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Pre-conference: Wednesday, November 20, 2019
8:30-9:00 Pre-conference Registration and Breakfast
9:00-10:30
1. Parents as Literacy Supporters (PALS) Facilitators Training – with Fiona Morrison and Aliza Dhungana
2. Train the Trainer for Plain Language Writing Workshops – with Debbie Schiller
3. Introduction to Tutor Training – with Marci Bulloch
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:00
Parents as Literacy Supporters (PALS) Facilitators Training – with Fiona Morrison and Aliza Dhungana (cont’d)
Train the Trainer for Plain Language Writing Workshops – with Debbie Schiller (cont’d)
Introduction to Tutor Training – with Marci Bulloch (cont’d)
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:30 Parents as Literacy Supporters (PALS) Facilitators Training – with Fiona Morrison and Aliza Dhungana (cont’d)
Train the Trainer for Plain Language Writing Workshops – with Debbie Schiller (cont’d)
Introduction to Tutor Training – with Marci Bulloch (cont’d)
6:00-8:00 Conference Registration
Day One: Thursday, November 21, 2019
7:30-8:30 Registration and Breakfast
8:30-9:30 Keynote: Bjarni Tryggvason
9:30-10:15
1. The Meaning and Emotions of Money: The Foundation of Personal Money Management
2. Harnessing Our Energy: Self-care and How to Maintain Safety for Our Trauma-affected Learners
3. Increasing Legal Literacy with the Help of Plain Language Resources
4. Trends in Public Education: Through the Eyes of a New School District Trustee
5. Reading, Culture and Learning: Book Clubs for EAL Adult Learners
6. Storywalk in the Cariboo
7. Promoting and Supporting Community Literacy Programs
8. Working with Local Government
10:15-10:45 Break
10:45-12:15
The Meaning and Emotions of Money: The Foundation of Personal Money Management (cont’d)
Harnessing Our Energy: Self-care and How to Maintain Safety for Our Trauma-affected Learners (cont’d)
9. The Multi-Function Conversation Circle
10. When I Was a Child
11. Climbing the Ladder of Reading: Instruction for Children Climbing Slowly AND Leaping Up!
12. Science is All Around Us: Ways of Noticing Our Science Literacy
13. Celebrating and Supporting Learner Knowledge with Graphic Organizers
14. Explore Best Practices: Using Family Literacy Outreach as a Model
12:15-1:15 Lunch
1:15-2:00 Plenary: Alexandra Samuel
2:00-2:45
15. Literacy and Essential Skills as a Poverty Reduction Strategy
16. First Nations Learning Programs in Rural and Urban Settings: Two Case Studies
17. Update from the Ministry of Education
18. The Learn About Series
19. ABC Money Matters: Confidence, Money, and the Adult Learner
20. Creative Leadership and Dynamic Decision Making: Balancing Perspective with Process
21. E-learning Materials for Adult Literacy and CLB1 Learners
22. Come Read with Me!
2:45-3:15 Break
3:15-4:45
23. Teaching Reading and Writing to Adult Literacy Learners
First Nations Learning Programs in Rural and Urban Settings: Two Case Studies (cont’d)
24. Supporting Learner Success – Advice from ABE Students
25. Task Group Panel Discussion
26. Helping Newcomer and Refugee Mothers Settle: HIPPY and Innovative Approaches to Literacy
Creative Leadership and Dynamic Decision Making: Balancing Perspective with Process (cont’d)
27. A Discussion of Healthy and Unhealthy Patterns of Technology Use in Families with Young Children
28. Engaging Family Literacy with Block Builders
5:00-7:00 Social – live music & refreshments
Day Two: Friday, November 22, 2019
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:00-10:00 Keynote: Chief Robert Joseph
10:00-10:30 Break
10:30-11:15
29. No One Way: Six Proven Approaches to Teaching Adults
30. Building a Learning Scaffold for Immigrant and Family Literacy Programming
31. A Principles-based Approach to Supporting EAL Learners
32. Learners are Teachers: Resourcefulness in the North
33. Symbiosis: Learning STEAM as a Community
34. Youth Teaching Adults: ABC Life Literacy Canada’s New Digital Literacy Program
35. Financial Empowerment: Breaking Barriers
36. Literacy Outreach Coordinators Roundtable
11:15-12:00 37. Supporting LGTBQTS Learners
12:00-1:00 Lunch (included)
