Speakers Series

Each year the KCS Parent Network organizes Encouraging Dialogue, a Speaker Series on a timely and important topic around children's well-being.

Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic the KCS Speaker Series is on hold until further notice. We invite you to enjoy the resources from our previous topics and welcome you to join us when the Series returns.

October 2019
Success Redefined
The 2019 Encouraging Dialogue Speaker Series featured an evening with former Canadian Olympians, Jason Dorland and Robyn Meagre who discussed how to break out of convention to prepare for your child's performance, well-being and success.

January 2018
Mental Wellness: Guiding Our Children from Stress to Strength
Featured a panel of experts in children's mental health discussing how we can best support our children when they need us most. Dr. Taylor Armstrong, Dr. Joanna Henderson, Sandra Lee Mendlowitz, Ph.D., C.Psych. and Joshua Miller.

January 2017
Volunteerism: Choices That Make a Difference
Featured Keynote Speaker Michael "Pinball" Clemons and a panel of experienced non-profit leaders to discuss how we can help instill lifelong volunteerism in our youth by helping them find their passion.

February 2016
Encouraging Dialogue: Keeping Our Kids Safe Online
Featured a panel of four experts in the field of children's online safety: Robert Reichmann of VISR; Constable Scott Mills; Samara Starkman, Privacy Consultant; Tamara Drummond, KCS Director of Student Life

April 2015
Encouraging Dialogue: The Child's Brain and the Impact of Concussion
Featured a panel of three esteemed speakers: Michelle Keightley, Ph.D., C. Psych.; Robin Green, Ph.D., C. Psych.; and Gabriela Ilie, Ph.D.

April 2014
Encouraging Dialogue: Promoting Resiliency - Drop The Worry Ball
Featured Dr. Alex Russell, a Clinical Psychologist and author of Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement.

February 2013
Encouraging Dialogue: Understanding Your Child's Brain
Featured Dr. Ron Clavier, a renowned Clinical Psychologist and the author of the widely acclaimed Teen Brain, Teen Mind: What Parents Need to Know to Survive the Adolescent Years.

January 2012
Encouraging Dialogue: Mental Health and our Children
Featured panelists from CAMH, The George Hull Centre, The New Mentality and Parents for Children's Mental Health.