Speakers & Session Information

résumé des orateurs (FR.)

Day 1 - Monday, August 11, 2025

Monday Evening Keynote Speaker

Tyler Hayden

Tyler Hayden has been a full-time professional speaker and innovative team builder for almost two decades. His business is personal development and non-traditional team-building programs. Tyler’s clients include some of the world’s largest corporations and associations. Groups such as the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), Project Management Institute (PMI), Bell, and Honeywell have all benefited from Tyler’s programs. Tyler is a Canadian Hall of Fame Speaker, team builder, and author. He has developed program solutions across industries in leadership, structured mentoring, team building, staff motivation, personal development, and quality improvement. Tyler is a bestselling author of over 28 books, educational programs, interactive CD-ROMs, board games, card games, apps, and more. His training materials have been sold worldwide, and he has delivered several thousand high-energy keynotes and train-the-trainer programs internationally. As a keynoter Tyler has spoken to groups ranging in number from 20 to 8,000. He delivers a professional presentation that ensures that the message is designed with the audience’s learning in mind. Tyler’s electric energy on stage is second to none– in fact some say he is our planet’s answer to alternative energy. Working with Tyler as a team builder and keynoter is fun. Whether he brings his 9-hole mini golf course, paints and canvas, or remote-control cars, his bag of tricks always delivers a great time! Tyler’s team events are high energy and information packed. Tyler works diligently beforehand along-side your team leads to ensure the delivery of consistent and powerful messages that resonate with your team. Finally, a description of Tyler would not be complete without a word about his greatest source of affluence: family. Tyler is a proud father of combined “Brady Bunch” family of 5 children. Tyler looks forward to building a loving family and continuing to make a difference in his quiet seaside community in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, where he operated the only in town farm and sat as a councillor on Town Council.

Keynote (Monday evening): Tyler Hayden

Title: Livin' Large: Connecting Todays Teams to Shape Tomorrows Leaders in Public Education

Description: Join us on a Content Rich, Humourous, Adventure with Canada’s answer to alternative energy Tyler Hayden CSP, HoF. Hall of Fame speaker Tyler Hayden will share some insights from his best-selling book Livin’ Life Large: Simple Actions that Create Success and The Business that Cared About People. You will feel like you too are swimming with Great White Sharks in Australia and Jumping off Cliffs in the Swiss Alps all the while rolling in the aisles with laughter as you learn techniques for better work life integration, connection with colleagues, and of course fun.

Tyler will remind us several simple management approaches including things like, "Energy goes where attention goes,” in which he will actively show us how to focus our team’s energy and harness our best leadership skills to effectively engage in a diverse and growing workforce in Public Education.

This presentation is about creating long-term life integration by living “every single moment of every single day.” In doing so we are able to effectively and efficiently balance the rigors that work and life throw our way. We explore this by learning about how to support each other, set goals/intentions, relationship building, recognizing opportunities, and so much more.

This presentation has been a hit at conferences and conventions from 50 to 8,000 people. It’s hilarious. It’s high-energy. It’s impactful. It’s 100 percent Tyler Hayden.

Learning Outcomes:

Learners will:

Discover 3 Team Building activities they can easily implement at work.
Investigate new ways of building and maintaining team relationships at work.
Explore how Productivity and Focus are driven by how we use our collective energy.

Day 2 - Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Tuesday Morning Opening Keynote Speaker

AND

Tuesday Morning Concurrent Session Speaker

Dane Jensen

Dane Jensen is the CEO of Third Factor, an acclaimed speaker, an instructor at Queen’s University and the University of North Carolina, a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review, and the author of The Power of Pressure (HarperCollins).

Dane oversees Third Factor’s delivery of leadership development programs to leading firms across North America including RBC, Asana, Microsoft, Starbucks, Pfizer, and others.

He teaches in the Full-Time and Executive MBAs at Queen’s Smith School of Business in Canada and is Affiliate Faculty with UNC Executive Development at the Kenan-Flagler Business School in Chapel Hill.

In addition to his corporate work, Dane works extensively with athletes, coaches, leaders and Boards across Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic sport system to enhance National competitiveness.

He has worked as an advisor to Senior Executives in 23 countries on 5 continents and is a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review.

Keynote (Tuesday Morning): Dane Jensen

Title: The Power of Pressure: Nail the Moments that Matter

Description:

How we navigate periods of intense pressure has a huge impact on the trajectory of our lives. It impacts how successful we are in our careers, how much we enjoy the journey, and how much regret we carry.