1:00-1:45 Plenary: Greg Moore with an introduction by Ralf St. Clair
1:45-2:30
38. Teaching Reading Through Language Experience
39. Fish Don’t Climb Trees: A Whole New Look at Learning Challenges
40. Clear Language and Design: The Basics in Practice
41. Board Governance & what you need to know!
42. What to Do with a Log Jam
43. Understanding Refugee & Immigrant Student Experiences
44. There is no ‘One Size Fits All’ in Digital Inclusion
45. Healthy Start for Families: Engaging Parents and Children for Life-long Health!
2:30-3:00 Break
3:00-3:45
Teaching Reading Through Language Experience (cont’d)
Fish Don’t Climb Trees: A Whole New Look at Learning Challenges (cont’d)
Clear Language and Design: The Basics in Practice (cont’d)
Board Governance & what you need to know! (cont’d)
What to Do with a Log Jam (cont’d)
Understanding Refugee & Immigrant Student Experiences (cont’d)
There is no ‘One Size Fits All’ in Digital Inclusion (cont’d)
Healthy Start for Families: Engaging Parents and Children for Life-long Health! (cont’d)
3:45-4:00 Closing
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Workshop Descriptions
Pre-conference: Wednesday, November 20
1. Parents as Literacy Supporters (PALS) Facilitators Training – with Fiona Morrison and Aliza
Dhungana
This training will give a philosophical overview and shape of the PALS program, a review of the
themes for each session, and a discussion of appropriate resources. The training will be responsive
to the needs of facilitators and will include play-based learning activities; suggestions for how to
work with adult participants, newcomer immigrant families, and aboriginal communities;
philosophies of child development; and cultural sensitivity.
About the Presenters: Fiona Morrison co-developed the PALS program with Dr. Jim Anderson,
University of British Columbia, in 1999 in the Langley School District. Fiona has more than 40 years
experience as an educator in a variety of roles. She has been a classroom teacher, curriculum
coordinator, faculty associate and university instructor. She retired as Director of Family Literacy
and Early Learning at Decoda Literacy Solutions in 2012. Recently, she was teaching part-time on
Mayne Island in a rural K-8 setting. Currently, she is a provincial facilitator for Changing Results for
Young Children, an initiative which focuses on the social and emotional development of young
children. Fiona continues to be passionate about working with families and supporting young
children's literacy learning.
Aliza Dhungana is the Program Manager responsible for PALS at Decoda Literacy Solutions. She
has over 15 years experience in program development, comprehensive adult literacy, gender
equality, early learning and community development with UNESCO and various other national and
international development agencies. Aliza brings with her a passion for joyful learning.
Note: There is a $100 travel subsidy available per Family Literacy Program for this session. To
apply for this subsidy, please contact Aliza Dhungana at [email protected].
2. Train the Trainer for Plain Language Writing Workshops – with Debbie Schiller
This workshop is best suited to people already comfortable with the principles of plain language
writing. It will prepare you to teach plain language writing skills throughout your community.
The full day workshop includes:
• Workshop Mechanics:
o who, what, when, where, how
o learning outcomes
o best facilitation practices
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• Full review of:
o mini workshops (30 to 60 minutes)
o 3.5-hour workshops
• All necessary Trainer resources (printed and on a flash drive):
o Manuals (health and business) and marketing materials
o PowerPoints
o Videos
o “before and after” examples
About the Presenter: Debbie Schiller’s literacy career spans several decades. It has involved
developing and coordinating early literacy, family and community literacy projects. Through the
years, Debbie has also developed and facilitated a variety of related workshops. Debbie served as
executive director of Vernon’s Junction Literacy Centre from 2006 to 2013. Now retired, Debbie
keeps a foot in the literacy world as a Plain Language advocate, editor and educator.
3. Introduction to Tutor Training – with Marci Bulloch
Are you new to adult literacy, or the volunteer tutor model? Are you unsure about what tutors need to know in order to be effective and stay within the lines of their role? This full-day session will explore training models, content and resources to help you offer the most suitable tutor training for your organization. Participate in group discussions, evaluate your tutors’ needs and create your own training plan.
This session will also review the updated guide to community-based adult literacy programs.
About the Presenter: Marci has over 25 years experience in adult literacy and community
development. She loves connecting with all people from the learning community to help them see
that our goals are mutual. Marci is currently the Program Manager responsible for adult learning
at Decoda, as well as an instructor in the Community Development and Outreach Department at
Capilano University.
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Morning sessions: Thursday, November 21
Keynote: Dr. Bjarni Tryggvason
Dr. Bjarni Tryggvason is a retired Canadian astronaut
who flew on STS-85. Not only did he fly, but he was
one of a few astronauts who got to take up their own
experiments. To say Bjarni is passionate about
science education is an understatement. He has
worked on numerous educational projects, always
pushing educators to expand their knowledge and to
accurately help their students explore science.
Bjarni loves to read, so combining his love of developing science experiments with literacy was a
perfect fit for Story Time From Space, a project of the Global Space Education Foundation. The
project sends children’s books to the International Space Station (ISS). While in space, astronauts
videotape themselves reading these books to the children on Earth. The astronauts on the ISS also
conduct educational demonstrations designed by Bjarni to complement the science concepts
found in the Story Time From Space books.
