Presenters
Presenters
Embedded Files
Anna Plaskett and Heather Cameron
Anna Plaskett and Heather Cameron
Music, Movement & Mindfulness
Music, Movement & Mindfulness
Music, movement and mindfulness are powerful regulating tools for both children and their caring adults. This interactive presentation will include practical tips for using music, movement and mindfulness to connect with students of all ages, as well as for teachers' own self care. The presentation will weave music throughout, blending Anna’s songs with Heather’s traditional fiddle playing, and include a mix of upbeat and playful tunes, along with some more mindful and therapeutic songs. Teachers will learn simple activities and strategies for incorporating bite-sized music, movement & mindfulness into their classrooms, as well as experience how engaging in these activities themselves makes them (the teachers) feel. No musical or movement experience necessary!
Music, movement and mindfulness are powerful regulating tools for both children and their caring adults. This interactive presentation will include practical tips for using music, movement and mindfulness to connect with students of all ages, as well as for teachers' own self care. The presentation will weave music throughout, blending Anna’s songs with Heather’s traditional fiddle playing, and include a mix of upbeat and playful tunes, along with some more mindful and therapeutic songs. Teachers will learn simple activities and strategies for incorporating bite-sized music, movement & mindfulness into their classrooms, as well as experience how engaging in these activities themselves makes them (the teachers) feel. No musical or movement experience necessary!
About Anna Plaskett and Heather Cameron
About Anna Plaskett and Heather Cameron
Anna Plaskett, BMus, CMT, MTA
Anna Plaskett, BMus, CMT, MTA
Anna is a musician and music therapist based in Punamu'kwati'jk/Dartmouth. She has played and sung backup with numerous recording artists over the past 20 years and released her debut solo children’s album “To the Moon and Back” in 2017. In addition to her training as a Certified Music Therapist, Anna has completed a Level 1 Certification in ‘Adapted Spiral Praxis’ - a motor program for working with children with physical disabilities based on holistic body-mind principles, and is a Certified Facilitator of the ‘Yogapalooza’ Kids Yoga, Music & Mindfulness Program. In her practice, Anna works towards helping people of all ages and levels of ability to experience the power of music and movement to tap into the wellness that exists within themselves.
Anna is a musician and music therapist based in Punamu'kwati'jk/Dartmouth. She has played and sung backup with numerous recording artists over the past 20 years and released her debut solo children’s album “To the Moon and Back” in 2017. In addition to her training as a Certified Music Therapist, Anna has completed a Level 1 Certification in ‘Adapted Spiral Praxis’ - a motor program for working with children with physical disabilities based on holistic body-mind principles, and is a Certified Facilitator of the ‘Yogapalooza’ Kids Yoga, Music & Mindfulness Program. In her practice, Anna works towards helping people of all ages and levels of ability to experience the power of music and movement to tap into the wellness that exists within themselves.
Heather Cameron, BA, CMT, MTA
Heather Cameron, BA, CMT, MTA
Heather was brought up surrounded by music in Pictou County. The fiddle, guitar, bagpipes and piano became her constant companions, and early on she developed a beautiful, soulful voice. Heather knew well the power of music to reach people, which led her to study music therapy. This brought her out west where she further developed her musicianship, and professional skills as a creative arts therapist. In the last decade, Heather returned home with her passion for music therapy in check, creating work, both independently and with Nova Scotia Health; and has established herself as a professional performing and recording artist.
Heather was brought up surrounded by music in Pictou County. The fiddle, guitar, bagpipes and piano became her constant companions, and early on she developed a beautiful, soulful voice. Heather knew well the power of music to reach people, which led her to study music therapy. This brought her out west where she further developed her musicianship, and professional skills as a creative arts therapist. In the last decade, Heather returned home with her passion for music therapy in check, creating work, both independently and with Nova Scotia Health; and has established herself as a professional performing and recording artist.
Erin Mosher and Christine Gillis
Erin Mosher and Christine Gillis
Read the Data, Reach the Reader: UFLI in Action
Read the Data, Reach the Reader: UFLI in Action
Discover how the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) can transform reading instruction and intervention in your classroom. In this session, presenters will explore UFLI’s key components and demonstrate practical strategies for integrating them into daily instruction and targeted interventions for struggling readers. Participants will also examine various types of assessments and learn how they support the collaborative problem-solving model to meet the needs of all learners. The session features real classroom examples and dedicated time for interactive discussion and questions.
