Parent Education Speakers
One of the PAC's many roles is to keep families informed on current trends, issues, and questions related to our children, their development, and what is happening at Tennyson. One of the ways this is achieved is the Parent Education Speaker sessions, which are held in conjunction with PAC meetings. We encourage all parents to attend these presentations.
Upcoming Presentations
Parent Speaker May 30th 6:30pm - Parenting Through Anxiety - Dr. Katherine Martinez
Parenting Through Anxiety is designed for parents, family members, and other individuals caring for school aged children. Participants will gain knowledge of four central cognitive-behavioural strategies to help support their children in calming both routine and unexpected stress and anxiety, and how to change their thoughts and behaviours to positively impact their development. Special attention will be given to coping with life as we adjust to living with COVID and related viruses.
Dr. Katherine Martinez received her degree in clinical psychology from Rutgers University in New Jersey in 2005. She is a registered psychologist (2036) in British Columbia with over 20 years of experience in clinical work, research, and training. She has co-authored the book, Your anxious mind: A teen’s guide to anxiety and panic (Magination Press, 2009) and Getting uncomfortable with uncertainty for Teens (New Harbinger Publications, 2022).
Parent Speaker May 30th 6:30pm - Parenting Through Anxiety - Dr. Katherine Martinez
Parenting Through Anxiety is designed for parents, family members, and other individuals caring for school aged children. Participants will gain knowledge of four central cognitive-behavioural strategies to help support their children in calming both routine and unexpected stress and anxiety, and how to change their thoughts and behaviours to positively impact their development. Special attention will be given to coping with life as we adjust to living with COVID and related viruses.
Dr. Katherine Martinez received her degree in clinical psychology from Rutgers University in New Jersey in 2005. She is a registered psychologist (2036) in British Columbia with over 20 years of experience in clinical work, research, and training. She has co-authored the book, Your anxious mind: A teen’s guide to anxiety and panic (Magination Press, 2009) and Getting uncomfortable with uncertainty for Teens (New Harbinger Publications, 2022).
2021-2022 Past Presentations
Self Regulation : Nurturing the Mind Body Connection in our Children
Nicola Doughty
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Over the past two years, children have had to adapt to a myriad of uncertain and anxiety-provoking situations and have had reduced exposure to typical social interactions.
This session is designed to help parents recognize how their child(ren)'s behaviour is related to their experiences, and how that behaviour is a direct form of communication, even when it includes tantrums, withdrawal, physical interactions and verbal outbursts.
You will leave this presentation with a deeper understanding of age appropriate behaviour and practical strategies to assist your child(ren) with stronger self-regulation and communication.
Presentation slides available here
Handout available here
Self Regulation : Nurturing the Mind Body Connection in our Children
Nicola Doughty
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Over the past two years, children have had to adapt to a myriad of uncertain and anxiety-provoking situations and have had reduced exposure to typical social interactions.
This session is designed to help parents recognize how their child(ren)'s behaviour is related to their experiences, and how that behaviour is a direct form of communication, even when it includes tantrums, withdrawal, physical interactions and verbal outbursts.
You will leave this presentation with a deeper understanding of age appropriate behaviour and practical strategies to assist your child(ren) with stronger self-regulation and communication.
Presentation slides available here
Handout available here
2020-2021 Past Presentations
Body Science with Saleema Noon (Parent Session)
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
6:30-8:00 pm
(Note: Wednesday & Thursday June 2nd & 3rd: Student workshops at school)
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
6:30-8:00 pm
(Note: Wednesday & Thursday June 2nd & 3rd: Student workshops at school)
Tech, COVID and Kids
Date: Tuesday March 9th, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
Location: Live interactive webinar presentation
Dr. Shimi Kang is a psychiatrist, best-selling author and mom of three. Given technology’s links to problems like anxiety, addiction, and cyberbullying; Dr. Kang suggests that parents and teachers must now reset children’s tech habits towards learning, connection, self-care & adaptability.
