WORKSHOPS & DESCRIPTIONS

Session A Workshops and Sponsor/Exhibitor Showcase November 9th 3:15pm-4:15pm

A-1 Comment appuyer les élèves qui se dirigent vers l’apprentissage d’un métier spécialisé
Mme Nancy Côté, Conseil scolaire catholique des Grandes rivières , Coordonnatrice des initiatives 7e-12e
Mme Caroline Carrière, Programme d’apprentissage pour les jeunes de l’Ontario , Recrutrice du PAJO

Cet atelier vous permettra de mieux comprendre les étapes afin d’entamer l’apprentissage d’un métier spécialisé. Ces informations vous permettront donc de mieux guider et appuyer les élèves, ainsi que leurs parents, qui se dirigent dans cette voie après le secondaire. De plus, nous vous partagerons différentes ressources qui ont été développées au niveau provincial ou au niveau local par différents recruteurs du PAJO.

A-2 AI in Education: Preparing Students for an Automated Future with InTempo SHSM
Taj Sarin, Founder and Lead AI Consultant, Tempus Innovation Corp.

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of innovation, transforming industries and redefining the skills required for future careers. This workshop is designed to empower guidance educators with the knowledge and strategies to integrate AI into their teaching and counselling practices.

A-3 The Changing Landscape of Ontario Post-Secondary Education
Dr. Richard Dominic Wiggers, Self-Employed, Education Consultant

Many parents, high school teachers and guidance counsellors may be unaware how much has changed recently in Ontario. This presentation will explore these trends. The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) has the same name, but underwent a fundamental transformation over the past decade. Colleges are offering more degrees and graduate certificates, and both universities and colleges are providing combined credentials and more opportunities for work-based experiential learning. A funding crisis is now creating significant disruption, resulting in the closure of both programs and campuses. At the same time, more private institutions – both colleges and universities – are opening and offering credentials.

A-4 Embracing and Valuing Play for Early Career and Skills Development
Dr. Heather Nesbitt, Queen’s University, Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Lorraine Godden, Yorkville University, Faculty

This interactive workshop will focus on how children’s play is conceptualized and supported within Ontario Kindergarten and Elementary curricula—with particular focus on play-based programs—and how understandings align with CERIC’s (2016) eight guiding principles of career development. This curriculum analysis contributes to a broader exploration of play and career development in K-12. Preliminary results indicate a strong alignment between how play manifests within Ontario curricula and the holistic approach to career development. Emphasizing the importance of play, study findings may help educators, parents, playmakers, and other career development stakeholders increase their understanding of how play underpins future career development. 

A-5 Inclusive Language and Interactions for Individual with Disabilities
Charlene VanderGriendt, Rick Hansen Foundation,Partnerships and Projects Specialist

Even though individuals with disabilities are the largest minority group in the world, accessibility and inclusion are often left out of today’s DE&I conversations.  The Rick Hansen Foundation School Program’s professional development workshop engages educators to help them better understand disability and recognize that language is a powerful tool that can be used to foster inclusion and belonging rather than reinforce stereotypes and discrimination.  Classroom environments that focus on inclusion and accessibility support better student success. Educators who expand their perspectives on disability can establish a more holistic approach to creating inclusive classrooms, schools and communities.

A-6 Is This Just a Phase?  Supporting Students Through Mental Health and Addiction Challenges
Susan Raphael, Clinician and Author, Sustainable Recovery Counselling and Addiction Services

This presentation equips school/guidance counsellors and teachers with tools to recognize the early signs of mental health issues and substance use in students from Grades 7–12. With recent data showing a sharp rise in distress, self-harm, and opioid misuse among youth, early intervention is more critical than ever. We’ll explore what’s normal, what’s not, and how to respond with empathy, boundaries, and practical support. Drawing on lived experience and clinical insights, this session offers real-world strategies to help students feel seen—and to help you feel more confident navigating tough conversations. Q & A included.

A-7 Ignite Change: Re-Engaging Disengaged Students With IM&M+
Trina Stanford, Canadian Career Development Foundation, Project Manager

Do you have non-attenders? Has your school tried everything to re-engage them? In Motion & Momentum+ (IM&M+) is a 10-week experiential career development program with randomized controlled trial-based evidence of re-engaging non-attending students. This presentation will showcase its approach, results, and how it can be used to enhance your learning environment. Join us to explore the potential of IM&M+ as a vital tool for improving student success and career readiness.

A-8 Round Table: Successful Grade 8 to 9 Transitions – Strategies That Work
Brad Booker, myBlueprint, Partner Success

Smooth transitions into secondary school can set the tone for student success. This interactive roundtable, including several Ontario guidance leaders, will explore strategies to support students as they move from Grade 8 to 9. The discussion will focus on transition planning, parent engagement, and maximizing available resources. Counsellors from across the province will share experiences and successful practices. Participants will leave with practical, adaptable ideas to help students feel prepared, connected, and confident as they begin high school.

