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 in 2025-2026:
- Stay tuned for updates, and enjoy the resources below from past events!
Past presentations
Talk Sex Today - Body Science Boot Camp for Parents - April 2026
Saleema Noon Sexual Health Educator Nicky Grunfeld hosted an online parent workshop for École Lord Tennyson parents and guardians Wednesday April 8th, 2026. This session included an overview of the content that is covered for each age group during the student workshops. The session was not recorded for privacy reasons. Find the parent handout here.
Nicky facilitated grade-specific in person "Body Science" student workshops on Wednesday April 15th & Friday April 17th, 2026. Online parent workshop and student workshops were paid for by École Lord Tennyson PAC.
Additional resources from Saleema Noon Sexual Health Educators:
Saleema Noon Sexual Health Educator Nicky Grunfeld hosted an online parent workshop for École Lord Tennyson parents and guardians Wednesday April 8th, 2026. This session included an overview of the content that is covered for each age group during the student workshops. The session was not recorded for privacy reasons. Find the parent handout here.
Nicky facilitated grade-specific in person "Body Science" student workshops on Wednesday April 15th & Friday April 17th, 2026. Online parent workshop and student workshops were paid for by École Lord Tennyson PAC.
Additional resources from Saleema Noon Sexual Health Educators:
- Talk Sex Today: What Kids Need to Know and How Adults Can Teach Them
o Paperback book by Saleema Noon and her predecessor Meg Hickling. Talk Sex Today delivers an intelligent and sensible blend of current, inclusive, and practical information for children and teens - and the adults who love them. - Growing Up Game Plan
o An online masterclass for preteens on being more confident, more prepared, and less stressed as they navigate life. More information at the link above, including a free online workshop for parents on how to have smart conversations about confidence, consent, relationships and online life. - Free Body Safety Online Webinar for Parents
o What NOT to say when talking to your kids about bodies and online safety )and what to say instead!). - Screen Time Strategy
o Drama free strategy for managing screen time. - Subscribe to Saleema Noon’s newsletter.
- Check out the website for more info.
Topic: Cellphones: What's Healthy, What's Not, and What We Can Do to Support Our Kids
When: November 19, 2025, at 6 p.m. PT
Where: Virtual
Who: Hannah Beach
Many of our kids are anxious and glued to their phones, seeking endless distraction and feeling isolated and disconnected. Aggressive outbursts have become common, and yet others seem to have stopped talking altogether. As parents and caregivers, we are increasingly alarmed. We entice, cajole, bribe, encourage, shout, but nothing seems to work long-term.
Is technology bad? Absolutely not - it's wonderful and has brought us so many gifts. But the invention of devices that travel with kids has also greatly shifted childhood and adolescence, affecting their learning, relationships and emotional health.
Is change impossible? No... in fact, we are seeing a ground swell of change percolating across the world! Although we may not be able to change the culture at large, there is much we can do to shift our family and school cultures so that we can support our kids in truly discovering their best selves. Small changes can have big effects.
Hannah Beach is an award-winning educator, author, emotional health consultant, and keynote speaker who speaks about the power of relationships and play worldwide. She is the co-author of the best-selling book Reclaiming Our Students: Why Children Are More Anxious, Aggressive, and Shut-Down than Ever—and What We Can Do About It, with Tamara Neufeld Strijack, which has been adopted by school boards across Canada. She was recognized by the Canadian Human Rights Commission in 2017 as one of five featured changemakers in Canada. Her bestselling I Can Dance book series won a 2017 Gold International Moonbeam Children’s Book Award.
Hannah delivers professional development services across the globe, provides emotional health consulting to schools and community-based programs, and speaks at conferences about the power of relationship and play. Hannah is an emotional health and play-based learning consultant for Britannica Education, where she develops courses which are facilitated by the Britannica Education team.
When: November 19, 2025, at 6 p.m. PT
Where: Virtual
Who: Hannah Beach
- Check out the PAC e-blasts or the PAC Corner in the Principal's e-blast for the registration link.
Many of our kids are anxious and glued to their phones, seeking endless distraction and feeling isolated and disconnected. Aggressive outbursts have become common, and yet others seem to have stopped talking altogether. As parents and caregivers, we are increasingly alarmed. We entice, cajole, bribe, encourage, shout, but nothing seems to work long-term.
