2024 Spring General Assembly
Jennifer Turner Ph.D. - Director of the Centre for Wellbeing in Education
Dinner Guest Speaker - Spring General Assembly - Thursday, May 30
Transformative Governance and Leadership: Cultivating Equity, Excellence, and Social Justice in Mental Health Education
Jennifer Turner is the Director of the Centre for Wellbeing in Education at the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, where she leads and supports high-quality research, teaching, and outreach activities related to the well-being of students, educators, and leaders. She has over 27 years of experience in K-12 education as a teacher, psychologist, principal, and superintendent.
As a registered psychologist with a doctorate in education leadership, Dr. Turner has a strong background and expertise in meeting the needs of diverse learners. She is passionate about creating inclusive, equitable, and engaging learning environments that foster academic success, social-emotional development, and resilience. She has also initiated and implemented various programs and initiatives that promote and enhance the well-being of children and adolescents in the school system.
Clarence Wolfleg Sr. - Elder
Blessing - Friday, May 31 - Professional Development Session
Clarence’s Siksika name is “Miiksikaam,” translated as “Red Crane,” which is also his fourth great-grandfather’s name, who watched the east boundaries for many years back in the 1600s. When he went to boarding school the name given to him was “Clarence Victor Wolfleg “Agar”".
Clarence served close to 10 terms as councillor with the Siksika Nation with portfolios in land claims negotiations, intergovernmental affairs, policing, and child welfare.
Clarence became a member of the Horn Society 17 years ago and was partner to a leaders bundle. He is also in the Brave Dog Society and was honored to be the pipe holder for Vimy Ridge Warrior Pipe in 2013.
He was also a seven-year veteran of peacekeeping in the mid 1960s. Upon his return from peacekeeping he became a federal police officer and served 14 years as a special constable in the RCMP and in the province of Alberta. He was also chief of police for the Siksika Nation and worked for Corrections Canada for many years in the court programs.
Sarah Wells - Speaker / Olympian / Amazing Race Contestant
Guest Speaker - Spring General Assembly - Professional Development Session
'Cultivating Inspirational Leadership: Empowering Others Through Success and Setback, Mastered with the Art of Storytelling'
Obstacles don’t scare Sarah Wells. As a 400m hurdler, this Olympian’s reputation was forged through overcoming challenges and achieving the incredible. Take her debut at the London Olympics in 2012, which came despite an injury that had her sidelined her for months just the year before. Outside of competitive sports, this athlete is coaching people to pursue excellence through the Believe Initiative, an organization founded on—fittingly—a message of resilience. You may even remember seeing Sarah pushing her limits on a past season of The Amazing Race Canada. Evidently someone who understands the importance of building resilience and self-belief, along with the power of purpose, you’ll want to listen-up when this Olympic semi-finalist and Pan Am Games silver medalist takes the stage.
Brian Woodland - Retired Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Peel District School Board
Guest Speaker - Spring General Assembly - Professional Development Session
'Trust Is Like Air: How to Build and Maintain Relationships as a Foundation for Effective Communication'
Brian Woodland, APR, heads the communications firm 'BrianInspires', with the mission to Speak-Consult-Inspire.
Brian retired as Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Peel District School Board, one of Canada’s largest and most diverse school districts with 250 schools and 157,000 students. He has 32 years of experience in public education.
Brian is a frequent presenter at conferences and school districts across North America. He speaks on leadership, effective communication, customer service and inclusion. A passionate advocate for public education, Brian is known for his practical. powerful, provocative, humourous and fearless presentations.
Tom Thompson Ph.D. - Guest Speaker
Guest Speaker - Spring General Assembly - Professional Development Session
'How to Govern Through Complexity and Change'
Dr. Tom Thompson’s unyielding clarity of vision for governance and policy has extended his influence worldwide. He is recognized as one of Canada’s leading authorities in strategic innovation, and his unique fusion of award-winning leadership and transformative knowledge has ignited renewal for enterprises around the world. The author of ‘Governance as Stewardship’, Tom has presented in over 25 countries. He is a recipient of the Gold Medal Award of Excellence from the World Federation of Colleges & Technical Institutes for his governance expertise.