1. The Meaning and Emotions of Money: The Foundation of Personal Money Management – with
Jose J. Guerrero, MA, RCC
Almost all money management problems are entirely emotional, regardless of people’s academic
or financial status. Issues related to money and debt can cause increased anxiety, stress,
depression, decreased self-esteem, and sleep deprivation, to name a few. This session will help
participants identify patterns in their relationship with money and at the same time learn about
management of their own finances.
About the Presenter: Jose Jaime Guerrero has a Master of Arts in counselling psychology and is a
registered clinical counsellor. He is also a chartered accountant who has worked for over 25 years
in a senior financial and operational management capacity. Currently, he works as a clinical
counsellor for FSEAP and teaches money skills and finances for various organizations in the Lower
Mainland. Jose also leads a private practice focused in Clinical Financial Counselling and coaching
services to individuals and couples.
2. Harnessing Our Energy: Self-care and how to Maintain Safety for Our Trauma-affected
Learners – with Michelle Lebeau, Erica Huston and Trudi Diening
We explore trauma research and how it informs creating and maintaining safe classrooms. The
over-arching theme is instructor self-regulation as key. Participants assess personal self-care
practices, boundaries (including energetic boundaries) and nervous system regulation, in and
outside classrooms. The session is interactive, experiential and perhaps challenging, for
practitioners with open minds and open hearts.
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About the Presenters: Michelle Lebeau has over 20 years experience as an adult educator. She
often works with marginalized, trauma-affected people. They’ve taught her about living with
trauma and its effects. She draws from her background as a Certified Advanced Integrative Energy
Healer (AIEHTM) to provide a unique approach to working with trauma-affected learners.
Erica Huston has a background and training in Certified Advanced Integrative Energy Healing
(AIEHTM), trauma-informed yoga, ocean stewardship and leadership, and business
entrepreneurship. With a deep care and open heart for trauma-affected people, she uses her
eclectic background to fuel common ground and seek both learning and teaching opportunities.
Trudi Diening has been an adult educator for over 20 years and has taught around the world. The
common ground is the firm resolve that “to teach is to learn.” Her learners have sat in foreign ESL,
Fundamental ABE, to University degree classes. The great equalizer is the desire for life-long
learning.
3. Increasing Legal Literacy with the Help of Plain Language Resources – with Patricia Lim and
Sarah Chau
Court orders, forms, and legalese, oh my! The legal system and legal language are difficult to
understand for most people. Learn about innovative free brochures, booklets, websites, and other
resources from Legal Aid to help people navigate and understand the legal system. This session
will also give participants an overview of legal aid and other resources in BC to help learners
prevent and solve legal problems.
About the Presenters: Patricia Lim is the Publications Development Coordinator for the Legal
Services Society of BC, which provides legal aid in BC. She develops and evaluates Public Legal
Education and Information (PLEI) materials and resources and lets community workers know
about these free and plain language resources.
Sarah Chau is the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Legal Services Society of BC. She
develops and implements community partnerships with other organizations to enhance Public
Legal Education and Information (PLEI) and expand outreach to share about legal services
resources and programs.
4. Trends in Public Education: Through the Eyes of a New School District Trustee – with Kat
Eddy
Elected in October 2019 to become a School District 72 Trustee, Kat has spent the last year elbows
deep in learning about the public education system at a provincial level. Armed with this
knowledge, she hopes to share what she knows is coming down the pipe about public education.
This workshop is intended to share information with literacy practitioners on finding information
regarding provincial level mandates, understanding the way that public education is funded
including "what we know" about the new funding model review, and continuing to advocate for
literacy funding.
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About the Presenter: Kat Eddy has worked in adult literacy at both the provincial and community
program levels for over a decade. As executive director of the Campbell River Literacy
Association, she has a wide view in program development and community capacity building,
focusing on activities and resources to strengthen the skills and celebrate the assets of individuals.
Kat was recently elected as a School District Trustee and has spent the last year learning about the
public education system. She hopes that she can utilize this knowledge to assist others in
understanding the complexities of our province’s public education system.
5. Reading, Culture and Learning: Book Clubs for EAL Adult Learners – with Janice Williams
Book clubs are part of Canadian culture, but what if you’re an EAL learner? In this session we will
talk about community adult learner reading programs in Coquitlam and how they help develop
literacy skills in individuals, including reading, thinking, oral communication and continuous
learning while building cultural awareness.
About the Presenter: Janice Williams was a librarian at Coquitlam Library for 29 years, where she
facilitated Adult Learner Book Clubs to engage EAL learners and newcomers in the community in
reading, discussing and learning while using levelled English readers. She is currently a CALP
Coordinator in Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie.
