ACSW 2021 Virtual Conference Workshop Descriptions & Presenter Biographies

Keynotes ‘Sanity’-Making Through Solidarity & Collective Care Vikki Reynolds, PhD, RCC

Workers are responding to suffering, hardship and oppression in situations we couldn’t have imagined or planned for. We are immersed in a pandemic, which is obscuring the opioid catastrophe, and all this is situated on Indigenous territories where Canada has enacted genocide and where colonization, structural racism, and genocide continue to occur. The pandemic has disrupted much of our lives and ways of working bringing disconnection and fear. Resisting burnout in this moment means we need to go deeper than the “self-care” we are normally prescribed and foster solidarity, collective care and promote our collective mental wellness, considering cultural, spiritual, relational and community-based ways to collectively support ourselves and our communities. We respond to the ambient/ever-present hard and hateful politics we are swimming in with the connection and collective ethics of the Zone of Fabulousness…

Vikki Reynolds, PhD, RCC Vikki Reynolds is an instructor and registered clinical counsellor from Vancouver. She has a deep commitment to social justice and her work is based on an anti-oppression and decolonization framework. She plays a leading role in building communities in a spirit of solidarity, putting ethics at the forefront. Her work addresses addiction, substance misuse, diversity, homelessness, trauma and violence. Vikki is informed by narrative and collaborative therapies. She provides individual and group clinical supervision to therapists and community workers. She facilitates workshops and delivers keynote speeches to audiences with an interest in transforming community work. Find more about Vikki at vikkireynolds.ca

Moving Beyond Client-Centered Care Todd Leader, RPsych RSW

Social workers and allied professions work with a wide variety of people including those with addiction and mental health challenges. However, they often feel a disconnect between their training/desire to provide client-centered care, and the restrictions imposed by policies, procedures, and structures of the system and organizational culture they work in. In this presentation, Social Worker and Psychologist Todd Leader will describe the difference between client- centered ‘care’ and client-centered ‘systems’. He will challenge us to view these concepts in a different way, and to identify how we can use that distinction to directly enhance the experience and well-being of the people we serve. Todd’s approach, based on real-life success transforming an addiction and mental health program, is documented in his book It’s Not About Us; The Secret to Transforming the Mental Health and Addiction System in Canada. This keynote address is sure to empower us to approach our work with a new sense of creativity and optimism.

Todd Leader, RPsych RSW Todd Leader is a Registered Social Worker and a Registered Psychologist with a 29-year career as multiple-award- winning transformational leader in healthcare, including the areas of primary care, chronic disease management, addiction and mental health, health promotion, and community engagement. He has also been a multiple-award- winning member of the Faculty of Science at Saint Mary’s University since 1990. Todd has been the President of the Public Health Association of Nova Scotia, President of the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia, a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Public Health Association, a member of the Nova Scotia Ministerial Advisory Panel on Innovation in Mental Health and Addictions and is currently Vice President of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers. Todd’s 2016 book “It’s Not About Us; The Secret to Transforming the Mental Health and Addiction System in Canada” continues to influence client-centered system change across the country. Find more information about Todd at leader-development.ca

Feature Presentations Youth in Care Chronicles: Voices from former Youth in Care and Implications for Social Work Practice Megan Mierau, MSW, RSW Cody Murrell, BSW, RSW Patricia Ross, PCP, ACP

This presentation will focus on the recently published book: Youth in Care Chronicles, the child welfare system, the lived experiences of youth in care and implications for social work practitioners. A highlight of this presentation will be the panel presentation with two former youth in care who will share their lived experiences and reflections. The presentation will include a live Q & A and an opportunity to connect with other conference delegates in break-out rooms. Most social workers have encountered youth in care whether you work for child welfare or a child welfare serving agency, in a school or hospital, a correctional facility, a mental health or addictions program or a drop-in centre. It is critical to have at least a general understanding of the experiences of youth in care.

Megan Mierau, MSW, RSW Megan Mierau is employed as a Casework Supervisor with Alberta Children’s Services. She obtained a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Regina and spent time working abroad as a social worker in Australia. In 2015, Megan pursued a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Calgary and following the completion of her schooling, she was humbled to work on Treaty 7 Territory with children and youth in care. As a supervisor of a youth unit within Children’s Services, her passions now lie with promoting storytelling for Indigenous youth in care and ensuring youth maintain connections to their home communities. In addition to supervising, this year Megan began teaching for the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary and MacEwan University given her passion for education.

