Guests, Speakers and Bios

Professional Development and PSBC

February 6 - 7, 2025

Thursday Professional Development - February 6

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High Prairie School Division

More information to follow...

 

Thursday Professional Development - February 6

D.George

David George, Retired Educator | Medicine Hat

David George served as an educator for 40 years: as a High School Social Studies Dept. Head and Boys Basketball Coach, Vice Principal and then Principal of Crestwood School in Medicine Hat Public Schools for 20 years. Now in his retirement, he works as an Educational Consultant, including part-time Contract Consultant and Coach with Franklin Covey in Leader in Me, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and numerous related programs.

Thursday Professional Development - February 6

TOPIC: Understanding the bases of regulation: The Brain

This interactive session will introduce participants' to the brain’s role in modulating regulation for youth and adults using Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model in Education.

JodieMattia
kristygialet

Jodie Mattia, Director of Indigenous Education, Perspectives & Ways of Knowing, Sense of Belonging | Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools

Jodie Mattia is the Director of Indigenous Education and Sense of Belonging for Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools. She specializes in the areas of social emotional support, crisis response/trauma response, and sense of belonging inclusive of Indigenous ways of knowing and being, for the school division. Jodie is a certified as a trained educator in Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model in Education which guides her understanding and approach when supporting adults and children. Outside of work, Jodie is completing a PhD (candidate) in the area of school leader wellbeing.

 

Kristy Gialet, District Psychologist | Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools

Kristy Gialet is a Registered Psychologist at Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools. She specializes in child and adolescent mental health, with a focus on trauma, neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, and the integration of clinical and educational approaches. Kristy is Phase II level trained in Dr. Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, which guides her in understanding the impact of early experiences on brain development and tailoring support for students accordingly.

 

Thursday Professional Development - February 6

TOPIC:  mâmawikiskiyihta - Building your Métis Foundational Knowledge: Métis History and Identity

Visit and learn about the Métis Nation’s history, stories and perspective in an introductory journey through the Métis Foundational Knowledge Themes:

  • Languages of Métis
  • Métis Culture & Traditions
  • Métis in Alberta
  • Homeland History
  • Métis Nation Governance
Lisa-Cruickshanks

Lisa Cruickshank, Senior Director of Métis Education, Teaching and Learning Métis Education | Rupertsland Institute

Guided by the values of reciprocity and relationality, Lisa is proud to lead the work for Rupertsland Institute within the Teaching & Learning department, while working alongside the Métis community. Lisa has worked in the K-12 system for over 20 years in various capacities, such as: Elementary Educator, Indigenous Education Consultant, Provincial Curriculum Developer; and is now currently the Senior Director for Métis Education, Teaching & Learning at Rupertsland Institute. Her leadership includes Early Learning programming and training, K-12 initiatives, providing support and access to Post-Secondary education, Michif language revitalization, and delivering Métis education at the Post-Secondary level through various courses and partnerships. Building capacity for Métis education within educational systems is one of Lisa’s long-term goals. Lisa envisions a future where system leaders intentionally make space for Métis Education, so everyone can be a part of this change making narrative.

 

Thursday Dinner Guest Speaker - February 6

R.Jespersen

Ryan Jespersen, Host | Real Talk

Ryan Jespersen hosts Real Talk, one of Canada's most downloaded modern talk shows. He recently graced the cover of Edify Magazine as the "Prince of Podcasting". Ryan was named one of Alberta's 50 Most Influential People by Venture Magazine and was on Avenue's inaugural list of Edmonton's Top 40 Under 40. You'll find him online at ryanjespersen.com, and on Twitter and Instagram @ryanjespersen.

More information to follow...

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Public School Boards' Council Meeting - Friday, February 7

April 10 - 11, 2025

Thursday Professional Development - April 10

A.Baron

Angela Baron, Director of Communications | Prairie Rose Public Schools

Thursday Professional Development - April 10

J.Hrdlicka

Julie Hrdlicka, Trustee | Calgary School Board

 

 

Thursday Professional Development - April 10

B.Bittorf

Brian Bittorf, Retired Aspen View Principal

 

 

Thursday Dinner Guest Speaker - April 10

G.Thompson

Graham Thompson, Commentator

For three decades at the CBC and Edmonton Journal, Graham Thomson covered Alberta politics with insight, intelligence and humour. He is one of the most respected members of the Alberta Press Gallery, Graham’s work as a political commentator can be read, watched or listened to on CBC, iPolitics, Alberta Views Magazine, or on Graham’s must read blog on his website grahamthomson.ca.

Graham is a major figure in Alberta media and is sought after as a conference speaker and panellist to bring his uncanny understanding of politics to a broad range of audiences.

Graham writes weekly columns for the CBC and iPolitics as well as a monthly column for Alberta Views Magazine. He appears every week on CBC Radio Active in Edmonton and on CBC The Homestretch in Calgary. Graham is also a regular on political panels with CBC Television in Edmonton and Calgary, and with PrimeTime on CTV. He can often be heard explaining what’s happening in Alberta on national radio and television programs, including The Current and Power and Politics.

More information to follow...

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Public School Boards' Council Meeting - Friday, April 11

August 6 - 8, 2025 - Red Deer, AB

More information to follow...