Ross Greene, Ph.D.

Ross W. Greene, Ph.D., is the originator of the Collaborative Problem Solving approach (now known as Collaborative & Proactive Solutions), as described in his influential books The Explosive Child and Lost at School.  Having served on the teaching faculty at Harvard Medical School for over 20 years, he is currently adjunct associate professor in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech and Director of the non-profit Lives in the Balance (www.livesinthebalance.org), which provides free, web-based resources on his model and advocates on behalf of behaviorally challenging kids and their parents, teachers, and other caregivers.  He lectures widely throughout the world and lives in Portland, Maine, with his wife and two kids.

Testimonials

“The world is a better place because of your efforts to bring understanding to behaviourally challenged children. Thank you.”
-Edmonton, AB | April 14 – 16, 2014

“Amazing presentation and speaker! Best training I’ve been to since Grad School!”
-Oakville, ON | May 28 – 30, 2014

“Ross’s work is so excellent and so helpful. He always helps me to be a better psychologist for people with unsolved problems.”
-Dr. Allan | Oakville, ON | May 28 – 30, 2014

 

“Dr. Greene’s philosophy has hugely impacted my practices.”
-Lisa Bellireau | Edmonton, AB | April 14 – 16, 2014

“I found the three day training to be exceptional. Dr. Greene has given me a great deal to think about and put into practice. Thank you for varying the content and providing a pace that would allow reflection.”
-Edmonton, AB | April 14 – 16, 2014

“Very engaging speaker to bring clarity to complex issues.”
-Edmonton, AB | April 14 – 16, 2014

 

“Ross Greene is a phenomenal speaker. I could attend everything he would be presenting. He is amazing in content, presentation and interaction with the class. This subject will change my life with my wife and son.”
-Ross L | Edmonton, AB | April 14 – 16, 2014

 

“Amazing tone, pace and presence!”
-Oakville, ON | May 28 – 30, 2014

 

“My only regret is that my staff members are not here with me. This workshop was very informative. I thank you for sharing your knowledge.”
-Oakville, ON | May 28 – 30, 2014

 

“This was an incredible three days – I learned a lot about the program and even more about myself. I look forward to the opportunity to use this at my school.”
-Edmonton, AB | April 14 – 16, 2014

“Great course! For working with kids with disabilities (and their families), and also having my own child with challenging behavior – this model just makes sense!”
-Lindsay C (McMan Youth Family & Community)| Edmonton, AB | April 14 – 16, 2014

“Ross’ problem-solving approach is inspiring and refreshing. I felt like I was sitting in a room on the brink of a revolutionary movement of ideas for helping students solve their emotional problems.”
– Langley, BC | May 21, 2015

“Thank you! A common-sense approach that should be mandatory for every educator and teaching candidate! As well, every parent should use this approach to help develop well-adjusted children.”
– Scott Sieben, Principal | Langley, BC | May 21, 2015

 

Christine Dargon, Ph.D.

Christine Dargon, Ph.D., Christine is a retired psychologist. She continues her work teaching as college faculty for almost 30 years at two universities. She consults and now owns a health and wellness center, with two locations in Northern  AZ, focusing on integrative techniques to help individuals of all ages such a yoga, meditation, mindfulness, breath work and much more. She continues to also train professionals in play therapy and sand tray interventions.

Testimonials

“Dr. Dargon was superb! She was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Thanks for a rewarding, educational day.”
– Heather Guillou | Langley, BC | November 20-22, 2017

“All three days were wonderfully informative. Your energy and enthusiasm was so welcoming. Your passion and depth of knowledge on all topics explored was clearly evident. I love all the practical take-away pieces, scripts and resource links + tools provided. Thanks so much.”
– Erica Mackinnon | Halifax, NS | June 7-8, 2017

“Christine is very engaging! By far the best workshop I’ve ever attended. She focuses on practical concept and not boring theories!”
– Ottawa, ON | June 5, 2017

