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The Saskatoon Conference on Behavioural, Developmental & Emotional Challenges with Children & Adolescents

Presented by Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R. Psych and Steven G. Feifer, D.Ed., ABSNP and Varleisha D. (Gibbs) Lyons, Ph.D, OTD, OTR/L

Monday, November 4, 2024 – Wednesday, November 6, 2024  |  Saskatoon, sk


Download Brochure (.PDF)  

Date & Location

Monday, November 4, 2024 – Wednesday, November 6, 2024

8:30am – 4:00pm

Hilton Garden Inn Saskatoon Downtown

90 22 St E, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3X6

phone:  (306) 244-2311

website:  hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/saskatchewan/hilton-garden-inn-saskatoon-downtown-YXESDGI/index.html

 Full map & directions


Registration on this page is for live in-person attendance only. To attend virtually please register here: https://webinars.jackhirose.com/product/saskatoon-educators/

Live In-Person Conference

  • Complimentary tea, coffee and assorted pastries
  • On-site exhibitors

Please note, in-person registration does not include access to the live stream or recorded footage.

Live Stream from Home

  • This conference will be live streaming from Saskatoon, SK to online participants on November 4 – 6, 2024 from 8:30am – 4:00pm CT
  • Recorded footage and all course content will be available until December 9, 2024
  • Please allow 3 – 5 business days after the conference has ended for recorded footage to become available
  • More information & live stream registration: https://webinars.jackhirose.com/product/saskatoon-educators/

Option Lunch Add-On

Price: $35.79 per day. Price includes tax and gratuity (18% gratuity and 11% GST/PST).

Menu:

A selection of a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches

Limited quantities are available. Must pre-buy during registration, not available at the door. Individuals with strict dietary needs or preferences can pre-order lunch off the menu through the hotel restaurant. Lunch buffets are non-refundable, no refund or credit will be granted under any circumstance.


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.


Agenda


Day One – November 4, 2024


Proven Brief Interventions to Help Students with Emotional and Behavioural Problems
Presented by Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R. Psych

8:30am - 11:45am   November 4, 2024

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Every child and teen experiences emotional ups and downs and engages in challenging behaviours from time to time. Though frustrating, these reactions are an important part of development for all kids. However, these outbursts become a problem when they happen frequently, when they are excessive, and when they begin to impair a child or youth’s functioning.

Emotional and behavioural challenges have increased drastically among children and adolescents over the years with alarmingly high prevalence rates. Unfortunately, most go without effective support, which makes them susceptible for developing severe emotional and/or behavioural disorders that impair their social and emotional well-being, relationships, and development.

Early intervention and treatment are critical to support children and teen’s social, emotional, and behavioural well-being and reduce future risk. Although teachers, parents, and mental health professionals know they need to help, they aren’t always confident in how to do so – especially in the heat of the moment. They may have tried different strategies, but with limited success. Thankfully, these children and teens can be supported easily with the right tools and know-how.

This dynamic workshop is vital for anyone working with children and teens. Participants will develop an understanding of what is going on for children and teens, what happens when the demands on them outweigh their capacity to cope, the underlying needs they have, and the function of an emotional or behavioural meltdown. Participants will also learn the typical strategies adults use when they are trying to help but instead makes the situation worse. Importantly, they will learn what is truly effective (hint: it’s not behaviour charts) to promote positive behaviours and emotion regulation proactively, before an emotional or behavioural blowout occurs, and reactively, in the heat of the moment. With these strategies, participants will help children and teens build their capacity to manage their emotions and behaviours successfully across contexts.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Understand the unique stress kids and teens face and their underlying needs
  • Identify the function of behaviours and emotions and typical adult traps that escalate emotional reactions and problematic behaviours
  • Learn how to respond effectively when big emotions/behaviours show up and promote emotion regulation and positive behaviours
Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R. Psych

Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R. Psych, is a Psychologist. Mother. International Speaker. Yoda of Anxiety. Neurodivergent Superhero. Changer of Lives. She is a dynamic force in the field of psychology, dedicating nearly three decades to transforming the lives of children, teens,…

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Worried & Distressed: Dealing with Anxiety Disorders in School Age Children
Presented by Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R. Psych

12:45pm - 4:00pm   November 4, 2024

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

Think you’ve mastered everything you need to know about anxiety management? Think again – you might be surprised!

When it comes to supporting anxious students, most adults unknowingly perpetuate ineffective methods. For instance, do you provide accommodations to students to help relieve their anxiety? Do you advocate deep breathing or relaxation techniques as anxiety-busting strategies? If so, you may be unwittingly making student anxiety stronger.

Anxiety is at epidemic levels among children and teens. However, it is highly treatable when you know how to support students in helpful ways. This workshop is vital for every educator and school mental health professional committed to mastering their understanding of emotional health and to making a real difference in the lives of anxious students.