Is technology bad? Absolutely not - it's wonderful and has brought us so many gifts. But the invention of devices that travel with kids has also greatly shifted childhood and adolescence, affecting their learning, relationships and emotional health.
Is change impossible? No... in fact, we are seeing a ground swell of change percolating across the world! Although we may not be able to change the culture at large, there is much we can do to shift our family and school cultures so that we can support our kids in truly discovering their best selves. Small changes can have big effects.
Hannah Beach is an award-winning educator, author, emotional health consultant, and keynote speaker who speaks about the power of relationships and play worldwide. She is the co-author of the best-selling book Reclaiming Our Students: Why Children Are More Anxious, Aggressive, and Shut-Down than Ever—and What We Can Do About It, with Tamara Neufeld Strijack, which has been adopted by school boards across Canada. She was recognized by the Canadian Human Rights Commission in 2017 as one of five featured changemakers in Canada. Her bestselling I Can Dance book series won a 2017 Gold International Moonbeam Children’s Book Award.
Hannah delivers professional development services across the globe, provides emotional health consulting to schools and community-based programs, and speaks at conferences about the power of relationship and play. Hannah is an emotional health and play-based learning consultant for Britannica Education, where she develops courses which are facilitated by the Britannica Education team.
Social Media Awareness, Digital Citizenship, and Cyber-Bullying.
When: Monday, November 4, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. PT
Where: Virtually
Who: Hosted by Safer Schools Together
This Digital Literacy virtual session was funded and organized by the VSB.
When: Monday, November 4, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. PT
Where: Virtually
Who: Hosted by Safer Schools Together
This Digital Literacy virtual session was funded and organized by the VSB.
The White Hatter: Raising AI Ready Youth: Safety, Privacy, Ethics, and Success
October 2025
This presentation was funded by the VSB. For those who were unable to attend, they have a ton of resources on their website and post updates about this fast changing topic regularly on their Facebook group.
October 2025
This presentation was funded by the VSB. For those who were unable to attend, they have a ton of resources on their website and post updates about this fast changing topic regularly on their Facebook group.
Saleema Noon’s Body Science ®
February 2025
This proprietary methodology in sexual health education starts early with age-appropriate information that empowers kids to make smart decisions about their sexual health as they grow up. The result is safe, happy, healthy kids supported by their parents through open, honest, meaningful conversations about important topics. Saleema’s passion is education and her purpose is to foster healthy sexuality and sexual maturity in every family.
Saleema Noon Sexual Health Educators provides comprehensive sexual health education to children and their parents. We empower kids with the information and the skills they need. We support parents to have open, honest, meaningful conversations with their kids about important topics.
Sexual health educator Sarah Mailtand discussed essential topics. Following the parent presentation, Sarah facilitated grade-specific "Body Science" student workshops on February 12-13, integrated into regular classes.
February 2025
This proprietary methodology in sexual health education starts early with age-appropriate information that empowers kids to make smart decisions about their sexual health as they grow up. The result is safe, happy, healthy kids supported by their parents through open, honest, meaningful conversations about important topics. Saleema’s passion is education and her purpose is to foster healthy sexuality and sexual maturity in every family.
Saleema Noon Sexual Health Educators provides comprehensive sexual health education to children and their parents. We empower kids with the information and the skills they need. We support parents to have open, honest, meaningful conversations with their kids about important topics.
Sexual health educator Sarah Mailtand discussed essential topics. Following the parent presentation, Sarah facilitated grade-specific "Body Science" student workshops on February 12-13, integrated into regular classes.
Nurturing the Natural Roots of Self Esteem
Dr. Deborah MacNamara
November 2024
Self-esteem has become a popular concept, with varying ideas on how to cultivate it in our children. There are two main strategies used to develop self-esteem, one built on shaky grounds and another that is more sustaining and enduring. The developmental roots of natural self-esteem will be discussed, along with strategies for providing for its growth. Parents are ideally positioned to nurture an intrinsic sense of self worth in their child which will help grow them into their full human potential.