Drawing insights from his book, The Power of Pressure: Why Pressure Isn’t the Problem, It’s the Solution, Dane Jensen’s keynote address introduces three powerful strategies for using pressure as an advantage.

Audiences will hear unforgettable stories of pressure, learn practical skills for performing in peak moments and over the long haul, and come away with renewed energy for tackling the biggest sources of pressure in their lives.

In this Keynote, Participants are introduced to:

• How to use the ‘pressure equation’ of importance, uncertainty and volume to anticipate and prepare for pressure

• Strategies to nail the peak pressure moments that can make or break a big sale, a crucial meeting, or define a career

• Ways to maintain energy and motivation through long periods of sustained pressure to emerge with satisfaction and free from regret

Leadership Stream

Tuesday Morning & Afternoon Concurrent Session Speaker

Dr. Ashley Margeson

Dr. Ashley Margeson, ND, is a nationally recognized speaker, practitioner, and wellness strategist passionate about helping educators thrive—not just survive. As the co-owner of Cornerstone Naturopathic Inc and host of The Superwoman Code podcast, she blends science, humour, and practicality to help people put the life back into their lifestyles. With a decade of experience working with teachers and school leaders, Dr. Ashley specializes in burnout prevention, capacity-building, and stress resilience. Her work is grounded in the belief that wellness should support the reality of your season of life—not fight against it.

TITLE: Beyond Burnout: Building Capacity for Sustainable Leadership in Education

Description: This energizing session goes beyond bubble baths and boundaries to explore the real roots of burnout —and how school leaders can build true capacity to lead well. Dr. Ashley Margeson, ND, will guide participants through her framework model on energy management, burnout prevention, and seasonal wellness strategies tailored for the education lifecycle. Attendees will learn how to support themselves, each other and their teams with practical, sustainable tools that strengthen resilience and restore momentum. Come ready to reflect, laugh, and walk away with tangible strategies that work within the realities of school leadership today.

Tuesday Morning Concurrent Session Speaker

Rejean Willis

Dr. Rejean Willis, PhD (RSW, MSW, Clinical Specialist) is a proud Historical African Nova Scotian woman from Truro, NS, with deep roots in East Preston, Africville, Shelburne, and North Preston. Rajean holds both Bachelor and Master of Social Work Degrees from Dalhousie University. With twelve years of experience as a practicing social worker, she has worked extensively in community outreach and mental health settings, including clinical environments.

Rajean is the current Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Association of Black Social Workers. Rajean is also the founder of Rajean Willis Counselling and Consulting Services, her private practice offering both paid and pro-bono psychotherapy, alongside a diverse range of consulting services. She has been contracted by numerous organizations to provide keynote addresses, professional development training, peaceful dialogue and mediation interventions, content creation, and event hosting. Notably, Rajean was the creator and host of the inaugural Elevate & Explore Black Nova Scotia’s Women’s Wellness Retreat in 2021 and again in 2024.

Her professional journey extends beyond practice to encompass community and program development, research, writing, mentorship, facilitation, and therapeutic intervention. She is a TEDxMSVU Women speaker, having delivered a talk titled, “Tuning into Your Inner Resilience.” Rajean is also an accomplished author and researcher. Her doctoral research explored the experiences of race-based trauma with six African Nova Scotian individuals and the impact these experiences have had on their quality of life through the method of digital storytelling.

Embracing the role of "storycatcher," Rajean is a passionate storyteller and content creator. She has developed three multi-episode series with various partners and serves as an independent talk show host. She advocates for the importance of providing a platform for people’s stories to be shared and heard.

Rajean holds a doctorate in Educational Studies from Mount Saint Vincent University and was nominated as class valedictorian for the Spring 2025 convocation.

Above all, Rajean is a deeply spiritual being, as well as a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, and friend—cherishing every part of her holistic identity.

Title: Beyond the Books: Cultivating a Village of Care

Description: This session will consider a holistic approach to education that emphasizes relationships within schools and strengthening those within community while fostering positive identify and well-being with students. The role of care in creating meaningful learning environments will be explored. This session will contribute to all of the educational leadership standards, however, will have a particular focus on: Leading, Teaching and Learning; Leading a Collaborative Learning Culture; Leading a Safe and Positive Environment; Leading Engaging and Empowering Partners; Leading for Equity and Inclusion.

