Welcome to the Mental Health Summit: Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools.
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Friday, April 11, 2025
Saturday, April 12, 2025
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
$510 for a Two-Day Summit Ticket
No refunds are available for this event.
International recording artist, Daniel Powter, will be performing a private concert on Friday, April 11 for all Mental Health Summit attendees.
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.
REGULAR PRICE TWO-DAY SUMMIT TICKET
per person
OPTIONAL WELCOME RECEPTION
Limited tickets available
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.
All participants will have a chance to win a Hydroponics System from Vireo Education, valued at $16,000. Vireo'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!
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.
Register as a vendor or community partner! Email us at mhsummit@headwaterlearning.com
We have many opportunities that support different activities with flexible hours and benefits. Email us at mhsummit@headwaterlearning.com
Make your contribution to mental health and wellness!
Headwater Learning Foundation (HLF) is a not-for-profit committed to improving and transforming education through research, program development and strategic partnerships.
© Headwater Learning Foundation 2024
Registered Charity: #821097086RR0001
Dr. Kim Schonert-Reichl is a Community and Applied Developmental Psychology Professor at University of Illinois, Chicago. Dr. Schonert-Reichl is an internationally renowned expert in the area of 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.
For more than two decades, Dr. Schonert-Reichl’s research has focused on the social and emotional development of children and adolescents in school and community settings. Her current projects include studies examining the effectiveness of classroom-based universal social and emotional learning (SEL) programs including the MindUp, program, the Taxi Dog Educational Curriculum, and the Random Acts of Kindness program. Dr. Schonert-Reichl is also conducting interdisciplinary research in collaboration with neuroscientists and psychobiologists examining the relation of executive functions and biological processes to children’s social and emotional development in school settings.
Dr. Schonert-Reichl has received numerous awards and honours for her work. She is a Fellow of the Mind and Life Institute and a Fellow of the Botin Foundation’s Platform for Innovation in Education. In 2009, Dr. Schonert-Reichl received the Confederation of University Faculty Associations BC (CUFA BC) Paz Buttedahl Career Achievement Award. As the associations highest honour, the award recognizes an individual for sustained outstanding contributions to the community beyond the academy through research or other scholarly activities over the major portion of his/her career. She is also the recipient of the 2007 UBC Killam Teaching Prize in recognition of excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching, and the 2004 Vancouver School Board Recognition Award for her work promoting social responsibility in students. In 2006, Dr. Schonert-Reichl was on the organizing committee for the visit of the Dalai Lama for the “Vancouver Dialogues,” and was the chair of a dialogue between the Dalai Lama and leading educators, researchers, and policy makers on the themes of cultivating compassion and educating the heart. In 2009, she was again in conversation with the Dalai Lama on the topic of social and emotional learning at the “Vancouver Peace Summit,” and she was then featured in a documentary about the event titled 4 Paths to Peace.
Marc Brackett, Ph.D., is the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and a professor in the Yale Child Study Center. His research explores how emotional intelligence influences learning, decision making, creativity, relationships, health, and performance. A prolific scholar, Marc has authored over 200 scholarly articles, earn numerous accolades, and serves on the board of directors of the Collaborative for Academic and Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL). He is also on the program board of Mental Health Coalition, and the mental health council for Rare Beauty, founded by Selena Gomez. Marc is the lead developer of RULER, an evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) in over 5000 schools worldwide. In collaboration with Pinterest co-founder Ben Silbermann, he co-developed HowWeFeel, a free, award-winning app designed to enhance well-being. He is the author of the bestselling book, Permission to Feel, now translated into 27 languages and the author of the forthcoming book, Dealing with Feeling. Marc also hosts the YouTube webcast, Dealing With Feelings, where he interviews leading scientists, actors, authors, musicians, sports figures, and other prominent voices. Additionally, he is the producer of the award-winning documentary, America Unfiltered: Portraits and Voices of a Nation.