Cody Murrell, BSW, RSW Cody Murrell is a Casework Supervisor with Alberta Children’s Services. He has been working with children and youth who are in care for the past seven years. Cody started his career working in the group care sector as a Youth Worker. He holds a Diploma of Social Work from Grant MacEwan University and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary. Cody has extensive volunteer experience which includes volunteering as an Alberta College of Social Worker’s Council Member, worker at Amity House, and co-chair of Edmonton Youth Speak Out. Cody is an advocate for youth in care and speaks publicly about his experiences, most notably, at the High-Risk Youth Conference, University of Calgary, and Youth Power. His intense passion for the profession of Social Work and compassion for others stems from his own experience growing up in care.

Patricia Ross, PCP, ACP Patricia Ross is an Advanced Care Paramedic student who is currently in the process of completing her final practicum. She had obtained her Primary Care Paramedic (EMT) licence prior and has been working as a youth worker for the past 4 and a half years. Patricia has volunteered with Youth Speak Out in her spare time over the past several years, sharing her story and mentoring youth in care. Patricia aspires to be a motivational speaker and to complete a TED talk that discusses how to overcome the challenges of growing up in foster care.

On-demand Workshops Understanding Diversity – The Queer Experience and it’s Impact on Practice Gilbert Drapeau, BSW, RSW Christy Garland, Trans individual and community advocate

LGTBQ2S+: a mouthful that has come to define an ever-expanding population of individuals to whom practitioners owe a holistic understanding. This presentation is an opportunity to build a better understanding of Queer terminology and to develop a greater understanding of the ongoing challenges faced by the Queer community.

Gilbert Drapeau, BSW, RSW Gilbert Drapeau has worked in Children's Services for over twenty years working with abused and disabled children, their families and supports. Gilbert is also known as Lady Tenderflake, a drag performer known for her charitable work and performances reflecting social issues. Through both avenues, advocacy for the Queer community has been at the forefront of practice. Queer means so much more than LGBTQ2S+ as society allows for individuals to explore their true identities. Working in environments where 50 to 75% of youth have gender/sexual identity issues and are often dispossessed, informed practice is of the essence.

Christy Garland, Trans individual and community advocate Christy Garland is a general contractor and business owner in Edmonton for over 15 years. She is also known as Christy Heely, a drag performer who has performed throughout the city for 6 years. Her primary focus is helping charities and raising awareness for trans folk. She is an active member of the ISCWR, an organization that raises money through drag shows. Christy believes that being our authentic selves whether as a transgender woman owning a renovation company or taking to the stage in drag is something that should be encouraged and embraced.

Elder Abuse and Cross Cultural Practice Garima Khatri, MSW Clinical Specialization, RSW, CCW, CRS Emma Potter Michele Markham, SW Dip, RSW Detective Alfred Ma

Listen and learn about elder abuse and how we are responding collaboratively across sectors. We will also discuss social injustices faced by ethnocultural communities.

Garima Khatri works in the Community Geriatric Psychiatry program at Covenant Health. She obtained her Master of Social Work with Clinical Specialization from the University of Calgary and was recognized with two Recognition of Excellence Awards for her activities in the areas of family violence and elder abuse prevention and intervention, cross cultural practice, and geriatric psychiatry. She has varied clinical training including CBT, ACT, and is a Level 3 DBT- Linehan therapist. She has spoken at the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention Conference, Diverse Voices Family Violence Conference, and the FACE IT: Elder Abuse Happens Conference, and is a past Co-Chair of the provincial Taking Action Against Elder Abuse CCR Coordinator Network.

Emma Potter Emma Potter is the Director of Crisis and Navigation Support Services with the Canadian Mental Health Association- Edmonton. In her role, she is responsible for management of the Edmonton Distress Line and 211 programs which include responding to the provincial Family Violence and Bullying Help Lines. She holds certification as a Community Resource Specialist through the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems and a Crisis Worker through the American Association of Suicidology. She also has a BSc. In Human Ecology, Maj. Family Ecology. Emma has presented on a variety of topics including suicide and violence and conferences across North America. Her passion for ensuring that services provided hope and a path forward for all who access them is embodied in all of the work that she does.

Michele Markham, RSW Michele Markham holds a Bachelor Degree in Human Service Administration and is a Registered Social Worker. Ms. Markham’s 25+ year career in Social Work has been centered within the non-profit sector working with some of Edmonton’s most vulnerable community members. For the past six years she has worked at Sage Seniors Association in Edmonton as the Manager of the Seniors’ Safe House, a shelter for older adults needing safety and support from abuse. In addition to working at Sage, Ms. Markham is a member of the MacEwan University School of Social Work Advisory Council, is a Director on the Board of the George Spady Society and a past Public Member of the Mental Health Review Panel.