Dr. Deborah MacNamara is a counsellor and scientist; storyteller and teacher; guide and Mother. She specializes in the relational-developmental approach to parenting based on the work of Dr. Gordon Neufeld, empowering parents to become the expert on their children with everyday questions and practical strategies. She came to this work as a new mother herself, curious and confident that his approach could shift not only her children’s futures forever, but also her professional approach to supporting and helping others. Today, she serves on Faculty at the Neufeld Institute.
Deborah is the author of the best selling book, Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one) translated into 14 languages, and the children’s picture book, The Sorry Plane, available in three languages. Her newest book Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for our Kids (and everyone else we love), was released September 2023.
Dr. Deborah MacNamara
November 2024
Self-esteem has become a popular concept, with varying ideas on how to cultivate it in our children. There are two main strategies used to develop self-esteem, one built on shaky grounds and another that is more sustaining and enduring. The developmental roots of natural self-esteem will be discussed, along with strategies for providing for its growth. Parents are ideally positioned to nurture an intrinsic sense of self worth in their child which will help grow them into their full human potential.
Dr. Deborah MacNamara is a counsellor and scientist; storyteller and teacher; guide and Mother. She specializes in the relational-developmental approach to parenting based on the work of Dr. Gordon Neufeld, empowering parents to become the expert on their children with everyday questions and practical strategies. She came to this work as a new mother herself, curious and confident that his approach could shift not only her children’s futures forever, but also her professional approach to supporting and helping others. Today, she serves on Faculty at the Neufeld Institute.
Deborah is the author of the best selling book, Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one) translated into 14 languages, and the children’s picture book, The Sorry Plane, available in three languages. Her newest book Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for our Kids (and everyone else we love), was released September 2023.
Parenting Strategies for Online Safety
Merelyn Horton
January 2025
Setting limits and having rules for online use is important—but when do you start and what is reasonable? Ideally, we can negotiate, plan, and talk with our kids to help them develop healthy screen time habits as they mature.
This presentation raises parent awareness about how technology impacts children, educates them about setting technology limits in their homes, and encourages families to be proactive about online safety. Topics covered include:
About Merlyn Horton
Merlyn Horton’s educational background includes a Diploma in Journalism (S.A.I.T.) (1988) and an Undergrad Degree (B.P.A.) from Athabasca University (2001) in self-directed studies about online pedophiles and emerging online youth culture. Her work has been recognized with the 2003 Myrtle Everett Woman of the Year Award and a 2008 Crime Prevention Individual Achievement Award. Her publications include Bridging the Gap, Teaching Online Safety: Tips, Tricks and Best Practices for Online Safety Education (2012) and Online Outreach Toolkit (2014).
Merelyn Horton
January 2025
Setting limits and having rules for online use is important—but when do you start and what is reasonable? Ideally, we can negotiate, plan, and talk with our kids to help them develop healthy screen time habits as they mature.
This presentation raises parent awareness about how technology impacts children, educates them about setting technology limits in their homes, and encourages families to be proactive about online safety. Topics covered include:
- Digital Wellness Awareness
- Online Safety
- Teaching Digital Literacy
- Setting Boundaries
- Family Media Use Agreement
About Merlyn Horton
Merlyn Horton’s educational background includes a Diploma in Journalism (S.A.I.T.) (1988) and an Undergrad Degree (B.P.A.) from Athabasca University (2001) in self-directed studies about online pedophiles and emerging online youth culture. Her work has been recognized with the 2003 Myrtle Everett Woman of the Year Award and a 2008 Crime Prevention Individual Achievement Award. Her publications include Bridging the Gap, Teaching Online Safety: Tips, Tricks and Best Practices for Online Safety Education (2012) and Online Outreach Toolkit (2014).
Understanding Stress & How to Manage It For Parents
Laura Montgomery & Tzu-Hsuan Lin
Oct 2022
Have you or your child experienced stress, or are currently experiencing a stressful situation, and hoping to find a better way to work through it? Or is chronic stress arising in relation to school work, social pressure, or any other experience that happens to be particularly challenging for your child? If this sounds like something you can relate to, or something you would like to learn more about, we invite you to join us for this interactive talk!