Discover how the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) can transform reading instruction and intervention in your classroom. In this session, presenters will explore UFLI’s key components and demonstrate practical strategies for integrating them into daily instruction and targeted interventions for struggling readers. Participants will also examine various types of assessments and learn how they support the collaborative problem-solving model to meet the needs of all learners. The session features real classroom examples and dedicated time for interactive discussion and questions.
About Erin Mosher and Christine Gillis
About Erin Mosher and Christine Gillis
Christine Gillis
Christine Gillis
Christine has been an educator for 24 years in lower elementary. She taught Grade 1 for 23 of those years and most recently started working as an Elementary Literacy Support Teacher. She works primarily with students in grades primary and 1 who have been identified as experiencing reading difficulties. Christine has a Masters degree in Curriculum and Planning and has recently completed a Masters of Literacy with a focus on the Science of Reading at Mount Saint Vincent University.
Christine has been an educator for 24 years in lower elementary. She taught Grade 1 for 23 of those years and most recently started working as an Elementary Literacy Support Teacher. She works primarily with students in grades primary and 1 who have been identified as experiencing reading difficulties. Christine has a Masters degree in Curriculum and Planning and has recently completed a Masters of Literacy with a focus on the Science of Reading at Mount Saint Vincent University.
Erin Mosher
Erin Mosher
Erin has been an educator for 20 years. She has been a Resource Teacher for the past 12 years. Erin has a Masters degree in Curriculum Studies and has recently completed a Masters of Literacy with a focus on the Science of Reading at Mount Saint Vincent University. She is passionate about teaching young children how to read.
Erin has been an educator for 20 years. She has been a Resource Teacher for the past 12 years. Erin has a Masters degree in Curriculum Studies and has recently completed a Masters of Literacy with a focus on the Science of Reading at Mount Saint Vincent University. She is passionate about teaching young children how to read.
Carly Sutherland
Carly Sutherland
Developing and Sustaining Authentic Relationships with Mothers Navigating Autism: Learning Through Storytelling
Developing and Sustaining Authentic Relationships with Mothers Navigating Autism: Learning Through Storytelling
You won’t walk away with a lesson plan or a new acronym, but you will hopefully leave with deeper understanding, greater empathy, and the desire to make compassionate, lasting connections, thanks to the power of storytelling.
You won’t walk away with a lesson plan or a new acronym, but you will hopefully leave with deeper understanding, greater empathy, and the desire to make compassionate, lasting connections, thanks to the power of storytelling.
Mothers parenting Autistic children are at particular risk of developing broken-trust relationships with the school system, leading them to withdraw from their children’s educational journey, to the detriment of the students in our care. Throughout her research, the presenter spent many hours listening to the stories of women in this very situation. She also has a few stories of her own.
Mothers parenting Autistic children are at particular risk of developing broken-trust relationships with the school system, leading them to withdraw from their children’s educational journey, to the detriment of the students in our care. Throughout her research, the presenter spent many hours listening to the stories of women in this very situation. She also has a few stories of her own.
The common themes that emerge from these narratives, which will be shared in this presentation, serve as a roadmap from which we as educators can ensure that all families feel valued and understood.
The common themes that emerge from these narratives, which will be shared in this presentation, serve as a roadmap from which we as educators can ensure that all families feel valued and understood.
About Carly Sutherland
About Carly Sutherland
Carly Sutherland is a classroom teacher and recent graduate of Memorial University, where her thesis explored family-school relationships for mothers of Autistic children. She is the parent of an autistic teenage son and brings both lived experience and research-based insight to her work. A former Advocate of the Year (although she was too overwhelmed and tired to accept the award in person), she has spent countless hours listening to the stories of women who have felt let down by the school system. In her presentation she uses storytelling to build empathy and practical guidance, sharing common themes from those narratives as a roadmap for educators to create compassionate, trusting partnerships with families.