Detective Alfred Ma Det. Alfred Ma is in his 23rd year with the Edmonton Police Service. Det. Ma has been working within the Criminal Investigations Division since 2010 with a focus on family violence. He joined the Senior Protection Unit in 2015 and is currently one of two Det’s in that unit. Prior to joining EPS, Det. MA worked within the financial sector at Scotia Mcleod while finishing up his Commerce Degree at the University of Alberta.

Bravely Engaging: Breaking Down Barriers Carrie McManus, SW Dip, RSW Andrea Silverstone, RSW

In a world that feels progressively polarizing, we will demonstrate the power of brave engagement as a way to move away from viewing the world in dichotomies. We will aim to understand the impact of bravery in group work engagement as a necessity in order to remove the boundaries that keep groups divided or pitted against one another.

Carrie McManus, SW Dip, RSW Carrie McManus breaks down barriers and embraces change as the Director of Innovation and Programs at Sagesse. She has over 20 years experience in strategic and program development, small business management, facilitation and education. She started her social work career with Mount Royal University’s Stepping Up program, a peer led domestic violence program in Calgary, Carrie then transitioned into her role with Sagesse. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dalhousie University in Halifax and a Diploma of Social Work from Mount Royal University in Calgary.

Andrea Silverstone, RSW, Masters Candidate Andrea Silverstone is the Executive Director of Sagesse, an organization committed to disrupting the structure of violence for individuals, organizations and communities, she works tirelessly to address domestic and sexual violence across Alberta. Andrea is a Registered Social Worker and Mediator with a background in Judaic/Talmudic Law. Beginning her career in Calgary at the Awo Taan Native Women’s Shelter, Andrea later transitioned into her role as the Executive Director of Sagesse. At Sagesse, she has dedicated herself to ensuring that vulnerable individuals live in a society where they can reach their full potential, and believes she has an obligation to leave the world in a better place than she found it.

Understanding Systemic Racism in Canadian Higher Education: Barriers and Remedy Tobias Mwandala, BSc. (Psych.), PhD, RSW

This workshop will examine the meaning of systemic racism and barriers facing racialized people in higher education. It will focus primarily on the systemic barriers racial minority leaders face to fair representation in higher education in Canada and measures to overcome these barriers.

Tobias Mwandala, BSc. (Psych.), PhD RSW Tobias Mwandala is an education consultant and a social worker in Alberta. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Prince Edward Island and is a graduate of Master of Social Work from the University of Calgary. He has a Certificate in Leading Nonviolent Movements for Social Progress from Harvard Kennedy School. In addition, he earned his doctorate degree (PhD) in education from Northcentral University, California. He has diverse expertise in social justice issues and case management with vulnerable populations.

Claiming their Future: Empowerment Strategies for Children in Poverty Rita Yembilah, PhD Margot McKinnon, PhD Derek Cook, BA, MA, RSW

Grounded in the Canadian Poverty Institute’s four domain approach to child poverty, this presentation will explore strategies that can be harnessed to elevate children’s control over shaping an identity, living their passions, finding meaning and purpose, and developing connection and belonging in their community.

Rita Yembilah, PhD Dr. Rita Yembilah joined the Canadian Poverty Institute in 2016 to lead the research on re-conceptualizing the notion of child poverty for practice in Calgary. Over the course of 18 months, the research revealed distinct manifestations of child poverty beyond the child's parents/guardians lack of, or inadequate income. This work has been explored collaboratively with Dr. Margot McKinnon's work to develop tools for helping children and youth to become empowered and make choices within their control for navigating and stepping out of their difficult circumstances. Margot McKinnon, PhD Dr. Margot McKinnon earned her PhD from the University of Oxford with a thesis on how to include the concept of spirituality in Alberta public schools. Having taught nearly 5000 teenagers in her career, Margot focuses on at-risk students, mental health, child poverty, and inclusion. She is author of the book The Body, Mind, Spirit, Soul, Oneness Dominance Theory: A guide to elevating your 5 dimensions of self.

Derek Cook, BA, MA, RSW Derek Cook is a Registered Social Worker with over 30 years experience of thinking and advocating at a policy and practical level for poverty and wellbeing issues involving vulnerable and marginalized groups. As director of the Canadian Poverty Institute, Derek oversaw the multidimensional definition of child poverty project. The Canadian Poverty Institute is now working in various ways with an array of similarly positioned collaborators to enhance responses to child poverty and impoverishment.

