Agenda
└ Halifax
|
|
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Capacity: 300
Dr. Derek Fisher
|
1.1 • Cannabis and the Adolescent Brain |
| A discussion of how cannabis impacts the adolescent brain, including information that counsellors can provide to students so they can understand the consequences of cannabis use in adolescent years. The session will end with an open Q&A, so please bring your questions. |
| Dr. Derek Fisher’s research program utilizes EEG and neuroimaging (e.g., MRI, fMRI, MRS) to explore areas cognitive and clinical neuroscience, focusing on the brain-based mechanisms underlying psychiatric conditions. Dr. Fisher’s primary research areas include how auditory hallucinations impact early information processing in psychosis, as well the effects of common drugs like nicotine on brain function. His work also extends to clinical populations with depression, anxiety, and other disorders, contributing valuable insights into brain-behavior relationships. |
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Theresa Fraser
|
1.2 • Using Play Therapy Activities to Address Anxiety | Part 1 of 2 |
Must sign up for both Session 1–Part 1 and Session 2–Part 2
This 3-hour workshop will examine how to utilize play based interventions to address anxiety and anxiety symptoms. Participants come prepared to spend 3 hours in this training.
Tools required: comfortable clothes, water bottle, an example of an anxiety activity that you utilize to share during a dyadic conversation, two puppets with mouths, markers and pens.
Participants will be able to recognize age-specific signs and symptoms of anxiety in both elementary and high school students, distinguishing between typical developmental behaviors and indicators of clinical concern, describe and apply a range of evidence-informed interventions (e.g., CBTPT techniques, mindfulness activities, classroom accommodations) tailored for the school setting to support students with anxiety, gain insight into common causes of anxiety in school-aged children (including academic pressures, social dynamics, family stressors, and developmental changes), learn strategies for engaging teachers, administrators, and parents in collaborative efforts to support students with anxiety (including developing individualized support plans and communication practices) and discuss the tools that can be utilized in a school setting to address anxiety and anxiety symptoms. |
| Dr. Theresa Fraser is an RCT and the Executive Director of Maritime Play Therapy Centre. She is an EMDR consultant/trainer and Play Therapy Supervisor Trainer. She is also an approved sandtray trainer for the World Association of Sand Therapy professionals. Theresa has written books and books chapters on trauma treatment and play therapy and teaches workshops on trauma/ attachment and play therapy around the world. Her agency is well known for being experts in trauma informed play therapy service provision. |
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Alison Casey
|
1.3 • Building Trades Advancement College (BTAC) - For the Trades, by the Trades |
| The Building Trades Advancement College is the largest private sector trainer in the province. Alison will provide information on the pre-apprenticeship and direct entry opportunities available to those interested in career in the skilled construction trades. |
Alison Casey joined the Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades Council as Manager, Marketing and Communications in December 2013. In May 2025, she was appointed the Council’s second ever Executive Director. Alison has decades of experience in leading marketing initiatives, project management, and strategic leadership. Over the past 12 years, she’s taken great pride in raising the Council’s profile and telling the story of organized labour.
An effective communicator with a history of building strong, long-lasting relationships, Alison looks forward to strengthening relationships with the Council’s many partners and collaborators in her new role. Alison is committed to driving the continued growth of the unionized construction sector. Throughout her career, Alison has been passionate about advocating for, and supporting under-served populations, and looks forward to continuing this important work. |
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Tom McCutcheon
|
1.4 • Apprenticeship 101 |
| Everything you need to know about getting your students started as an apprentice in the trades in Nova Scotia. |
Tom is passionate about helping people learn. As a Youth Pathways Consultant for HRCE he is responsible for the support and ongoing development and implementation of community-based learning initiatives provided by the Region in cooperation with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Tom has supported regional schools in the delivery of alternative programs such as Options & Opportunities (O2), Skilled Trades, Discovering Opportunities, and Cooperative Education (co-op).