Carly Sutherland is a classroom teacher and recent graduate of Memorial University, where her thesis explored family-school relationships for mothers of Autistic children. She is the parent of an autistic teenage son and brings both lived experience and research-based insight to her work. A former Advocate of the Year (although she was too overwhelmed and tired to accept the award in person), she has spent countless hours listening to the stories of women who have felt let down by the school system. In her presentation she uses storytelling to build empathy and practical guidance, sharing common themes from those narratives as a roadmap for educators to create compassionate, trusting partnerships with families.
David Tranter
David Tranter
Trauma-Informed Education: Co-Creating Environments Where Learning, Healing, and Growth Flourish
Trauma-Informed Education: Co-Creating Environments Where Learning, Healing, and Growth Flourish
Supporting students who have experienced trauma is most effective when our care is evident in what we do, not just what we say. Students thrive when they are surrounded by healthy relationships, predictable routines, and a sense of belonging.This interactive session introduces a relationship-based approach that outlines the essential conditions for optimal learning—such as Safety, Emotional Regulation, and Belonging. Participants will explore how to embed these conditions systemically, clarifying:
Supporting students who have experienced trauma is most effective when our care is evident in what we do, not just what we say. Students thrive when they are surrounded by healthy relationships, predictable routines, and a sense of belonging.This interactive session introduces a relationship-based approach that outlines the essential conditions for optimal learning—such as Safety, Emotional Regulation, and Belonging. Participants will explore how to embed these conditions systemically, clarifying:
- Purpose (Why) – the values and intentions guiding their work
- People (Who) – relationships that sustain well-being and achievement
- Pedagogy (How) – instructional approaches aligned with relational goals
- Practice (What) – concrete strategies that bring those values to life
- Progress (How to know it’s working) – meaningful ways to assess impact
- Together, we will chart practical steps for creating classrooms and schools where every learner can recover, connect, and grow.
About David Tranter
About David Tranter
Dr. David Tranter has spent over 35 years working in education, mental health, and well-being. He’s passionate about helping students thrive both academically and emotionally. David is the co-creator of The Third Path, a relationship-based approach used by educators across Canada, and author of the book by the same name. He is the 2023 recipient of the Ontario Principals’ Council Outstanding Contribution to Education Award joining past recipients such as the Honourable Murray Sinclair and Dr. Chris Hadfield.
Dr. David Tranter has spent over 35 years working in education, mental health, and well-being. He’s passionate about helping students thrive both academically and emotionally. David is the co-creator of The Third Path, a relationship-based approach used by educators across Canada, and author of the book by the same name. He is the 2023 recipient of the Ontario Principals’ Council Outstanding Contribution to Education Award joining past recipients such as the Honourable Murray Sinclair and Dr. Chris Hadfield.
Matthew Corkum
Matthew Corkum
Walk A Mile In My Shaky Shoes; How The Education System Can Be More Inclusive And Support All Students
Walk A Mile In My Shaky Shoes; How The Education System Can Be More Inclusive And Support All Students
Matthew Corkum shares his personal journey of living with cerebral palsy, offering crucial insights for educators on effectively supporting all students, particularly those with disabilities. The talk emphasizes that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to student accommodations is ineffective. By providing tailored, appropriate accommodations, the education system can empower every student to achieve their highest level of learning.
Matthew Corkum shares his personal journey of living with cerebral palsy, offering crucial insights for educators on effectively supporting all students, particularly those with disabilities. The talk emphasizes that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to student accommodations is ineffective. By providing tailored, appropriate accommodations, the education system can empower every student to achieve their highest level of learning.
About Matthew Corkum
About Matthew Corkum
Adventurer, Disability Advocate and Meteorologist Matthew Corkum is a dynamic and passionate keynote speaker who fearlessly tackles difficult topics. Hailing from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, he embodies a lifelong drive to excel in diverse settings, despite living with cerebral palsy. He brings a wealth of professional experience, including a PhD in atmospheric science and 13 years as head meteorologist at a leading Calgary Hedge fund. Beyond his technical expertise, Matthew speaks candidly about his personal experiences with exclusion, bullying, and discrimination. Matthew is actively involved in advocacy and community leadership. His roles include past membership on the City of Calgary’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility, President of Rocky Mountain Adaptive (RMA), and Community Advisory Member for Calgary Adapted Hub. With a contagious smile and a knack for one-line jokes, Matthew often lightens the mood as he shares stories of learning to ski, including becoming a park skier who performs jumps and tricks. He is not a typical disability advocate. Drawing on his 13 years in the corporate world, Matthew Corkum helps businesses see the tangible advantages of hiring people with disabilities, repositioning it as an asset rather than a burden. He also offers critical insights into the education system, discussing his challenges with writing and providing actionable advice for educators to better support all students. Finally, he shares real-life examples of how the healthcare system has both succeeded and failed him, offering practical recommendations for healthcare professionals on how to best support individuals with disabilities in their healthcare journey.