Some of the unique places he has presented include The Museum of Mathematics, The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, and The Italian Cultural Institute in New York. In 2021, he was invited by the United States National Commission on Mathematics Instruction to give a webinar on Culturally Responsive Mathematics. His fourth book, Sonic Seducer: Lust for Life With Our Heaviest Moments, Magic, and Memories of Rock and Roll, was a needed update of the history of rock and roll through a mathematical lens.
He is currently involved in co-authoring two books. Amoret in Wonderland: A Child’s Imaginative Journey Towards The Land of Algebra(Amoret Lyon) and The Curious Case of Mathematics, Mental Health and Curiosity (Dr. Gina Cherkowski). Both books will be out in 2026.
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Jessica's contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards including The Doc Seaman Individual Philanthropist Award 2021, Generosity of Spirit Award, 2022, the Dr. Katie Manders Courage to Inspire Award and Calgary's Top 40 under 40 in 2022. Behind all of her titles and awards, she is a helper who wants you to unlock a clear pathway from adversity to achievement that will help you accomplish any goal or dream.
Jessica’s mission is to help you shift your perspective, get curious and teach you how to bring the joy, to whatever you face.
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.
Gail started her career as a social worker, a family counsellor and a parent educator. After becoming a teacher, she worked as a school counsellor before moving to a district role supporting health and well-being for students and staff. Currently, Gail is an educational & workplace wellbeing consultant and coach.
“I am particularly loving my coaching work with the BC Children’s Hospital’s Health Promotion Team where I work as a mental health and wellness coach for school districts across BC."
As a teacher, Lisa has taught internationally and locally. Much of her vast teaching experience was gained in classrooms across British Columbia as a school counsellor. She is current a Doctoral student at UBCO while working in the role as Education Director for the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, the non-profit organization created by Drs. Kristin Neff and Chris Germer to spread self-compassion around the world.
A Masters of Leadership in Education, along with a degree in physical education, have supported the work Stephen has done at all levels of organizations. He understands the unique needs of employees, executives, and organizations. With coursework in change management, organizational behaviour, executive human resource management, policy development, strategic planning, and financial management, Stephen brings a wealth of knowledge and lived experience to his role as a consultant.
Stephen is incredibly fortunate to have the support of his family and friends in his life. To build wellness into his own life, he enjoys connecting with nature through hikes and off-leash visits with his dog, as well as tennis, golf, camping, and sailing.
Luc holds an eMBA and a microprogram in leadership, both of which have equipped him to steer Vireo towards its ambitious goals. Beyond his professional pursuits, Luc is passionate about cuisine, mindfulness, and meaningful education. He believes in continuous personal growth and enjoys finding the fun in every challenge, whether it’s in the boardroom or the kitchen.
Dr. Stephen MacGregor is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Governance at the University of Calgary’s Werklund School of Education. Prior to this role, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto and an adjunct professor at Queen’s University. Before pursuing his doctoral degree, he was a secondary school science and mathematics teacher in Ontario, Canada. His research focuses on knowledge mobilization as a mechanism to promote school improvement and systems change, with an emphasis on leadership practices in increasingly complex educational environments. Among his ongoing projects, he is currently the co-principal investigator for a project funded by Alberta Education that is developing an evidence-informed framework for schools and school authorities to use in informing and evaluating mental health initiatives.
Christine Preece, Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, brings over 30 years of experience in holistic health for children, youth, and families. A Registered Ontario Social Worker, she holds a Master of Health Studies and a Certified Health Education Specialist credential. Christine has worked extensively in the public health sector, including roles as Manager of School Health and Health Promoter at Middlesex-London and Lambton Public Health Units, where she facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration to implement evidence-based practices for positive health outcomes.
Deeply committed to fostering student learning and well-being, Christine believes in the transformative power of high-quality, research-supported strategies. She has also volunteered on numerous health and education committees, advocating for collective efforts to create supportive learning conditions in schools, homes, and communities. Christine has seen firsthand how coming together can profoundly impact the lives of children and youth.