“This workshop (especially the importance of play part) should be required to all school teachers/ staff to attend. Parents have to be reminded too of the importance of play through … media, school, church, etc. Super love it! Awesome Dr. Dargon!”
– Edmonton, AB | May 1-2, 2017

“Thank you for the excellent, insightful, entertaining presentation. The skills you touched on today will be very useful for my work with children and teens on the autism spectrum!”
– Michael | Kelowna, BC | April 20, 2017

“Christine is a warm effective, interesting presenter. Dr. Dargon is approachable, this is rare but so important. I felt a part of the day, not just a listener. Christine makes a point to know and address participants by their name – wow! Made her approachable. Christine provided real life examples – interesting and important. Christine provided useful sites, books.”
– Halifax, NS | June 6, 2017

“I really liked this workshop! It was great that multiple forms of play therapy were touched on. The speaker was clear, engaging and answered all questions.”
– Ottawa, ON | June 5, 2017

“She was excellent! Hope she comes back so colleagues can learn from her. So many resources she shared – Open to use even after conference. ‘Sure send me a student’s drawing if you ever have a question.'”
– Debra Rarog | Winnipeg, MB | May 4, 2017

“Excellent presentation. Give real tools that can be used at school. Practical strategies that can address special issues. Love how Christine makes it easy to understand.”
– Edmonton, AB | May 1-2, 2017

“Excited to take this back + work will my kids in elementary. Huge eye opener. Thank you very impressed.”
– Edmonton, AB | May 1-2, 2017

“What a full day. Christine was great. She captured the attention of the audience and is super resourceful and fun. I will definitely use some of what I learned today to add to my current way of working therapeutically with my students.”
– Shayla | Victoria, BC | April 21, 2017

“Great energy and knowledge extended, great humour. Welcoming experience. Interesting, look forward to applying in session work!”
– Michele Gardiner | Kelowna, BC | April 20, 2017

“Wonderful and captivating speaker! Lots of great ideas that we will be trying.”
– Serena Ginter | Kelowna, BC | April 20, 2017

“Instructor is very dynamic. Would definitely take more workshops facilitated by Christine. Lots of useful examples and very animated/passionate.”
– Kelowna, BC | April 20, 2017

“Christine was an engaging speaker. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her and all the information she provided. Christine shared practical techniques and approaches with sound reasoning. She presented in an understandable and friendly manner. Excellent workshop! I feel like I can start with my new learning right away.” 
– Edmonton, AB | May 26, 2016

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.  He has more than 20 years of experience working directly in public education, and is currently in private practice assessing children in Frederick, Maryland.  Dr. Feifer has earned numerous distinctions throughout his career including being awarded the Maryland School Psychologist of the Year, the National School Psychologist of the Year, and recently the Legends of School Psychology award.  He remains a popular speaker at many state, national, and international conferences, and has authored eight books on learning and emotional disorders in children.  Lastly, Dr. Feifer has also authored three tests on diagnosing learning disabilities in children, all of which are published by PAR.

Testimonials

 “I love the speaker. He knows how to engage the audience and keep us focused. Interesting and applicable info and stories, very organized and will timed presentation.”
– Richmond, BC | December 2, 2019

“This professional learning workshop was very targeted and well organized. The presenter was well prepared and very knowledgeable. He explicitly connected the neuropsychology and the intervention piece. A very worthwhile and informative session.”
– Calgary, AB | November 1 – 2, 2018

“Very good presentation. Thorough scientific content. Very clear about information. Afternoon presentation, very clear, excellent content. This is a deeply competent, expert + well informed.”
– Langley, BC | November 20 – 22, 2017

“Congratulations Dr. Feifer on being one of the first American presenters I have heard who took the time to do research + make slides with Canadian info + statistics, when presenting in Canada!”
– Langley, BC | November 20 – 22, 2017

“Very engaging speaker – obviously passionate about what he does. Fantastic balance of theory/practical applications. Visual format of slides were easy to see/follow plus he used to guide his discussions but didn’t read off them. Feifer made the audience feel at ease and welcome to ask questions.”
– Saskatoon, SK | May 10 – 12, 2017

