Speakers

Each year individuals donate their time and expertise as speakers and workshop facilitators to make the CANGRANDS Campout an event to remember .

We could write pages and pages expounding on the wonderful help and guidance these people give to our attendees. This page is just a small token of our appreciation to honor these individuals and their talent. (See alphabetical listing below. Please note that we have not made individual e-mail addresses 'live' to help stop spammers.)

Michael Ballard has for over 18 years worked as a consultant, facilitator, workshop leader and writer assisting individuals, families, teams and organizations build resiliency skills for greater levels of durability and success. Resiliency for Life - Building and restoring spirit www.resiliencyforlife.com

Lori Moore, Director, Angel Tree Team Lori Moore has been with Prison Fellowship Canada for three years. Lori is the Director of all Angel tree programs which include Christmas, camping and'In the Loop '. Prior to working for PF Canada Lori was a behavioural therapistwith children with autism. Lori has been married to her husband Kevin for 30 years. They have three grown children Daniel, Sarah and Joshua who are 27, 22 and 20, who are all working and single. Lori's husband is a pastor at the Mennonite Brethren church in downtown Toronto, and their children are involved in various ministries in their church. For more information on Angel Tree Prison Fellowship Canada see:www.prisonfellowship.ca

Angel Tree Camping has been a proud partner of CanGrands Conference & Campout this year.  As a ministry of Prison Fellowship Canada, the Angel Tree collection of programs seek to encourage children and families of offenders in breaking the cycle of crime. We recognize that kin providers are an under-represented and under-serviced population and desire to assist in ways that align with Prison Fellowship Canada's larger mission; "To challenge, equip and empower the body of Christ in its ministry to prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families and victims, and to promote the advancement of restorative justice."  This session will  outline how Prison Fellowship Canada, including Angel Tree, may be of assistance to you.

Betty J.B. Brouwer, has more than 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families. Betty works for the Shalem Mental Health Network, based in Hamilton , Ontario , where she serves as the Director of Shalem's “Linking Lives/Building Attachment” program and as the Artistic Director of Shalem's “RE-create Outreach Art Studio” (a drop-in studio for street-involved youth in downtown Hamilton ). Betty works primarily with children, adolescents and their families as well as adults who have experienced trauma and loss in their lives. Betty uses Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy as her primary treatment model in her work. Betty finds it an honour and privilege to enter into people's lives and help facilitate healing and change. In addition to her clinical work, Betty also presents at various conferences and workshops.

Betty holds a Master's degree in Child and Adolescent Studies from the University of Guelph, Ontario and a Master's level diploma from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute, Toronto . She is a registered art therapist and supervisor with the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) and the Ontario Art Therapy Association, she is a certified play therapist with Play Therapy International and the Canadian Association of Child and Play Therapy, and she is a certified Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist (attachment-focused therapy). Contact Betty at: bettyb@shalemnetwork.org or 866-347-0041 or http://www.shalemnetwork.org

Cherie Dale, ECE, RT is a Resource Consultant  in the City of Toronto. Cherie serves a cluster of 10 centers in the North York area and supports families and children with extra support needs. The families and children served have a wide variety of special needs. Cherie is also part-time faculty at Centennial College where she teaches in the ECE and Resource Consultant Programs. Cherie is married to a great guy and has a son who is on his way to being a fabulous 2 year old ;) cdale@adventureplace.ca

Dr. Katharine Dill is the Executive Director of PART and recently completed her PhD in social work from the University of Toronto. Her dissertation titled,“Fitting a Square Peg into a Round Hole—Understanding Kinship Care outside of the Foster Care Paradigm” represents an analysis of kinship (in care) and foster care placements from the perspective of caregivers, workers and youth. Katharine Dill, M.S.W., Ph.D. PART Executive Director (Practice and Research Together) www.partontario.org 1320 Airport Blvd.Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7K4 Phone: 905-433-1551 ext. 2473 Toll Free: 1-866-285-0941 ext. 2473 Fax #: 905-433-0603

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW is a 55 year old social worker with more than 29 years of experience working with parents, teens and young children. Gary has a private practice located in Dundas , Ontario , where he provides counselling, mediation and assessment services on most matters of family life.