Julia Rivard Dexter is a tech entrepreneur, former Olympian, and mother of four, recognized as one of Canada’s top 50 women in STEM. She has led several successful ventures, including serving as CEO of Google’s first North American GoogleApps partner. Currently, she is the Co-Founder and CEO of Shoelace Learning, a company transforming global literacy through innovative, game-based learning solutions.
Julia has been honored as "Best-In-Class" by the Rally Social Enterprise Accelerator and serves on the Board of Nova Scotia Power. She is also a member of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Economic Round Table for Digital Industries. In this What Now column, Julia reflects on the importance of online educational resources during the pandemic and offers practical advice for businesses navigating financial challenges.
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Dr. Jennifer Turner holds a Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership) from the University of Calgary, a Master of Science in Psychology from Capella University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. Her work as a system leader, educator and psychologist has focused on meeting the needs of diverse learners, school-based child and youth mental health promotion and intervention, system improvement, and fostering student-focused collaborative partnerships.
Dr. Turner is currently the Superintendent of School Improvement at CBE, and has previously held the position of chief superintendent at the Fort McMurray Public School District. She has worked as assistant superintendent, district principal, principal, teacher and registered psychologist in southeast British Columbia.
Dr. Paul Arnold holds the Alberta Innovates Health Solutions (AIHS) Translational Research Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health. His transnational research program focuses on discovery and knowledge translation (KT) in child and youth mental illness and on developing a world-class program of research that will contribute to the prediction, prevention, and early intervention in these diseases.
Clinically, Dr. Arnold specializes in the assessment and pharmacological treatment of children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders. His research focuses on the genetics of childhood psychiatric disorders, particularly childhood OCD, and has been funded by major external grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Dr. Murphy retired as Superintendent of Ramsey Public Schools in 2023. Before that, he served as Chief School Administrator in River Vale Public Schools. Prior to becoming a superintendent, he was Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Elementary Education, and Principal in the Westwood Regional School District. He began his career in Wyckoff, New Jersey, as a teacher, building-based technology coordinator, and Vice Principal. Dr. Murphy is also an adjunct professor at Ramapo College, where he teaches in the Educational Leadership program, emphasizing the leader’s role in curriculum and supervision.
Brent Saccucci (he/they/she) is an educator and equity facilitator based in Sikóóhkotok (Lethbridge, Treaty 7 territory). A leader in social justice education, Brent has delivered over 100 workshops on political polarization and queer and trans equity. They have taught education students at the University of Alberta, University of Lethbridge, and developed a course at UBC.
In K-12 education, Brent has served as a district-wide equity consultant, school counsellor, and high school teacher. Beyond the classroom, they have been Assistant Director of the Institute for Youth Leadership & Social Change at THRIVE Youth Canada and recently led the Canadian Prairies Trans Health Network. Brent holds two master’s degrees—an MA in Education & Sexuality Studies from OISE/University of Toronto and an MEd from the University of Alberta—and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in social justice education at Western University.
Outside of work, Brent enjoys playing video games, spending time with their appositionally defiant Frenchie, and listening to their musical husband. Learn more at learningwithbrent.com.
Amber Pavey is the founder of Present Possibilities, offering mindfulness, yoga, and reiki training for kids, teens, and adults. An experienced teacher specializing in wellness education, Amber has guided hundreds of students to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
As the educational consultant and author for Mindful Living, a global lifestyle brand, Amber creates interactive puzzles and games designed to bring mindfulness and wellness to homes and classrooms.
Based near Calgary, Alberta, Amber lives with her husband, Matt, and their three children, embracing Alberta’s natural beauty year-round. At her new wellness center in DeWinton, she hosts in-person classes, events, and workshops in a serene country setting.
Astrid Kendrick is the Academic Director of Outreach and Professional Learning at the Centre for Well-Being and an Assistant Professor at the Werklund School of Education. A dedicated researcher and educator, Astrid focuses on compassion fatigue and burnout in educational settings, contributing to the well-being of those who work in the field.