6. Storywalk in the Cariboo – with Kimberley Vance-Lundsbye
Learn about how we implemented the Storywalk program in the Cariboo, lessons learned, and
how this program could be implemented easily in your community. It is cost-effective, engaging,
encompasses elements of early literacy, family literacy, and physical literacy learning, reaches
many people and reduces some barriers to early years and literacy program engagement.
About the Presenter: Kimberly Vance-Lundsbye is a recreation therapist who began working for a
literacy non-profit in 2013. Cariboo-Chilcotin Partners for Literacy serves the entire Cariboo-
Chilcotin region. Kimberly came across the Storywalk program, which began in the US, on Salt
Spring Island in 2017 and brought the program north. The region now has a library of 34
Storywalks.
7. Promoting and Supporting Community Literacy programs through the Ministry of Advanced
Education, Skills and Training – with Louis Chen
Intended for new and existing community literacy providers, this session will provide a general
ministry update, information and tips on how to prepare for CALP funding grant proposals, and
best practices on program implementation. There will also be time for Q&A.
About the Presenter: Louis Chen has worked in the field of education for over 16 years as a
classroom teacher, researcher, and government employee. His professional focus has been on
adolescent and adult literacy, English language learning, and Minority Education. This focus has
provided him classroom and community experiences in both BC and Ontario, where he also
obtained his graduate degrees in Education.
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8. Working with Local Government – with Heather Deal
Do you have a close relationship with your local City Hall or government? Wish you did? Wonder
why you should? Come learn from an insider about the responsibilities and authorities of local
government and how the people at City Hall can support your work.
About the Presenter: Heather brings her background in training, government relations and
community outreach to her position as the Director, Adult and Workplace Learning for Decoda
Literacy Solutions. Heather comes to Decoda after 16 years as an elected official in local
government.
9. The Multi-Function Conversation Circle – with Andrea Krombein
An introduction to the concept of the Multi-Function Conversation Circle, which was developed
for use in Marpole in response to the exponential growth and transient, multicultural and
intergenerational nature of the Marpole population.
About the Presenter: Andrea Krombein is Literacy Outreach Coordinator for Marpole, Vancouver
as well as Seniors Outreach Coordinator and BC Community Response Network Representative,
providing training in recognizing and responding to elder abuse and neglect. Andrea is a
reference librarian and journalist by background and holds an ESL qualification from Cambridge
University.
10. When I Was a Child – with Trudy Ewing
The program, "When I Was A Child" began when we realised there was a huge disconnect
between our young people and our elders. Elders, who were willing, were interviewed by asking
them questions about their childhood. This information was then used and put into a story which
was age appropriate for children 5 to 8 years old. Many questions have been asked by the
children and the elders are more than happy to educate the children on the days gone by. We
started with the most elderly and sadly some have passed away since we gifted them with their
books. We are thankful to have received their stories to pass on to other generations.
About the Presenter: Trudy Ewing has been the Literacy Now Coordinator in Atlin for the past six
years. She has coordinated the Community Adult Literacy Program at Northern Lights College for
the past three years. Trudy taught preschool for fifteen years and worked as a life skills worker for
a counselling agency. "All of these wonderful experiences have led me to my recent
passion......intergenerational connections.”
11. Climbing the Ladder of Reading: Instruction for Children Climbing Slowly AND Leaping Up! –
with Nancy Young
Discover what instruction is essential for those who do not learn to read easily AND why such
instruction can be advantageous for all. Nancy will share examples of teaching strategies,
including code-based movement activities, demonstrating how intellectually engaging and fun it is
to learn the secrets of the alphabetic code!
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About the Presenter: Nancy Young B.A., M.Ed. (Special Education) is a consultant supporting
educators and families across Canada in the implementation of science-based
reading/spelling/writing instruction. A specialist in dyslexia, Nancy is the is the author of Secret
Code Actions™ (Teacher Edition and Parent Edition). Her website is www.nancyyoung.ca.
12. Science is All Around Us: Ways of Noticing Our Science Literacy – with Analise Hofmann and
Connie Leung
This session explores how we all have a base level of science literacy, we just need to recognize
that certain ways of thinking and knowledge are based on scientific principles. Anyone can engage
in the scientific process, ask questions and find solutions. Science isn’t scary – it’s all around us!
About the Presenters: Analise Hofmann is a cell biologist, geneticist, programmer and science
educator. She works to demystify the world of science and make it interesting and accessible to
everyone. She is the host of the STEMminist book club of Vancouver which meets every two
months. To connect, follow @yest4Sci on twitter.
Connie Leung is a diabetes and obesity researcher, an instructor and a STEM enthusiast. She loves
communicating science and connecting with people. She shares her passion for self care and
science by contributing to workshops, blogs and podcasts! If you want to connect, follow
@connieliszt on Twitter.
