MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT: SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN SCHOOLS

Welcome to the Mental Health Summit: Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

  • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Welcome Reception and Registration (Optional)


Friday, April 11, 2025

  • 7:30 a.m.: Breakfast and Registration
  • 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Sessions, Workshops, and Wellness Experiences
  • 7:00 p.m. - Daniel Powter Concert

Saturday, April 12, 2025

  • 7:30 a.m.: Breakfast and Registration
  • 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Sessions, Workshops, and Wellness Experiences

Sponsored by Headwater Learning Foundation, this pivotal event will be held from April 11–12, 2025 at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity set among the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Who Should Attend?

This summit invites educational leaders, thought leaders, researchers, teachers, mental health professionals, and community stakeholders to engage with prominent figures in the mental health and education sectors.

It is designed for anyone who cares for and supports youth in K-12 and higher education.

Join us to be part of the conversation and help advance mental health in our schools.

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

107 Tunnel Mountain Drive Banff, AB T1L 1H5

$475 – Early Bird Rate Until Dec. 1

$510 – Full Ticket Price After Dec. 1

No refunds are available for this event.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Sunil & Raya Singh

Sunil Singh is an author, storyteller, and a porous mathematics educator. He travels the world championing rich mathematics with historical narratives that span all cultures, races, and civilizations. In this over 100 keynotes, presentations, and workshops, his mission has been for teachers, students, and parents to see that mathematics is a humanizing endeavor which has been responsible for nurturing and sustaining curiosity in all of us.  

Dr. Kim Schonert-Reichl

Dr. Kim Schonert-Reichl is a Developmental Psychology Professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Dr. Schonert-Reichl is an internationally renowned expert in social and emotional learning (SEL) research with children and adolescents, particularly in relation to the identification of the processes and mechanisms that foster positive human qualities such as empathy, compassion, altruism, and resiliency.

Dr. Jody Carrington

Dr. Jody Carrington is a renowned psychologist, and a charismatic keynote speaker celebrated for her profound expertise in human connections. As a leading authority in addressing complex, human-centered challenges, Dr. Carrington excels in guiding individuals and organizations through the intricacies of re-establishing relationships in today's increasingly disconnected society.

Jessica Janzen

Jessica Janzen, Co-Founder of The Love for Lewiston Foundation, has raised over $2.5 million for SMA research and helped implement Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Alberta. She supports Alberta Children’s Hospital and authored Bring The Joy, a best-selling book that encourages readers to reconnect with themselves and find joy in difficult times.

Dr. Matthew Murphy

Dr. Murphy received the NJ Governor’s Council Ambassador Award for Mental Health and was named Regional Superintendent of the Year. He served on the AASA Board and holds a Doctorate from Fordham University, a Master’s in Education from Long Island University, and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Rhode Island.

Dr. Gina Cherkowski

Conference Chair
Dr. Cherkowski, a Social Justice Researcher and Activist, holds a Double-Cognate PhD in Mathematics Education and Culture Studies. She is the Director of Research and Development at Headwater Learning. Her current research areas focus on mental health, neurodiversity, identity, and belonging.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Lisa Baylis

Lisa Baylis has spent 20 years sharing well-being strategies. A natural connector with a gift for making others feel valued and heard, she is a teacher, counselor, speaker, and mother. Author of Self-Compassion for Educators, Lisa also created the AWE Method—Awakening Wellbeing for Educators—combining self-care, mindfulness, and self-compassion.

Dr. Stephen MacGregor

Dr. Stephen MacGregor is an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary’s Werklund School of Education. Formerly a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto, he was also an adjunct professor at Queen’s University and a secondary school teacher in Ontario. His research focuses on knowledge mobilization for school improvement and mental health initiatives.

Gail Markin

Gail Markin is the author of Beyond Self-Care: Leading a Systemic Approach to Well-Being for Educators. Gail holds two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees in psychology and education. She is currently working on her Doctorate Degree in Leadership and Policy at the University of British Columbia.

Steven Langer

Steven Langer holds a Master's in Leadership in Education and has over 15 years of experience as a leader and executive in both public and private sectors. He has successfully led teams of all sizes to support Workplace Wellness by fostering healthy workplace cultures, empowering staff, and building capacity for success.

