Presented by Steven G. Feifer, D.Ed., ABSNP and Peg Dawson, Ed.D., NCSP and Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R. Psych
Monday, June 2, 2025 – Wednesday, June 4, 2025 | Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Monday, June 2, 2025 – Wednesday, June 4, 2025
8:30am – 4:00pm
Dalhousie University – Student Union Building
6136 University Ave, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
McInnes Room
Live In-Person Conference
Please note, in-person registration does not include access to the live stream or recorded footage.
Live Stream from Home
Education and Clinical Professionals: All education and mental health or healthcare professionals who work with children or youth including, but not limited to K–12 Classroom Teachers, School Counsellors, Learning Assistance/Resource Teachers, School Administrators, School Paraprofessionals including Special Education Assistants, Classroom Assistants and Childcare Workers • All other professionals who support behavioural challenges and complex learning needs including but not limited to: Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Clinical Counsellors, Family Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Addiction Counsellors, Youth Workers, Mental Health Workers, Probation Officers and Community Police Officers.
8:30am - 11:45am June 2, 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This workshop will examine the impact of mental health conditions on students’ academic performance and social development, offering practical strategies schools can use to promote emotional wellness. Through the lens of brain-behavioural relationships, this workshop will explore how schools can create environments that support not only academic achievement but also emotional regulation, social skills, and overall mental well-being. Factors such as poverty, trauma, childhood abuse, parental neglect, and the lasting effects of the pandemic can disrupt key brain processes related to learning and emotional behavior, resulting in challenges for students both academically and socially.
The focus of this workshop is on early intervention, effective assessment, and evidence-based classroom strategies. We will equip educators, school counselors, and mental health professionals with the tools they need to support emotional wellness in students, helping them overcome emotional challenges and thrive academically. Participants will learn how to assess emotional wellness, implement social-emotional learning initiatives, and create nurturing, resilient school environments that foster positive outcomes for all students.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Steven G. Feifer, D.Ed., ABPdN is dually trained as both a nationally certified school psychologist and board certified pediatric neuropsychologist, having completed research stints at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Feifer has earned numerous distinctions throughout his career including…
12:45pm - 4:00pm June 2, 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This 3-hour afternoon workshop will explore reading and written language disorders through a brain-based educational lens, offering participants targeted strategies for supporting students with learning challenges. The workshop will be divided into two key segments: reading disorders in the first half and written language disorders in the second, each designed to equip educators and clinicians with the practical tools necessary for effective intervention.
Understanding and Addressing Reading Disorders
The first part of the workshop will focus on differentiating dyslexia from other reading disorders, with a special emphasis on classifying developmental reading disorders into four distinct subtypes. Participants will learn how to identify each subtype and match it with evidence-based interventions to target the specific cognitive challenges associated with it. We will delve into essential cognitive constructs involved in the reading process, including:
Additionally, the Feifer Assessment of Reading (FAR) will be introduced as a diagnostic tool to assess reading abilities, helping to inform intervention planning and guide targeted support for students. Participants will gain hands-on strategies to assess reading difficulties and design appropriate interventions based on individual student needs.
Exploring Writing Disorders and Intervention Strategies
The second half of the workshop will examine writing disorders, with a focus on how “frontal lobe” processes—such as attention, working memory, and executive functioning—influence each subtype of writing difficulty. We will explore three distinct subtypes of writing disorders and discuss the neurological basis for each. Participants will also review five essential steps for effective written language instruction, providing practical strategies for supporting students with writing challenges, including dysgraphia.
The workshop will introduce the Feifer Assessment of Writing (FAW), a tool designed to diagnose writing disorders and guide intervention planning. Participants will explore how to use the FAW and other diagnostic instruments to identify students with written language difficulties, ensuring they receive the appropriate interventions.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
8:30am - 4:00pm June 3, 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This workshop will introduce the Smart but Scattered model of executive skills, which consists of 6 foundational skills and 5 advanced skills that students need to be successful learners. It will give participants an array of strategies they can use with individuals or groups to strengthen executive skills and will cover students K-12, with developmentally appropriate strategies across the age levels. The presentation will also introduce a model for designing student-centered interventions that can be used by teachers or other support staff that work with students with executive skill challenges.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
As a result of attending this workshop participants will be able to:
Dr. Peg Dawson: In over 40 years of clinical practice, Dr. Peg Dawson has worked with thousands of children who struggle at home and in school. At the center of their struggles are often weak executive skills. Along with her…
12:45pm - 4:00pm June 3, 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Executive skills are task-oriented skills that underlie students’ ability to learn. Although seldom taught explicitly, many educators now see that children and adolescents who are strong in these skills are more successful than those who aren’t. This workshop will provide step-by-step instructions for incorporating executive skills into everyday lessons and activities. After introducing executive skills, participants will learn to connect behavior to specific executive skills, introduce these concepts to students or clients, create routines that incorporate executive skills, embed skills into lessons, and engage children and youth in problem-solving. The presentation will incorporate numerous case examples and group activities to support learning.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
As a result of attending this workshop, participants will:
8:30am - 11:45am June 4, 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
While occasional defiance and emotional outbursts are a normal part of child development, they become concerning when they are frequent, intense, and interfere with a child’s ability to function at home, school, or in relationships. Behavioural disorders are the most common mental health issue in children, often co-occurring with other conditions, and can lead to long-term difficulties if left unaddressed.