Tom was previously Technical Advantage Program Lead for the J.L. Ilsley High School family of schools (career focus for students requiring re-engagement through I.T. industry career exploration and Co-op work experience), Options and Opportunities Program Coordinator, Business and Technology Department Head, as well as Business and Social Studies teacher. 11 years in the ERP industry with sales, marketing, and education experience with PeopleSoft, Inc. |
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Gabrielle Rizkillah
|
1.5 • Understanding Students through Art: Practical Creative Strategies for School Counsellors |
| In this interactive session, school counsellors will be introduced to simple and accessible art therapy directives that can support emotional insight and connection with students. Attendees will learn how to use visual expression as a tool to better understand their students’ inner worlds—especially when words fall short. Rooted in art therapy practices, these techniques are designed to be practical, inclusive, and adaptable across diverse age groups and needs. Participants will leave with strategies and tools they can bring back to their school settings to foster emotional regulation, communication, and self-awareness in students. |
Gabriella Rizkallah is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association, with a professional foundation in academics, holding a BFA from NSCAD University, a BEd from St. Francis Xavier University, and a Master of Education in Art Therapy from Wayne State University. Her work centers on inclusive mental health care, creative expression, and support for neurodivergent individuals—while also addressing intergenerational trauma and the complex dynamics within families.
Drawing on her academic background, Gabriella brings a strong educational lens to her therapeutic practice. Her lived experience with learning differences and late identified neurodivergence offers a deep understanding of how people learn, communicate, and connect in diverse and non-traditional ways. She specializes in working with the neurodivergent population, including individuals with autism and ADHD, with a focus on women, parents, school-aged children, and teens. As a Lebanese Canadian and mother of three, Gabriella brings cultural awareness and insight into family systems, generational patterns, and the stigma that can surround mental health and help-seeking. |
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Roseita Corbett
|
1.6 • Beyond Statistics: Moving Into Action |
| This session will focus on the urgent need for educators to move past passive awareness and toward meaningful, protective action for gender-diverse students. In today's political climate-marked by increasing legislative efforts across Canada and beyond that target 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, restrict inclusive education, and undermine human rights-the risks of harm to gender-diverse youth are growing. These students are not just statistics; they are living in classrooms and communities where their existence is politicized. This session will explore how we, as educators and allies, can counter these threats by fostering safe, affirming spaces, advocating within our systems, and implementing concrete strategies that support identity, dignity, and resilience. |
Roseita Corbett is a Registered Counselling Therapist and an active member of the Canadian Psychotherapy Association. Her career with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) spans nearly 30 years. She began as an elementary classroom teacher before transitioning into school counselling in 2013. In addition to her work in schools, Roseita has established a successful private practice, where she is especially passionate about supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community-particularly transgender youth and adults.
Roseita holds a Master's degree in Counselling from Acadia University (2013) and a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland (1994). She has completed WPATH training through the IWK Trans Health Team and meets the qualifications to conduct hormone readiness assessments for individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria. A dedicated advocate for inclusive education, Roseita focuses on raising awareness at the elementary level by encouraging gender-neutral environments and actively challenging harmful gender stereotypes. She regularly engages in professional development to deepen her understanding and improve the care she provides to transgender and gender-diverse clients.
Roseita is committed to helping school counselors, educators, and administrators create safe and affirming spaces for all students. At this year's NSTU conference, she will share powerful, real-life stories of students and families who have faced significant challenges navigating school systems. Her presentation emphasizes that empathy-rooted in listening to lived experiences-is one of the most essential tools we have. From empathy grows understanding, and from understanding, meaningful change. For Roseita, education and awareness are our strongest defences against the ignorance and discrimination still faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community. |
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Dr. Aimée Coulombe
|
1.7 • CIS Information Session |
Children's Intensive Services (CIS) provides mental health services to children aged 5 to 12 years. Families are referred by their community mental health clinician for more intensive services to:
- Gain a deeper understanding of their child’s behaviour and what may be getting in their way of doing well, including understanding of diagnosis.
- Learn new ways to manage their child’s behaviour.
- Psychiatric consultation for diagnostic assessment and adjustment of medication.
Dr. Coulombe will discuss and answer questions about the CIS program at the IWK.
|
| Dr. Aimée Coulombe is a Registered Psychologist and current Clinical Team Lead with the Purple team (formerly the Yellow and Concurrent teams) at Adolescent Intensive Services with IWK Mental Health and Addictions. Prior serving in this capacity, Dr. Coulombe was a team member and Clinical Team Lead with Community Mental Health and Addictions and thus has worked both on the referring and receiving side of the Intensive Services care pathways. She particularly enjoys collaborating with clients, caregivers, and community partners. |
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Heather Boucher
|
1.8 • NeuroSpectacular Brains: Understanding and Supporting ADHD and Autism through a Neurodiverse Affirming Framework |
This presentation invites participants to explore ADHD and autism through a neurodiversity-affirming perspective — one that honors neurological differences as natural variations of the human brain rather than deficits to be "fixed." By shifting from a deficit-based model to one grounded in respect, inclusivity, and strengths-based support, educators, professionals, and caregivers can more effectively meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals.
