October is Learning Disabilities and ADHD Awareness Month! Boost your understanding and personal support toolkit at our one-day Insights Event on October 25, 2025.
Solutions in Action is all about practical take-aways for those with Learning Disabilities or ADHD on mental health, career coaching, classroom supports, non-ADHD partner strategies, homework help, relationships and more!
If you are a parent, educate children or are an adult looking to strengthen your skill set, this conference is for you.
Conference Details
- Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8 am – 4:30 pm
- Tickets at $30 available for purchase – extended to Oct. 21!
- Sessions are 75 minutes with 15 minute breaks
- Resource Fair from 8 am – 4:30 pm
- Nutritious Lunch Included (individually boxed; V, Veg, GF, Halal available)
- Venue: The Courtyard Calgary Airport by Marriott, 2500 48 Ave NE, Calgary
- Discounted Hotel Room Reservation Link until Sept. 25th
- Free Parking
- In-person event; sessions are not recorded so see you there!
- Event Schedule and Topics & Presenters
Tickets are only CDN$30 and include Lunch. They are available for purchase until Oct. 18 and are non-refundable.
Note: This conference has been heavily subsidized to be as financially accessible as possible. However, if you would have been able to pay more, please consider adding a donation when purchasing your ticket. Thank you!
Best Way to Register
- Explore the session topics below. Note: there are some repeat sessions.
- Choose one session from each time slot. There are three options for each time slot.
- Click on Register Today on EventBrite which will take you to buy your ticket and where you will be prompted to register for the sessions before check out.
Conference Topics
9:00 am – 10:15 am, presentations 1A or 1B or 1C.
1A: Beyond the Criteria: What you need to know about ADHD (Pearls of Wisdom from 25 Years of Practice)
Dr. Dan Ross
This ADHD is a common issue that can affect children and youth in multiple environments. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, and how it can lead to impairment across many facets of life. Despite being well defined, there are many aspects of ADHD that are not often spoken about, or are poorly understood. In this talk we will explore ADHD beyond the diagnostic criteria, and provide insights into the ways in which we can better understand children and youth with ADHD, the impact on learners, as well as implications into adulthood.
Dr. Dan Ross has been practicing in developmental and behavioral pediatrics with a focus on mental health and ADHD for over 27 years. Originally from New Zealand, Dr. Ross completed his pediatrics residency at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in 1998. He then founded Kiwi Pediatrics, along with Drs. Evans and Stockdale, which continues to serve the growing communities of SE Calgary. Dr. Ross is a director with the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta and has been a regular presenter at CADDRA and ADHD conferences. He is active in Continuing Medical Education for GPs, psychologists, pharmacists and parents and was named Community Pediatrician of the Year in 2024. Personally, he loves photography which has been his hobby for over 40 years.
1B: The Hidden Connections: Navigating Adult ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Common Mental Health Comorbidities
Dr. Heather Baker & Tegan Radcliffe
Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities (LD) frequently co-occur with mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. These comorbidities can complicate diagnosis, increase daily challenges, and interfere with treatment outcomes. This presentation explores the current research on how and why these comorbidities develop, and how they impact thinking, behaviours, and emotional regulation. Emphasis will be placed on how these overlapping conditions manifest in adulthood, common barriers to identification and treatment, and evidence-based strategies for symptom management. The goal of this session is to empower adults with a clearer understanding of these “hidden connections” and offer practical tools for navigating them more effectively.
Dr. Heather Baker is a Registered Psychologist, Director of Clinical Services at CanLearn Society and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor through Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. She holds a doctorate in School Psychology and a master’s in Clinical Psychology (both through the University of British Columbia). Dr. Baker specializes in assessment and program planning for individuals with anxiety, learning, attention, and behavioural challenges across the lifespan. She enjoys providing supervision to practicum and internship students and participating in research partnerships in the community.
Tegan Radcliffe is a Registered Provisional Psychologist and holds a Master’s degree in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary. She provides assessment and intervention for children, youth, and adults with learning, attention, anxiety, and behavioural challenges. She also facilitates group interventions for children and families, with a focus on emotion regulation, social skills, and mindfulness. Before joining CanLearn, Tegan provided early intervention and support for neurodiverse children and youth across a variety of settings. Outside of work, Tegan enjoys hiking, crocheting, and playing volleyball.