Adventurer, Disability Advocate and Meteorologist Matthew Corkum is a dynamic and passionate keynote speaker who fearlessly tackles difficult topics. Hailing from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, he embodies a lifelong drive to excel in diverse settings, despite living with cerebral palsy. He brings a wealth of professional experience, including a PhD in atmospheric science and 13 years as head meteorologist at a leading Calgary Hedge fund. Beyond his technical expertise, Matthew speaks candidly about his personal experiences with exclusion, bullying, and discrimination. Matthew is actively involved in advocacy and community leadership. His roles include past membership on the City of Calgary’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility, President of Rocky Mountain Adaptive (RMA), and Community Advisory Member for Calgary Adapted Hub. With a contagious smile and a knack for one-line jokes, Matthew often lightens the mood as he shares stories of learning to ski, including becoming a park skier who performs jumps and tricks. He is not a typical disability advocate. Drawing on his 13 years in the corporate world, Matthew Corkum helps businesses see the tangible advantages of hiring people with disabilities, repositioning it as an asset rather than a burden. He also offers critical insights into the education system, discussing his challenges with writing and providing actionable advice for educators to better support all students. Finally, he shares real-life examples of how the healthcare system has both succeeded and failed him, offering practical recommendations for healthcare professionals on how to best support individuals with disabilities in their healthcare journey.
Jeff Ward
Jeff Ward
Decolonization from an Indigenous Perspective
Decolonization from an Indigenous Perspective
An Indigenous path to Decolonization - Power Point presentation - The 5 steps to Decolonation infused with the 7 sacred teachings. How can we work together to learn and share a path forward? Sharing teachings of our ancestors in balance of today’s
An Indigenous path to Decolonization - Power Point presentation - The 5 steps to Decolonation infused with the 7 sacred teachings. How can we work together to learn and share a path forward? Sharing teachings of our ancestors in balance of today’s
Pedagogy.
Pedagogy.
A deeper understanding of the Medicine wheel and the colors of elements versus today’s colors and teachings. How to seek balance and respect for Spiritual teachings.
A deeper understanding of the Medicine wheel and the colors of elements versus today’s colors and teachings. How to seek balance and respect for Spiritual teachings.
About Jeff Ward
About Jeff Ward
Jeff Ward is the General Manager, Membertou Heritage Park and experienced in the field of Indigenous administration Management for over 25 years. Former Band Manager, Director of Crisis Center, First Nation Policing and Director of Community Culture and Heritage.
Jeff Ward is the General Manager, Membertou Heritage Park and experienced in the field of Indigenous administration Management for over 25 years. Former Band Manager, Director of Crisis Center, First Nation Policing and Director of Community Culture and Heritage.
Jeff is a Mi’kmaq Knowledge keeper. He is a leader in the White Eagle Sundance. A Lodge keeper, drum keeper/maker, conductor of ceremonies, talking circles and justice circles with over 30 years of experience.
Jeff is a Mi’kmaq Knowledge keeper. He is a leader in the White Eagle Sundance. A Lodge keeper, drum keeper/maker, conductor of ceremonies, talking circles and justice circles with over 30 years of experience.
Jeff enjoys a Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Studies from Cape Breton University. Graduate of the Holland College, Police Science Cadet Program and Regina Depot of the R.C.M.P., as well numerous certificates and training. A training Partner with the Canadian Red Cross and an Instructor of First Aid - CPR.
Jeff enjoys a Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Studies from Cape Breton University. Graduate of the Holland College, Police Science Cadet Program and Regina Depot of the R.C.M.P., as well numerous certificates and training. A training Partner with the Canadian Red Cross and an Instructor of First Aid - CPR.