Common traits of ADHD and autism will be reframed to fit within a neurodiversity affirming model, including sensory differences, communication styles, social skills, and executive functioning challenges. The session will highlight how traditional behavior-based approaches can inadvertently pathologize neurodivergent experiences and why affirming, individualized strategies rooted in compassion and collaboration are more effective and respectful. |
Heather is a Registered Psychologist in Halifax, working at Spirit Psychological. She completed her Honours degree in Psychology at SMU, and her Masters of Arts in School Psychology at Mount St. Vincent University. Heather worked as a school psychologist in the public education system for almost a decade before moving to private practice. She has extensive experience supporting children, youth, young adults, families, and school personnel. Heather is a military wife, and mega-proud mother to their “neuro-spectacular” daughter, Harrison.
Through a strengths-based, neurodiversity affirming approach, Heather provides comprehensive assessments for learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and autism. Heather is passionate about providing psychoeducation around new diagnoses to children and their families; to support the development of positive neurodivergent identities. She also provides coaching for parents who are looking for new tools to support kiddos struggling with big behaviours. Heather believes that we are our best selves when we understand our own neurodivergence through an authentic, affirming lens. |
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
|
Break |
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Capacity: 300
Dr. Derek Fisher
|
2.1 • Health Impacts of Nicotine, Smoking and Vaping |
| A discussion of nicotine, focusing on health risks and with consideration given to both smoking and vaping. We will address why people start to use nicotine products, the health consequences of these, and considerations for quitting. The session will end with an open Q&A, so please bring your questions. |
| Dr. Derek Fisher’s research program utilizes EEG and neuroimaging (e.g., MRI, fMRI, MRS) to explore areas cognitive and clinical neuroscience, focusing on the brain-based mechanisms underlying psychiatric conditions. Dr. Fisher’s primary research areas include how auditory hallucinations impact early information processing in psychosis, as well the effects of common drugs like nicotine on brain function. His work also extends to clinical populations with depression, anxiety, and other disorders, contributing valuable insights into brain-behavior relationships. |
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Theresa Fraser
|
2.2 • Using Play Therapy Activities to Address Anxiety | Part 2 of 2 |
Must sign up for both Session 1–Part 1 and Session 2–Part 2
This 3 hour workshop (Part 2) will examine how to utilize play based interventions to address anxiety and anxiety symptoms. Participants come prepared to spend 3 hours in this training.
Tools required: comfortable clothes, water bottle, an example of an anxiety activity that you utilize to share during a dyadic conversation, two puppets with mouths, markers and pens.
Participants will be able to recognize age-specific signs and symptoms of anxiety in both elementary and high school students, distinguishing between typical developmental behaviors and indicators of clinical concern, describe and apply a range of evidence-informed interventions (e.g., CBTPT techniques, mindfulness activities, classroom accommodations) tailored for the school setting to support students with anxiety, gain insight into common causes of anxiety in school-aged children (including academic pressures, social dynamics, family stressors, and developmental changes), learn strategies for engaging teachers, administrators, and parents in collaborative efforts to support students with anxiety (including developing individualized support plans and communication practices) and discuss the tools that can be utilized in a school setting to address anxiety and anxiety symptoms. |
| Dr. Theresa Fraser is an RCT and the Executive Director of Maritime Play Therapy Centre. She is an EMDR consultant/trainer and Play Therapy Supervisor Trainer. She is also an approved sandtray trainer for the World Association of Sand Therapy professionals. Theresa has written books and books chapters on trauma treatment and play therapy and teaches workshops on trauma/ attachment and play therapy around the world. Her agency is well known for being experts in trauma informed play therapy service provision. |
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Brittany Colburn
|
2.3 • ReconcilACTION: Reconciliation at Work |
| What does it take to recruit, train and support Indigenous and Underrepresented tradespeople and what has been the impact on people’s lives. Brittany Colburn will share insights on her work with members of underserved communities, helping them to find meaningful employment in the skilled construction trades. |
| Brittany is the Indigenous Relations Representative & Organizer at LIUNA Local 615. She works with members of underserved communities, helping them find meaningful employment and overcoming related barriers in the trades. |
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Tom McCutcheon
|
2.4 • Apprenticeship 101 |
| Everything you need to know about getting your students started as an apprentice in the trades in Nova Scotia. |
Tom is passionate about helping people learn. As a Youth Pathways Consultant for HRCE he is responsible for the support and ongoing development and implementation of community-based learning initiatives provided by the Region in cooperation with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Tom has supported regional schools in the delivery of alternative programs such as Options & Opportunities (O2), Skilled Trades, Discovering Opportunities, and Cooperative Education (co-op).
