CATCA 2025: Full Schedule

COMPLETE THE CATCA 2025 SURVEY TO IMPROVE FUTURE CONVENTION

CLOSURE REMARKS FROM CATCA 2025!

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THE CONVENTION AND FOR CATCA 2026 WILL HAPPEN ON FEBRUARY 19 AND 20, 2026 AT RDP.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION FROM YOUR ATA LOCALS.

All pre-recording videos will be up until May 31st.

10:20am MST

Helping Students Feel Happier: Insights From Icons

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST

RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut are two Albertan teen sisters who started their company, Small Bits of Happiness, three years ago. Their mission is to help individuals of all ages find more happiness in daily life. As two teens, they understand firsthand the difficulties of teenage-hood, including not only the hormonal changes that teens undergo, but the added stressors of war, post-pandemic life, and beyond. Through their podcast, Hack Your Happiness, the two sisters have spoken to countless Olympic Athletes, entrepreneurs, Oscar-winners, Grammy-winning composers, New York Times Bestselling Authors, marine biologists, NASA scientists, NASCAR drivers, CEOs, and beyond. Through their conversations Mercedes and Anastasia have learned critical advice from these iconic individuals, specifically on the topic of happiness and advice to teens and pre-teens. As many pre-teens and teens struggle to take advice from parents and teachers, in this session, Mercedes and Anastasia share top happiness advice from top iconic individuals, as well as their perspective on finding happiness as two teens. Mercedes and Anastasia share how teachers and educators can guide students to building happy habits, and practicing wellness - all from the perspective of a teen, and iconic interviews.

Speakers

Mercedes Korngut

Co-founder and CEO, Small Bits of Happiness

- Digital learning platform for building happiness habits- Happiness-wellness products designed by teens for students. Including an activity box featuring 100 unique, simple, and fun things to do to feel happier daily, learn what brings students happiness, and connect a classroom... Read More →

Anastasia Korngut

Co-Founder and COO, Small Bits of Happiness

Anastasia Korngut is 14-years-old, and started Small Bits of Happiness with her sister, Mercedes, two years ago. Small Bits of Happiness is a company with the mission of helping individuals of all ages, especially teens and pre-teens, find more happiness in daily life and build... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions

2:20pm MST

Navigating Child Abuse and Trauma

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST

RDP Room 2601

This presentation will provide a comprehensive exploration of child abuse and its long-term impact on trauma. It will cover the different forms of abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect—and how each affects a child's development, both mentally and physically. The presentation will delve into the psychological, emotional, and behavioral consequences of abuse, emphasizing the lasting effects on the child’s health and relationships into adulthood. Case studies will be used to illustrate real-life examples, showing how various types of abuse manifest and the long-term challenges victims face, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. The presentation will also discuss the importance of early detection, intervention strategies, and available support systems for both victims and caregivers.
The goal is to raise awareness about the signs and consequences of child abuse, while promoting effective responses and recovery strategies for affected children.

Speakers

Lee Caine

Education Program Coordinator & Director of Education, CAC

Dean Pasiuk and Lee Caine have over 60 years educational experience working in Central Alberta Schools. During Dean's 30 years as an educator, he has gone from classroom teacher to administrator with the Chinooks Edge School Division and the Red Deer Public School Division. Dean has... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2601

Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), All Divisions

2:20pm MST

Emotional Regulation and Art Therapy

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST

RDP Room 2602

Join us for an enlightening and interactive one-hour session focused on the transformative role of art therapy in fostering emotional regulation among students and staff. This workshop is designed specifically for teachers and support staff across all educational levels who are keen to explore creative, innovative and practical strategies for enhancing emotional well-being within the school environment.

Participants will have the opportunity for some hands on learning during this lecture.

Speakers

Jennifer Seniuk

ATR, RCAT, CCC, Belly Eye Art Therapy Inc.

Jennifer Seniuk is a registered Art Therapist in both the United States and Canada, and a dedicated counsellor who has committed her career to helping others through creative expression and therapeutic practices. Based in Alberta, she specializes in conducting workshops for school... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2602

9:00am MST

Régulation et résilience: soutenir les élèves ayant un comportement difficile

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

RDP Room 2205

Joignez-vous à nous pour un atelier interactif et stimulant où vous découvrirez plusieurs stratégies pour soutenir les élèves qui affichent des comportements difficiles. Cette séance cible en particulier les approches qui privilégient la résilience des élèves, ainsi que les stratégies visant à soutenir notre propre résilience lorsque nous réagissons face au comportement difficile de certains élèves. Par le biais d’activités, de discussions et de réflexions, nous explorerons différentes techniques qui peuvent à la fois aider les élèves qui affichent un comportement difficile, et nous aider à veiller à notre propre bienêtre.