Heather Avery
Heather Avery
Top 10 UDL Tips & Toolbox
Top 10 UDL Tips & Toolbox
In this session, we will quickly review the UDL 3.0 guidelines and explore the vertical and horizontal frameworks. From there, we will explore the Top 10 UDL Tips to use in your learning environment (aligned with UDL considerations). We will finish off with time to review a Padlet toolbox; something to do, something to read, something to watch, and something to listen. Please bring your choice of tech- headphones/earbuds and tablets/ laptop or mobile phone.
In this session, we will quickly review the UDL 3.0 guidelines and explore the vertical and horizontal frameworks. From there, we will explore the Top 10 UDL Tips to use in your learning environment (aligned with UDL considerations). We will finish off with time to review a Padlet toolbox; something to do, something to read, something to watch, and something to listen. Please bring your choice of tech- headphones/earbuds and tablets/ laptop or mobile phone.
UDL and Ludia, AI Tool
UDL and Ludia, AI Tool
In this session, we will explore Ludia, a GenAI tool. Ludia was created in accordance with UDL 3.0 guidelines and can be used to explore how to implement and sustain your UDL practice as a thought partner. Time will be provided to explore Ludia and check out the LiveBinder. Please bring your choice of tech- headphones/earbuds and tablets/ laptop or mobile phone to explore the AI tool.
In this session, we will explore Ludia, a GenAI tool. Ludia was created in accordance with UDL 3.0 guidelines and can be used to explore how to implement and sustain your UDL practice as a thought partner. Time will be provided to explore Ludia and check out the LiveBinder. Please bring your choice of tech- headphones/earbuds and tablets/ laptop or mobile phone to explore the AI tool.
About Heather Avery
About Heather Avery
Heather Avery, pronouns she/her, is a Learning Specialist in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Interventions Instructional Support for the Education Support Services Branch of the Anglophone Sector, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, for the Government of New Brunswick.
Heather Avery, pronouns she/her, is a Learning Specialist in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Interventions Instructional Support for the Education Support Services Branch of the Anglophone Sector, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, for the Government of New Brunswick.
Heather holds a degree in education, a Master of Education in Exceptional Learners and a postgraduate certificate in UDL. With over twenty years of experience spanning kindergarten through post-secondary education, she has served in various roles in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, including classroom teacher, resource teacher, accessibility advisor, and learning strategist.
Heather holds a degree in education, a Master of Education in Exceptional Learners and a postgraduate certificate in UDL. With over twenty years of experience spanning kindergarten through post-secondary education, she has served in various roles in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, including classroom teacher, resource teacher, accessibility advisor, and learning strategist.
Heather is deeply committed to fostering inclusive education where all learners can thrive. Her work is driven by a passion for inclusion, accessibility and the belief that every learner deserves meaningful opportunities to succeed.
Heather is deeply committed to fostering inclusive education where all learners can thrive. Her work is driven by a passion for inclusion, accessibility and the belief that every learner deserves meaningful opportunities to succeed.
Jenn Hubley and Jenn Norris
Jenn Hubley and Jenn Norris
From Buy-in to Implementation: Building Capacity through Practical Tools for Student Support
From Buy-in to Implementation: Building Capacity through Practical Tools for Student Support
This session will provide educators with practical, evidence-based
This session will provide educators with practical, evidence-based
resources to strengthen support for students connected to Learning Centres. Drawing
resources to strengthen support for students connected to Learning Centres. Drawing
from practical evidence-based strategies, participants will explore ready-to-use
from practical evidence-based strategies, participants will explore ready-to-use
presentation materials and handouts originally designed for increasing buy-in across
presentation materials and handouts originally designed for increasing buy-in across
staff and building capacity in the areas of visual supports, reinforcement,
staff and building capacity in the areas of visual supports, reinforcement,
instructional control, and behaviour skills training. Teachers will leave with
instructional control, and behaviour skills training. Teachers will leave with
adaptable tools they can bring back to their schools to help build shared
adaptable tools they can bring back to their schools to help build shared
understanding, improve collaborative practice, and enhance consistency in student
understanding, improve collaborative practice, and enhance consistency in student
support across school teams.
support across school teams.