Tuesday Morning Concurrent Session Speakers

Department of Education & Early Childhood Development

(Team)

Annie Baert serves as the Executive Director of Student Services and Equity with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD). She has held several key positions with EECD, including Learning Disabilities Consultant and Director of Student Services. Annie has extensive experience working across government departments, community agencies, to develop partnerships and programs that promote the well-being of students and their families.

Andrew Coates serves as the Executive Director of Strategic Policy & Research and RCE Liaison at the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Since 2019, Andrew has been a key leader in the department, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in public policy acquired over 15 years in various provincial government roles. Andrew's work is dedicated to shaping strategic direction, guiding evidence-based decision-making, and fostering collaboration across the provincial government and education system.

Alicia Nolan

Title: Safe Schools

Description - This session is designed to align the provincial professional learning (PL) delivered to all school staff last spring with the upcoming sessions on September 3rd. The objective is to deepen administrators' understanding and enhance the consistent and strategic implementation of the Provincial School Code of Conduct across their schools. The specific focus will be on how administrators can implement positive behavioural interventions and supports to establish clear school-wide expectations through the sharing of the experiences of New Brunswick department staff and school administrators.

Tuesday Afternoon Concurrent Session Speaker

Glenn Thompson

Glenn Thompson is the Student Equity Consultant with Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education. Prior to this he was the School Climate and Relational Approach Consultant and a former high school English teacher and department head. Glenn has been responsible for coordinating the implementation of a relational approach within CCRCE working with bus drivers, teachers, administrators, senior management and community. Glenn believes strongly in a restorative approach. His current role allows him to work closely with system leaders and administrators as they attempt to address systemic barriers that exist within our education system. Glenn is committed to student equity and believes that creating conditions for building authentic relationships is the foundation of strong school communities and student achievement.

Title: Building a Sense of Community Through a Relational Approach

Description: Too often, people in education are asked to change their practice without a deep understand of the why behind the new practice. Often really good policies and initiatives do not reach their full potential because we have asked people to change a what without buying into the why. A sense of community in education is the foundation to a positive school climate and a safer school. When students and staff feel in community with each other they are more likely to be empathetic and engaged in their learning. In this session Glenn will discuss how using a relational approach as an educational leader can result in a greater sense of community. With a focus on the why behind the practice, Glenn will model strategies for staff meetings, student focus groups, community gatherings and more.

Tuesday Afternoon Concurrent Session Speakers

Rod Francis and Beth MacInnis

(Team)

Rod Francis was born and raised in Mi’kma’ki (the area also known as Newfoundland), where he worked for several years in Therapeutic Recreation and taught college-level courses. In 2009, Rod moved to Nova Scotia and began his career as a Regular Member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). During his service, he also worked as the Liaison Officer with the South Shore Regional Centre of Education (SSRCE). In this capacity, Rod played a key role in addressing and improving the historically strained relationship between the Mi’kmaw community and law enforcement. His efforts included creating an afterschool program with local Mi’kmaw youth and the broader community, as well as growing positive relationships with Mi’kmaw students within schools.

In July 2018, Rod retired from the RCMP and accepted the position of Coordinator of Mi’kmaw Education with SSRCE. As the first person to hold this position, he became a valued member of the SSRCE team, earning the respect of his colleagues at the regional office and across all schools. Rod’s passion for Mi’kmaw education led him to pursue a Master’s in Education from St. Francis Xavier University, specializing in Culturally Responsive Pedagogy.

From August 2021 to May 2025, Rod worked at the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) where he held the roles of Director and Acting Executive Director of Mi’kmaw Services Branch. It is there he advocated for Mi’kmaw students and promoted educational practices that support their well-being and success.

Rod is currently the Executive Director of Equity and Engagement with the Dept of Health and Wellness.

Beth has been curious about in/equity for much of her life. Her parents, both from New Waterford, came from different socioeconomic backgrounds, coal miners and merchants. From a young age Beth noticed that this greatly impacted how you were perceived and how you moved through the world. During her elementary school years Beth noticed inequities through her educational experiences at Scotchtown Elementary, located within a coal mining community, and those at Tower Road Elementary, located in affluent South End Halifax. As life unfolded so did her recognition of where she was situated in regard to gender, race, culture, sexual orientation and education deepening her understanding of in/equity. Supporting students, families, and staff in her role as Psychologist within the South Shore Regional Centre for Education grew her understanding of the many ways that inequity affects daily reality.