Revolutionize Your Approach to Enhance Student Well-Being

This is not just another workshop on anxiety – it’s a game-changer in mental health and education. Through practical applications and interactive learning, you will be equipped to support not just individual students but the entire classroom in managing anxiety and other big emotions while fostering emotional resilience.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

  • Transform your understanding of anxiety and emotional health
  • Uncover the key pathways and what perpetuates anxiety in students
  • Challenge conventional methods that inadvertently perpetuate anxiety
  • Equip yourself as an effective anxiety/emotion regulation coach to promote resilient, confident, and well-adjusted students
  • Understand the core skills that EVERY student needs to learn for emotional well-being
  • Walk away with an arsenal of practical tools and strategies that truly work
  • Learn to apply strategies immediately to support the whole classroom, creating an inclusive and emotionally supportive learning environment
  • Gain insights on fostering classroom culture that encourages emotional well-being, resilience, and collective growth

Day Two – November 5, 2024


Fostering Social Emotional Learning Skills in Students
Presented by Steven G. Feifer, D.Ed., ABSNP

8:30am - 11:45am   November 5, 2024

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In the wake of the global pandemic, the mental health landscape in Canada has undergone significant challenges, particularly among children and adolescents. This workshop delves into the impact of mental health conditions on academic performance and social-emotional well-being in young learners. Through a comprehensive exploration of assessment strategies, intervention techniques, and classroom accommodations, participants will gain insights into fostering emotional growth and resilience in students. From understanding the prevalence of emotional disabilities to dissecting the neurological underpinnings of stress and trauma, this course equips educators with practical tools to support students’ holistic development.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be equipped with actionable strategies to create nurturing environments that prioritize emotional wellness, thereby fostering academic success and social competence in children and adolescents.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

  • Discuss the prevalence of children with emotional disabilities in Canada.
  • Explore the intricate relationship between emotional wellness and successful academic performance.
  • Examine key brain regions impacted by stress, anxiety, and depression in students.
  • Analyze the subsequent effects on both academic and social skills’ development.
  • Review various assessment options tailored for students grappling with emotional dysregulation.
  • Introduce the FACT scale as a tool for assessing the impact of stress and trauma on academic and social-emotional functioning.
  • Explore a repertoire of classroom accommodations designed to support students with emotional self-regulation issues.
  • Discuss social-emotional learning options and targeted classroom interventions aimed at promoting resilience and well-being.
Steven G. Feifer, D.Ed., ABSNP

Steven G. Feifer, D.Ed., ABPdN is dually trained as both a nationally certified school psychologist and board certified pediatric neuropsychologist, having completed research stints at the National Institutes of Health.   Dr. Feifer has earned numerous distinctions throughout his career including…

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Proven Interventions to Help Children & Adolescents with Reading and Writing Difficulties
Presented by Steven G. Feifer, D.Ed., ABSNP

12:45pm - 4:00pm   November 5, 2024

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This intensive 3-hour course delves into the cognitive neuroscience behind language-based learning disorders in children and adolescents. Participants will explore reading and writing disorders through a brain-based educational lens, gaining insights into classification, assessment, and intervention strategies.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

  • Differentiate between developmental dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other learning disorders.
  • Introduce a brain-based educational model for understanding reading and writing disorders, classifying each into basic subtypes with linked remediation strategies.
  • Discuss the impact of the pandemic on student achievement and the importance of diagnostic achievement tests.
  • Analyze case studies to differentiate weaker learners from students with learning disabilities and develop targeted interventions for struggling learners.
  • Examine cognitive constructs such as phonemic awareness, working memory, executive functioning, and orthographical processing skills.
  • Review assessment tools like the Feifer Assessment of Reading (FAR) and Writing (FAW) batteries for diagnosing reading and writing disorders.

Day Three – November 6, 2024


Self-Regulation & Mindfulness for the Classroom: Practical Strategies and Interventions
Presented by Varleisha D. (Gibbs) Lyons, Ph.D, OTD, OTR/L

8:30am - 11:45am   November 6, 2024

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Embark on an illuminating journey with sought-after occupational therapist Dr. Varleisha (Gibbs) Lyons, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, FAOTA, as she guides you through a transformative six-hour workshop experience. Dr. Lyons will delve into the foundations of selecting appropriate interventions for students exhibiting challenging behaviors, including hyperactivity, aggressiveness, self-stimulatory behaviors, and inattentiveness, among others.

In this workshop, participants will be ignited by the revelations uncovered in Dr. Lyons’ evidence-based presentation. Through a simplistic yet profound exploration, attendees will gain a deep understanding of the connection between neuroscience and classroom performance, particularly in terms of self-regulation and sensory processing.

Additionally, participants will be introduced to the Classroom Self-Regulation and Mindfulness program, a cutting-edge approach designed to empower educators and therapists in fostering self-regulation skills among students.

Throughout this immersive workshop, attendees will navigate the intricacies of neurobiology and its intersection with various sensory strategies, techniques, and equipment used when working with children facing challenges with self-regulation. Diagnoses such as sensory processing disorder, trauma, autism, and ADHD will be addressed, with treatment techniques including mindfulness, social skill programs, music and movement, and respiratory-based approaches thoroughly analyzed.

