Empowering Every Voice

Take some time to explore the new virtual platform, shake off any tech nerves, and dive into the experience. 

Feeling adventurous?

Search for hidden objects scattered throughout the virtual space! The more you find, the more points you'll earn...

Rumour has it-there might be prizes for the top point-getters!

Enjoy and happy exploring!

We invite you to join us for a special moment as Bill Harlow, CEO, officially opens this year's conference. In his welcome address, Bill will celebrate the incredible spirit of our community, reflect on our shared accomplishments, and set the stage for an exciting journey ahead. Don't miss this inspiring kickoff to what promises to be an unforgettable event!

Bill Harlow
Chief Executive Officer, Entrepreneur

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Bill Harlow

I started at Upper Canada Child Care when there were just three centres. From delivering lunches, tying skates, and driving the company bus, to running payroll and designing summer camp programs, I loved being involved in every part of the organization. I went on to own and operate several businesses, including Ty Canada Inc. Throughout my working life, my focus has always been people and wellness.

 

As CEO of UCCC, my top priority is the well-being of our employees and the children and families we serve. There is nothing more rewarding than a smile on a child’s face. I believe that if you have happy educators, you will have happy children, and if you have happy children, you will have happy families. It is that simple.

Upper Canada Child Care’s Founders Award was established to commemorate Josie and John Harlow, whose vision launched our organization in 1983. John and Josie were dedicated to offering high quality programs led by informed and engaged childcare professionals. Their early commitment to professionalism, on-going learning and employee recognition provided a solid foundation for excellence within our organization.

We continue to honour their commitment by recognizing the incredible work of Upper Canada Child Care educators.  Since 2019, the Founders Award has been given annually to an educator who demonstrates excellence in their commitment to professionalism and leadership, development of caring and responsive relationships, delivery of innovative curriculum and promotion of well-being in the learning environment.

Ann Macdonald
VP Child Care Programs, RECE, BSc (Hons)

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Ann Macdonald

I chose to work in the field of childcare initially because I was fascinated by the growing field of neuroscience, and its relevance to early childhood development.  Once I began my career and subsequently had my own children, I grasped the importance of accessible, high-quality childcare; to participate in the workforce, families need reliable care they can trust.

 

I have long understood how important the early years are for an individual to become a whole member of society; there is a critical link between access to high-quality care and the wellbeing of children, families, and communities. I believe the foundation starts with engaged and empowered educators.

 

Learning about what makes high quality childcare is one of my passions. Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to observe and learn about best practices in childcare, both in Canada and around the world. I have been inspired by some of the amazing things that are happening, such as the Reggio Emilio Approach in Italy, and nature-based programs in Scandinavian countries. My drive is to find ways to bring these pedagogical philosophies into our programs.

 

For over 31 years, I have been privileged to be a part of Upper Canada Child Care and to now have the opportunity to lead my team in supporting success for all our employees. My number one goal is to ensure that our leaders and educators have the tools they need to thrive, and to succeed in creating environments where children and families in turn will thrive.

In a world where people feel overwhelmed at work, with ever-increasing demands for attention, and a decreasing level of satisfaction, we, in this audience, have a chance to change all that – today! I have the pleasure of introducing you to Sarah McVanel. Sarah is a recognition expert, professional speaker, coach, author, recovering healthcare executive, part-time perfectionist, and movement maker of F.R.O.G. Forever Recognize Others' Greatness. The one and only “Frog Lady” will energize you, tantalize you, and elevate you to focus on GREATNESS.

With 25+ years of experience, she invigorates organizations to see their employees as exceptional so that, together, they can create a scrumptious, thriving culture where everyone belongs. Put away your phones, take out your notebooks, get your ears perked up … you're about to enter a whole new world … a world of abundant appreciation, new discoveries, powerful affirmations, and a fun twist on what it takes to retain great people and, most importantly, create a retention ripple effect.

Get ready to take part in an exceptional experience for exceptional people.

Tammy Nucci
Corporate Training and Development Specialist, RECE, MA

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Tammy Nucci

With over 25 years of diverse professional experience, I’ve had the privilege of serving in various roles, including educator, supervisor, director, and now, corporate training and development specialist. Each role has played a pivotal part in shaping my journey, providing valuable insights and fresh perspectives that have contributed to my personal and professional growth. I am also deeply passionate about employee engagement and leadership, striving to create meaningful opportunities that empower individuals and teams to thrive. These experiences have ultimately led me to the fulfilling opportunity of working alongside all of you.