Tom was previously Technical Advantage Program Lead for the J.L. Ilsley High School family of schools (career focus for students requiring re-engagement through I.T. industry career exploration and Co-op work experience), Options and Opportunities Program Coordinator, Business and Technology Department Head, as well as Business and Social Studies teacher. 11 years in the ERP industry with sales, marketing, and education experience with PeopleSoft, Inc. |
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Gabrielle Rizkallah
|
2.5 • Understanding Students through Art: Practical Creative Strategies for School Counsellors |
| In this interactive session, school counsellors will be introduced to simple and accessible art therapy directives that can support emotional insight and connection with students. Attendees will learn how to use visual expression as a tool to better understand their students’ inner worlds—especially when words fall short. Rooted in art therapy practices, these techniques are designed to be practical, inclusive, and adaptable across diverse age groups and needs. Participants will leave with strategies and tools they can bring back to their school settings to foster emotional regulation, communication, and self-awareness in students. |
Gabriella Rizkallah is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association, with a professional foundation in academics, holding a BFA from NSCAD University, a BEd from St. Francis Xavier University, and a Master of Education in Art Therapy from Wayne State University. Her work centers on inclusive mental health care, creative expression, and support for neurodivergent individuals—while also addressing intergenerational trauma and the complex dynamics within families.
Drawing on her academic background, Gabriella brings a strong educational lens to her therapeutic practice. Her lived experience with learning differences and late identified neurodivergence offers a deep understanding of how people learn, communicate, and connect in diverse and non-traditional ways. She specializes in working with the neurodivergent population, including individuals with autism and ADHD, with a focus on women, parents, school-aged children, and teens. As a Lebanese Canadian and mother of three, Gabriella brings cultural awareness and insight into family systems, generational patterns, and the stigma that can surround mental health and help-seeking. |
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Roseita Corbett
|
2.6 • Beyond Statistics: Moving into Action |
| This session will focus on the urgent need for educators to move past passive awareness and toward meaningful, protective action for gender-diverse students. In today's political climate-marked by increasing legislative efforts across Canada and beyond that target 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, restrict inclusive education, and undermine human rights-the risks of harm to gender-diverse youth are growing. These students are not just statistics; they are living in classrooms and communities where their existence is politicized. This session will explore how we, as educators and allies, can counter these threats by fostering safe, affirming spaces, advocating within our systems, and implementing concrete strategies that support identity, dignity, and resilience. |
Roseita Corbett is a Registered Counselling Therapist and an active member of the Canadian Psychotherapy Association. Her career with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) spans nearly 30 years. She began as an elementary classroom teacher before transitioning into school counselling in 2013. In addition to her work in schools, Roseita has established a successful private practice, where she is especially passionate about supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community-particularly transgender youth and adults.
Roseita holds a Master's degree in Counselling from Acadia University (2013) and a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland (1994). She has completed WPATH training through the IWK Trans Health Team and meets the qualifications to conduct hormone readiness assessments for individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria. A dedicated advocate for inclusive education, Roseita focuses on raising awareness at the elementary level by encouraging gender-neutral environments and actively challenging harmful gender stereotypes. She regularly engages in professional development to deepen her understanding and improve the care she provides to transgender and gender-diverse clients.