Beth currently works within Mi’kmaw Services Branch, Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development as Lead Equity Consultant supporting Equity in Action: Mi’kma’ki. This Etuaptmumk guided and community centred framework is bringing together Regional Education staff, EECD staff and Mi’kmaw Community members on a co-learning journey of recognizing, responding and redressing systemic bias, systemic racism and systemic privilege impacting the well-being and achievement of Mi’kmaw/Indigenous learners.

Title: Mi’kmaw Ways of Being & Knowing and Wholistic Educational Success

Description: Within Mi’kmaw education is the understanding that the well-being of the child is the heart of learning at all times. Ancestors and Elders share that well-being is nurtured and nourished across a lifelong learning journey through wholistic experiences which grow understandings of who am I, where do I come from and what is my purpose.

Young people will experience success when they know who they are, where they come from and that they are interconnective with Wskitqamu, their ancestors’ language, their Mi’kmaw knowledge, Elders, Community and Nation. Elders also share the understanding that when children experience success then communities also experience success -- this is the gift of reciprocity.

This session will offer participants an opportunity to grow and deepen their understandings of Mi’kmaw Ways of Being and Knowing so that they can bring these understandings into the learning environment.

Tuesday Afternoon Concurrent Session Speaker

Dr. Elizabeth Harvey

FRENCH SESSION

Dr. Elizabeth Harvey is an expert in inclusive education. Before beginning her academic career, she spent over a decade working in Canadian schools, where she observed, analyzed, and advocated for children and adolescents experiencing learning challenges and social-emotional adjustment difficulties. Her clinical experience has shaped her research, which aims to understand how children’s unique temperament, interacting with family and school factors, influence their learning and social-emotional development. More recently, she restarted her practice in school psychology to strengthen the connection between research and practice, ensuring that her work inform effective strategies in schools. Elizabeth Harvey is leading the team involved in the translation and cultural adaptation of INSIGHTS into children temperament, an evidence-based social and emotional learning intervention for French-speaking educators, parents and children. She holds an M.Ps. in Clinical Psychology from Université Laval and a Ph.D. in Psychoeducation from Université de Sherbrooke, both in Canada.

Titre: Parlons tempérament : la création d'une communauté d'apprenants pour soutenir le développement de compétences sociales et émotionnelles

Résumé de la présentation :

Le tempérament est un sujet important pour le paradigme de l'éducation inclusive ; il est un marqueur invisible de diversité et il est lié à la capacité des enfants à gérer leurs émotions et leurs comportements. Cette présentation permettra aux personnes participantes de reconnaître certains profils tempéramentaux fréquemment observés chez les enfants d’âge préscolaire ou scolaire, certains étant associés à une meilleure adaptation sociale et émotionnelle, d’autres pouvant représenter de plus grands défis en contexte éducatif. Au travers de cette présentation, et dans le but de soutenir au mieux l’adaptation de l’enfant, les personnes participantes seront amenées à repenser le tempérament et à réfléchir à l’importance de recourir à une diversité de pratiques éducatives pour maximiser l’adéquation entre le tempérament de l’enfant et les exigences de ses milieux de vie. Enfin, les résultats d’une première application au pays du programme probant INSIGHTS sur le tempérament des enfants seront présentés.

Communication Stream

Tuesday Morning and Afternoon Concurrent Session Speakers

Trevor Floyd & Jeff Brennan

(Team from Iris Communications)

Trevor has a strong knowledge of government and political processes acquired through over a decade of providing research, analysis, and strategic advice to senior government leaders.

Prior to joining Iris Communications, Trevor was Senior Director of Public Affairs for the largest integrated communications firm in Atlantic Canada. He has held key leadership roles in the Office of the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, and the Office of the Minister of Environment for Nova Scotia where he provided strategic counsel and a respected voice on complex, fast-moving and politically charged issues.

Before joining the provincial government, Trevor spent eight years with the federal government at both the political and bureaucratic level in Ottawa and Halifax, gaining expertise in a variety of areas, including fisheries management, aquaculture, strategic policy development, climate change and clean energy, environmental assessment and permitting, and government, stakeholder and First Nation consultation.

Jeff is a skilled stakeholder relations, policy, and communications professional with experience working on key files at the municipal, provincial, federal, and international level.