ACSW Clinical Registry – Achieving the Credential towards Advanced Practice Rebecca Stares, MSW, RCSW

Come learn more about the ACSW’s Clinical Registry and how to attain status as a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW). This is also an opportunity to meet members of the Clinical Registry and the ACSW’s Clinical Committee.

Rebecca Stares, MSW, RCSW Rebecca has been a member of the ACSW’s Clinical Committee since 2016, and a member on the Clinical Registry since 2015. She has practiced as a clinical social worker in both Canada and the United States, and presently runs a private practice in the Calgary area specializing in equine assisted therapy with children, adolescents, and adults.

ACSW A Personal Exploration of the Continuing Competence Program ACSW Staff

The Continuing Competence Program is dynamic in its nature. You will learn about the history, legislative background and current requirements that supports social workers. We will guide you through the annual portfolio and you will learn user-friendly updates.

Claire’s Law: An Introduction and Overview of the Disclosure to Protect Against Domestic Violence Act Amy Munroe, SW Dip, RSW

This workshop will provide an overview of the legislation that will guide the implementation of Claire’s Law in Alberta. This workshop is aimed at increased comfort of social workers with the legislation, history and process to ensure they are able to service clients’ needs and address concerns that may come up within their communities and clients

Amy Munroe, SW Dip, RSW Amy Munroe is the Direct Service Team Lead at Sagesse, a provincial organization that empowers organizations, individuals and communities to disrupt structures of domestic violence. She completed her education at Mount Royal University in Calgary. Amy is passionate about the systemic issue of domestic violence and is dedicated to the work of ending it in Alberta through her work with Sagesse.

Because I am Black Dayirai Kapfunde, MSW, RSW

Once upon a time, I was a 'girl/woman’, and then I became 'Black/African-Canadian/African/Coloured' etc...As a result, I navigate the social constructs of race and gender that are not of my own making, and would like to briefly invite you into my world.

Dayirai Kapfunde, MSW, RSW Dayirai is passionate about social justice; lives and works in Alberta and she holds degrees from McMaster and Ryerson Universities. She is currently serving as the Secretary and is part of the Executive Committee on the (ACSW) Alberta College of Social Workers Council.

Compassion Satisfaction: Coping with Secondary Traumatic Stress Charles Chenard, BSW, RSW, MSP, CCC, ATS

This is a solution focused presentation on how to maintain (or rediscover) compassion satisfaction. Participants will be given ways to determine when you are affected by secondary traumatic stress. Once you have accepted the effect the secondary trauma has on you, you can better determine what you need to rebalance your energy and be ready to have empathy again.

Charles Chenard, BSW, RSW, MSP, CCC, ATS Charles likes to promote self-care, self-compassion and mindfulness in his personal and professional life. His master’s degree thesis was entitled "The Art of Compassion", promoting mindfulness, art reflection and self-compassion. He has offered a number of workshops promoting a better self-care for social workers.

ACSW Basic Income Panel Discussion Erick Ambtman Lee Stevens, MSW, RSW Alison McIntosh

This panel discussion explores Basic Income, the collaborative work that has been done and identifies the ongoing work to support this important advocacy initiative.

Erick Ambtman Erick Ambtman is a long-time Edmontonian firm in the belief that as a community we have what it takes to end poverty in a generation. He is a member of the Edmonton Police Commission, outgoing Executive Director for the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, former Executive Director of Aboriginal Friendship Centres in Calgary, Rocky Mountain House, Red Deer and Fort McMurray and alumnus of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 under 40. He currently serves as chair of the Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies, vice-chair of the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, and is a board member of Edmonton’s Vital Signs Committee. He holds degrees in Economics from the University of Manitoba and the London School of Economics.

Lee Stevens, MSW, RSW Lee Stevens works at Vibrant Communities Calgary as a Policy and Research Specialist. Lee has worked as a social worker in Calgary for the past 11 years, for organizations such as the Calgary Drop in Centre, CUPS, and Alberta Health Services. Lee has been a registered member of the ACSW since 2009 and has completed her BSW and later her

MSW at the University of Calgary. Lee is also a strong advocate of a principles- based basic income, and has reviewed several studies of successful unconditional cash transfers. Lee is proud of the work of volunteers on Basic Income Calgary, a local action group of the Basic Income Canada Network and has been providing backbone support to the group since it’s inception in January of 2017.