As a Corporate Training and Development Specialist, I strongly believe in the power of shared knowledge—that we all have something to learn from one another—and that our greatest success comes when we grow together.

What if there was a ridiculously simple, no-cost way to bring more joy, energy, and connection into your day—while also keeping your team motivated, engaged, and excited to show up (even after that kind of morning)? Would you want to know about it?

Let’s be real: Childcare educators are superheroes—patient, creative, endlessly giving, and somehow still standing after singing Baby Shark for the hundredth time. But too often, the work feels thankless. The long days, the big emotions (theirs and yours!), the endless to-do lists, and the pressure to do everything can leave even the most passionate educators feeling exhausted, unappreciated, and wondering, “Does anyone even see how hard we work?”

Now, imagine if every single person in your world—your team, your boss, your families (even that one parent)—started recognizing the impact you make every day. Imagine feeling celebrated, valued, and re-energized without adding one more thing to your already overflowing
plate. Sounds like magic, right? Well, it kind of is. And it’s called recognition!

In this fast-paced, fun, and actually useful keynote, Canada’s Recognition Expert, Sarah McVanel, will share how to F.R.O.G. (Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness™)—a ridiculously easy approach that will:

✨ Bring back the spark and remind you why you love this work (even on the tough days!)

✨ Instantly lift the mood of your team, your kiddos, and even yourself!

✨ Create a ripple effect of positivity that spreads to families, coworkers, and beyond

✨ Make everyone feel more connected, supported, and seen

This isn’t some corporate, stale, buzzword-filled talk. This is about YOU, your joy, and the heart of why you do what you do. Past childcare educators have walked away laughing, feeling lighter, and actually excited to put these ideas into action.

You give your whole heart every single day—it’s time to make sure you feel the love, too! Let’s F.R.O.G. on and create a recognition revolution that will actually make work more fun, fulfilling, and fantastic! 

 Welcome Upper Canada Child Care from Sarah McVanel

Sarah McVanel
MS.c, CSP, CHRL, CSODP, PCC

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Sarah McVanel

Sarah is a recognition expert, professional speaker, coach, author, recovering perfectionist, and movement maker. She created F.R.O.G. Forever Recognize Others' Greatness to invigorate companies so they can see their people as exceptional and, together, create a scrumptious, thriving culture where everyone belongs.

Sarah has 25+ years of experience training, coaching, and leading teams. From her senior leadership role, she founded her boutique firm Greatness Magnified. Proclaimed as the “Frog Lady," she can be found freaking out perfect strangers (in a good way) by handing out squishy frogs and asking them, “Have you been frogged lately?” and then acknowledging their greatness.

She's a Certified Senior Organizational Development Professional (CSODP), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL). She is one of 700 Certified Speaking Professionals (CSP) worldwide.

She has a BA in Psychology, MSc in Family Relations, and Diplomas in Human Resources and Healthcare Administration. You can catch her kayaking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter with her husband Mark, or cooking a feast (while listening to an audiobook on double speed). She’s a die-hard carb-ivour, amateur hip-hopper, and TikTok embarrasser to her two kids Justin and Simonne.

It’s time for a break from the conference!

Take this opportunity to explore the site and connect with others. Be sure to visit the Lounge, where you can:

   •   Check out Sarah’s website (it's got "Cool Stuff")

   •   Join in on our community chat

   •   Explore UCCC's website and social media platforms

And don’t miss the Exhibitor Hall, where you can speak face-to-face with representatives from:

   •   Georgian College

   •   Centennial College

   •   Seneca College

   •   The College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)

   •   And Sarah McVanel herself!

Enjoy your break and make the most of all the great resources and conversations available!

“Try to feel, in your heart’s core, the reality of others. This is the most painful thing in the world, probably, and the most necessary.” Margaret Laurence

As educational professionals, the embedding of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion pillars are central to an engaging holistic curriculum and the vitality of future generations. Yet many of us feel stuck and go: uncomfortable and downright confused on where to start. The rise of incivility among children and youth positions many education professionals to be between a rock and a hard place. The negativity of the incivility, isolation and overall stress level leaves many depleted and demoralized. 

We invite you to join Alan Faigal for an energizing workshop where we explore how EDI principles are the foundation to an environment that cultivates wellbeing in and through compassion and care. Mixing humor and introspection, Alan will draw on his experiences as an ECE, Professor & Community Animator to offer practical steps on how to cultivate circles of care; brave spaces where inclusion, diversity and equity are celebrated and truly valued.  Alan will utilize a 3 Step Model using the symbols of a Mirror, Window and Doorway and how that can inform an EDI lens that centralizes the value of our individual and collective health and wellbeing. 