“Thank you so much for an interesting workshop. I enjoyed the information because the neuropsychology aspect is so important to why and where we need to go with literacy interventions.”
– Tracie McDonald | Winnipeg, MB | December 3, 2015

“Very much enjoyed Steven Feifer’s ability to translate neuropsychology concepts into practical insights.”
– Dan Ross | Calgary, AB | October 29, 2015

“Very well informed, important information, great sense of humour, and love of his area of study and the audience. Great!”
– Robert Paulet | Winnipeg, MB | December 3, 2015

“Presenter was excellent!”
– Winnipeg, MB | December 3, 2015

“Best workshop I’ve been to! Very practical and relevant to my needs with respect to my current caseload. Thank you!”
– Winnipeg, MB | December 3, 2015

“Dr. Feifer has helped me to solidify my understanding of how to assess and intervene on learning disabilities. I found this workshop to be extremely practical and I intend to use the information to improve my practice in school psychology.”
– Winnipeg, MB | December 3, 2015

Lynn Lyons, MSW, RSW

Lynn Lyons, MSW, RSW, is an internationally recognized psychotherapist, author, and speaker with a special interest in interrupting the generational patterns of anxiety in families. Her skill-based approach to anxiety focuses on the need to teach families about HOW anxiety works and what families can do to pull members out of the powerful “anxiety cult” that demands obedience to its need for certainty and comfort. Lynn’s approach uses humor, playful connection, and a constant focus on DOING, an umbrella strategy she has taught to thousands of professionals and families.

Lynn is the co-author with Reid Wilson of Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents and the companion book for kids Playing with Anxiety: Casey’s Guide for Teens and Kids. She is the author of Using Hypnosis with Children: Creating and Delivering Effective Interventions and has two DVD programs for parents and children.

 She maintains a private practice in Concord, New Hampshire where she sees families whenever she’s not on the road teaching. 

Testimonials

“As a mental health therapist and social worker, Lynn Lyons is the reason I attended. She was incredible. Beyond being a captivating presenter, I left with practical and tangible tools to integrate into my practice. More importantly, she changed my approach.”
– Lisa Greig | Saskatoon, SK | May 11, 2017

 

“Lynn is an excellent speaker and did a wonderful job of clarifying anxiety and worry. The way she personifies anxiety and worry makes so much sense, and I’m hopeful I can use this new lens in my classes and life.”
– Kerry Aiken | Saskatoon, SK | May 11, 2017

 

“Lynn Lyons is by far the best speaker I’ve ever seen/head on any topic related to mental health ever! Her info/materials are practical and useable immediately. Her research is exceptional, accurate + current. Her views + logic make complete sense for me both as an educator and a parent. She made me realized that I was doing everything wrong when dealing with students + my children with anxiety and it felt great. I feel prepared, happy + confident to help anxious students feel better about themselves, school and life.”
– Cary Gillman | Ontario, ON | May 4, 2017

“Lynn Lyons was amazing! She was very inspirational and funny! Very knowledgeable and millions of strategies/ideas to try.”
– Ontario, ON | May 4, 2017

 

“Lynn Lyons was an engaging and informative speaker – I loved listening to her speak! She made me really think about how I deal with my own anxiety and the anxiety in my students. She gave me new strategies to bring back to my classroom.”
– Alethea Doucet | Ontario, ON | May 4, 2017

“Very helpful insights and practical/applicable info! Thanks.”
– Saskatoon, SK | November 17, 2015

 

“Impressive Speaker. Informative. Real. Down to Earth. All ideas were so logical, and while probably really hard to do, doable! Thoroughly enjoyed this and learned so much both as an educator and as a parent, and as a spouse!”
– Maureen | Saskatoon, SK | November 17, 2015

 

“Very relevant and timely material to my practice. It is nice to have a professional/scholarly refresher on a subject that is becoming increasingly common. The co-presenters are excellent together and their deep knowledge and experience shows clearly.”
– Jarred M | Victoria, BC | April 16, 2014