1C: Understanding and Supporting Complex Students in the Classroom (This is Part 1 of a 2 block session; Part 2 in next time block)
Bani Puri & Lauren Thompson
This session explores how neurodivergent learners—those with Learning Disabilities (LD), ADHD, Executive Function (EF) challenges, and other Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs)—experience school. Two experienced professionals will bring the lived experiences of complex learners to life, highlighting both strengths and struggles, and offering practical solutions. Together, they will unpack the realities of teaching in diverse, inclusive classrooms where neurodiversity is the norm. Educators will learn how to recognize and support complexity in the classroom, and how to respond with empathy, flexibility, and evidence-based strategies. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, support staff, or school leader, this session will deepen your understanding and provide actionable tools to better support all learners.
Bani Puri Since joining Foothills Academy in 2007 after teaching internationally and locally, Bani has been passionate about supporting students with learning disabilities, using creative teaching, strategic leadership, and a strength-based approach to help them thrive. Beyond the classroom, Bani loves mentoring, running school clubs, and engaging with the community—because learning happens everywhere! As the Manager of Community Education and Professional Development at Foothills Academy, Bani is passionate about creating an inclusive and collaborative learning environment that empowers students, supports educators, and fosters strong community connections, all while prioritizing the needs of neurodivergent students.
Lauren Thompson is a Calgary-born educator from Rundle Academy, a school specializing in students with learning disabilities from Grade 4-12. She has been an educator for 13 years, and has her Masters in Educational Neuroscience and Learning Disabilities from the University of Calgary. Her teaching has been mostly in Grade 6, but she has moved into the role of assistant principal for the 2025-2026 school year. She is passionate about supporting the needs of diverse students and dedicated to empowering them in helping them reach their full potential.
10:30 am – 11:45 am, presentations 2A or 2B or 2C.
2A: When They’re Grown but Not Quite Grown Up: Supporting Youth in the Transition to Independence
Dr. Sterling Sparshu
Many parents are finding themselves at a crossroads: their teens or young adults are grown, but still struggling with the basics of “adulting.” From laundry to budgeting, to navigating relationships, to managing their mental health — the transition to independence can feel overwhelming for young people and deeply confusing for their parents. In this talk, we’ll explore how mental health challenges, executive dysfunction, and different parenting approaches can all influence a young adult’s readiness for real-world responsibilities. You’ll gain concrete strategies to support your child’s growth and learn how to model progress, not perfection — even if you feel behind on some of these skills yourself. This session is for all parents and caregivers, especially those who are parenting through their own challenges. Walk away with tools, insights, and a little more hope for the road ahead.
Dr. Sterling Sparshu is a psychiatrist practicing in Calgary, Alberta. He has worked with children, adolescents and young adults in multiple settings including mental health clinics, residential care, and hospital-based programs. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor with the Cumming School of Medicine and enjoys teaching at all levels of medical education. He is passionate about collaboration, education and early intervention, including empowering those impacted by mental health conditions to become partners in their care.
2B: Optimizing Your Career: Career Coaching Strategies for ADHD and LD
Aaron Telnes
This presentation will focus on best practices for individuals with ADHD or LD in forging a successful career path. We will delve into career exploration and decision-making, career development and growth, and if you already have a career, how to optimize it to your best advantage.
Topics include how to determine career best-fits, developing your current role, and effective career searches. Gain confidence in pursuing a career that highlights your unique combination of talents and strengths.
Aaron Telnes, of Catalyst Psychology, is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta and a member of the Psychologists Association of Alberta. He hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Counselling degree from the University of Calgary. Aaron has worked in the mental health field since 2013 and has been practicing as a psychologist since 2018. Over the course of his career, Aaron has worked as a youth crisis counsellor, a career psychologist, mental health psychologist, and an organizational psychologist. Aaron is passionate about mental health and well-being and loves working with clients to overcome their challenges and attain their goals through a strengths-based approach.
2C: Understanding and Supporting Complex Students in the Classroom (Part 2)
Bani Puri & Lauren Thompson
This session is a continuation of the previous block 1C. This session explores how neurodivergent learners—those with Learning Disabilities (LD), ADHD, Executive Function (EF) challenges, and other Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs)—experience school. Two experienced professionals will bring the lived experiences of complex learners to life, highlighting both strengths and struggles, and offering practical solutions. Together, they will unpack the realities of teaching in diverse, inclusive classrooms where neurodiversity is the norm. Educators will learn how to recognize and support complexity in the classroom, and how to respond with empathy, flexibility, and evidence-based strategies. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, support staff, or school leader, this session will deepen your understanding and provide actionable tools to better support all learners.
12:30 pm- 1:45 pm, presentations 3A or 3B or 3C.