13. Celebrating and Supporting Learner Knowledge with Graphic Organizers – with Laura Hadwin
Graphic organizers are beneficial for language and literacy learners in that they support
communication, consolidate vocabulary and encourage critical thinking. In this workshop,
participants will explore the creative use of graphic organizers in language and literacy
classrooms. They will experiment with four basic graphic organizers, suggest additional uses for
these, and share strategies about how their use can support learners in diverse learning contexts.
About the Presenter: Laura Hadwin is an instructor in English Language Development at Camosun
College. She is interested in teacher beliefs and identity, as well as creativity in teaching and
learning. She has taught and delivered teacher training in South Korea, Spain, the UK, Turkey,
Qatar and Mexico.
14. Explore Best Practices: Using Family Literacy Outreach as a Model – with Morie Ford and
Vicky Li
Participants will explore best practices and innovative ideas that help them move their community
literacy programs to the next level. Participants will boost their problem-solving abilities and
utilize a strengths-based family literacy approach to tackle challenges in their community literacy
program.
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About the Presenters: Morie Ford is Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House’s (MPNH) Family
Literacy Outreach Coordinator. She has transformed the Family Literacy Outreach program in
innovative ways. A co-founder of the ONE to ONE Literacy Society, a former educator and case
manager at a Vancouver alternative school, and board chair for Writers’ Exchange, she lives and
breathes community literacy.
Vicky Li has worked as Literacy Outreach Coordinator for the past four years. In her recent role at
MPNH, Vicky is the Community Connections and Literacy Outreach Coordinator. She uses her
energy, humour and big smile to help women, isolated men and immigrant families discover their
strengths.
Afternoon sessions: Thursday November 21
Plenary: Alexandra Samuel
Alexandra Samuel is a technology researcher, speaker and writer. The
author of Work Smarter with Social Media (Harvard Business School
Press, 2015), she is a regular contributor to The Wall Street
Journal, The Harvard Business Review, JSTOR Daily and CBC Radio. The
former Vice-President of Social Media for Vision Critical, Alex has
written extensively on how parents navigate the digital world, drawing
on her survey of how 10,000 North American parents handle their
children's online lives.
Alexandra holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Harvard University
and is the mother of two teenagers. Find her at alexandrasamuel.com.
15. Literacy & Essential Skills as a Poverty Reduction Strategy – with Frontier College
This session will present key findings and recommendations of the 2019 Frontier College/SRDC
National Research Project on Literacy & Essential Skills as a Poverty Reduction Strategy. At the
core of the National Research Project is the conviction that literacy instruction can provide low-
skilled adults living in poverty with the knowledge, confidence, resilience and autonomy they
need to overcome the challenges they face and live productive lives.
Presenters: Frontier College staff
16. First Nations Learning Programs in Rural and Urban Settings: Two Case Studies – with Erin
Stewart Elliot and Betsy Alkenbrack
Participants will experience activities and approaches used in two First Nations programs, one
urban and one rural. The session will be hands-on and experiential with a debriefing circle at the
end. The workshop will be facilitated by program coordinators and First Nations learners.
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About the Presenters: Erin Stewart Elliott is committed to supporting Indigenous communities in
her roles at Capilano University. She works in the remote communities of N’Quatqua, Skatin,
Q’aLaTK7em, and Tipella in the unceded Southern Stl’atl’imx Territory. Through her work Erin
demonstrates her values of leadership development, connection, collaboration and authenticity.
Betsy Alkenbrack works with the Squamish Nation to provide adult basic education at the
Eslha7an Learning Centre in North Vancouver. As a Capilano University instructor she also works
with Learning Centres in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. She is grateful for the amazing
community partners, colleagues and learners she gets to work with.
17. Update from the Ministry of Education – with Ministry staff
Join Ministry of Education staff to learn about our priorities, what motivates us in our work and
current initiatives such as a focus on early learning.
Presenters: Ministry of Education staff
18. The Learn About Series - with Ann Johannes
The Tri-Cities Adult Literacy and ESL Working Group came up with the idea of a Canadian culture
series in 2017. Hear about the lessons learned and benefits gained from the Learn About series.
Learn how we worked with our community partners to offer free and accessible sessions, which
cost little to no money and yet had hundreds of participants.
About the Presenter: Ann has been the Literacy Coordinator in the Tri-Cities since 2015 and has
the great fortune to work in an incredibly collaborative and supportive environment. Recently she
has become the Coquitlam Public Library Community Development Liaison. She strongly believes
in the literacy for all philosophy and runs a number of adult and family literacy events in the Tri-
Cities.
19. ABC Money Matters: Confidence, Money, and the Adult Learner – with Paul Bishop
ABC Life Literacy Canada will be presenting on Money Matters, an introductory financial literacy
program. Geared toward learners with low literacy, the program focuses on building learner
confidence. The session will explore how Money Matters reduces learners’ anxiety in talking about
money.