Explore:
Laura Montgomery MSW, RSW is a Counsellor at Psych & Soul Therapy, a practice based in North Vancouver, BC and online. Laura serves parents, adults and young adults to connect to their emotions and body experience in order to navigate life with their authentic selves in the lead. Learn more about Laura here: https://psychandsoultherapy.com/laura-montgomery-rsw-msw
Tzu-Hsuan Lin MCP-AT, RCC, CCC, ATR, is a Counsellor at Psych & Soul Therapy. Tzu works with people of all ages on issues related to anxiety, depression, self-worth, life transitions and offers counselling in both Mandarin and English. Tzu’s warmth and skill allow for healing the deeper roots of the challenge. Learn more about Tzu here: https://psychandsoultherapy.com/tzu-hsuan-lin-mcp-at-rcc-ccc-atr-3
Recording available here
Passcode: G6Q.s.cR
Slides available here
Laura Montgomery & Tzu-Hsuan Lin
Oct 2022
Have you or your child experienced stress, or are currently experiencing a stressful situation, and hoping to find a better way to work through it? Or is chronic stress arising in relation to school work, social pressure, or any other experience that happens to be particularly challenging for your child? If this sounds like something you can relate to, or something you would like to learn more about, we invite you to join us for this interactive talk!
Explore:
- Signs of stress - it can show up in surprising ways!
- Understanding the Nervous System 101- the short and easy version
- Practices to recognize and release stress
- How stress can be an opportunity for deeper connection & closeness with your child
- Q & A time -Your questions answered by two Registered Counsellors
Laura Montgomery MSW, RSW is a Counsellor at Psych & Soul Therapy, a practice based in North Vancouver, BC and online. Laura serves parents, adults and young adults to connect to their emotions and body experience in order to navigate life with their authentic selves in the lead. Learn more about Laura here: https://psychandsoultherapy.com/laura-montgomery-rsw-msw
Tzu-Hsuan Lin MCP-AT, RCC, CCC, ATR, is a Counsellor at Psych & Soul Therapy. Tzu works with people of all ages on issues related to anxiety, depression, self-worth, life transitions and offers counselling in both Mandarin and English. Tzu’s warmth and skill allow for healing the deeper roots of the challenge. Learn more about Tzu here: https://psychandsoultherapy.com/tzu-hsuan-lin-mcp-at-rcc-ccc-atr-3
Recording available here
Passcode: G6Q.s.cR
Slides available here
Parenting Through Anxiety
Dr. Katherine Martinez
May 2022
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).
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
Dr. Katherine Martinez
May 2022
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).
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
Tech, COVID and Kids
March 2021
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.
Her presentation addressed:
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EHZAQmw2JA&ab_channel=TEDxTalks
March 2021
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.
Her presentation addressed:
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EHZAQmw2JA&ab_channel=TEDxTalks
| tech_covid_and_kids_es.pdf |
Kids, Relationships and Conflict
Nicola Doughty
March 2021
Discussed 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.
Nicola Doughty
March 2021
Discussed 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 |
Saving for your Child/Children’s Education
January 2021
Covered details on government pensions as well as balancing the budget between saving for the kids and saving for retirement.
Contacts:
Tyler Mann:
C. 604-313-7705
E. [email protected]
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. [email protected]
Website: https://advisor.rbcfinancialplanning.com/robert-mackinnon
Kory Ghanavizchian:
C. 604-351-2944
E. [email protected]
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/
January 2021
Covered details on government pensions as well as balancing the budget between saving for the kids and saving for retirement.
Contacts:
Tyler Mann:
C. 604-313-7705
E. [email protected]
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. [email protected]
Website: https://advisor.rbcfinancialplanning.com/robert-mackinnon
Kory Ghanavizchian:
C. 604-351-2944
E. [email protected]
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/
| lord_tennyson_elementary_-_pac_presentation.pptx |
| 2021_handy_financial_planning_facts__generic__–_english.pdf |
Roundtable Discussion on Anti-racism and Equity
Dr. Lisa Gunderson
November 2020
Dr. Gunderson facilitated 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 was also paid to the psychological impact and issues of racialized mental wellness.
About Dr. Lisa Gunderson
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
Dr. Lisa Gunderson
November 2020
Dr. Gunderson facilitated 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 was also paid to the psychological impact and issues of racialized mental wellness.
About Dr. Lisa Gunderson
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
| lord_tennyson_pac.pdf |
