The Brain Story is a professional learning opportunity coming to Waterloo Region for three days of a truly collaborative event. It is our hope that this larger framework will allow us to maximize the potential impact of this important knowledge and resources-sharing across provinces, sectors, and the Waterloo Region.

Objectives

  • Learn how early experiences get biologically embedded in our brains and bodies and set us on life course trajectories, for good or for ill.

  • Play the Brain Architecture Game.

  • Learn about free resources available through the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative, a social innovation platform designed to turn “what we know” about the science of early brain development into “what we do” for children and families.

  • Learn about how the science is being used to create positive change through real-life, Alberta-based examples.

  • Discuss the relevance of the knowledge and brainstorm ways in which it can be applied not just in the early years but across the life cycle.

  • Network with other community members.

Presenter and Facilitator Bio

Dr. Nicole Sherren is the Scientific Director and Senior Program Officer with the Palix Foundation. She has a PhD in Neuroscience from Carleton University and moved to Alberta in 2003 to hold an Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research/Neuroscience Canada research fellowship at the University of Lethbridge. Her research focus includes experience-based brain development, neurodevelopmental disorders, and brain plasticity. Nicole joined the Palix Foundation in 2007 to focus on mobilizing the science of early brain development into public policy and professional practice. She both designs and delivers professional development opportunities across the health, education, human services, and justice sectors, and lends her expertise to organizations seeking to apply the science in their own settings.

 

What will I learn?

 

How might this be relevant to my work?

 

Why is AFWI sharing this work?


More about the Brain story:

 

To ensure that there are opportunities for discussion and work shopping each of the multiple events are ‘invitation only’ however the hope is that this is just the beginning…

October 21st hosted by Positive Parenting and the Drug Prevention Council

October 22nd hosted by the Early Literacy Alliance of Waterloo Region

October 23rd hosted by ELAWR, Children & Youth Planning Table & Wellbeing Waterloo Region

(Due to the cross-sectoral nature of the event you may receive an invitation for more than one day. Please select between them as there will be cross over in content.

  • 21st focuses on the life cycle & the impact of the Brain Story on mental health & addictions,

  • the 22nd focuses on early brain development with a long term lens,

  • the 23rd is a half day event focusing on a high level overview)

Questions/confusion contact kathileeporter@elawr.org