Throughout four decades of leadership in education, sports, marketing and community service, Tom is the standard-bearer for team-building. From his project management distinction as President of the 1995 Canada Games which left an unparalleled legacy of success, to his recent project management expertise that led to the largest personal donation in the history of Alberta colleges and technical institutions, Dr. Tom Thompson is a lightning rod of influence. Illuminate the extraordinary potential of your organization by inviting Dr. Tom Thompson to deliver your next keynote address.
The Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership of Medicine Hat Public School Division
'Implementing a System Approach to Instruction K-12'
The Board of Trustees for the Medicine Hat Public School Division, supported by Superintendent Mark Davidson, Associate Superintendent - Learning Corey Sadlemyer, and Director of Learning & Partnerships Carla Carrier, are delighted to discuss our experience in implementing a system approach for K-12 instruction. Our leadership team is dedicated to creating optimal learning environments tailored to meet students' individual needs. Through our commitment to inclusive practices, both staff and students are recognized as valuable members of our school communities and workplaces. We are enthusiastic about providing education, programs, and supports to ensure all students graduate with the necessary skills and knowledge for success in an evolving world.
Laurie Huntley - Board Chair - Golden Hills School Division
Guest Speaker - Spring General Assembly - Professional Development Session
'Comprehensive Mental Health Supports in Schools'
Laurie is a former student, educator and administrator of Golden Hills School Division with 31 years of experience as an elementary teacher, vice-principal and principal at various schools within the Division. She was born and raised in rural Alberta, where she attended Carseland School and Samuel Crowther High School (now known as Crowther Memorial Junior High School). In Laurie’s spare time, she is a loving grandmother, who also enjoys golf, bridge, gardening and reading.
Jeff Grimsdale - Superintendent - Golden Hills School Division
Guest Speaker - Spring General Assembly - Professional Development Session
'Comprehensive Mental Health Supports in Schools'
Jeff Grimsdale is the CEO/Superintendent of Schools for Golden Hills School Division. He holds bachelors degrees in education, Physical Education, and has a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary. He has experience in a variety of leadership roles including Associate Superintendent, Director of Learning, principal, associate principal, First Nations, Metis and Inuit Coordinator, and Instructional Coach. He collaborates closely with both the senior leadership team and individual school leadership teams to provide support in implementing powerful learning opportunities aimed at fostering a deep understanding and improving student achievement.
Deborah Hinds-Nunziata - Student Services Coordinator - Golden Hills School Division
Guest Speaker - Spring General Assembly - Professional Development Session
'Comprehensive Mental Health Supports in Schools'
Deborah has been working in the education field for 40 years as both an Inclusive Education teacher and a School Psychologist. Currently, she is the Student Services Coordinator for Golden Hills School Division where she provides clinical supervision to the division counselors and school psychologists. Deborah also oversees specialized programs in GHSD (Grades 1-12) including Connections which is a psychiatric outreach service. Through her private practice, Deborah provides psychoeducational assessment and counseling in her community, as well as supports the Siksika Nation FASD clinic. Deborah is passionate about the importance of promoting positive mental health practices and has had the privilege of being part of the AHS creative team that has developed the Elementary Mental Health Literacy resource. Most recently, she had the opportunity to participate in the creation of a National Mental Health Literacy Strategy for Canadians of all ages. Deborah enjoys a variety of physical activities and spending time with family and friends.
Curtis Riep - PSBAA Research
Special Recognition Awards Dinner Guest Speaker - Saturday, June 1
'The Value of Public Education'
Curtis Riep is an educator and researcher. Riep earned his Doctorate in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Alberta in 2021. He has been recognized both nationally and internationally for his research contributions and scholarship: as a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada doctoral scholar as well as the recipient of Education International’s Albert Shanker award for his contributions to educational quality, justice, and democracy. His research has focused on the ways in which corporate education reforms are impacting the public education sector in various contexts from Uganda to the Philippines to Alberta, Canada. As well, he has authored book chapters, journal articles, and reports on global and local educational issues. Riep is currently a High School Social Studies teacher for the Rocky View Schools Division in Cochrane, Alberta.