Alison McIntosh Alison McIntosh was born and raised in Edmonton. She is a passionate advocate for people-powered change. Alison is an organizer with Climate Justice Edmonton, a grassroots climate justice collective grounded in intersectional and anti- oppressive approaches to tackling the climate crisis. She has a BA in Human Geography from the University of Alberta, and a MA in Geography from Simon Fraser University. Recently, Alison was a Research Manager at Parkland Institute, where her research explored health and social policy issues, including: long-term care, healthcare privatization, and basic income.

Exploring Recent Changes to the Standards of Practice Sheryl Pearson, MSW, RSW, LLB Bruce Llewellyn, MSW, RSW

Learn about the history and legislative background of the ACSW Standards of Practice (2019). In November 2018, the government introduced Bill 21, which came into effect on April 1, 2019. This workshop will refresh and update your knowledge on the Standards.

Bruce Llewellyn, MSW, RSW Bruce joined the Alberta Association of Social Workers in 1984. After retiring from government service, he joined the ACSW as a staff member in October 2013. As one of the Managers of Regulatory Practice, he is committed to supporting members facing challenges maintaining their competency as well as educating members on the Continuing Competence Program.

Sheryl Pearson, MSW, RSW, LLB After a career in social work, law and policy consulting, Sheryl was hired as one of two managers of regulatory practice with the ACSW in 2013. As one of the managers of regulatory practice, she is committed to supporting members facing ethical dilemmas as well as educating members on the Standards of Practice.

(Dis)placed: Indigenous Youth and the Child Welfare System – Film Screening and Learning Guide Launch

This presentation features a screening of the film (Dis)placed: Indigenous Youth and the Child Welfare System and a presentation related to the accompanying Learning Guide. The film features the voices of Indigenous youth as they reflect on their prior involvement with the child welfare system and their multiple strategies of resistance to assimilation. The Learning Guide provides the historical and contemporary contexts for the overwhelming number of Indigenous children in the child welfare system, and encourages professionals to identify actions they can take to help end the inequities and ongoing discrimination, and contribute to the thriving of Indigenous children and youth. Panel members will describe how they use the film and learning guide in their practice.

Melisa Brittain, PhD Melisa Brittain (she/her, they/them) is a settler scholar, writer and filmmaker who currently lives on Treaty 6 territory in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta). Melisa brings a knowledge of colonialism and neo-colonialism in Canada, and a commitment to decolonization and social justice, to their current role as a researcher and educator with the First Nations Children’s Action Research and Education Service (FNCARES) at the University of Alberta. Melisa co-authored First Nations Child Poverty: A Literature Review and Analysis (2015) with Cindy Blackstock, collaborated with Indigenous young people and other community members to make the film (Dis)placed: Indigenous youth and the child welfare system and co-wrote the learning guide for professionals to accompany the film.

Panelists:

Cindy Blackstock, Ph.D. RSW A member of the Gitxsan First Nation, Cindy is honoured to serve as the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and a professor at McGill University’s School of Social Work. She has over 30 years of experience working in child welfare and Indigenous children’s rights and has published more than 75 articles on topics relating to reconciliation, Indigenous theory, First Nations child welfare and human rights. Cindy was honoured to work with First Nations colleagues on a successful human rights challenge to Canada’s inequitable provision of child and family services and failure to implement Jordan’s Principle. This hard-fought litigation has resulted in hundreds of thousands of services being provided to First Nations children, youth and families. She recently served on the Pan American Health Commission on Health Equity and Inequity and fundamentally believes that culturally-based equity is fundamental to meaningful reconciliation. Cindy is frequently sighted in the company of the Caring Society’s reconciliation Am-bear-rister, Spirit Bear, engaging children in meaningful actions to implement the TRC Calls to Action.

Bernadette Iahtail, RSW Bernadette Iahtail is a registered Social Worker, an advocate, researcher, writer, film producer, and a Co-Founder and Executive Director of Creating Hope Society, a society founded for the survivors of the - The Sixties and Seventies Scoop of Aboriginal Children in Care.

Julie Mann-Johnson, MSW, RSW Julie Mann-Johnson has been a social worker for 23 years, primarily in various areas of child welfare, from service delivery to assessment, policy and program development. Now, as a member of the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary, she is involved in child welfare practice research and teaching, and she oversees student practicums as the Associate Director of Field Education for Central and Northern Alberta Region.

Michelle Briegel, M.Ed, Certified CYCC Michelle Briegel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Child Studies and Social Work at Mount Royal University, and a Certified Child and Youth Care Counsellor. Michelle’s area of specialization is the profession of Child and Youth Care Counsellors, and she is currently the President of the Child and Youth Care Association of Alberta.