Speakers

Dorice de Champlain

Association Instructor, Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2205

9:00am MST

Nurturing Happiness

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

RDP Room 1503

Once you know the principles of lasting happiness you can apply these truths to everyday practices and teach them to your students. Discover how you and your students can nurture happiness when overwhelmed by the challenges of school and life. These happiness principles are based on anecdotal experiences and a plethora of positive psychology research. This session will illuminate helpful strategies for nurturing wellness, joy and lasting happiness. Come laugh, decompress, and learn some self-care.

Speakers

Danny Bateman

Instructor, Concordia University Edmonton

Danny is currently an instructor of pre-service teachers at Concordia University of Edmonton. As an experienced and esteemed public speaker, he delivers teaching strategies and inspiration using entertaining experiences and actionable content. He has delivered hundreds of successful... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1503

11:40am MST

Mapping your Nervous System and Behaviors

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room 2505

This session introduces the science of Polyvagal Theory and how the application of this theory relates to our own well being as teachers and its relation to how it will support social and emotional well-being in our students and into our schools. The goal is to understand how our nervous system drives all behaviors and learning.

Speakers

Tania Diletzoy

Tania Diletzoy is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She has Masters in Counselling and has counselled children, youth, adults and families from a variety of backgrounds for over 20 years as a school counsellor, learning assistance... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2505

Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), All Divisions

11:40am MST

Two Sides to The Story: Trauma Informed Schools

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room 2501

How can we integrate the goals and activities of education, while understanding the ways people’s stories (traumas)impact their learning and behaviours? We become “Trauma Informed.” Learn the 5 key principles of Trauma Informed Schools and how to create safe spaces for learning and growing. This Session will help us to become aware of the dynamics of trauma, shift perspectives in how best to support these dynamics, and identify ways to respond with compassion to students and/ or colleagues in crisis.

Speakers

Ariel Haubrich

Consultant/ Trainer/ Private Practitioner, Learning Network

Ariel Haubrich works in school & community mental health as a counsellor and program manager, and also as a consultant, presenter and private practitioner with government, businesses, teams and individuals working toward personal and organizational development. She is a Certified... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2501

Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | School Leadership (LQS 1-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Professional Issues (TQS/LQS 6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions

11:40am MST

Develop and Trust Your intuition

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room AC142 (Arts Centre)

Have you ever ignored that little voice, or gut feeling, that tells you to grab an item on your way out the door, then wished you’d listened, because, “Darn! That would’ve been handy to have right now!” That inner guidance was your intuition. Intuition is like a muscle – exercising it makes it stronger. The practical exercises presented in this session build the ability to trust intuition to assess children’s situations, or best course of action, bring greater ease into life and the classroom.

Speakers

Tina Thrussell

Facilitator, Best U Can B Inc

Tina Thrussell has been facilitating impactful, interactive, personal expansion experiences for 19+ years. Her light-hearted energy and contagious enthusiasm have contributed to her reputation as The Feel Good Lady. This deep lover of life has inspired thousands of people over the... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room AC142 (Arts Centre)

1:00pm MST

Rethinking Challenging Behaviour - An Introduction to Collaborative Problem Solving®

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

Working with children and teens who demonstrate challenging behaviours can be difficult, stressful and complex. Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) is a compassionate, evidence-based, trauma-informed approach that provides a philosophy and tools to address challenging behaviour. This approach is used in schools across North America and has been demonstrated to build skills and relationships with students while reducing teacher burnout.

This is an introduction to CPS. This session helps educators reflect on their understanding of challenging behaviour and effective and ineffective interventions to address these behaviours. Participants will learn about how the Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) approach describes why people demonstrate challenging behaviour and how CPS can address these behaviours. This session will help educators decide if CPS would be an effective approach to include in their practice and provide the information and resources to learn more.

If you would like more information about CPS prior to the session, please visit https://thinkkids.org/.

Speakers

Matt Sticksl

Teacher

Matt Sticksl is a teacher, parent and Think:Kids CPS Certified Trainer in Collaborative Problem Solving®. For the past two years he has been teaching in a Student Services role in a K-9 school with the Calgary Board of Education. Prior to this, he taught for eight years in adolescent... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

3:20pm MST

Helping Students Feel Happier: Insights From Icons

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT

Recording

Speakers

Mercedes Korngut

Co-founder and CEO, Small Bits of Happiness

Anastasia Korngut

Co-Founder and COO, Small Bits of Happiness

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

Post Convention Recordings Mercedes Korngut