Roseita is committed to helping school counselors, educators, and administrators create safe and affirming spaces for all students. At this year's NSTU conference, she will share powerful, real-life stories of students and families who have faced significant challenges navigating school systems. Her presentation emphasizes that empathy-rooted in listening to lived experiences-is one of the most essential tools we have. From empathy grows understanding, and from understanding, meaningful change. For Roseita, education and awareness are our strongest defences against the ignorance and discrimination still faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community. |
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Ry Pembroke
|
2.7 • How to Receive a Disclosure: Sexualized Violence and Human Trafficking |
| Receiving disclosures from youth is never easy. In this session, we will enhance our skills for safe and affirming dialogue on sensitive topics that come up around experiences of sexualized violence. We will discuss resources available to Nova Scotia School Counsellors, how to provide follow-up support after disclosures, and self-care practices after receiving disclosures. |
Ry Pembroke is the Sexualized Violence Prevention Youth Outreach Worker with BGC Greater Halifax. Ry has been offering community education workshops, with a particular emphasis on 2SLGBTQ+ health and safety, for over 9 years.
In the community, Ry offers a specialized Sexualized Violence Prevention stream and is able to offer specialized support to youth who have experienced, perpetrated, or are at risk of experiencing or perpetrating sexualized violence. Ry’s role is split between providing prevention education and more 1-on-1 mentorship and peer support, as well as support in navigating health and well-being services for youth. Ry believes in meeting youth where they are, in a non-judgemental, peer support context. |
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Capacity: 25
Heather Boucher
|
2.8 • Calm and Connected: Understanding and Supporting Emotional and Behavioural Regulation through a Relational Neuroscience Lens |
This presentation explores how emotional and behavioral regulation can be supported through the principles of relational neuroscience — an interdisciplinary field that integrates neuroscience, attachment theory, and interpersonal neurobiology.
Grounded in the understanding that the brain develops and functions within the context of relationships, this session will examine how co-regulation, attuned connection, and safe relational environments shape a child’s ability to manage emotions and behaviors. Participants will learn how dysregulation is often a reflection of nervous system stress, not simply willful behavior, and how adult responses can either escalate or soothe that stress. |
Heather is a Registered Psychologist in Halifax, working at Spirit Psychological. She completed her Honours degree in Psychology at SMU, and her Masters of Arts in School Psychology at Mount St. Vincent University. Heather worked as a school psychologist in the public education system for almost a decade before moving to private practice. She has extensive experience supporting children, youth, young adults, families, and school personnel. Heather is a military wife, and mega-proud mother to their “neuro-spectacular” daughter, Harrison.
Through a strengths-based, neurodiversity affirming approach, Heather provides comprehensive assessments for learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and autism. Heather is passionate about providing psychoeducation around new diagnoses to children and their families; to support the development of positive neurodivergent identities. She also provides coaching for parents who are looking for new tools to support kiddos struggling with big behaviours. Heather believes that we are our best selves when we understand our own neurodivergence through an authentic, affirming lens. |
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
|
Lunch (AGM) |
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 300
Dr. Derek Fisher
|
3.1 • Psychosis |
| This session will give an overview of psychosis as a broad concept, with a specific focus on schizophrenia-spectrum disorders from a brain-based perspective. We will also consider the emergence of psychosis, including how to identify early signs and symptoms, the impact of drugs like cannabis, and resources available. |
| Dr. Derek Fisher’s research program utilizes EEG and neuroimaging (e.g., MRI, fMRI, MRS) to explore areas cognitive and clinical neuroscience, focusing on the brain-based mechanisms underlying psychiatric conditions. Dr. Fisher’s primary research areas include how auditory hallucinations impact early information processing in psychosis, as well the effects of common drugs like nicotine on brain function. His work also extends to clinical populations with depression, anxiety, and other disorders, contributing valuable insights into brain-behavior relationships. |
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25
Alison Casey
|
3.2 • Women in Trades |
| Women face several unique challenges in the trades, ranging from childcare options and washroom facilities to inadequately fitting safety gear. Alison will discuss these topics and the way The Mainland Building Trades works with industry to give a voice to women’s issues on the tools and identify ways to create workplace cultures that are inclusive to women. |
Alison Casey joined the Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades Council as Manager, Marketing and Communications in December 2013. In May 2025, she was appointed the Council’s second ever Executive Director. Alison has decades of experience in leading marketing initiatives, project management, and strategic leadership. Over the past 12 years, she’s taken great pride in raising the Council’s profile and telling the story of organized labour.
