BREAKOUT SESSIONS

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Introductory – A presentation that is a primer on the subject matter, meant to introduce the audience to a topic but not suitable for someone who has prior knowledge.

General – A presentation geared towards all levels of education and/or experience in the materials presented, which may be interactive or provide a new perspective on a topic

Intermediate – A presentation that provides additional information on a topic and assumes that the audience already has some familiarity with the subject matter

Thursday, January 23: 10:15 - 11:45 a.m.

Stream: Disabilities/ Special Needs

Using AI to create a more inclusive world for individuals with disabilities

In this session we will explore the use of AI to assist with adaptation, modification, personalization, and differentiation of learning to promote inclusive learning environments. Practical examples will be provided and attendees will walk away with a better understanding of how AI tools can be leveraged to create more inclusive spaces and discover specific strategies to help make content more accessible to diverse learners.
– Curtis Slater (PREP Society)
General
Stream: Leadership/Child Wellness Practices

My Journey through the child welfare system and beyond

George Dean is a 42-year-old Child and Youth Care worker who has now worked in the field for almost 16 years. George grew up as a child in the care of the child welfare system and was in approx. 60 placements. George has experienced trauma and issues surrounding attachment, connection and development. George has been homeless, has panhandled, and knows what it feels like to stand in line at the food bank. After spending 10 years ‘finding himself’, he has been able to connect some of the dots of trauma, attachment and connection to not only his own life, but in the lives of families and young people he has helped to help everyone try and think, collaborate and help, with a different perspective of trauma informed care and a holistic approach.
– George Dean (Independent)
General
Stream: Health and Wellness

Gender Affirming Care For All!

Focused on cis folx examining their relationships with gender, gender roles, their bodies, and those around them.
Examines how violence against trans individuals is usually perpetuated by folx who don't understand their own relationship to gender.
– Alissa Takahashi & Reena Samra (BIPOC Healing and Wellness Centre)
Intermediate
Stream: Health and Wellness

Resilience Scale Masterclass, Part 1

Resilience can be defined as the ability to respond positively in the face of adversity. The Resilience Scale metaphor depicts how adversities, positive supports, and acquired skills and abilities interact to influence resilience. Part 1 of the Resilience Scale Masterclass introduces key concepts about brain development and its impact on health, mental health, and overall well being over the lifespan, focusing specifically on what individuals need to understand their own capacity for resilience. (Please note, this session is intended to be taken with Resilience Scale Masterclass Part 2 - Session B.5)
– Claire Niehaus (Alberta Family Wellness Initiative)
General
Stream: Health and Wellness

Human Trafficking 101: Protecting our Youth From Exploitation

A foundational interactive training that offers an introduction to the realities and nuances of human trafficking in Alberta. Participants will hear case studies of common trafficking stories to learn about risk factors, progressions, and typologies of human trafficking specifically pertaining to young people. Participants will learn basic facts about human trafficking both online and in-person, and be able to accurately recognize indicators and know how to access expert resources when needed.
– Michelle Kauenhofen (ACT Alberta)
General
Stream: Early Intervention Practice

Calling for Change

In 2023-24, the OCYA released 48 investigative reviews regarding young people who were receiving designated services at the time of their death or injury. This fall, the OCYA will release Calling for Change, which will explore themes and recommendations, including the importance of early community supports that promote connections to build resilience, the impact this has on substance use and mental health, and the interplay between substance use, mental health, and placement stability.
– Kimberly Spicer & Terri Pelton (Office of the Child and Youth Advocate)
Intermediate

Thursday, January 23: 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Stream: Leadership

AI and the Social Service Sector - Friend or Foe? How AI can transform the way we work and serve others

This presentation will explore the use of AI within the Social Services sector, including cautionary tales and exciting examples of how to leverage this technology for good. Attendees will walk away with a broad understanding of AI and how they can potentially use it within their roles within the social services sector, whether it is on the front line or in a leadership position. This workshop will be applicable for those who are brand new to the world of AI or seasoned veterans of AI looking for potential ideas to bring back to their organizations.
– Curtis Slater (PREP Society)
General
Stream: Leadership

Accreditation and Best Practice Leadership

Ensuring that the process of accreditation is embraced by everyone in an organization starts with leadership, which sets a tone for a culture of best practice. 

This session will cover:

- What is accreditation, and what are its benefits?
- What is the role of leadership, and how to build a culture of best-practice leadership?
- How can leadership help teams be successful for accreditation, leading to a culture of quality service?
– Christine Mahoney & Deridre Gerro (Canadian Accreditation Council)
Intermediate
Stream: Leadership

The Survey says: Workers tells us about the state of child intervention

Is child protection in trouble? The survey says it is. Building on the survey and advocacy work over the past 2 years we bring together concerns and ideas that impact effectiveness in protecting children. Strengths clearly exist such as workers who fundamentally believe in the work. Yet challenges are significant and seen as barriers to success in work with children and family. The survey gathered the wisdom of those working in and around the Alberta child welfare system - wisdom we will draw up.
– Peter Choate, Julie Mann-Johnson & Chris Tortorelli (Mount Royal University)
Intermediate
Stream: Diversity and Inclusion