Gary Direnfeld is a social worker and expert on matters of family life. Courts in Ontario , Canada , have deemed Gary an expert on child development, parent-child relations, marital and family therapy, custody and access recommendations, social work and an expert for the purpose of giving a critique on a Section 112 (social work) report. Services include counselling, mediation, assessments, assessment critiques and workshops. Gary has a weekly parenting column in his city's daily newspaper and has hosted 65 episodes of a reality television show working with newlywed couples - Newlywed, Nearly Dead!.

Gary presents himself as an advocate for the well-being of children and to this end he has lectured and given workshops on the impact of domestic violence as well as parental separation and divorce issues, and drug and alcohol issues on children throughout Canada and into the United States .

Go to his website to read his many articles and view clips of television and radio appearances.

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW
Interaction Consultants and I Promise Program Inc.
20 Suter Crescent, Dundas, Ontario, Canada L9H 6R5 (905) 628-4847
gary@yoursocialworker.com
www.yoursocialworker.com
www.ipromiseprogram.com

Diana Fox has worked extensively in the areas of addictions, HIV/AIDS, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and alcohol use during pregnancy. She provides training, consultation and support to a range of organizations, groups and family members on grief, loss and palliative care supports. Diana is an active member of the Ontario FASD Stakeholders and the FASD Coalition of Ottawa and can be reached at: diana.fox@sympatico.ca

Denise Fruchter, is one of the Directors and founder of Camp Winston and, as a special education teacher has been involved in the area of special needs camping and other special needs service agencies for thirty years. Denise often lectures for support groups and conferences on a variety of topics related to camping, education and behaviour management. She is a foster parent who also provides private counseling and home schooling to children with special needs. For details on Camp Winston click: www.campwinston.com

Esme Fuller-Thomson, Ph.D. Is an Associate Professor Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Esme has the points raised last year to help develop some action agendas around those issues. Esme will also be asking to interview grands at camp. Esme Fuller-Thomson, PhD is mother of four.  For 16 years, she has been an advocate and researcher on grandparent caregiver issues. Esme is a professor with the Faculties of Social Work, Medicine & Nursing of the University of Toronto. Esme can be reached at: esme.fuller.thomson@utoronto.ca or Ph: 416 978-3269 or Fax: 416 978-7072 or:246 Bloor St. W. Toronto, ONM6S 3W6

Edward Hagedorn MA DTATI  integrates expressive arts and dyadic developmental therapy in his clinical practice, based in Cobourg,Ontario. A brief history of art therapy and its application. The use of Art therapy is seen as one tool in a multi-disciplinary approach to the care of children. It can provide caregivers with a "barometer" for the child's functioning within the foster home. Case scenarios and examples of art work will be reviewed. Through the use of art, sculpture and play therapy, clients work to overcome trauma, sexual, emotional and physical abuse. Contact Ed at: RR # 2 45 Parliament Street Colborne, Ontario 905-372-2805 F 905-372-2848 artreach@eagle.ca

Susan T. Howson , MA, CPCC, CHBC is a University Professor, Relationship Alchemy Coach, Social Entrepreneur, Author, Keynote Speaker, Humanitarian-Award Winner, finalist for Canadian Coach of the Year and International Coach Federation PRISM award winner. Susan is also the president of Magnificent Creations Limitee. Her commitment and passion for developing the Magnificence in others is evident in the products and services she provides. She has developed award winning products that teach positive values and self esteem as well as training programs for parents and teachers that teach life coaching skills.

Susan's inspiring leadership style and deep capacity to connect powerfully with people has consistently resulted in the generation of quality relationships and award winning teams in both the workplace and community. Susan envisions a world where the focus is on what is right with us, what the possibilities are for ourselves, our community and our world. As Susan says, “I AM…are the two most powerful words in the world, for whatever we put after them becomes our reality". Susan wants to know,

What reality do you want to create...