 

“This workshop will be helpful to me both as a teacher and a parent. There are numerous strategies that I will implement in my classroom as well as my home to empower my own children. I even believe this will help me deal with anxiety issues that I have been experiencing in adult years.”
– Burnaby, BC | April 15, 2014

 

“What a refreshing look at dealing with anxiety. Very practical and useful steps to implement right away. Wilson and Lyons’ humour made looking at a tough topic easy to see and understand.”
– Kelowna, BC | April 14, 2014

 

“Awesome and hilarious. Learned so much – so applicable! Made me realize how enabling I am – but how to change that!”
– Anna | Saskatoon, SK | November 17, 2015

 

“Loved, loved, loved your presentation! I have really enjoyed the relevant stories and humour. I know I will be using these practical strategies tomorrow!”
– Victoria, BC | April 16, 2014

 

“Thank you for making a very sensitive topic one that we can use humour and laugh about. It really helped me understand anxiety with a different eye.”
– Victoria, BC | April 16, 2014

 

“Awesome presentation! Simple, clear and effective tools for practitioners and parents… perfect!”
– Ursula H (District Support Services) | Burnaby, BC | April 15, 2014

 

“The presenters were truly experts in their field. I walked away from the workshop with a whole new appreciation for the child with anxiety, and the healthcare professionals and teachers working with these children.”
– Burnaby, BC | April 15, 2014

 

“I liked two people with different styles, strengths and stories. The variation kept me more alert and attentive. Very good presentation.”
– Nancy Meyer, Ph.D. (Private Practice) | Burnaby, BC | April 15, 2014

 

“I was interested in this workshop because of the dual approach: providing strategies to work with children and parents. You delivered. Thank you.”
– Kelowna, BC | April 14, 2014

 

“It validated my current practices. I found this workshop informative and very useful in giving me some new tools when dealing with children with anxiety. The speakers were knowledgeable and entertaining. I feel empowered and energized. Thank you!”
– Burnaby, BC | April 15, 2014

 

“Great blend of expertise and humour. The timing and pace of the session maintained attention and interest. I would recommend the workshop and presenters to colleagues.”
– Gary Choo (Educator) | Victoria, BC | April 16, 2014

 

“This was so inspiring and made me reflect both on my practice and my personal life.”
– Victoria, BC | April 16, 2014

 

“This workshop will be helpful to me both as a teacher and a parent. There are numerous strategies that I will implement in my classroom as well as my home to empower my own children. I even believe this will help me deal with anxiety issues that I have been experiencing in adult years.”
– Burnaby, BC | April 15, 2014

 

“Refreshing, engaging and highly useful. Loved the stories, analogies and sense of humour!”
– Rhonda Laforge (Intensive Behaviour Teacher) | Victoria, BC | April 16, 2014

 

“This workshop was exactly what I needed to support my clients. Great examples and strategies that are ready to use.”
– Victoria, BC | April 16, 2014

 

“Loved it! The best workshop on anxiety I have attended (and I’ve been to A LOT!). Practical. Changed how I think about anxiety.”
– Burnaby, BC | April 15, 2014

 

“Very thought-provoking. Appreciated the roleplaying so that I could see/hear how I might speak with a student. Loved the humour, and recognized your real-life experience and passion.”
– Victoria, BC | April 16, 2014 

Lisa Ferentz, LCSW, DAPA

Lisa Ferentz, LCSW, DAPA, is a recognized expert in the strengths based, de-pathologized treatment of trauma and self-harm and has been in private practice since 1984. She presents workshops and keynote addresses nationally and internationally, and is a clinical consultant to practitioners and mental health agencies in the United States, Canada, England and Ireland. She has been an adjunct faculty member at several universities, and in 2007 founded “The Ferentz Institute,” which provides continuing education and state of the art training in trauma treatment to mental health professionals.