Session B Workshops and Sponsor/Exhibitor Showcase  November 10h, 1:30-2:30pm 

B-1 Les Les Programmes de Transition : Un Pont Vers L’Avenir
Liane Van’tWout-Avouac , Csc MonAvenir , Recruteur PAJO

Présenter les différents programmes de transition (COOP, PAJO, DRC, DR) comme des outils d’accompagnement pour les jeunes dans leur parcours éducatif et professionnel, en mettant l’accent sur la manière dont ces programmes les aident à faire face aux défis de l’orientation scolaire.

B-2 HVAC 101 & Where do you start?
Mr. Sam Adams, HiMark Occupational Skills Training Centre, Founding President
Mr. Tony Wainwright, HiMark Occupational Skills Training Centre, Maintenance Manager & Licenced Plumber

What is HVAC? HVAC stands for HEATING, VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING. You will often see/hear REFRIGERATION & PLUMBING also being mentioned in the acronym HVACR&P. In this informative workshop session, HiMark Occupational Skills Training Centre will demystify this highly sought-after industry with straight talks from experienced tradesmen & women, break it down for you what exactly are the licensing requirements to work in the trade and what is “THE PATHWAY” for students interested?

B-3 Supporting Student Wellness Through Grief-Informed Mental Health Practices
Victoria Berry, Bereaved Families of Ontario: Centre for Grief and Healing Halton/Peel, Social Service Manager and Health and Safety Representative
Samantha Jennings Willan, Bereaved Families of Ontario: Centre for Grief and Healing Halton/Peel, Administrative & Outreach Coordinator

In this interactive session, participants will explore practical, school-based strategies for promoting student mental health and wellness, with a focus on supporting children and youth experiencing grief and loss. The session will introduce a newly developed NTG (Navigating Through Grief Workshop) wellness module that equips educators with tools and language to recognize grief responses, foster safe classroom environments, and engage in meaningful support practices. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the intersection between grief and mental health, and gain actionable strategies to create compassionate, responsive classrooms.

B-4 The Exit Interview: Ensuring ALL Students Have a Pathway
Mrs. Shannon McCauley, Peel District School Board, Head of Student Services

This workshop will guide you through the ins and outs of hosting annual Exit Interviews with  your graduating students.  We will cover everything from scheduling, promotion, tracking, and interview format along with student resources that can be adapted to fit your school. The goal is to ensure that all students have a plan for life beyond high school with the support to get there. 

B-5 Beyond Awareness: Implementing Trauma-Informed Change in Schools
Dr. Mark Bunten, Lauremont School, Director of Guidance and University Counselling

Trauma-informed principles and strategies are increasingly being used to support youth mental health in schools. Yet, despite the approach’s rising popularity, there exists a paucity of examples of implementation designs, guidelines, or change frameworks for schools to model or actualize a trauma-informed approach on a systematic level. Addressing this gap, this workshop presents an organizational change framework that integrates trauma-informed practices to guide school improvement that is supported by positive psychological principles. Attention is also given to case studies of strategic implementation to leave participants with practical examples of how schools have adapted to strengthen student mental health and well-being.

B-6 One Action Away: Guiding Lives Beyond the Classroom
Sam Demma, Sam Demma Enterprises Inc., Keynote Speaker and Bestselling Author

In this inspiring keynote, discover how seemingly small moments of connection can profoundly shape a student’s future. School Counsellors stand at a unique crossroads in education—where academic pathways meet personal development and emotional growth. Through powerful stories and insights, this presentation reveals how your everyday interactions create ripple effects that extend far beyond graduation.

B-7 Unveiling the All-New ontariocolleges.ca: Helping Students Explore with Confidence
Vanessa De Luca, OCAS, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
Chris Accardi, OCAS, Product Marketing Specialist

Join OCAS for an exclusive look at the soon-to-be-launched ontariocolleges.ca — redesigned from the ground up to better support students, counsellors, and college explorers with a fresh new experience!  This session will highlight key new features, including new improvements to the college events calendar, enhanced program search capabilities, and new content to connect learners to the college experience. We’ll also share other exciting updates on how we’re making college easier and more engaging than ever.  Join us to see what’s new, ask questions, and learn how these improvements can help students make confident, informed decisions about their futures.