An effective communicator with a history of building strong, long-lasting relationships, Alison looks forward to strengthening relationships with the Council’s many partners and collaborators in her new role. Alison is committed to driving the continued growth of the unionized construction sector. Throughout her career, Alison has been passionate about advocating for, and supporting under-served populations, and looks forward to continuing this important work. Alison is proud to call Nova Scotia home. She is a graduate of Saint Mary’s University and lives in Halifax with her teenage son. |
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25
Tom McCutcheon
|
3.3 • Apprenticeship 101 |
| Everything you need to know about getting your students started as an apprentice in the trades in Nova Scotia. |
Tom is passionate about helping people learn. As a Youth Pathways Consultant for HRCE he is responsible for the support and ongoing development and implementation of community-based learning initiatives provided by the Region in cooperation with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Tom has supported regional schools in the delivery of alternative programs such as Options & Opportunities (O2), Skilled Trades, Discovering Opportunities, and Cooperative Education (co-op).
Tom was previously Technical Advantage Program Lead for the J.L. Ilsley High School family of schools (career focus for students requiring re-engagement through I.T. industry career exploration and Co-op work experience), Options and Opportunities Program Coordinator, Business and Technology Department Head, as well as Business and Social Studies teacher. 11 years in the ERP industry with sales, marketing, and education experience with PeopleSoft, Inc. |
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25
Gabrielle Rizallah
|
3.4 • Understanding Students through Art: Practical Creative Strategies for School Counsellors |
| In this interactive session, school counsellors will be introduced to simple and accessible art therapy directives that can support emotional insight and connection with students. Attendees will learn how to use visual expression as a tool to better understand their students’ inner worlds—especially when words fall short. Rooted in art therapy practices, these techniques are designed to be practical, inclusive, and adaptable across diverse age groups and needs. Participants will leave with strategies and tools they can bring back to their school settings to foster emotional regulation, communication, and self-awareness in students. |
Gabriella Rizkallah is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association, with a professional foundation in academics, holding a BFA from NSCAD University, a BEd from St. Francis Xavier University, and a Master of Education in Art Therapy from Wayne State University. Her work centers on inclusive mental health care, creative expression, and support for neurodivergent individuals—while also addressing intergenerational trauma and the complex dynamics within families.
Drawing on her academic background, Gabriella brings a strong educational lens to her therapeutic practice. Her lived experience with learning differences and late identified neurodivergence offers a deep understanding of how people learn, communicate, and connect in diverse and non-traditional ways. She specializes in working with the neurodivergent population, including individuals with autism and ADHD, with a focus on women, parents, school-aged children, and teens. As a Lebanese Canadian and mother of three, Gabriella brings cultural awareness and insight into family systems, generational patterns, and the stigma that can surround mental health and help-seeking. |
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25
Dr. Aimée Coulombe
|
3.5 • AIS Information Session |
Adolescent Intensive Services (AIS) is a day and inpatient program for youth ages 13 to their 19th birthday with mental health and/or substance use disorders. Within AIS, there are three treatment care teams that offer different programming to best meet the needs of the youth who attend services. Youth at AIS participate in individual, group, and family therapy. The services offered to youth and families are based in research that has shown to be effective.
Dr. Coulombe will discuss and answer questions about the AIS program at the IWK. |
| Dr. Aimée Coulombe is a Registered Psychologist and current Clinical Team Lead with the Purple team (formerly the Yellow and Concurrent teams) at Adolescent Intensive Services with IWK Mental Health and Addictions. Prior serving in this capacity, Dr. Coulombe was a team member and Clinical Team Lead with Community Mental Health and Addictions and thus has worked both on the referring and receiving side of the Intensive Services care pathways. She particularly enjoys collaborating with clients, caregivers, and community partners. |
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25
Ry Pembroke
|
3.6 • Skills for Recognizing and Intervening Instances of Human Trafficking |
| When it comes to human trafficking, early identification and intervention is paramount. In this session, we will discuss how to identify potential instances of trafficking, with a particular focus on tactics used in online spaces. We will strategize on how to approach intervention and ongoing support with care and compassion. We will discuss specific issues faced by 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and how to provide nuanced support to youth in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. |
Ry Pembroke is the Sexualized Violence Prevention Youth Outreach Worker with BGC Greater Halifax. Ry has been offering community education workshops, with a particular emphasis on 2SLGBTQ+ health and safety, for over 9 years.
