Wellness Conference (Sat May 3 – HSC)

Music Therapy with Bridget Swift – Join a registered music therapist for a relaxing and uplifting musical wellness workshop. Connect, de-stress, and participate in interactive musical activities to discover how music can support your overall wellness. No musical experience needed—just an open mind!

Journal Therapy with Sara Mody – Join Sara Mody, a certified yoga teacher and mindfulness expert from McMaster University, as well as an author and journal enthusiast, for an engaging workshop on journaling. Explore various types of journals, effective journaling techniques, and how to create an optimal journaling space. Discover why journaling is such a powerful tool for building confidence, finding joy, and overcoming negative experiences or trauma. Unlock the transformative power of journaling!

Finding the Magic in Menopause with Lisa Boate – Menopause isn’t the end—it’s a powerful new beginning. In this session, we’ll reframe menopause from a time of loss to a season of transformation, growth, and possibility. Through candid conversation and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to navigate symptoms, reclaim your energy, and step into this stage of life with confidence and clarity. Let’s ditch the outdated narratives and uncover the magic in menopause together!

Naturopath with Dr. Amali Firhoj – Managing the Cortisol Response: Stress Strategies for Educators & Allergies and Immune Health in the Classroom

Rediscover Who You Are with Art of Meditation – An invitation to meditate from a fellow educator. Renu has been teaching for over 20 years, has raised two boys, one with many special needs. She meditates daily and is a mindfulness consultant. She is a dedicated student and teacher of the Brampton Meditation Centre. The session will include live guided meditation and an engaging discussion on how to start and sustain your meditation practice. Come to rediscover and remember who you are.

Orange Naturals with Kyla Kervin – Is your immune system working overtime thanks to your students? Constantly being sick is tiresome and taxing on your body. Join this informative educational session to learn about the ins and outs of your immune system, and how other bodily systems such as your gut and brain can affect and be affected. We’ll cover practical ways you can support immunity naturally through nutrition tips and lifestyle habits to prevent sickness and bounce back faster.

Facial Massages Gua Sha with Dorothy Gornik – What in the world is gua sha? Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that has been used for over 2,000 years. Gua sha is like giving your face a mini spa vacation using a smooth stone to gently scrape away puffiness, stress and fine lines. It’s giving your facial muscles the ultimate TLC workout – no gym membership required! Benefits of gua sha include increased circulation through stimulated blood flow, reduced puffiness, improved skin texture, stress relief

Forest Therapy (DOUBLE SESSION) with Sock Gee Gan – Rest and Rejuvenate through mindful and sensory awareness at the Riverwood Conservancy. Re-member that we are part of nature. Forest Therapy, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, provides you the chance to unplug, unwind and reconnect with yourself and nature. The practice has been scientifically proven to boost immune strength, reduce stress, and improve cognitive functioning.  On your walk, a trained forest therapy guide will offer a series of invitations to assist you in finding your own authentic way of interacting with the land. There’s no right or wrong way to do it; just come and be yourself. Everyone is welcome! The walk will still be on if it’s raining, unless it is a violent storm.  Who should attend Forest Therapy? Everyone is welcome. Walk is slow and gentle. What to expect during Forest Therapy? Experience for yourself when we unplug, unwind and open our senses to the natural environment. A series of invitations will be offered to guide you to interact with the land and beings at Riverwood. There is no right or wrong way to engage these invitations, just come be yourself. What to wear and bring for Forest Therapy? Comfortable clothing and shoes, hat, insect repellent, water and anything that makes you comfortable outdoors. This is a rain or shine event unless its severe weather. If it rains, please wear waterproof layers or bring an umbrella. We will be sitting and ground may be wet so consider bringing something to sit upon or plastic bag. Highly recommended to bring a backpack for your possessions to keep your hands free.