She is the developer of HEARTcare for Educational Workers, a research-based program designed to support educators' mental health and resilience. Her work combines academic expertise and practical strategies to empower educational professionals in managing stress and fostering sustainable practices for well-being.
Chris Smeaton retired as Superintendent of Schools for Holy Spirit Catholic School Division in January 2020, concluding a nearly 35-year career in education. With 19 years in senior leadership, including 11 as superintendent, Chris has extensive K-12 experience in both teaching and school administration.
He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta in 1985 and a graduate degree from Gonzaga University in 1991. While serving as superintendent, Chris contributed to national education organizations, including Education Research Development and Innovation (ERDI) and C21 Canada, and taught graduate-level courses on organizational and school leadership at Gonzaga University.
Currently, Chris provides consulting services as an Educational Advisor with Nelson Canada. His work includes leadership coaching, keynote presentations, and supporting school boards and superintendents in governance, evaluations, and strategic planning.
Sheryl Boswell is the Executive Director and Education Director at Youth Mental Health Canada, as well as an author, activist, and educator. With expertise in education, mental health, human rights, and equity, Sheryl delivers engaging workshops and courses that inspire change and provide practical strategies.
Sheryl began her career as a Special Education teacher in Zimbabwe and has worked across elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and adult education. She is the author of several mental wellness resources, including a guidebook on supporting students with school phobia and chronic absenteeism.
A member of multiple international mental health and education organizations, Sheryl has collaborated with schools and organizations worldwide to promote youth mental health and wellness.
Dr. Lisa Everitt began her teaching career in the North West Territories of Canada in 1993 as a mathematics and physics teacher. During her early teaching experiences, Lisa grew into her role as a teacher, coach, and good human by learning from others within the community. This foundational experience set the stage for new teaching experiences in Alberta and in particular, the brought home the importance of adopting a compassionate approach to students and families.
Since 2006, Lisa has worked as an executive staff officer with the Alberta Teachers Association (the “Association”). Lisa has held several roles at the Association and has developed expertise in labour relations, employee benefits plans, educational research, and women in leadership. The importance of belonging and thriving at work are key aspects of Lisa's current work and those early lessons from her time as a classroom teacher are now part of the DNA that propel Lisa's focus on helping teachers and school leaders to be successful and find ways to build cultures of wellness in schools.
Through her insightful analysis, Dr. Carrington explores how societal detachment occurs and outlines practical, meaningful solutions for reconnection. Her approach combines a deeper understanding of how necessary acknowledgment has become and she underscores how this need is so much bigger than recognition. Her dynamic and heartfelt presentations, infused with humor and honesty, captivate and energize audiences worldwide.
She is the Founder and Principal Psychologist at Carrington & Company, she has served as a civilian member of Canada's national police force, the RCMP, and practiced with the most complex cases on a psychiatric inpatient unit. Dr. Jody's balance as a devoted practitioner and brilliant communicator result in an ability to authentically connect through impactful presentations that has set a new bar in talking about the shifting landscape of mental health.
Dr. Jody has authored three best-selling books including Feeling Seen (Harper Collins, 2022) and hosts the widely celebrated podcast, "Everyone Comes from Somewhere." From major theatres and convention halls of 5,000 attendees, to boardrooms of 20 senior leaders, she revels in connecting and delighting an audience of any size, championing the profound need for genuine human connection in an era often dominated by digital communication. Her work is trusted by many of the world's Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, education and healthcare leaders all working to solve similar core challenges in creating a new set of rules to support and motivate their teams.
She is a mom to three, a wife to her (very lucky) husband, a hockey coach, a daughter, and a sister, navigating this world, alongside everyone she has the privilege to learn from and serve.
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Dr. Kimberely Holmes is an educator, poet, and scholar. She is assistant professor at the Werklund School of Education and faculty at Yorkville University. She is committed to living poetically, telling the truth critically and creatively. Research interests include mindfulness, story work, embodiment, literary neuroscience, narrative and poetic inquiry, creative writing, and teacher professional development. She was the CATE dissertation award recipient for her contribution to teacher education. Her work evolves around the intersections or relationality between mindfulness, literary neuroscience, embodiment, and holistic well-being bridging the world between the arts and science as she considers ways to (re) story our lives. Kim is an Associate Member Hotchkiss Brain Institute/Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education.