Luc Goudreault

Luc Goudreault holds an eMBA and is the CEO of Vireo, where he is transforming K-12 education through innovative and sustainable solutions. With over 15 years of experience implementing educational projects across Departments of Education, School Districts, and schools, Luc enhances student and staff wellness, engagement, and academic success.

Julia Dexter

Julia Rivard Dexter is a tech entrepreneur, former Olympian, and mother of four. A top 50 Canadian woman in STEM, she has led several ventures, including as CEO of Google’s first North American GoogleApps partner. Now, she's Co-Founder and CEO of Shoelace Learning, improving global literacy through innovative, game-based learning.

Christine Preece

Christine Preece, Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, facilitates a multi-tiered approach to mental health strategies. A Registered Ontario Social Worker, she holds a Master of Health Studies and a Certified Health Education Specialist credential. Christine has volunteered on several health and education committees.

Dr. Jennifer Turner

Jennifer Turner is the Superintendent of School Improvement at the Calgary Board of Education. Prior to that, she​ served as Director for the Centre for Wellbeing in Education at the University of Calgary. Jennifer was appointed by the former Minister of Education to the provincial Child and Youth Wellbeing Panel (2021).

Dr. Paul Arnold

Dr. Paul Arnold is the inaugural Director of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education at the University of Calgary. Dr. Arnold's research focuses on how genetic and environmental risk factors interact to influence the development of child onset neuropsychiatric disorders including the study of genetic influences on brain structure and function in children with mental illnesses.

Brent Saccucci

Brent Saccucci (he/they/she) is an educator and equity facilitator based in Sikóóhkotok (Lethbridge's Treaty 7 territory). A leader in social justice education, Brent has delivered over 100 workshops on political polarization and queer and trans equity. He has taught education students at the University of Alberta, University of Lethbridge, and developed a course at UBC.

INTERESTED IN LEADING AN IMPACT SESSION?

We invite submissions for speakers. The submission window opens on Tuesday, Oct. 1 and closes on Saturday, Dec. 7. Accepted proposals will be notified by Saturday, Dec. 14

SPECIAL MUSICAL GUEST

International recording artist, Daniel Powter, will be performing a private concert on Friday, April 11 for all Mental Health Summit attendees.

TICKET INFORMATION

Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments are included with your tickets on April 11 and 12. Additionally, your ticket includes a complimentary entry to Daniel Powter’s private concert on Friday, April 11, at 7:00 p.m.

Limited tickets available for the Welcome Reception on Thursday, April 10 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and space is limited. 

EARLY BIRD TWO-DAY SUMMIT TICKET

$475

per person until Dec. 1, 2024

REGULAR PRICE TWO-DAY SUMMIT TICKET

$510

per person after Dec. 1, 2024

OPTIONAL WELCOME RECEPTION

$25

Limited tickets available

ACCOMMODATIONS

We are excited to announce that the Mental Health Summit will be held at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. To book on-site accommodation at the Banff Centre hotel, click the link below or call 1-800-884-7574 and use booking ID: HLS2504. The hotel offers amenities such as a swimming pool, a climbing wall, and stunning hiking trails. Only a 10-minute walk to beautiful downtown Banff.

One lucky participant will win this state-of-the-art Hydroponics System from Vireo!

All participants will have a chance to win a Hydroponics System from Vireo Education, valued at $16,000. Viero's educational dashboard and hydroponics systems bring sustainable gardening into classrooms, helping students grow from screen to green. Discover how they’re cultivating a brighter future in education!

SPONSORS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Elevate your brand while helping schools support the rising mental health needs of schools. View the different budgets and sponsor levels available by downloading the sponsorship package below.

Headwater Learning Foundation is grateful for the support it receives from the community. Your sponsorship will help us secure much-needed funds to support mental health in school programs in our community.

GET INVOLVED

Register as a vendor or community partner!

Join our awesome squad of volunteers!

Make your contribution to mental health and wellness!

About the Headwater Learning Foundation

Headwater Learning Foundation (HLF) is a not-for-profit committed to improving and transforming education through research, program development and strategic partnerships.

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