Foster parents, get your continuing education hours!
Registration is now open for our free, full-day workshops in Victoria, Kamloops, and Kelowna for the start of 2025.
JANUARY 29, 2025 (WEDNESDAY) – VICTORIA
Hotel Grand Pacific (463 Belleville St, Victoria) from 8:00AM – 3:00PM
Empowering Foster Parents of Children and Youth with Autism and ADHD
This workshop is specifically designed for foster parents caring for children and youth with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will gain valuable insights into the unique challenges and strengths of these neurodivergent children and learn effective strategies to support their growth and development.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be equipped with practical tools, resources, and a deeper understanding of how to foster emotional regulation, support daily living skills, and navigate challenges associated with ADHD and Autism.
Key Topics Include:
- Understanding ADHD and Autism: Explore characteristics, the diagnostic process in BC, and strategies for identifying strengths.
- Supporting Emotional Regulation and Awareness: Techniques to help children recognize emotions and triggers, with practical implementation strategies.
- Bio-Psycho-Social Mental Health: Understanding mental health challenges, identifying warning signs, and fostering healthy environments.
- Executive Functioning and Daily Living Skills: Tools for promoting independence through structured routines and visual supports.
- Navigating Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating: Discuss prevalence and risks, with strategies for providing appropriate support.
- Building a Supportive Network: Strategies for effective collaboration with educators, mental health care and other healthcare providers.
Through interactive discussions, role-playing scenarios, and practical activities, foster parents will leave this workshop with the tools necessary for holistic support. Participants will receive handouts and a supportive resource list.
Join us for this valuable opportunity to connect with fellow foster parents and share insights that can make a lasting impact on the lives of the children you support.
Speaker: Jessica Pfeffer, MACP, MEM, RCC, CCC
Jessica is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Clinical Counsellor specializing in supporting children, youth, and families navigating all aspects of childhood, with a special focus on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and eating disorders. With an educational background that includes an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria, a Master of Counselling Psychology, and a Master of Environmental Management, Jessica is well-equipped to address the unique needs of her clients.
Jessica’s passion for working with children, youth, and families is evident through her longstanding commitment to service, including volunteer roles with Scouts Canada, the University of Victoria Health Coaching program, and the Royal Jubilee Hospital Emergency Department. Her diverse experience enriches her ability to connect deeply with clients and foster their well-being.
FEBRUARY 25, 2025 (TUESDAY) – KAMLOOPS
Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre (1250 Rogers Way, Kamloops) from 8:00AM-3:00PM
Self-Advocacy, Self-Care, & Wellness for Caregivers
Feeling depleted, tired or lackluster lately?
Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed specifically for foster parents who seek to incorporate and balance advocacy and self-care in their vital roles. In this supportive environment, participants will explore the interesting aspects of nervous system care, self-care and community care, while learning practical strategies to advocate effectively for children and themselves.
Speaker: Jessica Mills
My name is Jess and I am a neurodivergent therapist and mother to two awesome kiddos. I thrive on bringing neuro-affirming approaches into my work as a therapist. Throughout the course of my 15 year career as a social worker, one thing that continues to be true is how all behavior makes sense based on individuals’ experiences. As an anti-oppressive, and trauma informed Social Worker it is my goal to empower individuals to better understand how their neurodivergent brain works so that they can access their truest potential.
I spent the earlier part of my social work career working within the Child Welfare System and at a wilderness therapy treatment center outside of Banff, Alberta. I continue to spend a lot of time outside in my garden, on the slopes and in the beautiful lakes the Okanagan has to offer.
Speaker: Shawna Mackenzie
I’m Shawna, a registered social worker with a passion for creating culturally safe and supportive spaces. With roots in both Irish and Dutch heritage and kinship ties to Secwepemculucw, I bring a unique blend of experiences to my practice.
I’ve worked within the Child Welfare System for the last 6 years, providing support to families, children, and foster families. As someone who is neurodivergent, I’m especially passionate about helping others to better understand neurodivergent brains and navigate that unique experience. I believe that the more we understand, the better we can manage and thrive.
Outside of work, you’ll find me gathering dopamine from board games, spending time with my children, paddleboarding, or sipping coffee.
ADHD to TAH-DAH! Exploring Neuro-Affirming Approaches in Parenting
Join us for an informative and engaging workshop designed specifically for foster parents seeking to understand and support children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This session will provide valuable insights into the complexities of ADHD, equipping you with knowledge and practical strategies to best understand and support neurodiversity.
Speaker: Jessica Mills
My name is Jess and I am a neurodivergent therapist and mother to two awesome kiddos. I thrive on bringing neuro-affirming approaches into my work as a therapist. Throughout the course of my 15 year career as a social worker, one thing that continues to be true is how all behavior makes sense based on individuals’ experiences. As an anti-oppressive, and trauma informed Social Worker it is my goal to empower individuals to better understand how their neurodivergent brain works so that they can access their truest potential.
I spent the earlier part of my social work career working within the Child Welfare System and at a wilderness therapy treatment center outside of Banff, Alberta. I continue to spend a lot of time outside in my garden, on the slopes and in the beautiful lakes the Okanagan has to offer.
Speaker: Shawna Mackenzie
I’m Shawna, a registered social worker with a passion for creating culturally safe and supportive spaces. With roots in both Irish and Dutch heritage and kinship ties to Secwepemculucw, I bring a unique blend of experiences to my practice.
I’ve worked within the Child Welfare System for the last 6 years, providing support to families, children, and foster families. As someone who is neurodivergent, I’m especially passionate about helping others to better understand neurodivergent brains and navigate that unique experience. I believe that the more we understand, the better we can manage and thrive.
Outside of work, you’ll find me gathering dopamine from board games, spending time with my children, paddleboarding, or sipping coffee.
- Workshops are exclusive to foster caregivers.
- Attendees can only register for the workshop within their region. BCFPA is hoping to continue these workshops annually and we will rotate topics and have more dates/topics to offer.
- First come, first served. Maximum of 50 attendees per workshop.
- Breakfast will be served at 8:00AM, and a Territorial Welcome & Opening Prayer by an Elder will begin at 9:00AM. Lunch and coffee break refreshments will be provided.
- Reimbursements available for mileage over 40km (round trip) at the rate of $0.61/km. Please be advised that this is available up to a maximum of $600.
- Children aged 0-3 are welcome to attend alongside caregivers. We just ask that attendees remain mindful of others when doing so.
- Childcare is NOT provided at the event but reimbursements are available for childcare up to a maximum of $200 per household (with receipt).
- Parking at all venues is complimentary.
- BCFPA will not be offering complimentary rooms at any of the venues.
- Reimbursements available through BCFPA. All reimbursement forms (with receipts) must be completed and submitted within two weeks of the workshop that you attended.