3A: Navigating ADHD and LD Diagnoses Together: Strategies for Managing Sibling and Extended Family Dynamics
Dr. Karen MacMillan & Uma Vandekerkhove
In this session we will discuss the complicated dynamics of communicating and supporting LD and/or ADHD diagnoses within your family members and your social networks. How do you share the diagnosis with siblings and extended family? What if some individuals do not “believe” in the diagnosis? How do we manage negative impacts these disorders may have on siblings and other family relationships? We will address all of these questions, and share practical ideas that encourage supportive interactions.
Dr. Karen MacMillan holds a PhD in Counselling Psychology, and in 2003 she became a Registered Psychologist in Alberta. Since 2015, Karen has been an Executive co-Director of Foothills Academy Society in Calgary, which offers both a specialized school for students with LD in grades 3-12, as well as an extensive range of programs and services to individuals with LD and/or ADHD in the broader community. She is also an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. Karen is a strong advocate for individuals with Learning Disabilities and ADHD from the perspectives of both a professional in the field, and a parent of two young adults with neurodiversity. Dr. MacMillan, has sat on the Board of Directors for the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada (CADDAC) since 2014.
Uma Vandekerkhove holds a Master’s of Counselling and is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta. Since 2023, she has been supporting youth with Learning Disabilities and ADHD at Foothills Academy and in the community. She is passionate about helping kids and teens understand themselves better and build practical tools to support their mental and emotional well-being. Uma also works with families to create consistent support at home and school. She has co-facilitated the Girls Only! group for girls and teens with ADHD, focused on helping them connect with each other and make sense of their diagnoses. In 2024, she presented at the Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network Conference on the experiences of girls and women with ADHD, sharing insights on how to best support them.
3B: Is ADHD the Third Person in Your Relationship?
Dr. Gurdeep Parhar & Dr. Anita Parhar
This presentation explores how ADHD symptoms manifest in various relational contexts and present unique challenges for both partners. Drawing on current research and clinical insights, practical strategies supporting the non-ADHD partner to maintain their own well-being and build a strong and resilient relationship will be discussed.
Dr. Gurdeep Parhar, MD CCFP CCBOM CIME, Clinical Professor at the UBC Faculty of Medicine, is the Co-Founder of the Adult ADHD Centre and the Adult Autism Centre. At the UBC Faculty of Medicine, he has served as the Acting Dean, Executive Associate Dean, Associate Dean and Co-Acting Department Head. For over 30 years his clinical practice has focused on the health of patients with visible and invisible disabilities. His teaching and research are in the areas of professionalism, equity, cultural safety, psychosocial aspects of healthcare, and medical disability. His ADHD research has been published nationally and internationally. Dr. Parhar has been recognized for his clinical, academic and advocacy work with numerous provincial and national awards.
Dr. Anita Parhar, BEd MEd PhD, Director of Women’s Health at the ADHD Centre for Women, is also the Co-Founder of the Adult ADHD Centre and the Adult Autism Centre. Starting her career as an elementary school teacher, Dr. Parhar understands the challenges of neurodivergent individuals trying to navigate the schooling system and the rest of life. Later, as a UBC Faculty of Education University Instructor who trained teachers, and an Honorary Lecturer in the UBC Faculty of Medicine, she recognized the need for greater awareness of autism and ADHD. Dr. Parhar’s teaching and research interests involves examining critical issues in health care for underserved communities, from a social justice and health equity perspective and how practices are influenced by stereotypes, colonialism, racism, and ableism. Her ADHD research has been published nationally and internationally. Dr. Parhar provides education nationally and internationally to health care providers, educators and the public.
3C: When They’re Grown but Not Quite Grown Up: Supporting Youth in the Transition to Independence (Repeat Session of 2A)
Dr. Sterling Sparshu
Many parents are finding themselves at a crossroads: their teens or young adults are grown, but still struggling with the basics of “adulting.” From laundry to budgeting, to navigating relationships, to managing their mental health — the transition to independence can feel overwhelming for young people and deeply confusing for their parents. In this talk, we’ll explore how mental health challenges, executive dysfunction, and different parenting approaches can all influence a young adult’s readiness for real-world responsibilities. You’ll gain concrete strategies to support your child’s growth and learn how to model progress, not perfection — even if you feel behind on some of these skills yourself. This session is for all parents and caregivers, especially those who are parenting through their own challenges. Walk away with tools, insights, and a little more hope for the road ahead.