About Jenn Hubley and Jenn Norris
About Jenn Hubley and Jenn Norris
Jennifer Hubley is an educator with experience spanning classroom teaching, Learning Centre, Teacher of the Deaf, Behaviour Support Teacher, and Program Planning Specialist. Currently completing her BCBA certification, she focuses on helping school teams apply evidence-based strategies in practical, sustainable ways. Jennifer is committed to collaborative problem-solving and strengthening inclusive supports for students.
Jennifer Hubley is an educator with experience spanning classroom teaching, Learning Centre, Teacher of the Deaf, Behaviour Support Teacher, and Program Planning Specialist. Currently completing her BCBA certification, she focuses on helping school teams apply evidence-based strategies in practical, sustainable ways. Jennifer is committed to collaborative problem-solving and strengthening inclusive supports for students.
Outside of her professional role, she’s a proud mom to an 8-year-old who is well known for his impressive collection of Christmas sweaters. When she’s not talking behaviour strategies, you can likely find her crafting something new or gathered around a table for a competitive board game or card night.
Outside of her professional role, she’s a proud mom to an 8-year-old who is well known for his impressive collection of Christmas sweaters. When she’s not talking behaviour strategies, you can likely find her crafting something new or gathered around a table for a competitive board game or card night.
Jenn Norris is a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist and relatively new Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. She currently works at HRCE with her early intervention partner to support young minimally or non-speaking Autistic students to be engaged within the school setting as happily and successfully as possible. Jenn is the mother of two spicy adult boys, both of which have ADHD and one of which has high-functioning Autism. In her spare time, she throws pottery and rides her bike all over the Hammonds Plains and Tantallon area.
Jenn Norris is a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist and relatively new Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. She currently works at HRCE with her early intervention partner to support young minimally or non-speaking Autistic students to be engaged within the school setting as happily and successfully as possible. Jenn is the mother of two spicy adult boys, both of which have ADHD and one of which has high-functioning Autism. In her spare time, she throws pottery and rides her bike all over the Hammonds Plains and Tantallon area.
Holly Carr
Holly Carr
Light in the Forest, Art, Nature,and Emotional Well-Being in Education
Light in the Forest, Art, Nature,and Emotional Well-Being in Education
This professional development workshop introduces educators to Light in the Forest, a multi-faceted well-being initiative that supports emotional health through the intersection of art, nature, and self-care. The session is designed to be inspiring, practical, and immediately applicable in classroom settings.
This professional development workshop introduces educators to Light in the Forest, a multi-faceted well-being initiative that supports emotional health through the intersection of art, nature, and self-care. The session is designed to be inspiring, practical, and immediately applicable in classroom settings.
The workshop begins with a brief overview of the Light in the Forest project and its
The workshop begins with a brief overview of the Light in the Forest project and its
companion resource, the Light in the Forest/ Comfort Tree Digital Guide. Grounded in well- researched approaches to self-care and emotional well-being, the guide offers 30 art and nature-based activities, including 5 creative art games and 25 low-skill, high-impact projects that are accessible to both educators and students.
companion resource, the Light in the Forest/ Comfort Tree Digital Guide. Grounded in well- researched approaches to self-care and emotional well-being, the guide offers 30 art and nature-based activities, including 5 creative art games and 25 low-skill, high-impact projects that are accessible to both educators and students.
While the activities are primarily designed for Primary to Grade 3 learners, they can be easily adapted for older students and diverse learning contexts. During the session, I will discuss practical strategies for modifying the activities to suit various age groups.The guide is structured around five key areas of self-care, supporting emotional awareness, self-soothing, creativity, and connection to the natural world. Educators will explore how these practices can be integrated into daily classroom routines, wellness programming, and cross-curricular learning.The session concludes with a live, interactive art experience, drawn directly from the digital guide, allowing participants to engage firsthand in the creative process. Educators will also be introduced to the Light in the Forest App, which further supports well-being through art- and nature-based engagement. Both the digital guide and the app are provided at no cost to all participants.The presentation is visually rich and engaging, featuring colourful animations inspired by nature, live art creation, and a positive, inclusive tone.