B-8 The Paradox of Choice: Helping Students get Unstuck and Make Decisions
Jay Gosselin, Discover Year, Founder and Program Director

Young people today are often faced with an overwhelming number of choices in every facet of life, including academic courses and post-secondary programs. Researchers in social psychology have identified unconscious barriers that prevent us from making decisions when we are presented with many choices. There is also research that clarifies strategies to make choosing easier in this environment. We will explore this research and discuss how it can be used to improve high school students’ capacity to make good decisions.
Learning outcomes:
1) Explore the science behind effective decision-making
2) Identify practical strategies to help students make good choices

Session C Workshops and Sponsor/Exhibitor Showcase November 10th, 2:35-3:45pm

C-1 Paradoxe du choix : aider les élèves à se débloquer et à prendre des décisions – Français
Jay Gosselin, Discover Year, Founder and Program Director

Les jeunes d’aujourd’hui sont souvent confrontés à un nombre impressionnant de choix dans tous les aspects de leur vie, y compris leurs cursus universitaires et leurs études postsecondaires. Les chercheurs en psychologie sociale ont identifié des obstacles inconscients qui nous empêchent de prendre des décisions face à de nombreux choix. Des recherches clarifient également les stratégies permettant de faciliter les choix dans ce contexte. Nous explorerons ces recherches et discuterons de leur utilisation pour améliorer la capacité des élèves du secondaire à prendre de bonnes décisions.

C-2 Bridging the Gap Between High School and Apprenticeships
Nicole Ross, College of Carpenters and Allied Trades, Executive Director
Joseph Iannuzi, Carpenters Regional Council

The College of Carpenters and Allied Trades, along with representatives from the Carpenters Regional Council will discuss apprenticeship pathways, outreach opportunities, and collaboration possibilities between high schools and Carpenters Union Training Center TDAs.

C-3 Don’t Just Weight and See: Cultivating Inclusive Conversations About Bodies
Aryel Maharaj (he/him), National Eating Disorders Information Centre (NEDIC), Team Lead, Community Education
Emily Tam, National Eating Disorders Information Centre (NEDIC), Resource Development Officer

In the 2023 Ontario Student Drug Use & Health Survey, over half of the respondents reported being bullied about their weight and shape – a key risk factor for the development of body image and eating challenges.  In this session, attendees will have a chance to reflect on the vast array of body-focused messages they’re hearing from students, and hear ideas about transforming our conversations from ones that might perpetuate diet culture into weight-neutral, food-positive, and body-inclusive alternatives. Through facilitated discussion, attendees will discuss the differences between uncomfortable and unsafe conversations around bodies, and practice skills that aim to help us overcome our fear of “saying the wrong thing” when navigating this sensitive topic.

C-4 Guiding Students Through the IPP: An Updated Approach Using the EquiGuidance Model
Jennifer Horst, Waterloo Region District School Board – Elmira District Secondary School, Guidance Department Head

This interactive presentation introduces educators to the EquiGuidance model for Individual Pathway Planning (IPP), developed by EDSS Guidance Counsellors in 2024. The model provides a comprehensive framework to personalize student educational pathways, focusing on actionable steps and monthly activities. Attendees will gain a deep understanding of the model, practical tools for immediate use, and engage in collaborative discussions to refine their current IPP practices. The session will also facilitate the sharing of best practices and innovative strategies to enhance current IPP systems, improve student engagement, and ensure that all students receive the personalized support they need to succeed.

C-5 Caring Adults: Supporting 2S/LGBTQIA+ Youth
Taylor, School Mental Health Ontario, 2S/LGBTQIA+ Student Mental Health Consultant and Specialty Coach

This interactive workshop engages participants in learning more about the practice of allyship, creating welcoming and identity-affirming spaces, navigating school climate and culture, and cultivating supportive relationships with 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth. We will focus on exploring protective factors and strengths-based strategies to support the mental health and well-being of 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth. 

C-6 Bridging the Business Gap: High School to University Succession with AI
Ola Agboola, CPA Ontario, Career Development Specialist

C-7 Demystifying Financial Aid: Guidance for Guidance Educators
Ms. Kelly Winger, yconic, Community Manager

This workshop explores the funding opportunities available to Ontario students, from scholarships and bursaries to RESPs and student loans. We’ll review the skills and tools students need to apply for and receive funding, and learn practical strategies for teaching those skills in the classroom at any age. Educators will leave this session with a classroom toolkit including a How To Find (and Win!) Scholarships presentation slide deck.

C-8 Beyond the Paycheque: Purposeful Career Planning
Larissa Hoffman, Edge Factor, Vice-President
Carmine Romano, Edge Factor, Education & Business Liaison

With the right tools, educators can empower students to live with purpose and make career choices that align with their interests. This session explores how Edge Factor’s story-driven tools equip educators to inspire students with real-world career journeys. Interest assessments connect learners with age-appropriate content and activities, earning badges as they progress. Everyone will walk away with free and premium options for ready-to-use resources that link classroom learning to future careers and the skilled trades, while integrating life skills and financial literacy. Help students see a job as more than a paycheque—it’s a career and a pathway to impact.