Drawing on current research, real-world examples, and hands-on demonstrations, participants will examine how emerging technologies are reshaping learning, wellbeing, communication, and professional practice across educational and clinical settings.
Participants will explore practical applications of AI that can enhance accessibility, support individualized learning and intervention, streamline administrative tasks, and foster creativity and engagement. At the same time, the workshop will examine the broader impacts of technology on mental health and human development, including concerns related to attention, anxiety, social comparison, sleep, emotional regulation, online relationships, and digital dependency.
The workshop will also address emerging issues that are increasingly relevant to educators and clinicians, including AI companionship, changing help-seeking behaviours, academic integrity in the age of generative AI, privacy and data security, and the ethical implications of integrating AI into educational and therapeutic environments. Participants will critically examine both the promises and limitations of these technologies while considering how to maintain professional judgment, ethical practice, and meaningful human connection.
Rather than framing technology as something to embrace uncritically or resist entirely, this workshop encourages a balanced and thoughtful approach. Participants will explore strategies for helping children, adolescents, and adults engage with digital technologies in healthy, purposeful, and responsible ways while leveraging the benefits these tools can offer.
Through case studies, discussion, demonstrations, and practical applications, attendees will leave with concrete strategies, useful resources, and a deeper understanding of how AI and digital technologies are shaping the future of education, mental health, and human connection.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Day Two – November 19, 2026
Trauma, Stress and Emotional Resilience: A Brain-Based Approach for Supporting Students
Presented by
Steven G. Feifer, D.Ed., ABSNP
8:30am - 4:00pm November 19, 2026
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
According to recent Canadian data, children and adolescents continue to face unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, trauma, and emotional challenges. These experiences can significantly affect brain development, learning, behaviour, attention, self-regulation, and social-emotional functioning. Educators are increasingly being called upon to recognize the impact of trauma and create learning environments that foster resilience, emotional well-being, and academic success.
This practical and engaging workshop, presented by Steven G. Feifer, explores the neuroscience of stress, trauma, and resilience through a brain-based lens. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how adverse experiences influence cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning, while learning evidence-informed strategies to support students in the classroom.
Drawing upon current research in neuropsychology, education, and child development, Dr. Feifer will provide practical interventions that help educators strengthen emotional regulation, promote resilience, improve school climate, and create trauma-sensitive learning environments where all students can thrive.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Examine current trends regarding stress, trauma, anxiety, and emotional well-being among school-aged children and adolescents.
- Understand how trauma and chronic stress affect brain development, executive functioning, learning, behaviour, and social-emotional development.
- Explore the relationship between attachment, resilience, self-regulation, and academic success.
- Identify common indicators of trauma and emotional distress within the classroom environment.
- Apply practical classroom accommodations and intervention strategies that support emotional regulation, resilience, and student engagement.
- Utilize evidence-based approaches to strengthen protective factors and foster positive mental health outcomes in children and adolescents.
- Create trauma-sensitive learning environments that promote safety, connection, belonging, and emotional growth.
- Examine the tenets of trauma-informed educational practice and their role in supporting academic achievement and student well-being.
Steven G. Feifer, D.Ed., ABPdN is dually trained as both a nationally certified school psychologist and board certified pediatric neuropsychologist. He has more than 20 years of experience working directly in public education, and is currently in private practice assessing children…
Day Three – November 20, 2026
Worry or Not to Worry or ADHD is All in Your Head
Presented by
Tracey Whittaker-Taggart, M.A.
8:30am - 4:00pm November 20, 2026
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Registration & Fees
| Registration | Super Early Bird Fee | Early Bird Fee | Regular Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE DAY ENROLLMENT | -- | ||
| Individual 1 Day Enrollment | $279.00 | $299.00 | $319.00 |
| 1 Day Group 3-7 | $229.00 | $249.00 | $269.00 |
| 1 Day Group 8-14 | $209.00 | $229.00 | $249.00 |
| 1 Day Group 15+ | $189.00 | $209.00 | $229.00 |
| 1 Day Full-Time Student | $189.00 | $209.00 | $229.00 |
| -- | |||
| TWO DAY ENROLLMENT | -- | ||
| Individual 2 Day Enrollment | $499.00 | $519.00 | $539.00 |
| 2 Day Group 3-7 | $459.00 | $469.00 | $489.00 |
| 2 Day Group 8-14 | $429.00 | $449.00 | $469.00 |
| 2 Day Group 15+ | $399.00 | $419.00 | $439.00 |
| 2 Day Full-Time Student | $399.00 | $419.00 | $439.00 |
| -- | |||
| THREE DAY ENROLLMENT | -- | ||
| Individual 3 Day Enrollment | $669.00 | $689.00 | $699.00 |
| 3 Day Group 3-7 | $619.00 | $639.00 | $659.00 |
| 3 Day Group 8-14 | $599.00 | $619.00 | $629.00 |
| 3 Day Group 15+ | $469.00 | $489.00 | $509.00 |
| 3 Day Full-Time Student | $469.00 | $489.00 | $509.00 |
All fees are per person and in Canadian Dollars ($CAD)
Fees do not include applicable taxes (5% GST).
Super early bird cutoff date: September 18, 2026
To receive the super early bird rate, registration and payment must be received by Friday, September 18, 2026.
Early bird cutoff date: October 18, 2026
To receive the early bird rate, registration and payment must be received by Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Please review our Registration Terms and Conditions for information on our cancellation policy, payment policies, rebates, and more. You must agree to our Terms and Conditions to register for a workshop or conference.
Downloads
All brochures and forms are provided in .PDF format.
If you are unable to open our files, we recommend downloading Adobe Reader for free.
Recommended Accommodation
Park Town Hotel
924 Spadina Crescent E
Saskatoon, SK S7K 3H5
Our rates:
Please contact the hotel directly for the best available rates.
Continuing Education Credits
This workshop has been formally approved by the following associations:
- Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
Jack Hirose & Associates is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Jack Hirose & Associates maintains responsibility for the program.
† The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers (NLASW) accept CPA-approved CEUs.
* Participants will receive a certificate of completion after every workshop. Workshops are pre-approved for 5.5 or 6 credits per day unless otherwise specified.
Please check back closer to the conference date for more information.
Related Events
There are no related events at this time.