Dr. Andrea Holowka is the Superintendent of Schools with Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools. Through her 30 years of service in education, Andrea brings leadership experience from her roles as a teacher, principal, system leader, and superintendent. Andrea served has served as in superintendent roles for ten years in various divisions, including CTR, the Calgary Board of Education, and the Calgary Catholic School District. Andrea has a Doctorate of Education, with a dissertation on supporting mental health intervention services across large school authorities. Andrea is active in leadership and cross-sector collaborations throughout Alberta and has served in provincial leadership roles including President of the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA) and President of the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS).
Dr. Gina Cherkowski is a trailblazer in educational innovation and equity, committed to transforming how students learn and flourish in the 21st century. As Executive Director of Research and Development at the Headwater Learning Foundation, she blends her expertise in mathematics and STEM education with cutting-edge research on Mental Health, Belonging, and Identity to pioneer inclusive learning approaches that engage and inspire K-12 students, positioning them to thrive at school and beyond.
Holding a double-cognate Ph.D. in Mathematics Education and Cultural Studies, Gina is widely recognized as a leader in social justice and learning sciences. Her work empowers learners by equipping them with the skills, mindsets, and tools essential for success in an ever-evolving, tech-centric world. Gina focuses on harnessing research, technology, data, and the unique strengths of diverse learners to create dynamic, human-centred, and future-ready educational systems.
Beyond the classroom, Gina champions equitable access to quality education on a global scale. She inspires educators and educational systems to embrace innovation, celebrate diversity, and prioritize equity and belonging in learning. Through her visionary leadership, Gina continues to shape the future of education as a catalyst for transformative change and a advocate for inclusive learning practices.
Dr. Fei Wang is an associate professor at the Faculty of Education, the University of British Columbia (UBC). His research focuses on school leadership and administration, policy studies, international and comparative education, and social justice and diversity in schools. His current research involves six interrelated areas: a) school principals’ work intensification and health and well-being; b) psychological safety of school principals; c) principals’ strategic leadership through the philosophical teachings of The Art of War; d) subversive leadership; e) leadership and administration in cross-cultural contexts (e.g., offshore schools); f) leadership for culturally responsive pedagogy and decolonization.
Molly Stewart Lawlor, PhD, is an expert in child and adolescent social and emotional development. Dr. Lawlor’s research includes the investigation of mindfulness and psychological adjustment in children and adolescents, and evaluations of social-emotional learning programs for children and adolescents in school settings. She is the lead author and serves as the Principal Scientific Advisor for the MindUP program (mindup.org), an evidence-based social emotional learning program grounded in neuroscience. Dr. Lawlor is also an advisor to children’s media projects including Peabody award-winning Stillwater (Apple TV), the award-winning Scout and the Gumboot Kids (Canadian Broadcasting Company), and Committee for Children’s Mind Yeti, a guided mindfulness app.
Dr. Lawlor is an adjunct faculty member in the Faculty of Education at UBC, teaching in the area of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and is an instructor for ECED in the area of social and emotional development in young children. Dr. Lawlor is passionate about bringing research to practice in order to make social emotional learning accessible for all children and their adults.
Bonnie Blakley knew from an early age she wanted to serve the social fabric of families and communities in Canada. With prairie roots and a diverse career nurtured in Saskatchewan, she has experience in government, health care, private sector and leadership. In 2005, Bonnie and her husband started Lead 2 Lean Solutions, which helps organizations transform their business practices.
As the CEO of CASA Mental Health, Bonnie works with a dynamic team of mental health experts to provide accessible and effective mental health services to Albertan children and families.
Bonnie is also a mother and step-mother of seven and a sports enthusiast, who works hard every day to live up to her personal philosophy to Walk with Purpose and Lead with Grace!