SCHEDULE COMING SOON

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

Self-Compassion SpecialistAuthor of Self-Compassion for Educators

Dr. Stephen MacGregor

University of Calgary, Werkland School of Education

Gail Markin

Educational & Workplace WellbeingAuthor of Beyond Self-Care

Steven Langer

CEO of Well by DesignWorkplace Wellness Specialist

Luc Goudreault

CEO of Vireo HydroponicsEducation Innovator

Julia Dexter

CEO of Shoelace LearningFormer Olympian

Christine Preece

Mental Health/Wellbeing LeadSt. Clair Catholic District

Dr. Jennifer Turner

Superintendent of School ImprovementCalgary Board of Education

Dr. Paul Arnold

Director, Mathison Centre for Mental HealthUniversity of Calgary

Brent Saccucci

Social Justice Leader and Doctoral StudentWestern University

Amber Pavey

CEO of Present PossibilitiesMindfulness and Meditation Leader

Astrid Kendrick

Director of Field ExperiencesUniversity of Calgary

Chris Smeaton

CEO at CDSmeatonEducation and Leadership Consultant

Sheryl Boswell

Executive DirectorYouth Mental Health Canada

Kevin Kaardal

CEO/ Superintendent of SchoolsSchool District 23, Kelowna

Lisa Demers

Superintendent of EducationSt. Clair Catholic District

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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