In 2009 she was voted the “Social Worker of Year” by the Maryland Society for Clinical Social Work. Lisa is the author of “Treating Self-Destructive Behaviours in Traumatized Clients: A Clinician’s Guide” (Routledge), now in its second edition, “Letting Go of Self-Destructive Behaviours: A Workbook of Hope and Healing” (Routledge), and “Finding Your Ruby Slippers: Transformative Life Lessons From the Therapists’ Couch.” (PESI)

Lisa hosted a weekly radio talk show, writes blogs and articles for websites on trauma, self-harm, and self-care, teaches on many webinars, and is a weekly contributor to Psychologytoday.com. You can follow Lisa’s work at www.theferentzinstitute.com, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Testimonials

“I really enjoyed this training. I thought the presenter was very knowledgeable about the topic, taught it well, and modelled some of the skills while teaching it. Very useful information that I believe I will be able to incorporate into my practice.”
– Fall 2017

“I enjoyed all of the lessons. Very useful information that will help me with my clients.”
– Brennan Lane | Fall 2017

“The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and I am able to take away many new techniques to use with my clients and try to incorporate them into my practice.”
– Aleisha Ross | Fall 2017

“I find Lisa to be empathetic and compassionate to treatment of individuals with trauma. I really liked her comments about no safety contracts and taking time pace to contain clients.”
– T Nelson | Fall 2017

“This was one of the best and most useful workshops I have ever experienced!”
– Fall 2017

Lynn Miller, Ph. D., R.Psych

Lynn D. Miller, Ph.D., Lic.Psych started her career as a classroom teacher, and then worked as a school counselor K-12 in the US and Canada. As the Myrne Nevison Prevention Research Professor at the University of British Columbia, she investigated anxiety at the entry to school in kindergarten and grade one. A noted leader in mental health issues of school aged children, she recently completed her term as President of the Anxiety Disorders Assoc. of Canada, 2010-2014 and 2018, and served as the President of the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (2004-2006).  Dr. Miller is known for her knowledge and clarity, sense of humor, compassion, and engaging speaking style.

Dr. Miller is a Licensed Psychologist,  Certified Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, and an Associate Professor Emeritus (retired) in the Education and Counseling Psychology and Special Education department at the University of British Columbia.  She has over 30 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings including hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, and private practice. She was a representative to Expert Round Table of BC Ministry of Child and Family Development on Mental Health, and helped plan how mental health services were offered in BC, with anxiety identification and service delivery to children and youth as the lead program. Her research team modified the evidence-based anxiety prevention curriculum (FRIENDS program) from its Australian form. This modified protocol is now in use across Canada, and endorsed by the World Health Organization.

She has trained hundreds of community mental health clinicians on anxiety identification and evidence-based interventions. She has given more than 400  presentations in North America, Scotland and Thailand, presenting research findings. She has written extensively about anxiety in youth from scholarly, peer-reviewed journals to local mental health newsletters. She has held several research grants, examining the effects of empirically supported approaches to child anxiety in the public school system. She has conducted research on other models of anxiety prevention programs in schools, including Taming Worry Dragons, Skills for Social and Academic Success, Cool Little Kids, as well as an enhanced program for Aboriginal children. In 2015, she received the Mid-level career awarded by the American Psychological Association for contributions to children’s and adolescents’ mental health.

Testimonials

“Thanks, Lynn. I feel like I can go back to my school with a lot of strategies/tools/confidence to deal with the numerous students who are struggling with anxiety!”
– Abbotsford, BC | April 22, 2016

“Lynn was phenomenal. I truly appreciate her applied approach to research based CBT techniques. They will be very useful in a school setting.”
– Stephanie Leithead | Kelowna, BC | April 21, 2016

“Outstanding!!! The material was very practical and useful as a clinician. Lynn was an excellent presenter – very engaging, authentic, and enjoyable!”
– Patti Fedar | Edmonton, AB | May 9, 2016

“Engaging and funny presentation – made me think creatively abut how to help kids and parents with anxiety.”
– Edmonton, AB | May 9, 2016

“So much great information. Very practical! Felt like I was drinking through a fire hose! Must review my notes to solidify learning! Thank you very much.”
– Abbotsford, BC | April 22, 2016