Jeff graduated from Carleton University in Ottawa and began working for the Government of Canada. During his 10 years with the Government of Canada, Jeff worked for various elected officials, including the Prime Minister of Canada, Cabinet Ministers, Senators, and Members of Parliament. Prior to joining Iris Communications, Jeff spent time working in the provincial governments of Ontario and Nova Scotia providing strategic advice and counsel to senior officials. With significant experience in government, Jeff has developed a keen understanding of government processes, programs, and policies. His background has also given him expertise in the development and implementation of strategic communications, policy, stakeholder engagement and government relations. He is well versed in working with key decision makers and industry leaders in fast-paced and complex environments, while ensuring strategic objectives are met or surpassed.

Topic: Stakeholder Engagement During Times of Outrage, Distrust and Misinformation

Description: In this workshop, participants will explore strategies for building and maintaining trust with stakeholders amidst challenging communication landscapes. Attendees will learn how to effectively identify and address misinformation, foster transparent communication, and engage diverse community voices.

Tuesday Morning and Afternoon Concurrent Session Speakers

Sean Lewis & Ashley MacMillan

(Team from Iris Communications)

Sean works with regional, national and international clients to develop, manage and enhance their corporate reputation. He provides communications advice and training to public and private sector organizations on media relations, stakeholder engagement, crisis and issues management, traditional and digital advocacy, government and investor relations, and integrated communications planning.

Before joining Iris in 2019, Sean was the Director of Communications with Irving Shipbuilding, responsible for the organization’s internal and external communications. He led an integrated team who managed the organizations employee communications, public affairs, community relations, social and digital media, and media relations.

Previously, Sean was a Director with one of the largest public relations agencies in Canada, and with one of Canada’s foremost, full-service market intelligence and market research companies.

Sean is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University and NSCC.

Ashley is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Business Administration, specializing in Marketing, from Acadia University. She’s gained certifications in LinkedIn Content and Creative Design, Marketing Solutions, and Marketing Strategy, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

With a foundation in agency work, Ashley has cultivated her expertise in communication, content creation, and client management. In her previous role as an Account Manager, Ashley developed, implemented, and oversaw digital marketing strategies for a diverse range of clients.

Ashley is originally from Quispamsis, New Brunswick, and relocated to Nova Scotia in 2015.

Topic: Delivering Effective Presentations

Description: This session focuses on the art of impactful presentations that resonate with diverse audiences. Participants will learn techniques for effective storytelling, utilizing visual aids, and engaging participants. Emphasis will be placed on designing presentations that convey information, inspire action, and foster a connection with the audience.

Tuesday Morning and Afternoon Concurrent Session Speakers

Tyler Cameron & Ben Wishart

(Team from Iris Communications)

Born and raised in Pictou County, Tyler has been involved in federal, provincial, and municipal politics for over 15 years. He worked on Parliament Hill for the Minister of Defence and in the Senate and House of Commons. He has been involved in over 25 campaigns in many different roles, including chair and campaign manager for several successful election campaigns, including co-chairing the successful 2022 by-election in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River.

Most recently, Tyler served as Executive Assistant and tour lead to the Premier of Nova Scotia, a role he also served during opposition since 2018. During the 2021 election, he managed the tour for the successful provincial campaign. Previously, he worked on the National Human Resource Team at Sobeys Corporate and with Honda Finance Canada.

Tyler has served in several volunteer roles, including most recently Broadcast and Media chair for the 2023 Canada Winter Games (Halifax site), Chair of the New Glasgow Festival of the Tartans from 2013-2016, as well as volunteer work with the Pictou County Christmas Fund Telethon, Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life Committee and other organizations. Tyler studied political science at St. F.X. University. In his spare time, Tyler enjoys returning to Pictou County, having a good meal at a great restaurant, and playing the bagpipes, something he learned as a kid.

Ben is a graduate Nova Scotia Community College’s (NSCC) Public Relations program, holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Mount Allison University, and recently completed his PESO Model Certification from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. A strong writer and communicator, he has quickly gained experience in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and content creation.

Ben got his start as an Alumni Relations Coordinator for NSCC, where he developed social media strategy, reimagined existing communications strategies to fit a COVID-19 influenced world, and served a management role on alumni engagement projects.

Topic: Media Relations in the Age of Digital Communications

Description: As digital platforms dominate communication, this workshop will equip school leaders with essential skills for managing media relations in an online environment. Participants will learn how to effectively respond to media inquiries and leverage social media to amplify their messages. Key discussions will include crisis communication tactics and maintaining a positive school image.

Tuesday Morning and Afternoon Concurrent Session Speakers

Robert Newcombe & Alexandra Theroux

(Team from AI-First Consulting)

Robert (he/him), P.Eng., MBA is an industrial engineer, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and founder of AI-First Consulting. He guides Atlantic Canadian organizations in integrating generative AI into everyday work, having already helped dozens of firms.