In her live on-line presentation you will learn:
1. How technology is impacting children’s brain, body, and behavior
2. How to differentiate between healthy, stressful, & addictive tech experiences
3. How to reset children’s tech habits for a successful school year
4. Guidelines on how to maintain healthy tech habits in your school/ home during the pandemic and beyond including free downloadable reset resources.
This 1 hour interactive webinar will be divided into three 15 minute sections with a Q&A for each part. Dr. Kang will end with an open 15 minute Q&A conversation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EHZAQmw2JA&ab_channel=TEDxTalks
Date: Tuesday March 9th, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
Location: Live interactive webinar presentation
Dr. Shimi Kang is a psychiatrist, best-selling author and mom of three. Given technology’s links to problems like anxiety, addiction, and cyberbullying; Dr. Kang suggests that parents and teachers must now reset children’s tech habits towards learning, connection, self-care & adaptability.
In her live on-line presentation you will learn:
1. How technology is impacting children’s brain, body, and behavior
2. How to differentiate between healthy, stressful, & addictive tech experiences
3. How to reset children’s tech habits for a successful school year
4. Guidelines on how to maintain healthy tech habits in your school/ home during the pandemic and beyond including free downloadable reset resources.
This 1 hour interactive webinar will be divided into three 15 minute sections with a Q&A for each part. Dr. Kang will end with an open 15 minute Q&A conversation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EHZAQmw2JA&ab_channel=TEDxTalks

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Kids, Relationships and Conflict - Nicola Doughty
Date: March 1st, 2021
Time: 6:30 -8:00 pm
Location:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://stjohns.zoom.us/j/61872600395?pwd=TnRyYlZhQmJKcmo5bFFIbHBnWlUzdz09
Meeting ID: 618 7260 0395
Passcode: 120441
You will leave this presentation with practical tips as well as a deeper understanding of age appropriate behaviour. In order for Nicola to best address our areas of interest, please send any specific items you would like covered to: karendaviesrallison@gmail.com. Please include:
• Specific examples without personal details (age, scenarios, etc.).
• What you want to get out of this presentation?
• What you need to feel supported at school and at home as a family?
• What we need to understand about the COVID environment and the context of the school changing (i.e., physical indoor/outdoor space).
Will discuss relational aggression - a little bit more learned and becomes habitual. It is not the same as targeted bullying but there is overlap. Will lead into social media use by parents. Use of relationship builders versus confrontation (i.e., social media is less of a relationship builder). How to minimize conflict, deeper understanding of children. What are families doing for compensation after school?
About Nicola Doughty
Nicola Doughty spends her time counselling, facilitating workshops and coordinating social emotional learning curriculum for children and youth. After 23 years in the field of education working first as an elementary teacher and then a school counsellor, she is particularly keen on dispelling the myth of the “terrible teen years”, assisting parents in bridging the transition in a deeply caring and connected way. Nicola is currently living and breathing this work, as mom to an active and interesting 14-yr-old. When not at work as a counsellor or mom, Nicola enjoys reading, hiking and roller derby.
Date: March 1st, 2021
Time: 6:30 -8:00 pm
Location:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://stjohns.zoom.us/j/61872600395?pwd=TnRyYlZhQmJKcmo5bFFIbHBnWlUzdz09
Meeting ID: 618 7260 0395
Passcode: 120441
You will leave this presentation with practical tips as well as a deeper understanding of age appropriate behaviour. In order for Nicola to best address our areas of interest, please send any specific items you would like covered to: karendaviesrallison@gmail.com. Please include:
• Specific examples without personal details (age, scenarios, etc.).
• What you want to get out of this presentation?
• What you need to feel supported at school and at home as a family?
• What we need to understand about the COVID environment and the context of the school changing (i.e., physical indoor/outdoor space).
Will discuss relational aggression - a little bit more learned and becomes habitual. It is not the same as targeted bullying but there is overlap. Will lead into social media use by parents. Use of relationship builders versus confrontation (i.e., social media is less of a relationship builder). How to minimize conflict, deeper understanding of children. What are families doing for compensation after school?