Early intervention is key to promoting social, emotional, and behavioural well-being. This workshop is designed for anyone working with children and youth facing behavioural challenges, including clinicians, educators, and families. Participants will gain an understanding of these behaviours, their root causes, and the limitations of current approaches. The workshop will also provide practical, evidence-based strategies that can be immediately applied to support children and youth in various settings. Boost your confidence with creating positive, supportive environments that encourage desirable behaviours, enhance communication, and foster conflict resolution skills.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively support children and youth facing behavioural challenges and to create environments that foster growth, resilience, and long-term success.
AGENDA
Laying the Foundations: Understanding Behaviours
Caroline Buzanko, Ph.D., R. Psych, is a psychologist. Mother. Professor. International Speaker. Yoda of Anxiety. ADHD Superhero. And Changer of Lives. With nearly three decades of experience, she is a recognized expert in resilience and the social, emotional, and behavioural well-being…
12:45pm - 4:00pm June 4, 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Anxiety has reached epidemic levels and is now the most common mental health challenge among children and teens. Unfortunately, many children go untreated until anxiety escalates into more severe issues, such as depression, social difficulties, and behavioural problems. Early intervention is crucial, but many parents, teachers, and professionals miss the signs of anxiety or unintentionally reinforce the anxiety cycle.
This workshop is designed for anyone working with children and teens struggling with anxiety. Through a transdiagnostic lens, participants will gain a deep understanding of how anxiety manifests and how to intervene effectively. Special attention will be given to the unique stressors faced by children and adolescents today, including pressures from technology and social media. Participants will also learn why common strategies may inadvertently worsen anxiety and, more importantly, how to help kids build resilience, confidence, and coping skills to overcome their fears.
This workshop will provide clinicians, educators, and families with the tools needed to address and manage anxiety in children and teens effectively. Participants will leave with practical strategies, a deeper understanding of anxiety, and confidence in their ability to support young people in building resilience and overcoming fear.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
AGENDA
This workshop will provide clinicians, educators, and families with the tools needed to address and manage anxiety in children and teens effectively. Participants will leave with practical strategies, a deeper understanding of anxiety, and confidence in their ability to support young people in building resilience and overcoming fear.
| Registration | Super Early Bird Fee | Early Bird Fee | Regular Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE DAY ENROLLMENT | -- | ||
| Individual 1 Day Enrollment | $299.00 | $319.00 | $339.00 |
| 1 Day Group 3-7 | $249.00 | $269.00 | $289.00 |
| 1 Day Group 8-14 | $224.00 | $244.00 | $264.00 |
| 1 Day Group 15+ | $199.00 | $219.00 | $239.00 |
| 1 Day Full-Time Student | $199.00 | $219.00 | $239.00 |
| -- | |||
| TWO DAY ENROLLMENT | -- | ||
| Individual 2 Day Enrollment | $539.00 | $559.00 | $579.00 |
| 2 Day Group 3-7 | $489.00 | $509.00 | $529.00 |
| 2 Day Group 8-14 | $464.00 | $484.00 | $504.00 |
| 2 Day Group 15+ | $439.00 | $459.00 | $479.00 |
| 2 Day Full-Time Student | $439.00 | $459.00 | $479.00 |
| -- | |||
| THREE DAY ENROLLMENT | -- | ||
| Individual 3 Day Enrollment | $719.00 | $739.00 | $759.00 |
| 3 Day Group 3-7 | $669.00 | $689.00 | $709.00 |
| 3 Day Group 8-14 | $644.00 | $664.00 | $684.00 |
| 3 Day Group 15+ | $619.00 | $639.00 | $659.00 |
| 3 Day Full-Time Student | $619.00 | $639.00 | $659.00 |
All fees are per person and in Canadian Dollars ($CAD)
Fees do not include applicable taxes (15% HST).
Super early bird cutoff date: March 2, 2025
To receive the super early bird rate, registration and payment must be received by Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Early bird cutoff date: May 2, 2025
To receive the early bird rate, registration and payment must be received by Friday, May 2, 2025.
Please review our Registration Terms and Conditions for information on our cancellation policy, payment policies, rebates, and more. You must agree to our Terms and Conditions to register for a workshop or conference.
Public Parking Options
For attendees without Dalhousie parking permits, here are some nearby public parking options:
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phone: 902.420.0555
Our rates:
Please contact the hotel directly for the best available rates.
1181 Hollis Street
phone: 902.421.1000
Our rates:
When booking hotel rooms, ask for the Jack Hirose and Associates corporate rate. To receive our corporate rate, rooms must be booked one month prior to the workshop date. Please keep in mind hotel rates may fluctuate.
Jack Hirose & Associates is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Jack Hirose & Associates maintains responsibility for the program.
† The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers (NLASW) accept CPA-approved CEUs.
* Participants will receive a certificate of completion after every workshop. Workshops are pre-approved for 5.5 or 6 credits per day unless otherwise specified.
Please check back closer to the conference date for more information.
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