Robert has led AI programs for 70+ nonprofit professionals with Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia, created a 90-participant micro-credential with Digital Nova Scotia & StFX University and taught a generative AI course at Dalhousie University for 40 engineering students.

His work has been featured in The Business Voice, The Engineer, and Digital Nova Scotia's Member of the Month for practical, people-centered AI adoption.

Alexandra Theroux (she/her) is an AI Operations Specialist at AI-First Consulting, Inc., where she helps mission-driven teams make sense of digital systems and use technology to work smarter—not harder. With a background in nonprofit leadership and a love for well-designed workflows, Alexandra bridges the gap between people and tech with clarity, compassion, and a touch of creativity.

She’s spent over a decade supporting organizations through change—whether that’s adopting new tools, untangling messy processes, or making operations more sustainable. At AI-First, she focuses on practical, human-centered solutions that help clients confidently integrate AI and automation into their work.

Alexandra is especially passionate about supporting the community impact sector and believes technology should feel empowering, not overwhelming. Whether she’s mapping out a new system or co-creating a smoother workflow, her goal is always the same: to make space for the work that really matters.

Topic: Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges for Education

Description: This session will provide an overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated into educational settings. Participants will explore the potential benefits of AI in enhancing learning experiences and administrative efficiency, while also addressing ethical considerations and challenges.

Tuesday Afternoon Closing Keynote Speaker

Lana MacLean

Lana M. MacLean, as the Director of Community Health and Mental Health, Canadian-born provides a strategic vision to support the development and implementation of programs that address the nuanced needs of Black, Indigenous, Newcomers, Differently Abled and 2LGBTQI++ community mental health needs. She also supports an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to meet the needs of the communities where they provide primary care and mental healthcare while addressing the social determinants of health and striving for health equity. She supports a community outreach program for seniors and youth regarding inclusion, food security and addressing social isolation.

Lana is a seventh-generation Black Nova Scotian who was raised in the culturally diverse community of Whitney Pier Cape Breton. Lana has called Halifax. NS home for the past 30 years. She holds a bachelor’s in arts in Community Studies from Cape Breton University and a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Dalhousie University. Lana is a lifelong learner and recipient of the 2017 Nova Scotia College of Social Worker Ron Stratford Award for Community Social Justice (2018) she received the 2023 Canadian Mental Health Advocate Award in Black Mental Health and in 2024 she was awarded the distinction of being named 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women. In Lana was the lead consultant tasked with developing the IWK Child and Adolescence African Nova Scotian/ Black Mental Health Treatment Service. Lana has a strong passion for health equity, emotional justice and social work in the lives of young Black women, their families and communities.

Lana has been a role model for young Black social workers; she is a preceptor and provides pro bono clinical supervision to new social workers entering the social work field. Over the past 30 years of practice, Lana has developed community programs to address IPV for Black women and girls. She has created culturally responsive race and trauma-informed programs and counselling models to support Black women and girls in seeking out their healing journey and recovery. Lana integrates the survivor journey into community-responsive practice and restoration.

Lana has volunteered her time to provide trauma-informed counselling in her community when youth are impacted by gun violence. She has the social capital to mobilize other healthcare professionals to also give of their time to provide crisis counselling to youth negatively impacted by gun violence and other community and intrapersonal trauma. Lana has been active on several community boards, including the Elizabeth Fry Society Mainland Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Community Foundations Board and was the past Chair of the African United Baptist Association Social Justice Committee. Lana leans into the African principle of Ubuntu - I am because we are!

Title: Assessing Race Based Trama – Harms and Exposures to ANS Youth

Description: What we do know is that Black and other racialized children/youth are at a higher rate of exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACE’S) due to the historical impacts of systemic racism and intergenerational trauma. School has been a place of safety, but it can also present as a place of harm in their lives. In this session, we will journey together to consider the psychological impacts of race-based trauma experiences in the classroom and how taking a race and trauma-informed lens in the classroom may shift experiences from harm into healing.

Articles/Resources:

Joseph, Andrea Asha et.al. Keeping Race at the Center of School Discipline, Practices and Trauma-Informed Care: An Interprofessional Framework doi:10.1093/cs/cdaa013, 2020 National Association of Social Worker

Cénat, J.M., Manoni-Millar, S., David, A. et al. Racism in Education among Black Youth in Canada and its Association with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-025-01316-y

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