“Loved Lynn – excellent, engaging presenter. Tough to cover this much material in one day but she did a good job. I am so happy that this subject is getting more exposure. Anxiety in children needs more attention.”
– Vicky Qualie | Edmonton, AB | May 9, 2016

“I found the speaker very engaging, funny and very realistic about the types of anxiety/depression issues educators face and how we could actually help students with these issues. Very practical. I liked the holistic approach she had about the students we work with – spoke to family, school, and home stressors.”
– Edmonton, AB | May 9, 2016

“Lynn Miller delivered her information in a clear, well-organized and humorous manner that was easily digested.”
– Edmonton, AB | May 9, 2016

“Lynn’s humour and occasional light-heartedness was appreciated.”
– Abbotsford, BC | April 22, 2016

“Dr. Miller was engaging, highly knowledgeable, and professional. This workshop will enable me to better support my students and the parents I work with. Dr.Miller’s passion has inspired me to go ahead and pursue graduate studies in psychology. Would love to see Dr. Miller again in Calgary. Thank you.”
– Ivy Waite | Calgary, AB | May 4 & 5, 2015

“Lynn Miller was absolutely exceptional! It would be wonderful to have her back!”
– 2014 Alberta Conference on Children and Adolescence | Edmonton, AB | November 3 & 4, 2014

“Lynn was an excellent speaker, giving us useful tools and information in an entertaining way – with a handful of anecdotes and a hopeful theme for supporting those with anxiety.”
– 2014 Alberta Conference on Children and Adolescents | Edmonton, AB | November 3 & 4, 2014

“As a classroom teacher this workshop gave me a much deeper understanding of how to address anxiety in my classroom. I learned the basics of CBT in ways that gave me tools I could utilize with my students and gave me information and resources to provide to parents.”
– Christine | Calgary, AB | May 4 & 5, 2015

“Phenomenal! One of the best conferences I have been to! I would love to have her come and guest speak at our school and division!”
-Worries & Woes | Calgary, AB | May 4 & 5, 2015

“I appreciated your ability to be approachable and your willingness to create such a comfortable atmosphere. Strong, dynamic, humorous speaker with a no-nonsense attitude. Well done! Greatest professional development event I have been to thus far in my career and personal life.”
– Greg Duval | Calgary, AB | May 4 & 5, 2015

“Lynn is so engaging and informative. A must- do workshop.”
– Carolyn D., M.A | Calgary, AB | May 4 & 5, 2015

“Lynn is a very dynamic speaker who delivers thorough, yet useable strategies for helping anxious kids! I look forward to getting back to work and using my new knowledge!”
– Tara Loureiro, School Counsellor | Winnipeg, MB | June 4 – 5, 2015

Judy Willis, MD, M.Ed.

Judy Willis, MD, M.Ed., a board-certified neurologist combined her 15 years as a practicing neurologist with ten subsequent years as a classroom teacher to become a leading authority in the neuroscience of learning. With her unique background as both in neuroscience and education, she has written seven books about applying neuroscience research to classroom teaching strategies.

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa as the first woman graduate from Williams College, Willis attended UCLA School of Medicine where she was awarded her medical degree. She remained at UCLA and completed a medical residency and neurology residency, including chief residency. She practiced neurology for 15 years before returning to university to obtain her teaching credential and Master’s of Education degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She then taught in elementary and middle school for 10 years.

Dr. Willis has served on the adjunct faculty of the University of California Santa Barbara Graduate School of Education and travels nationally and internationally giving presentations, workshops, and consulting about learning and the brain. She has been interviewed by USA Today, Euronews, The Wall Street Journal, NBC News Education Nation, ABC Australia Radio, Lateline Australia, Popular Mechanics, Neurology Today, USA Today, Education Week, Parenting Magazine among others, and writes staff expert blogs for NBC News Education Nation, Edutopia, Psychology Today, and The Guardian. In 2011 she was selected by Edutopia as a “Big Thinker on Education.”