Dr. Sparshu is a psychiatrist practicing in Calgary, Alberta. He has worked with children, adolescents and young adults in multiple settings including mental health clinics, residential care, and hospital-based programs. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor with the Cumming School of Medicine and enjoys teaching at all levels of medical education. He is passionate about collaboration, education and early intervention, including empowering those impacted by mental health conditions to become partners in their care.
2:00 pm- 3:15 pm, presentations 4A or 4B or 4C.
4A: Optimizing Brains: Focus on Nutrition, Exercise and Sleep
Hayley Bobye-Magnusson & Brad Mellor
This session explores the essential pillars of brain health—nutrition, exercise, and sleep—and their profound impact on mental health, memory, emotional regulation, and daily functioning across the lifespan. We offer a focused dive into how each factor supports cognitive and emotional well-being leaving you with a strong understanding of why these three habits are foundational for a healthy brain and practical strategies for building sustainable routines around them.
Hayley Bobye-Magnusson is a Registered Nurse and Master of Nursing candidate at the University of Saskatchewan. She currently serves as the school nurse at Rundle, an independent school in Calgary, and facilitates Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) psychoeducation groups in community settings.
With a strong background in pediatric and adolescent health, Hayley has worked extensively with children and youth living with ADHD and learning disabilities across school, hospital, summer camp, and community environments. Her practice focuses on holistic health promotion, including nutrition and its impact on mood, physical activity, sleep hygiene, and substance use. She also supports students and families in managing chronic conditions, illnesses, and injuries, emphasizing collaborative, strengths-based care. Hayley is passionate about bridging clinical knowledge with practical strategies to support youth well-being in both educational and community contexts.
Brad Mellor started his career as a teacher, earned a Master of Counselling from the University of Calgary, and will shortly be certified by Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). For over two decades, he has been a part of the Rundle Academy community, where he has supported students with ADHD and learning disabilities through both teaching and counselling. In his current counselling role, Brad works with students from Grades 4 through 12, and also provides executive functioning coaching for students transitioning into post-secondary education. His approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the diverse social-emotional needs of students, including areas such as sleep hygiene, nutrition, peer relationships, and personalized ADHD strategies. Brad brings a calm, practical presence to his work and remains committed to helping students develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and confidence in their learning journeys.
4B: Be a Homework Hero: Strategies That Make a Difference
Megan Russell
Transform yourself into a homework hero! With knowledge and practical tools, empower yourself and your child to navigate learning challenges together in a calm, supportive and productive homework environment. We will explore effective learning principles backed by research studies, share valuable insights into optimized study habits and techniques, and present beneficial learning approaches to support your child’s unique learning journey at home.
Megan Russell has a Master of Education through Saint Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. She is a passionate educator who specializes in the principles of learning and pedagogy. Megan currently teaches math and science at Foothills Academy in Calgary, Alberta, and lives with her husband and four fur babies.
4C: The Hidden Connections: Navigating Adult ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Common Mental Health Comorbidities (Repeat session of 1B)
Dr. Heather Baker & Tegan Radcliffe
Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities (LD) frequently co-occur with mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. These comorbidities can complicate diagnosis, increase daily challenges, and interfere with treatment outcomes. This presentation explores the current research on how and why these comorbidities develop, and how they impact thinking, behaviours, and emotional regulation. Emphasis will be placed on how these overlapping conditions manifest in adulthood, common barriers to identification and treatment, and evidence-based strategies for symptom management. The goal of this session is to empower adults with a clearer understanding of these “hidden connections” and offer practical tools for navigating them more effectively.
Dr. Heather Baker is a Registered Psychologist, Director of Clinical Services at CanLearn Society and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor through Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. She holds a doctorate in School Psychology and a master’s in Clinical Psychology (both through the University of British Columbia). Dr. Baker specializes in assessment and program planning for individuals with anxiety, learning, attention, and behavioural challenges across the lifespan. She enjoys providing supervision to practicum and internship students and participating in research partnerships in the community.
Tegan Radcliffe is a Registered Provisional Psychologist and holds a Master’s degree in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary. She provides assessment and intervention for children, youth, and adults with learning, attention, anxiety, and behavioural challenges. She also facilitates group interventions for children and families, with a focus on emotion regulation, social skills, and mindfulness. Before joining CanLearn, Tegan provided early intervention and support for neurodiverse children and youth across a variety of settings. Outside of work, Tegan enjoys hiking, crocheting, and playing volleyball.
3:30 – 4:30 PM Expert Panel Q & A
Still have questions? Join other parents, educators and adults along with a select group of our presenters in wrapping up our Insights Event with a final audience Q & A.