Know Better, Do Better: A Lesson From Queer History

In this session, Alissa will provide an intersectional lens through which to examine the (mis)treatment of early Trans/Queer activists Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Stormé Delarverie, who furthered the Queer Liberation Movement. They will connect this history to how our current Trans intersectional activists are (mis)treated and how to increase protective factors for our most marginalized community leaders. They will provide clear, actionable resources and skills for participants.
– Alissa Takahashi & Reena Samra (BIPOC Healing and Wellness Centre)
Intermediate
Stream: Health and Wellness

Resilience Scale Masterclass, Part 2

Part 2 of the Resilience Scale Masterclass focuses on building capacity for organizations and systems by evaluating what programs and services are available and making a common language and knowledge base accessible to community members. (Please note, this session is intended to be taken with Resilience Scale Masterclass Part 1 - Session A.4)
– Claire Niehaus (Alberta Family Wellness Initiative)
Intermediate
Stream: Health and Wellness

Finding your authentic self

Exploring SPICE domains as adults and how to decide which actions that will take you forward to your vision self.
– Shireen Sewcharran-Wiebe & Cameron Wiebe (Fundamental Life Coaching)
General

Friday, January 24: 10:15 - 11:45 a.m.

Stream: Leadership

Authenticity and Accessibility in the Digital Age: How to educate and support your staff and equip your leadership to tell the story and mission of your organization with ease

SC and Co. specializes in social media and digital marketing with more than 15 years' experience working for some of Alberta's largest non-profit organizations.
in 2024, Leadership teams are still underutilizing their own networks (specifically on LinkedIn). In this engaging presentation, we will educate
staff and leaders on how strategy around engagement on LinkedIn and other platforms can greatly support an organizations reach, fundraising and their overall presence.
– Dakota Kidby (Social Centric and Co.)
Intermediate
Stream: Diversity and Inclusion

An Integrated Ethno-Cultural Mental Health Team: The Small and Large Changes Made to a Long-Standing Community Mental Health Team

Eastside Community Mental Health Services (ECMHS) in Calgary has developed an integrated ethno-cultural team of mental health professionals. This presentation will share the journey of developing an inclusive and equitable workplace.
– Janet Stewart & Laura Camancho (Wood’s Homes)
Introductory
Stream: Child Wellness Practice

An Introduction to the Safe & Together Model™: Working Towards Becoming Domestic Violence Informed

Working with families where domestic violence has been identified, comes with its share of complexities. The Safe & Together Model aims to fill gaps in knowledge and practice and assists all systems touching on domestic violence and child well-being to become domestic violence-informed.
This presentation will provide an overview to the perpetrator pattern-based approach and the principles and components of the Safe & Together Model and reflect how it has been implemented at Families Matter.
– Michael Bautista (Families Matter)
General

Two-Spirit / Indigiqueer Futures

This breakout will build upon the keynote, providing hopeful paths towards the acceptance, support, and celebration of queer Indigenous folks. In this breakout, we will explore strategies that foster decolonial allyship practices in the spaces we occupy, both in the workplace and interpersonally.
- Rae Madge (Fyrefly Institute for Gender & Sexual Diversity)
Stream: Early Intervention Practice

Building child and youth safe cultures through awareness raising and education

This session explores the various types of abuse that can impact children at different stages of development: providing participants with an understanding of trauma and the impact on child development, equip participants to identify signs of abuse, response to suspect abuse, and the role of the community. We will examine physical, emotional, sexual, and neglectful abuse, each of which leaves its own distinct imprint on a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
– Sandi Pineda-Selva & Jennifer McAlpine (Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre)
Introductory
Stream: Leadership

Maximizing Your Ability to Meet Client Needs Through Workforce Planning

Community Services is a dynamic space where changes to client needs, funding, and programs require constant adjustment of your workforce. WorkLore will share its skill mapping methodology to uncover the full range of skills, including latent ones, to show how mapping allows organizations to plan for change and for growth while identifying development opportunities to increase employee engagement. During the session, real life examples will be used to bring the method to life for participants.
– Michele Braun (WorkLore)
Intermediate

BUT WAIT - THERE'S MORE!

Strength in Connection: 
Indigenous Voices Leading the Way

Join us for an exclusive breakout session designed specifically for Indigenous Cultural Helpers and Navigators within ALIGN's service provider membership.

This session, led by ALIGN's Board Elder, Beverly Keeshig-Soonias, is a dedicated space for Indigenous professionals to connect, share experiences, and build a robust support network that champions their invaluable work. Our aim is to foster a community that can collaboratively guide and influence the association's work through Indigenous-led oversight and insights.

Reserved exclusively for Indigenous Cultural Helpers and Navigators within ALIGN's membership. We deeply appreciate our allies for honouring this space.

Thursday, January 23
Session B: 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.

THAT'S NOT IT - THERE'S MORE!

Enhancing Workplace Safety: Collaborative Strategies for Health & Safety Professionals

Join us for an engaging and impactful OHS session designed to bring together Health & Safety Professionals, Representatives, Committee Members, Co-Chairs, and Management.

This dynamic breakout session will feature two key components:

  1. An in-depth exploration of Joint Work Health and Safety Committees led by CCSA, offering practical insights and tools to enhance workplace safety practices.
  2. The launch of an ongoing, interactive Community of Practice, providing a platform to share trends, address common needs, and collaborate on innovative solutions to improve methods and processes in the sector.

This is your opportunity to connect, learn, and help shape the future of health and safety. Be part of building a supportive network that drives meaningful change and elevates safety standards across our industry.

Friday, January 24
Session C: 10:15 - 11:45 a.m.