Nova Scotia School Counsellors Association
Bridging the Gaps
Provincial Conference - Friday, October 27, 2023
Registration CLOSED!
Registration date has been extended till October 20th
No refunds after October 20th
Registration Information
| Conference Fee (NSTU Members) | $95.00 |
| Substitutes | $55.00 |
| Pre-Service Teachers | $55.00 |
| Retired Members | $55.00 |
As per NSTU Operational Procedure 14 E. IV.: receipts of payment and attendance will not be distributed until the conference has concluded.
Location
Citadel High School
1855 Trollope Street, Halifax NS, B3H 0A4
Click on the map to access directions
Host Hotel:
Atlantica Hotel Halifax,
1980 Robie St, Halifax, NS B3H 3G5
Make a reservation
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Keynote - Tyler Simmonds
https://www.tylersimmonds.com/
Award-winning Canadian filmmaker Tyler Simmonds possesses leadership, courage and authenticity that allow him to forge meaningful connections with people through his stories and his advocacy for mental health and mindfulness. Tyler communicates the importance of healthy masculinity as a whole, but more importantly in the African Canadian community. Helping men build up the courage to become more vulnerable. While being a Peer Support Specialist helping others navigate their mental health journeys in Nova Scotia - Tyler uses his films and keynote speeches – including those given at TEDx and We Day – to captivate audiences, which have made him one of the most sought after speakers on resilience. Tyler’s work contains a depth and soul that only he can communicate so genuinely and his messages are truly made to touch one’s core. Through invites alone, Tyler has shared his message to over 12 thousand individuals since 2015.
Keynote - Nick Cardone
Nick Cardone is a Registered Counselling Therapist in Nova Scotia. He is the founder/clinical lead with Free Range Therapy - a private mental health clinic aimed at supporting the unique mental health needs of men and male-identified adolescents. He also pioneered The T.O.N.E. Project (Therapy Outside Normal Environments) - an innovative mental health group therapy program for men, that incorporates time in nature, adventure activities and expressive modalities, and serves as a men’s mental health consultant for private and government institutions.
Keynote - Sheryl Boswell
https://sherylboswellymhc.ca/about-me/
Sheryl Boswell is the Executive Director of Youth Mental Health Canada, a registered charitable non-profit organization focused on mental health education, support, advocacy, hope, and change. Sheryl is an educator and has taught elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and adult education in Canada and Africa. She is a suicide loss survivor and child and youth mental health expert with 20 years of experience working on school phobia issues. Sheryl has written a guidebook on supporting students with school phobia for families and schools that is available in print, digital fillable, and photocopiable formats, and in English and French. YMHC is a member of the International Network for School Attendance and the International Association of Youth Mental Health.
Agenda
Friday, October 27 |
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8:00am - 8:45am |
Registration |
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9:00am - 10:30am Spatz Theatre |
Session A KeynotePermission To FeelTyler Simmonds
In this talk, Tyler speaks about the importance of holding space for ourselves and others to feel the entire spectrum of emotions. Pulling from his own experiences and experiences he's had with others. Tyler explains how he uses mindfulness and compassion to help himself and others cope with anxiety, depression, and times of hardship. |
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10:30am - 11:00abm |
Break |
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11:00am - 12:00pm |
Session BB1: Self-Directed PLCs |
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11:00am - 12:00pm Spatz Theatre |
Session B KeynoteAddressing the Hidden Struggles of Boys and Adolescent Youth: Perspectives and Strategies for CounsellorsNick Cardone Navigating the complex maze of adolescence becomes even more intricate considering the societal expectations of young males. Our presentation, "Beyond Blueprints: Tailoring Mental Health Support for Young Males," sheds light on the unique mental health challenges faced by boys and adolescent youth. School counsellors stand at the frontline of these challenges, poised to redefine and reshape perceptions of masculinity. This session will provide a deep dive into these unique pressures, offering practical strategies and interventions to better support our young men's emotional well-being. By understanding their unique needs, we empower them towards a healthier self-awareness and resilience. Nick Cardone is a Registered Counselling Therapist in Nova Scotia. He is the founder/clinical lead with Free Range Therapy - a private mental health clinic aimed at supporting the unique mental health needs of men and male-identified adolescents. He also pioneered The T.O.N.E. Project (Therapy Outside Normal Environments) - an innovative mental health group therapy program for men, that incorporates time in nature, adventure activities and expressive modalities, and serves as a men’s mental health consultant for private and government institutions. |
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12:00pm - 1:30pm |
LunchAGM |
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1:30pm - 3:00pm Spatz Theatre |
Session C KeynoteSchool-Wide Strategies for Supporting Students with School Phobia, Avoidance, and Absence: Increasing Mental Wellness Protective Factors and Reducing Suicide Risk FactorsSheryl Boswell
Sheryl Boswell is the Executive Director of Youth Mental Health Canada, a registered charitable non-profit organization focused on mental health education, support, advocacy, hope, and change. Sheryl is an educator and has taught elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and adult education in Canada and Africa. She is a suicide loss survivor and child and youth mental health expert with 20 years of experience working on school phobia issues. Sheryl has written a guidebook on supporting students with school phobia for families and schools that is available in print, digital fillable, and photocopiable formats, and in English and French. YMHC is a member of the International Network for School Attendance and the International Association of Youth Mental Health. |
| 3:00pm |
Closing |
Primary Contact / Registrar
Andrew Gosney, President | nsscaconference@nstu.ca