*In spaces where we all think alike – no one thinks. While we may not ultimately know what it is truly like to walk in another person’s shoes – let us always strive to stand with and by each other as move towards compassion and community. *

Sidenote: Participants are invited to wear comfortable clothing and have adequate space to move around. No Workshop with Alan would be complete without some fun creative movement and dancing!!! 

Alan Faigal (he/him)
ECE, BA, MA

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Alan Faigal (he/him)

Alan Faigal is an educator, dancer and community animator with a proud professional scope rooted in early childhood education.  Alan has also worked in academia as a lecturer and learning strategist for both University and College spaces (Early Childhood Studies and Theatre Drama Studies).   Proudly born and raised in Scarborough ON to immigrant newcomer parents who started a new life in Canada upon leaving The Philippines in the 1970s.  

 

He has designed and delivered keynotes and professional development sessions for early childhood educators as well as drama/dance educators in the areas of authentic leadership, conflict resolution, equity/inclusion, public speaking and wellness.  

 

Alan has been a movement specialist in the fitness/wellness industry for over 25 years. As a former canfitpro PRO trainer, he trained and certified group fitness instructors in various disciplines. 

 

He is also an Outreach Coordinator for Dance Ontario and Community Animator for Culture Shock Canada.   Alan’s dance education has been in Hip Hop, club inspired genres and Bollywood. He has performed and studied Indian and Bollywood Dance with Lopa Sarkar and Divine Heritage Artistry.  Dance floors and academic lecture halls are avenues for his dynamic teaching methods.  

Disability rights are a fundamental aspect of human rights that advocate for the dignity, autonomy, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all facets of society. The movement has evolved significantly over the decades, transitioning from a focus on charity and welfare to one that emphasizes empowerment and equality. As Early Childhood Educators it is essential that we provide inclusive environments, where all children are invited to learn and feel a sense of belonging. 

In education we have used many different words to describe people with disabilities across time; “handi capped”, “special needs”, “differently abled”, “exceptional”, but what is the correct terminology to use when talking about this community? We will begin by exploring language and why it matters. 

People are not disabled by their impairments; they are disabled by the environments that create barriers to their participation. Identifying barriers to inclusion is a critical step in fostering an equitable environment for individuals with disabilities. These barriers can be physical, such as inaccessible buildings, or they can be attitudinal, stemming from societal misconceptions and stigma. Through Inclusive Praxis educators will begin to reflect on their practices and identify potential barriers in their own classrooms and beliefs.  

As educators it is our responsibility to provide environments that promote belonging, wellbeing, engagement and expression. But how? Universal design principles help guide educators to create environments and programming that support all learners. It highlights the importance that all equipment and materials be accessible to all children, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. This approach goes beyond mere compliance with accessibility standards; it emphasizes proactive design that anticipates diverse needs from the outset. We will begin to explore these principles and how educators can incorporate this into their daily work. 

“A child not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.”- African Proverb

Jacquie Gill (she/her)
RECE, IP

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Jacquie Gill (she/her)

Jacquie Gill is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and an Inclusion Practitioner. She graduated from Centennial College, with honours, in 2002 and has worked as an Early Childhood Educator for the past 23 years. She began her career in a school age program and returned to school when she recognized the challenges of working with children with disabilities. She completed Seneca College’s Certificate program in Inclusion Practices in March 2010. This program allowed her to support the children and families she worked with in and outside of the classroom. In 2012, she was hired at Kinark Child and Family Services as an ECE on the 0-6 services team and she continues to work in this role today. This position entails consulting to local childcare centers to increase the capacity and knowledge of the educators working with children with disabilities; as well as providing parenting education (Triple P Parenting Program) for families within York Region. Jacquie is now accredited in 5 levels of Triple P Parenting and offers seminars in the community, up to intensive group/individual services to families. Working on a multidisciplinary team at Kinark has offered Jacquie the opportunity to learn more about children and families of children struggling with their mental health. She has been able to participate in many professional development opportunities to build her knowledge around evidence-based treatments for children with mental health challenges. In May of 2024 Jacquie was invited to teach part time at Seneca College in the Early Childhood Education program. She teaches students in their 4^th semester Critical Perspectives of Childhood Disablement. Jacquie has a personal connection to the disability community, as a woman with a disability, working full time in the childcare field. This course increases ECE’s knowledge around disability as well as how to assess the classroom environment, identify barriers to participation and create an inclusive space where all children can thrive. She now combines her child development, mental health, and disability knowledge to support children and families, as well as the local childcare educators.