About Nicola Doughty
Nicola Doughty spends her time counselling, facilitating workshops and coordinating social emotional learning curriculum for children and youth. After 23 years in the field of education working first as an elementary teacher and then a school counsellor, she is particularly keen on dispelling the myth of the “terrible teen years”, assisting parents in bridging the transition in a deeply caring and connected way. Nicola is currently living and breathing this work, as mom to an active and interesting 14-yr-old. When not at work as a counsellor or mom, Nicola enjoys reading, hiking and roller derby.

_tennyson_2021__friendships_conflict___building_resilience__1_.pdf | |
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Saving for your Child/Children’s Education
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
7:00-8:30 pm
In your own home (Virtual - link to follow)
Will also cover a few details on government pensions as well as balancing the budget between saving for the kids and saving for retirement.
Contact:
Tyler Mann:
C. 604-313-7705
E. tyler.mann@rbc.com
Website: http://financialplanning.rbcinvestments.com/tyler.mann
Google Business Page (with client reviews): https://goo.gl/maps/iZuHZkwKmNWvBtWb6
Robert Mackinnon:
C. 604-655-8852
E. robert.mackinnon@rbc.com
Website: https://advisor.rbcfinancialplanning.com/robert-mackinnon
Kory Ghanavizchian:
C. 604-351-2944
E. kouros.ghanavizchian@rbc.com
Google Business Page (with client reviews): https://goo.gl/maps/mQKvGrrFwSPScnaA9
Website: https://advisor.rbcfinancialplanning.com/kouros-ghanavizchian/
Linked-in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbckoryghanavizchian/
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
7:00-8:30 pm
In your own home (Virtual - link to follow)
Will also cover a few details on government pensions as well as balancing the budget between saving for the kids and saving for retirement.
Contact:
Tyler Mann:
C. 604-313-7705
E. tyler.mann@rbc.com
Website: http://financialplanning.rbcinvestments.com/tyler.mann
Google Business Page (with client reviews): https://goo.gl/maps/iZuHZkwKmNWvBtWb6
Robert Mackinnon:
C. 604-655-8852
E. robert.mackinnon@rbc.com
Website: https://advisor.rbcfinancialplanning.com/robert-mackinnon
Kory Ghanavizchian:
C. 604-351-2944
E. kouros.ghanavizchian@rbc.com
Google Business Page (with client reviews): https://goo.gl/maps/mQKvGrrFwSPScnaA9
Website: https://advisor.rbcfinancialplanning.com/kouros-ghanavizchian/
Linked-in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbckoryghanavizchian/

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Roundtable Discussion on Anti-racism and Equity with Dr. Lisa Gunderson
Monday, November 23, 2020
7:00-8:30 pm
In your own home (Virtual - link to follow)
Bring all of your questions! Dr. Gunderson will facilitate an interactive discussion with a focus on understanding systemic racism with specific attention to anti-racism, equity, unintended bias, understanding "micro"aggressions, and white fragility. Attention will also be paid to the psychological impact and issues of racialized mental wellness as appropriate.
About Dr. Lisa Gunderson - Speaker Bio:
Dr. Gunderson has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Currently she is a registered Clinical Counsellor in British Columbia and is an inactive licensed Psychologist in California.
Dr. Gunderson is an award winning educator, community speaker, organizer, leader, and equity consultant and trainer for various institutions in Canada and the United States focusing on issues that impact black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) populations especially on racial identity and mental wellness. Dr. G. is also a frequent guest speaker to various organizations and to K-12 and post-secondary institutions.
To learn more about Dr. G., please visit www.oneloveconsulting.com
Monday, November 23, 2020
7:00-8:30 pm
In your own home (Virtual - link to follow)
Bring all of your questions! Dr. Gunderson will facilitate an interactive discussion with a focus on understanding systemic racism with specific attention to anti-racism, equity, unintended bias, understanding "micro"aggressions, and white fragility. Attention will also be paid to the psychological impact and issues of racialized mental wellness as appropriate.