About the Presenter: Paul Bishop coordinates ABC Life Literacy Canada’s programs in Western
and Northern Canada. In his role he works on program development, coordination and outreach.
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20. Creative Leadership and Dynamic Decision Making: Balancing Perspective with Process – with
Sarah Fowler
When do we cease to be simply ourselves, and instead become a part of a larger team effort? In
family or community meetings we must continually ask ourselves if anyone has a different
perspective on the matter. In this session, participants will engage with the question of how to
balance decorum and a safe meeting environment with a constant need to raise the bar on candid
expression.
About the Presenter: Sarah Fowler is a village councillor in Tahsis, BC. Her 2003 film, titled The
Memory Game, has screened throughout eastern Canada and Austria. A past recipient of the
Frank Cole Documentary Film Fund, she created the unreleased short film (shot on 16 mm) called
We love music, a children's garden.
21. E-learning Materials for Adult Literacy and CLB1 Learners – with Monica Qing Zhang
Are you teaching adult literacy or CLB1 learners? Can you hardly find any authentic teaching
materials at these levels? Come and learn about what I developed for my learners and how to
download them for free.
About the Presenter: Monica Zhang is the Language Coordinator for the literacy programs at
Options Community Services. She enjoys utilizing current authoring tools and developing local e-
learning materials for lower-level adult learners.
22. Come Read with Me! – with Fiona Clare
Come Read with Me is a family literacy workshop presented at schools for parents/caregivers of
grade 1 students. It teaches positive strategies to support home reading and helps build a home-
school connection. Participants go home with a bag of reading support materials.
About the Presenter: As the LOC in Kamloops, Fiona enjoys working with many partners on
different literacy initiatives. Building on the success of the One to One Children’s Literacy program,
she wrote Reading Success at Home, a parent handbook for Come Read with Me workshops. It
offers simple strategies to support children’s reading at home.
23. Teaching Reading and Writing to Adult Literacy Learners – with Linda Peteherych
This interactive workshop will demonstrate the three sources of information that good readers
use to make sense of print and will explore the skills literacy students need to learn in order to
make use of these three sources of information. Assessment that informs teaching will also be
covered.
About the Presenter: Linda Peteherych has been teaching LINC for 27 years. She is Reading
Recovery® trained and has had great success applying it to adult ESL literacy learners. She has a
TESOL Diploma from VCC, TESL Canada level 2 Certification and adult EAL literacy certificates.
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24. Supporting Learner Success: Advice from ABE Students – with Alison Bowe, and Jill
Auchinachie
From 2010-2017, Jill and Alison interviewed Fundamental and Intermediate ABE students as part
of a longitudinal study. Presenters will share the motivations and success factors reported by
adult learners from the longitudinal study. Attend this session to investigate how your practice
could be enhanced through using the research findings.
About the Presenters: Alison Bowe is a member of the Provincial ABE Math Working Committee;
a former Chair of the Access to Career and Academic Programs Department at Camosun College
and a former volunteer with the Bridges for Women Society Board of Directors. Alison holds a
MSc and BSc.
Jill Auchinachie is a retired ABE Instructor from Camosun College. She is a former volunteer on the
Victoria Project Literacy Board of Directors; former Co-Chair and member, Provincial Fundamental
ABE Articulation Working Committee; former Chair, Academic and Career Foundations
Department, Camosun College. Jill holds a BEd, a Professional Teaching Certificate and MEd.
25. Task Group Panel Discussion – with Maureen Kehler, Beng Favreau, Rebecca Beuschel,
Shantael Sleight and Joan Exley
Join literacy outreach coordinators (LOCs) from across the province in a facilitated discussion on
literacy task groups. Learn the what, where, when, who, why, and how of collaboration in the task
group context.
About the Presenters: Maureen is the Program Manager responsible for Literacy Outreach
Coordination at Decoda Literacy Solutions, working with LOCs throughout the province and on
various other programs and initiatives. The panel represents LOCs from communities across the
province – Beng from Haida Gwai, Rebecca from Quesnel, Shantael from Saanich and Joan from
Nelson.
26. Helping Newcomer and Refugee Mothers Settle: HIPPY and Innovative Approaches to
Literacy – with Christine Buttkus, Wazi Dlamini-Kapenda, and Lisa Herrera
In this presentation, the Mothers Matter Centre will share how its programming and theory of
change supports literacy in vulnerable mothers and families. The panel members will share results
and lessons learned to date from the HIPPY Program and three newcomer program innovations
that include the HIPPY and ELL program.
About the Presenters: Christine Buttkus is Director of Newcomer Program Innovations at the
Mothers Matter Centre. Her role includes responsibility for overseeing pilot projects serving
newcomer and refugee mothers in Canada.