• For yourself?
• For your family?
• For your workplace?
• For the world?

Susan knows that when we stand in the truth of who we are and what we value, we are able to Manifest the Magnificence of our being, creating a better world for ourselves and others. Life is meant to be fulfilling and we are meant to give expression to the Magnificence within us. Susan can be contacted at: 905-891-1934 or www.magnificentcreations.com or susan@magnificentcreations.com or

Grace Joubarne, MH, CCHT, HT, TP is a Certified Hypnotherapist certified by the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association and the International Association of Counselors and Therapists as well as the National Guild of Hypnotists. Grace is a graduate of the Pacific Institute of Advanced Hypnotherapy (PIAH), holds a certificate in Advanced Emotional Freedom Techniques and practices Holistic and Transpersonal healing modalities.  She sits on the Advisory Board of PIAH.  Grace specializes in the application of hypnotherapeutic techniques to assist clients in achieving emotional freedom around issues from abuse, neglect and abandonment to smoking, weight management and study/exam anxiety and many others. www.graceplacewellness.com graceplacewellness@gmail.com

Dan King is an advocate for the disabled who lives and works in Toronto, Canada . Dan has worked tirelessly for many years on Toronto issues and coordinator. Dan King has worked to support family with disabilities since 2003 * He is one of the founders of the Party for People with Special Needs http://www.ppsn.on.ca It's mission is to provide a political voice for the community of families affected by disability. Dan has run many times for office and presently serves as the GPO operations

Originally from Timmins, Ontario, King lived in New York City, Amsterdam amongst other places in the 1960s and 1970s. He lived in Rochdale College in Toronto, a building which was later converted to apartments and in which he still lives over 30 years later. He has served as tenant rep in a building in which he has to campaign in many languages just in one hallway, and is very involved in local causes for immigrant s, the disabled, mentally ill and disadvantaged. He is an expert in Canada's tax system and files tax returns for disabled people.

Tania Lavoie had been with  Angel Tree Prison Fellowship Canada for 3 years. Tania is Program Coordinator.  Tania  has an Honours Bachelor of Science degree (HBsc.) from University of  Toronto. Tara studied Psychology for 4 years. For more information on Angel Tree Prison Fellowship Canada see: www.prisonfellowship.ca

Dr. Marty McKay, a psychologist who has treated and assessed children for over 30 years and consulted to the Children's Aid Society. For more information, reports and articles "Google " Dr. Marty McKay " as she has a lot on the net. Dr. Marty McKay, can be reached at 206 St. Clair Ave. W. Toronto, M4V 1R2. 416-920-5546

Lindsay Mois is retired from the Ministry of Education is considered to be an expert in special education issues. http://www3.sympatico.ca/l.moir

Mike Moore, B.A. M.Ed., really is a speaker with a difference. He weaves a very uplifting, fast paced message using threads of humor, enthusiasm, music and story. Mike believes strongly in the ability of humor, appreciation and praise to bring about positive changes in the lives of people everywhere. He speaks to organizations, businesses and professional groups throughout Canada and the United States on the role of humor in human relations and human wellness. Mike is the author and illustrator of two very popular books- Light Up With Laughter and Embracing the Mystery. Both are available at his table at the back of the room. I invite you to sit back, relax and watch great things happen. Married to Carol - 4 adult off-spring Kevin, Chris, Paul and Beth Interests: gardening, camping, reading, nature, music and travel.

Mike was born in Sudbury Ont. Canada and educated in Sault Ste. Marie Ont. Can. Mike graduated frpm North Bay Teachers College and holds a B.A. from Queen's University Kingston ON Can. And his M.Ed from Niagara University N.Y.

SPEAKING CAREER: Mike has been involved in providing workshops, seminars and motivational presentations for groups in business, industry, government, education and the helping professions for over 25 years. All his presentations involve good content, music, humour and story. Mike recently returned from Wyoming , Hawaii , Yellowknife , Las Vegas and Medicine Hat where he was the keynote speaker and facilitator for conferences on education, medicine and business.