Join us for this journey in becoming diverse, equitable and inclusive Early Years Centres. In this workshop we will discuss information about multilingualism, dispel myths about this area, reflect on our own practice, and discuss the importance of self-awareness and objectivity.  We will share specific tools and strategies for educators to create warm and welcoming environments for everyone. The workshop includes the following early learning framework inquiries:

Well-being and Belonging

Nurturing a sense of well-being and belonging supports children as they learn about and investigate the world around them. 

Children Communication and Literacies 

Children use multiple modes of expressive language to communicate ideas, participate in relationships and make meaning in their homes and communities.

Identities, Social, Responsibility, and Diversity

A positive personal and cultural identity is the awareness, understanding and appreciation of all facets that contribute to a healthy sense of oneself.

Julie Hansen
Founder of Inspired ECE

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Julie Hansen

I have been an Early Childhood Educator for 25 years, having received my Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Douglas College. Since then, I have gained experience in a variety of areas within the field of Early Childhood Education: Director of a preschool, supervisor of after-school care as well as 3-5 and Infant Toddler programs and centre management. My primary focus has evolved to encompass team leadership, management training and program development. I have had articles published in provincial and national ECE journals on the topic of emergent curriculum and leadership. My goal as an Early Childhood Educator and facilitator is to support fellow educators and early years professionals in providing high-quality early learning experiences for children and families.

Farrah Rahim
B.Sc, M.Sc

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Farrah Rahim

Farrah Rahim thinks with her heart.  This has catapulted her to a successful career in pediatric and adult speech language pathology.  Farrah was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. She has 2 young children and a husband with whom she loves to spend time.  Farrah completed her B.Sc. in Biopsychology at Western University and her M.Sc. in Speech Language Pathology at Dalhousie University. She started her career working in an outpatient program for people with Traumatic Brain Injuries as well as across various inpatient areas of a local hospital, dealing with both swallowing and communication disorders. She also worked for several years in private practice primarily with the pediatric population. Since 2009, Farrah has been working in the school board setting, supporting students with language and communication difficulties and their teaching staff to ensure that students can be as successful as possible in their academic setting. Farrah also has a passion for giving back to the world and she feels that this is the way to true happiness. She does this through connecting people with resources and helping people see their potential so that they can be changemakers in their own lives. She has mentored many young girls and new immigrants both informally and through a girl’s mentorship program. In the near future Farrah would like to pursue playing the piano and writing a children’s book.

Andrea Rizzuto
M.HSc

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Andrea Rizzuto

Andrea Rizzuto is a woman of energy and action! She is a mom of two young boys and has a passion for all things speech-language pathology. Andrea was born and raised in the GTA and completed her Master of Health Sciences in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Toronto. Andrea has worked in multi-disciplinary clinics and a Toronto-based school board giving her a wide variety of experience in all areas of pediatric speech language pathology. She has hosted a variety of teacher and parent training workshops on a range of topics related to speech and language issues. Andrea has also served as a Health Guest Editor in CityLife Magazine. Andrea takes great pleasure in working collaboratively with children and their families, and in working towards helping children become effective communicators. She believes that early intervention is effective intervention. When Andrea is not at work, she can be found enjoying her time with her husband and two young boys, watching movies, baking up a storm in the kitchen, and playing on the playground.

Human beings crave connection. Whether it be at home, at work or in their community. It is part of who we are. Creating an authentic connection can be difficult when you have a diverse workforce or community, it can sometimes feel like we don’t have much in common. During this interactive session you will have the opportunity to learn about: 

• Power of curiosity, it really didn’t kill the cat 
• What happens when you talk less and listen more 
• How connection can cure contention, by creating a ‘WITH’ space 
• How living UCCC’s values creates a strong foundation for connection

Outcomes: 

• Support the ongoing development of a culture of respect, belonging and inclusion 
• Continue to build employee knowledge and understanding of the positive impacts to their workplace when their space is safe and there is a sense of belonging
• Provide tools and resources that employees and leaders can leverage with each other, clients and their family and friends

Lisa Blanchet
CMP, CPCC, PMP

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Lisa Blanchet

Lisa is an experienced coach, leader, facilitator and consultant with over 25 years of experience navigating workplace change, leadership development, employee engagement and empowering women to write their next chapter. Lisa has led transformational and organizational change in transportation, telecommunications, finance and insurance, food and beverage, and healthcare. 