Wazi Dlamini-Kapenda is the Director of Multicultural Programs for the Mothers Matter Centre.
Wazi is a member of the HIPPY and Early Language Learning (ELL) Advisory Committee.
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Lisa Herrera is Lead Instructional Coordinator - Language College - LINC, ISSofBC. Ms. Herrera
leads the Curriculum Development Team for the HIPPY and ELL program.
27. A Discussion of Healthy and Unhealthy Patterns of Technology Use in Families with Young
Children – with Paul Zuurbier and Zak Draper
Results and recommendations will be provided from the community initiated, University of British
Columbia Okanagan led, Family Screen-Time research project entitled "Do Families need to power
down to connect? A Study of Technology, Relationships, and Well-being." This study took place
from February to May 2019 and involved 435 families from the Okanagan region. This research
project is the first of its kind in Canada, and the first study to examine the impact of screen-time
on families with young children between the ages of 0 and 5 years.
About the Presenters: Paul is the Executive Director of Project Literacy Central Okanagan Society
and the Literacy Outreach Coordinator for the Central Okanagan region. Prior to joining Project
Literacy, Paul worked as a director at Mitacs, a national educational research non-profit and as the
Director of Operations for IC-IMPACTS an international research organization. Recently, Paul led a
community initiative to engage UBC researchers in developing a family screen-time research
project. This became a collaboration between Project Literacy Central Okanagan Society,
Childhood Connections Okanagan Family & Childcare Society, the Central Okanagan Early Years
Partnership, and the University of British Columbia – Okanagan.
Zak Draper has a Masters in Psychology and is a PHD candidate at the University of British
Columbia - Okanagan. He is a Mitacs funded researcher for the Family Screen-Time research
project, working under the direction of UBCO Associate Psychology Professor, Dr. Susan Holtzman.
28. Engaging Family Literacy with Block Builders – with Chrisy Hill
In this session, discussion will centre on the importance of parent participation in family programs.
Ideas on how to improve parent engagement will be shared. Participants will learn how Lego and
literacy can be aligned to create fun play-based learning experiences. Parent-child interaction is a
key component of the program. Everyone will receive a copy of the Block Builders program
curriculum. Be ready to experiment with LEGO® and share stories.
About the Presenter: Chrisy started as a facilitator with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy
(CBAL) in 2014 and became the Literacy Outreach Coordinator for the Elk Valley in 2015. Chrisy
has always had a passion for explaining and teaching in a different way to ensure everyone
understands. This dedication led her to be listed in Ski magazine as one of North America’s top
100 ski instructors. Her passion continues in literacy programing and at home with her two young
boys.
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Morning sessions: Friday, November 22
Keynote: Chief Robert Joseph
Chief Robert Joseph, O.B.C., O.C. is a peacebuilder
who has devoted his life to promoting
reconciliation among Canada’s Indigenous and
non-Indigenous peoples. A hereditary chief of the
Gwawaenuk First Nation, he is a survivor of the
residential school system and helped found
Reconciliation Canada, for which he is now an
ambassador. He sits on the National Assembly of
First Nations Elders Council and chairs the Native
American Leadership Alliance for Peace and Reconciliation. He is also peace and reconciliation
ambassador with the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace (IFWP), where
he engages with international leaders to learn from and share his understanding of faith, hope,
healing and reconciliation. He holds many awards and honours, including SFU’s Jack P. Blaney
Award for Dialogue.
29. “NO ONE WAY”: Six Proven Approaches to Teaching Adult Learners – with Dr. Allan Quigley
Based on published research and proven practice, this talk will explore the pros and cons of six
different approaches to teaching adults: advance organizers, discovery learning, social learning,
andragogy/self-directed learning, operant conditioning and teaching for social reform. We will
discuss the theories involved and founders of each, the strengths and limitations of each, and end
with discussion of your own practice and which of these you might want to try in your own
practice.
About the Presenter: Dr. Allan Quigley is a recently retired Professor of Adult Education who has
over forty years of experience in teaching, administering and researching adult literacy education.
He is the author of four books and some 100 articles, and currently serves as Vice President of
READ Surrey-White Rock Society.
30. Building a Learning Scaffold for Immigrant and Family Literacy Programming – with Carole
Stretch and Bekah Jones
Immigrants, especially families, can find it extremely overwhelming to participate in community-
based family-focused programs; the range of challenges and barriers can be extensive. Explore
how literacy programs can support immigrants, especially parents of younger children, to move
into mainstream family programming and how an immigrant parenting program and a family
literacy program can be integrated to this end.
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About the Presenters: Carole Stretch is Program Manager of the Whistler Welcome Centre,
Settlement Services and Community Learning Program (CALP). She has taught in France, Thailand,
Norway and the Philippines. In Whistler, she works with immigrants in a range of programs
supporting ESL, literacy and integration.