About Dr. Lisa Gunderson - Speaker Bio:
Dr. Gunderson has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Currently she is a registered Clinical Counsellor in British Columbia and is an inactive licensed Psychologist in California.
Dr. Gunderson is an award winning educator, community speaker, organizer, leader, and equity consultant and trainer for various institutions in Canada and the United States focusing on issues that impact black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) populations especially on racial identity and mental wellness. Dr. G. is also a frequent guest speaker to various organizations and to K-12 and post-secondary institutions.
To learn more about Dr. G., please visit www.oneloveconsulting.com

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2019-2020 Past Presentations
Screen Time, Apps & Digital Drama: Setting & Sticking to Relationship-Friendly Boundaries around Phones, Devices and the Internet
April 27, 2020
7:00-8:30 pm
Tennyson Library (following short PAC meeting from 6:30-7:00 pm)
We live in an age where preoccupation with gadgets, devices and all things technological is proving, at times, to be a distraction and interruption to family lives. Nicola Doughty will deliver an interactive workshop where parents can come together to discuss psychological development, family values and establishing (and sticking) to boundaries with their children to create strong family bonds with effective communication. This interactive session will allow parents to explore strategies to open up honest conversations and establish themselves in the knowledgeable lead position providing safe boundaries that incorporate the emotional and social needs of their children.
Pause, Listen & Connect: Navigating the Transition from Childhood to Adolescence
Details:
Who: Nicola Doughty
What: Pause, Listen & Connect: Navigating the Transition from Childhood to Adolescence
When: Thursday November 28, 2019, 7:00-8:30 pm (babysitting provided by Grade 7 certified babysitters)
Where: Tennyson Library
As children move towards their teen years, their need for autonomy and privacy often disrupts family routines, leaving many parents feeling stuck in knowing how to communicate and connect. Additionally, as their children's social world opens up, parents are often challenged and worried about seemingly risky behaviours. Many parents with children aged 11 through 18 (grade 6-12) wish they had started certain routines, had different conversations, or had learned a particular something prior to their child becoming a teenager. This workshop focuses on helping parents with elementary-aged children create family and lifestyle conditions now, that will assist them in navigating the transition from childhood into adolescence.
With the goal of deepening relationships to assist in the continued development of contented, thriving, motivated kids, parents will leave feeling confident about their children’s future because of what they are able to do in the present. This session will cover topics ranging from setting appropriate (and flexible) boundaries, understanding the difference between privacy and secrecy, trust and developing autonomy, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, encouraging grit and resilience, assisting with friendship conflicts, having meaningful conversations about sexual health, alcohol, vaping & substance use, increasing privileges and responsibilities, and establishing shared values.
Using current research, knowledge and anecdotal experience, Nicola will offer optimistic and practical strategies that can be taken home and adapted into any family structure.
About Nicola Doughty - Speaker Bio:
Nicola Doughty spends her time counselling, facilitating workshops and coordinating social emotional learning curriculum for children and youth. After 23 years in the field of education working first as an elementary teacher and then a school counsellor, she is particularly keen on dispelling the myth of the “terrible teen years”, assisting parents in bridging the transition in a deeply caring and connected way. Nicola is currently living and breathing this work, as mom to an active and interesting 13-yr-old. When not at work as a counsellor or mom, Nicola enjoys reading, hiking and roller derby.
Screen Time, Apps & Digital Drama: Setting & Sticking to Relationship-Friendly Boundaries around Phones, Devices and the Internet
April 27, 2020
7:00-8:30 pm
Tennyson Library (following short PAC meeting from 6:30-7:00 pm)
We live in an age where preoccupation with gadgets, devices and all things technological is proving, at times, to be a distraction and interruption to family lives. Nicola Doughty will deliver an interactive workshop where parents can come together to discuss psychological development, family values and establishing (and sticking) to boundaries with their children to create strong family bonds with effective communication. This interactive session will allow parents to explore strategies to open up honest conversations and establish themselves in the knowledgeable lead position providing safe boundaries that incorporate the emotional and social needs of their children.