Lisa's passion lies in supporting clients in establishing a people-centric approach to creating space for change, building resilience and developing the confidence and competency to lead organizational and personal change. Her dedication and commitment to this approach is evident in her work. 

Lisa is known for her intuitive ability to connect concepts, people and new ideas while holding space for her clients as they transition through personal and professional change. 

“RECEs build positive relationships with colleagues by demonstrating respect, trust and integrity. They support, mentor and collaborate with colleagues, including students aspiring to the profession.”

“ECEs support and collaborate with colleagues, including early childhood education students and those who are new to the profession.” - CECE, 2017

The best educators, first and foremost, use a warm, responsive, and inclusive approach, building positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and communities (Min of Ed. 2014, p. 19). 

A significant body of research indicates that positive, caring, and respectful relationships are the foundation for optimal learning, development, health, and well-being (Min. of Ed. 2014, p. 24).

Within the context of global upheaval and voices of division, how can we educators create a workplace culture of caring for one another? We adults are good at giving care to all children and creating equitable conditions in which children can thrive, and “self-care” is not enough! How can we do this for each other?

This workshop will provide a chance to think about what a culture of belonging feels like for the hard-working adults in the room. Participants will explore biases; internal and external, to move past a culture of fear of the Other and one of curiosity and welcoming. We will explore ways for educators to empower each other to shine and share their gifts. A strengths-based, non-hierarchical lens will be used. This session will also draw upon global research on what motivates educators to feel satisfaction in their work and a sense of wellness, even in the demanding care and education work with children and families.

College of Early Childhood Educators. (2017). Code of Ethics and Standards of practice. https://www.college-ece.ca/en/Documents/Code_and_Standards_2017.pdf 

Queen’s Printer for Ontario. (2014). How does learning happen? Ontario’s pedagogy for the early years. https://files.ontario.ca/edu-how-does-learning-happen-en-2021-03-23.pdf 

Terry Kelly (she/her)
RECE

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Terry Kelly (she/her)

Terry Kelly (she/her) is an RECE and a professor in the School of Early Childhood Education at Seneca Polytechnic. She has had a long and varied career which includes licensed child care, EarlyON, community and family support, international work in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. She is an ongoing participant in Indigenous learning through Odeyto at Seneca. Terry has been bringing family yoga to The 519 EarlyON special events supporting 2SLGBTQ+ families, adding to her learning on how to create welcoming and safe spaces for all. Terry brings a holistic lens based on her qualifications as a registered yoga teacher, a Forest School Practitioner student, and as mother and grandmother. Her passion for empowering educators has also led to her membership in the nascent Ontario Mentorship Collaborative.

In this transformative workshop, we will explore mental health and wellness through the teachings and practices of Indigenous traditions. By delving into key concepts such as diversity, inclusion, and holistic healing, participants will gain valuable insights into how these elements intertwine to promote well-being.

The session will feature:

• Hand Drum Songs to tap into the healing power of rhythm and community.

• Gratitude as a practice for fostering a positive mindset and emotional balance.

• Everyone Has Their Own Way, emphasizing respect for individual journeys and healing processes.

• Seven Natural Ways We Heal, a framework for personal and collective healing.

• Seven Directions, offering guidance on aligning body, mind, and spirit.

• A Releasing Exercise to help participants let go of negative energies and embrace healing.

Through this workshop, we will create a space for learning, connection, and growth, honoring the wisdom and practices of Indigenous cultures while empowering participants to embrace inclusive and mindful approaches to mental health.

Veronica Johnny (she/her)
Founder of IndigenED

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Veronica Johnny (she/her)

Veronica Johnny is a multi-disciplinary artist, Indigi-Queer, Cree/Dene, 2Spirit woman. She’s an arts educator, producer, and female entrepreneur. Ms. Johnny is a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and presently lives in Ontario.

She’s a performer, workshop facilitator, musician, hand-drummer, speaker and visual artist and the frontwoman, co-producer, and manager of The Johnnys. Known for their high-energy performances, The Johnnys are an Indigenous-fronted rock’n’roll band featuring music with cheeky lyrics & anthemic choruses on fun, environment, social & political change.
As a music producer and audio engineer, Veronica has worked with youth, women, and her own music projects.