Bekah Jones is a Multicultural Outreach Worker in Whistler where she works with immigrants and
newcomers. She is part of the development team for the Parenting in Another Culture program,
which seeks to build the skills and confidence for immigrant parents to be able to actively
participate in community-based family-focused programs.
31. A Principles-based Approach to Supporting EAL Learners – with Julie Ship and Dr. Amea
Wilbur
This session explores how we respond to the complexities of supporting language learning within
current structures, systems and expectations. Presenters will guide you through a discussion on
incorporating the principles of Reflection, Awareness and Empathy into your work. The session
will also allow for the examination of case studies, strategies and collaborative approaches.
About the Presenters: Julie Ship taught EAL for over 12 years abroad and locally for private
schools, school districts and LINC. Now, as AMSSA’s Language Program Manager, she supports
language programs funded by IRCC. Julie is also completing an MEd degree with interests in the
politics of language, identity and culture and newcomer literacy.
Dr. Amea Wilbur is an instructor at the University of the Fraser Valley. She holds an Ed. D from the
Department of Educational Studies, UBC. She recently co-authored a book through TESOL
International called The 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners: Adult Literacy and
Workforce Development.
32. Learners are Teachers: Resourcefulness in the North – with Kate Toye, Anissa Watson and
Elena Kusaka
Join Literacy Outreach Coordinators (LOC) Kate, Anissa, and Elena from the Northern BC towns of
Prince Rupert, Hazelton and Terrace for this experiential and energy-building workshop. By way of
movement, story, and action, facilitators will share resources from their rural communities and
create time and space for all participants to learn from each other.
About the Presenters: Kate Toye is the LOC on the traditional unceded territory of the Tsimshian
people. Kate has been involved in community development for the past eight years and believes
strongly in the collective impact of community partnerships. Kate has seen the value of using
partnerships to create opportunities that address community gaps.
Anissa Watson lives, plays, and works on unceded Gitxsan Territory. As a community organizer for
Storytellers' Foundation, a place-based non-profit in Hazelton, Anissa manages the community
learning store front "The Learning Shop." When not running programming, you will find her
running rivers with her children or in the garden growing food.
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Elena Kusaka, is the Terrace LOC and the Women’s Centre Program Coordinator at Terrace
Women’s Resource Centre Society, located on the traditional and unceded lands of the Tsimshian
Peoples.
33. Symbiosis: Learning STEAM as a Community – with Jo-Ann Coggan
Symbiosis is a province-wide STEAM ecosystem (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design,
Math), designed to deliver equal access to high quality learning opportunities for all learners in
British Columbia. Learn about this new BC wide initiative, why it’s needed and how it can support
your STEAM programs, events, needs and goals. The presentation will include discussions and a
public participation activity.
About the Presenter: Jo-Ann Coggan is Director of Community Outreach and Symbiosis. She has
been working with children her entire career and has been working at Science World for 21 years.
Her career to date, and the past 10 years working in outreach, has prepared her well to lead the
Symbiosis team. With a wide network of solid and long-term connections from around the
province, she has well established relationships to lean on and work with. Jo-Ann understands
that as a province-wide initiative Symbiosis would only succeed with a strong network of diverse
partnerships.
34. Youth Teaching Adults: ABC Life Literacy Canada's New Digital Literacy Program – with
Allison Nichol Longtin and Jesse Myers
Join ABC Life Literacy Canada's Youth Teaching Adults (YTA) team to learn more about this new,
free Digital Literacy program with an intergenerational, reverse-mentorship model. You'll learn
about the program's development, the experience of collaborating with a partner to bring the
program to under-served communities across the country and what we're hearing from
participants. Speak with the YTA team about how to bring the program to your community and
how it can be adapted to suit your learners.
About the Presenters: Allison is the Programs Specialist at ABC Life Literacy Canada. During her 3+
years at ABC, she has worked in a number of different roles, most recently as the Senior Programs
Coordinator for Western & Northern Canada. She manages the Youth Teaching Adults digital
literacy program. Allison loves learning new languages, riding her bicycle and doing crosswords
(not all at the same time)!
Jesse Myers is a recent graduate from Mount Allison University with a major in Psychology and a
minor in Philosophy and Religious studies. As the Youth Teaching Adults (YTA) Program
Coordinator, he’s responsible for connecting with organizations to run the YTA program to help
increase digital literacy skills in the adult/senior population while creating meaningful volunteer
opportunities for youth.
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35. Financial Empowerment: Breaking Barriers – with Dolorese Plante
Breaking Barriers will focus on recognizing and breaking barriers by providing tools to alleviate,
reduce and prevent poverty with literacy. Topics will include:
• