Parenting Human Beings

Heather Ferguson, MA brings compassion, humour and cutting-edge neuroscience to the heroic quest of our time -- how to raise resilient children. Through the lens of evidence-based developmental and relationship theory, she guides parents and professionals to a deeper understanding of the roots of children’s challenging and troubling behaviour. Heather is a faculty member of the Neufeld Institute and a Clinical Counsellor who works with adults, adolescents and couples in person and via Skype in her Vancouver Island-based practice. A steadfast advocate for children and the adults who seek to understand them, Heather has a warm and playful approach. Adults leave her courses, presentations and sessions heartened and ready to lead struggling children towards emotional health and well-being.

https://heatherfergusonconsulting.com/

Demon slayer and survivor is the first thing that comes to mind when I look back at where I was and where I am today. I was able to slay the demons that almost took me to a permanent dark hole. But here I am 20 plus years later able to talk about it and share my story so others know they are not only not alone, but they too can come out from the darkness that is threatening their very existence. Although over the years it has gotten easier to talk about it, the embarrassment and stigma continue. Instead of tapping into the stigma I have chosen to look at my depression as another layer of who I am and without it I would not be who I am today. I continue to slay my demons, for me they never truly go away. I know they are always lurking, so I can never let my sword down. 

 Ernestina Malheiro, M.A., Learning & Technology

Trauma-Informed Curriculum & Instructional Designer, Founder of Uplift Learning Inc.

Ernestina’s lived experience with resilience and trauma has inspired her vision of creating a kinder and more compassionate society that is Trauma-Informed. As a Curriculum and Instructional Designer, she’s had the privilege of working with dozens of subject matter experts. They’ve varied from elders, scientists, surgeons, storytellers, researchers, mental health professionals, nurses and refugees - just to name a few.  Since 2018 she’s focused on mental health education after realizing the healthcare system was traumatic for patients and practitioners alike.  She’s spent thousands of hours exploring trauma and resilience in her graduate research.

She’s strategized and implemented e-learning for organizations with 25,000 to 90,000 employees over the last 20 years.  Her clients come from dozens of different specialties. Ernestina has developed and delivered training about anti-bullying, human rights, trauma-informed cultural competency, and trauma-informed care for educators, physicians, nurses and frontline staff.  

Early on in her career she developed curriculum with survivors of genocide (Treaty 6,7,8, Rwanda and Bosnia). She’s delivered trauma education to staff and clients in an Indigenous focused treatment center. She’s supporting updated practice standards by teaching educators, health and wellness professionals about ‘Building Resilience Through Trauma-informed Practice’.  www.upliftlearningonline.ca 

Michelle was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at an early age and struggled with the compression of these diagnoses, until expressing her stories through art and speaking openly about her experiences with others. She realized that she was not alone when painting her Mental Health Series had brought forth others, seeking understanding of their own battles. She sells her original Mental Health paintings and prints at Renewed Resilience in Leduc, and fills her time volunteering with the Arts Foundry & Block50 Leduc.

www.freebirdillustrations.com

Karen is a mom of two. Her daughter is 11 and her son is 9. She works as an Infant Development Consultant, supporting children birth to three that have a diagnosed disability or they are at risk for developmental delay. Karen is a Neufeld Facilitator and she is passionate about development and the conditions needed to reach our full potential.

Hi, my name is Julie Kiefert! I am currently working towards attaining my social work degree and am eligible to be a registered social worker in about a month. I am currently completing my second year practicum with FCSS Leduc County and am happy to be part of such a wonderful team! I grew up in rural Alberta in a town called Wetaskiwin and grew to become passionate about both mental health and addiction. I have personal and professional experience with depression and I hope you enjoy a bit of my story in this episode!

Heather has always been talented in the fine arts, which has provided an outlet for her thoughts and feelings to be communicated on canvas. Being depressed and having anxiety for the better part of her life, she has faced many unsurmountable challenges she has attempted to overcome. From studying in three different art schools to being bed-ridden with depression, Heather has always had art as a constant in her life, helping her navigate the hills and valleys life presents to her. She has always found comfort expressing herself through her paintings.

My name is Courtney Risser and I’m 25 years old. I pride myself in knowing that I’m a supportive and dedicated friend to many, co-worker, daughter, sister and dog mom to 2 Siberian huskies named Whiskey and Jack. I’m a new graduate from Athabasca University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and Labour Relations. I aspire to become a labour relations officer which will allow me to ensure greater equity in workplaces thereby improving the daily lives of many. I’m passionate about sports, weights, the great outdoors, cooking and all things personal development. Although I have been blessed with a very fortunate upbringing and life in general, I still struggle with both depression and anxiety. My hope is that by being transparent about my mental health struggles, it will comfort others who feel the same and inspire them to speak out and seek help.

Laurie is a social worker who is passionate about mental health, connecting with people, and providing a listening ear. She is currently working on her Master’s in Clinical Social Work with a specialization in community health and well-being. Outside of work and school, Laurie enjoys spending time with her dog and her friends, singing in a choir, and travelling. When she has spare time, she loves listening to music and podcasts (including Brené Brown’s podcasts, The Place We Find Ourselves, and Dear Hank and John to name a few) and practicing creativity through hand-lettering.