As an arts entrepreneur, Veronica’s the founder of IndigenEd which focuses on lifting female Indigenous voices & stories through music, film & workshops. IndigenEd strives to create understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through interactive artseducation and performance events, both in-person & virtual, for all ages.

Empathy lies at the core of effective teaching and nurturing relationships with young children. Understanding and practicing empathy can transform the educational experience, fostering not only cognitive growth but also emotional and social development. 

This workshop delves into the Head, Heart & Hand philosophy, which emphasizes the integration of cognitive understanding (Head), emotional connection (Heart), and practical application (Hand) of empathy in early childhood education. Through interactive sessions, discussions, and activities, participants will explore various aspects of empathy, learn practical strategies for cultivating empathy in their teaching practice and discover how to create supportive learning environments where empathy thrives.

This workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of empathy and provides early childhood educators with practical tools and strategies to nurture empathy in themselves and the in the families and children they serve, ultimately creating more compassionate and inclusive learning environments.

Jill Javelosa Alvarez
RECE

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Jill Javelosa Alvarez

Jill Javelosa Alvarez is a reflective practitioner with over 15 years of experience in Family Support, Early Learning, and Community Engagement. As an Author, Speaker, and Consultant, she specializes in pedagogical leadership, program and curriculum development, community engagement, and capacity building.

She has served as a College Faculty Instructor, Early Literacy Specialist, and Centre Supervisor at EarlyON Child and Family Centres, where she led impactful initiatives to strengthen families and communities. In her role as a Family Resource Worker, she provided direct support to families, fostering meaningful connections and improving access to community resources.

As a Community Development Program Specialist, Jill has worked alongside residents and stakeholders to address systemic challenges, foster collaboration, and develop sustainable, community-driven solutions. She thrives on building partnerships that create lasting impact and drive positive change.

A lifelong learner and collaborator, Jill cultivates meaningful relationships and empowers families and communities through intentional and innovative approaches. She remains unwavering in her mission to teach minds, touch hearts, and transform lives.

In times where me might feel bombarded and overwhelmed by constant change and uncertainty, resilience is more important than ever. This interactive and engaging session will equip you with practical tools and strategies to navigate these challenges with confidence, focus on meaningful connections, and maintain a hopeful outlook.
Through personal reflection and discussions, you'll explore key concepts in positive psychology, self-compassion, and managing uncertainty—all aligned with UCCC’s leadership training on self-care and self-management.

By the end of the session, you’ll leave feeling empowered, with actionable strategies to strengthen resilience in your work and personal life; connected, knowing you’re not alone in facing challenges; and hopeful, with renewed energy and optimism for the future.

Jordan Daniow
M.SOC, ICF

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Jordan Daniow

Jordan Daniow is all about helping people grow and thrive in the places that they work. As the Manager of Leadership Development at BDO Canada, a leading professional services consulting firm, he is dedicated to coaching and developing leaders to reach their full potential. Before stepping into this role, Jordan spent over 15 years as a trainer, coach, and organizational consultant, working hands-on with professionals to build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and create high-performing teams.

 

With a Masters in Organizational Development & Change and a designation from the International Coaching Federation, Jordan brings both expertise and energy to leadership development. His experiences in higher education, engineering, and healthcare provide him with a unique perspective across many industries. Whether working one-on-one with executives or leading group workshops, Jordan focuses on conversations that bring people and teams together to create practical, lasting impact in their work.

Children in outdoor learning have a front row seat to nature’s greatest show – the budding of new life as winter turns to spring! This workshop will build confidence to get kids outside in the most exciting of seasons. Educators will learn how getting outside benefits us all – educators and students alike, with peer reviewed empirical evidence that show the multiple health and wellness benefits and social and emotional growth that occurs through spending time outdoors in nature. The workshop will also answer logistical questions such as: What clothing is best for this season; what equipment to take with you; and what are some specific risks and annoyances that come at this time of year. We will also go through some great activities you can run with your children to get the most out of your time outdoors!

Robert Wallis (he/him)
PhD, OCT

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Robert Wallis (he/him)

Robert Wallis has a PhD. in Genetics from Oxford University, and a B.Ed. from OISE, Toronto. After spending 13 years instructing and advocating for access to outdoor education as Principal of Outward Bound Canada, Robert now supervises 4 ‘Nature Schools’ across Toronto with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

Once sessions have ended for the day, please take a few moments to complete your mandatory Learning Journal and Feedback Survey.

We want to hear from you - What did you learn? What did you think?

Your input helps us grow and improve future events. 

Thank you for being part of the experience!