Mike's Published Works:

You've Got to Laugh (cartoons for and about teachers)
Embracing the Mystery (wit and wisdom from a life in progress)
Light Up With Laughter (the humour and Health connection)
Live, Laugh, Love and Be Happy (audio CD/ cassette)
Dealing With Difficult People (manual) Humour in the Workplace (manual)
You're Not Alone( How to Parent Teens and Stay Sane)
How to Cope With Difficult People at Work Coping With Toxic Parents (a teachers' survival guide)
How to Improve Staff Morale With Humor, Appreciation & Praise
How to Deliver “ Knock„Em Dead” Business Presentations (Special Report)

Mike's philosophy can be summed up in these three quotes.

* Laughter makes great things happen.
* If you find something funny search it for hidden truth. G.B. Shaw
* If it feels good to laugh then laugh to feel good.

Mike Moore`s Media Appearances

• City TV Breakfast Television
• CBC Radio Windsor
• CHML Hamilton
• WPKZ Springfield Mass. U.S.A.
• CKMS Radio Waterloo University
• CKPC Brantford
• CKLQ Brandon Manitoba
• TVOntario Second Opinion
• CKY Winnipeg ( CTV affiliate)
• The Western Producer
• The Dini Petty Show ( radio)
• Wibitz Stewart Show Maui, Hawaii KAOI

For more information, e-book, etc, visit his web site: www.motivationalplus.com

Allan Mountford, B.A., B.P.E., B.Ed., M.Ed, Writer and researcher. Allan presents to educators through university additional qualification courses, and to health, police service and corrections organizations. He has participated on numerous committees with Health Canada and HRDC. Allan works with First Nations communities across Canada toward FASD solutions. He has authored two handbooks for educators of children with FASD, "'Cause it's not my fault: A handbook for educators of adolescents with FAS", and "The Golden Hoop of Life A Community of Hope: A handbook for caregivers of children ages 3 to 6 with FASD". For several years he sat on the Council of the Native Cultural Centre of Durham Region, and follows the teachings of his Ojibway heritage. (Wolf Clan). Allan is from Viewlake, and can be reached at (705) 324-7801 or mountfrd@allstream.net or Cell. (905) 259-9400

Paul Pellman - Lawyer
416-601-6808
paul@pellmanfamilylaw.com

Margarita  Rabinovich, Lic. (Psych.) has more than 15 years of experience as a psychotherapist. Margarita is currently a clinical therapist and coordinator of the Complex Trauma Services at Child and Adolescent Services in Hamilton, ON. Margarita has developed a Training for Foster parents in Child-Adolescent Trauma that is being offered to C/CAS-Hamilton since 2006. Margarita has lived and practiced her profession in different countries which not only has given her the fluency to speak in several languages, but has also enhanced her ability to address a wide range of relationship issues within the context of the individual's wider socio-cultural systems. Other meaningful areas providing balance in Margarita's life and enriching her professional work in alternative ways are her loving family, visual arts, hiking, swimming and dancing . Margarita.Rabinovich@hamilton.ca

Dr. Mark Nagler, Ph.D. addresses people with disabilities, specific disability groups, employers and educators. He is skilled at providing programs within schools and organizations which encourage the acceptance and integration of the disabled into mainstream environments. As an academic he is credited with authoring the first text in Disability Studies which was adopted by 169 universities around the world. He has also authored 10 other books in Native Studies, Race Relations, and Disability Studies. His two most recent books, co-written with his older son Adam, are entitled 'Yes You Can! - A Guide for Parents of Children with Disabilities', and 'What's Stopping You? Living Successfully with Disability'. Visit www.marknagler.com for more information.

Please join us and make GrandPower GROW.

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CANGRANDS National Kinship Support
R.R. 1, McArthurs Mills, Ontario K0L 2M0
Tel: 613-474-0035
E-mail: grandma@cangrands.com
courriel: demandez@cangrands.com