Join Dr. Varleisha (Gibbs) Lyons on this enlightening journey as we unlock the keys to promoting self-regulation and sensory processing in the classroom, leaving equipped with invaluable insights and actionable strategies for transformative change.

Show more

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

  • Gain comprehensive knowledge of the neuroscience underpinning self-regulation and sensory processing as it pertains to classroom performance.
  • Summarize the characteristics of sensory processing challenges and their related diagnoses.
  • Understand the neurological components relevant to both diagnosis and treatment.
  • Explore the cause-and-effect relationships between intervention techniques and their neurological impact.
  • Describe the evidence supporting current intervention techniques tailored for the classroom setting.
Varleisha D. (Gibbs) Lyons Ph.D, OTD, OTR/L

Varleisha D. (Gibbs) Lyons Ph.D, OTD, OTR/L is the Vice President of Practice Engagement and Capacity Building at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Prior to joining AOTA, she served as the Scientific Programs Officer at the American Occupational Therapy Foundation.…

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More information: www.drvgibbs.com



CONTINUATION | Self-Regulation & Mindfulness for the Classroom: Practical Strategies and Interventions
Presented by Varleisha D. (Gibbs) Lyons, Ph.D, OTD, OTR/L

12:45pm - 4:00pm   November 6, 2024

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Embark on an illuminating journey with sought-after occupational therapist Dr. Varleisha (Gibbs) Lyons, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, FAOTA, as she guides you through a transformative six-hour workshop experience. Dr. Lyons will delve into the foundations of selecting appropriate interventions for students exhibiting challenging behaviors, including hyperactivity, aggressiveness, self-stimulatory behaviors, and inattentiveness, among others.

In this workshop, participants will be ignited by the revelations uncovered in Dr. Lyons’ evidence-based presentation. Through a simplistic yet profound exploration, attendees will gain a deep understanding of the connection between neuroscience and classroom performance, particularly in terms of self-regulation and sensory processing.

Additionally, participants will be introduced to the Classroom Self-Regulation and Mindfulness program, a cutting-edge approach designed to empower educators and therapists in fostering self-regulation skills among students.

Throughout this immersive workshop, attendees will navigate the intricacies of neurobiology and its intersection with various sensory strategies, techniques, and equipment used when working with children facing challenges with self-regulation. Diagnoses such as sensory processing disorder, trauma, autism, and ADHD will be addressed, with treatment techniques including mindfulness, social skill programs, music and movement, and respiratory-based approaches thoroughly analyzed.

Join Dr. Varleisha (Gibbs) Lyons on this enlightening journey as we unlock the keys to promoting self-regulation and sensory processing in the classroom, leaving equipped with invaluable insights and actionable strategies for transformative change.

Show more

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

  • Gain comprehensive knowledge of the neuroscience underpinning self-regulation and sensory processing as it pertains to classroom performance.
  • Summarize the characteristics of sensory processing challenges and their related diagnoses.
  • Understand the neurological components relevant to both diagnosis and treatment.
  • Explore the cause-and-effect relationships between intervention techniques and their neurological impact.
  • Describe the evidence supporting current intervention techniques tailored for the classroom setting.

Registration & Fees

Registration Early bird Fee Regular Fee
Individual 1 Day Enrollment $289.00 $309.00
Individual 2 Day Enrollment $489.00 $509.00
Individual 3 Day Enrollment $699.00 $719.00
Group 3-7 $659.00 $679.00
Group 8-14 $639.00 $659.00
Group 15+ $619.00 $639.00
Full-Time Student $619.00 $639.00

All fees are per person and in Canadian Dollars ($CAD)

Fees do not include applicable taxes (5% GST).

Early bird cutoff date: October 21, 2024
To receive the early bird rate, registration and payment must be received by Monday, October 21, 2024.


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.


Register Online     Register your Group


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.


Brochure (.PDF)  


Exhibitors are welcome at this event. We are pleased to offer sponsorship opportunities to businesses and organizations that provide services related to nursing, psychotherapy, addictions treatment, counselling, marriage & family therapy, psychology and other related fields.
More information


Recommended Accommodation

Hilton Garden Inn Saskatoon Downtown

90 22 St E, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3X6

phone:  (306) 244-2311

website:  hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/saskatchewan/hilton-garden-inn-saskatoon-downtown-YXESDGI/index.html

 Full map & directions


Our rates:

Call: Please contact the hotel directly for current group rates, when booking please reference “Jack Hirose & Associates”. To make a reservation over the phone, please call 306 244-2311.

Email: Email your reservation request to hgisaskatoon@gmail.com

Double Queen & King Rooms: $159.00 plus tax per night

Parking: $15.95 plus tax

*please note, room reservations are subject to availability*

Please keep in mind when booking Jack Hirose and Associates corporate guest rooms, reservations booked for most hotels can be cancelled within 48 hours. If you are booking guest rooms through third-party websites in many instances the reservations booked cannot be cancelled.



When booking hotel rooms, ask for the Jack Hirose and Associates corporate rate. To receive our corporate rate, rooms must be booked one month prior to the workshop date. Please keep in mind hotel rates may fluctuate.


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.