Pause, Listen & Connect: Navigating the Transition from Childhood to Adolescence
Details:
Who: Nicola Doughty
What: Pause, Listen & Connect: Navigating the Transition from Childhood to Adolescence
When: Thursday November 28, 2019, 7:00-8:30 pm (babysitting provided by Grade 7 certified babysitters)
Where: Tennyson Library
As children move towards their teen years, their need for autonomy and privacy often disrupts family routines, leaving many parents feeling stuck in knowing how to communicate and connect. Additionally, as their children's social world opens up, parents are often challenged and worried about seemingly risky behaviours. Many parents with children aged 11 through 18 (grade 6-12) wish they had started certain routines, had different conversations, or had learned a particular something prior to their child becoming a teenager. This workshop focuses on helping parents with elementary-aged children create family and lifestyle conditions now, that will assist them in navigating the transition from childhood into adolescence.
With the goal of deepening relationships to assist in the continued development of contented, thriving, motivated kids, parents will leave feeling confident about their children’s future because of what they are able to do in the present. This session will cover topics ranging from setting appropriate (and flexible) boundaries, understanding the difference between privacy and secrecy, trust and developing autonomy, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, encouraging grit and resilience, assisting with friendship conflicts, having meaningful conversations about sexual health, alcohol, vaping & substance use, increasing privileges and responsibilities, and establishing shared values.
Using current research, knowledge and anecdotal experience, Nicola will offer optimistic and practical strategies that can be taken home and adapted into any family structure.
About Nicola Doughty - Speaker Bio:
Nicola Doughty spends her time counselling, facilitating workshops and coordinating social emotional learning curriculum for children and youth. After 23 years in the field of education working first as an elementary teacher and then a school counsellor, she is particularly keen on dispelling the myth of the “terrible teen years”, assisting parents in bridging the transition in a deeply caring and connected way. Nicola is currently living and breathing this work, as mom to an active and interesting 13-yr-old. When not at work as a counsellor or mom, Nicola enjoys reading, hiking and roller derby.
Past Speakers
The inclusive future: public dialogue and social event
Come and learn the benefits of an inclusion mindset for all students from inclusivity expert Shelley Moore and find out what we can do to create a supportive, inclusive environment at Tennyson.
The event: The inclusive future: public dialogue and social event, is a public dialogue and social event centered on preparing our children to thrive in an inclusive future.
When: Wednesday April 24, 7-9 pm
Where: Tennyson
Tickets $11.62 through Eventbrite
The speaker: Shelly Moore is a highly sought after inclusive education researcher, collaborator, consultant and storyteller who completed an undergraduate degree in Special Education at the University of Alberta, her masters at Simon Fraser University, and is currently a Social Science and Human Resources Council (SSHRC) funded PhD scholar at the University of British Columbia. Shelley brings a wealth of experience from the classroom that she shares through engaging stories during her talks. Check out her fantastic TedEx talk.
The session will deconstruct what inclusive education means in today’s classrooms and communities. We will also discuss common misunderstandings and myths and leave with ideas and possibilities of inclusive learning communities and all who benefit.
Come and learn the benefits of an inclusion mindset for all students from inclusivity expert Shelley Moore and find out what we can do to create a supportive, inclusive environment at Tennyson.
The event: The inclusive future: public dialogue and social event, is a public dialogue and social event centered on preparing our children to thrive in an inclusive future.
When: Wednesday April 24, 7-9 pm
Where: Tennyson
Tickets $11.62 through Eventbrite
The speaker: Shelly Moore is a highly sought after inclusive education researcher, collaborator, consultant and storyteller who completed an undergraduate degree in Special Education at the University of Alberta, her masters at Simon Fraser University, and is currently a Social Science and Human Resources Council (SSHRC) funded PhD scholar at the University of British Columbia. Shelley brings a wealth of experience from the classroom that she shares through engaging stories during her talks. Check out her fantastic TedEx talk.
The session will deconstruct what inclusive education means in today’s classrooms and communities. We will also discuss common misunderstandings and myths and leave with ideas and possibilities of inclusive learning communities and all who benefit.