In the community, Ry offers a specialized Sexualized Violence Prevention stream and is able to offer specialized support to youth who have experienced, perpetrated, or are at risk of experiencing or perpetrating sexualized violence. Ry’s role is split between providing prevention education and more 1-on-1 mentorship and peer support, as well as support in navigating health and well-being services for youth. Ry believes in meeting youth where they are, in a non-judgemental, peer support context. |
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25
Dr. Rajean Willis
|
3.7 • Understanding the Racialized Experiences of Youth through a Trauma-Informed Lens |
| Fostering Self-awareness, Accountability, and Growth in relation to Anti-racist and Trauma-informed practices. Participants will learn skills to better equip themselves as practitioners, to engage in these critical conversations—acknowledging discomfort, examining their own roles, and reflecting on how their practices impact Black youth. |
Dr. Rajean Willis is a proud Historical African Nova Scotian woman from Truro, NS, with deep roots in East Preston, Africville, Shelburne, and North Preston. Rajean holds both Bachelor and Master of Social Work Degrees from Dalhousie University. With twelve years of experience as a practicing social worker, she has worked extensively in community outreach and mental health settings, including clinical environments.
Rajean is the current Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Association of Black Social Workers. Rajean is also the founder of Rajean Willis Counselling and Consulting Services, her private practice offering both paid and pro-bono psychotherapy, alongside a diverse range of consulting services. She has been contracted by numerous organizations to provide keynote addresses, professional development training, peaceful dialogue and mediation interventions, content creation, and event hosting. Notably, Rajean was the creator and host of the inaugural Elevate & Explore Black Nova Scotia’s Women’s Wellness Retreat in 2021 and again in 2024.
Her professional journey extends beyond practice to encompass community and program development, research, writing, mentorship, facilitation, and therapeutic intervention. She is a TEDxMSVU Women speaker, having delivered a talk titled, “Tuning into Your Inner Resilience.” Rajean is also an accomplished author and researcher. Her doctoral research explored the experiences of race-based trauma with six African Nova Scotian individuals and the impact these experiences have had on their quality of life through the method of digital storytelling.
Embracing the role of "storycatcher," Rajean is a passionate storyteller and content creator. She has developed three multi-episode series with various partners and serves as an independent talk show host. She advocates for the importance of providing a platform for people’s stories to be shared and heard. Rajean holds a doctorate in Educational Studies from Mount Saint Vincent University and was nominated as class valedictorian for the Spring 2025 convocation. Above all, Rajean is a deeply spiritual being, as well as a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, and friend—cherishing every part of her holistic identity. |
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capacity: 25
Heather Boucher
|
3.8 • Calm and Connected: Understanding and Supporting Emotional and Behavioural Regulation through a Relational Neuroscience Lens |
This presentation explores how emotional and behavioral regulation can be supported through the principles of relational neuroscience — an interdisciplinary field that integrates neuroscience, attachment theory, and interpersonal neurobiology.
Grounded in the understanding that the brain develops and functions within the context of relationships, this session will examine how co-regulation, attuned connection, and safe relational environments shape a child’s ability to manage emotions and behaviors. Participants will learn how dysregulation is often a reflection of nervous system stress, not simply willful behavior, and how adult responses can either escalate or soothe that stress. |
Heather is a Registered Psychologist in Halifax, working at Spirit Psychological. She completed her Honours degree in Psychology at SMU, and her Masters of Arts in School Psychology at Mount St. Vincent University. Heather worked as a school psychologist in the public education system for almost a decade before moving to private practice. She has extensive experience supporting children, youth, young adults, families, and school personnel. Heather is a military wife, and mega-proud mother to their “neuro-spectacular” daughter, Harrison.
Through a strengths-based, neurodiversity affirming approach, Heather provides comprehensive assessments for learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and autism. Heather is passionate about providing psychoeducation around new diagnoses to children and their families; to support the development of positive neurodivergent identities. She also provides coaching for parents who are looking for new tools to support kiddos struggling with big behaviours. Heather believes that we are our best selves when we understand our own neurodivergence through an authentic, affirming lens. |