While the activities are primarily designed for Primary to Grade 3 learners, they can be easily adapted for older students and diverse learning contexts. During the session, I will discuss practical strategies for modifying the activities to suit various age groups.The guide is structured around five key areas of self-care, supporting emotional awareness, self-soothing, creativity, and connection to the natural world. Educators will explore how these practices can be integrated into daily classroom routines, wellness programming, and cross-curricular learning.The session concludes with a live, interactive art experience, drawn directly from the digital guide, allowing participants to engage firsthand in the creative process. Educators will also be introduced to the Light in the Forest App, which further supports well-being through art- and nature-based engagement. Both the digital guide and the app are provided at no cost to all participants.The presentation is visually rich and engaging, featuring colourful animations inspired by nature, live art creation, and a positive, inclusive tone.
About Holly Carr
About Holly Carr
Holly Carr is a nationally acclaimed visual and performance artist known for her distinctive silk painting practice and immersive, large-scale installations. She has exhibited extensively in solo and group exhibitions across Canada and has designed sets for theatre productions and major public art installations. In 2019, Holly received a Theatre Nova Scotia Merritt Award for Outstanding Set Design for Half Cracked, a Neptune Theatre and Eastern Front collaboration. Her performance practice includes live painting with orchestras and musicians, including Symphony Nova Scotia, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra and a cross Canada tour with Stuart McLean and the VinylCafe. Holly has toured internationally, exhibiting, teaching, and performing in Peru, Hong Kong, and Singapore.Her most ambitious installation to date, Light in the Forest, is a larger-than-life environment constructed from painted silk. Originally created for the Acadia University Art Gallery, the work has since evolved into a multimedia emotional well-being production that Holly toured throughout Nova Scotia. Light in the Forest is also an award-winning children’s book and companion app.
Holly Carr is a nationally acclaimed visual and performance artist known for her distinctive silk painting practice and immersive, large-scale installations. She has exhibited extensively in solo and group exhibitions across Canada and has designed sets for theatre productions and major public art installations. In 2019, Holly received a Theatre Nova Scotia Merritt Award for Outstanding Set Design for Half Cracked, a Neptune Theatre and Eastern Front collaboration. Her performance practice includes live painting with orchestras and musicians, including Symphony Nova Scotia, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra and a cross Canada tour with Stuart McLean and the VinylCafe. Holly has toured internationally, exhibiting, teaching, and performing in Peru, Hong Kong, and Singapore.Her most ambitious installation to date, Light in the Forest, is a larger-than-life environment constructed from painted silk. Originally created for the Acadia University Art Gallery, the work has since evolved into a multimedia emotional well-being production that Holly toured throughout Nova Scotia. Light in the Forest is also an award-winning children’s book and companion app.
Holly has partnered with the Nova Scotia Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions to create a permanent touring Light in the Forest exhibit, which was presented at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History in fall 2024 and at the Acadia University Art Gallery in fall 2025.
Holly has partnered with the Nova Scotia Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions to create a permanent touring Light in the Forest exhibit, which was presented at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History in fall 2024 and at the Acadia University Art Gallery in fall 2025.
In collaboration with the Portapique Community and the Canadian Mental Health Association (Nova Scotia Division), she created The Comfort Tree, a story trail Project in Portapique. It is being developed as a live production and has been published as a children’s book, selected by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre as one of the Best Children’s Books of Spring 2025. Holly has been piloting the Light in the Forest/Comfort Tree Digital guide with 200 youth in Kings County.
In collaboration with the Portapique Community and the Canadian Mental Health Association (Nova Scotia Division), she created The Comfort Tree, a story trail Project in Portapique. It is being developed as a live production and has been published as a children’s book, selected by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre as one of the Best Children’s Books of Spring 2025. Holly has been piloting the Light in the Forest/Comfort Tree Digital guide with 200 youth in Kings County.
In recognition of her work with youth and mental wellness, Holly was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in November 2024. Her work is held in numerous public and private collections.
In recognition of her work with youth and mental wellness, Holly was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in November 2024. Her work is held in numerous public and private collections.
Holly has a B.F.A and B.A.Ed. from NSCAD University www.hollycarr.com
Holly has a B.F.A and B.A.Ed. from NSCAD University www.hollycarr.com
www.lightintheforest.ca
www.lightintheforest.ca
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