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 internationally respected math educator and disruptor. He has authored many books including Pi of Life: The Hidden Happiness of Mathematics, and Math Recess. Sunil’s daughter Raya is a courageous and curious high school student in Ontario, Canada. Together, Sunil and Raya will share their powerful journey of courage, resilience, mental health and math.
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. 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.
INTERESTED IN LEADING A WORKSHOP OR BREAKOUT SESSION, OR SUBMITTING A RESEARCH POSTER?
We invite submissions for speakers, workshop presentations, and research posters. 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.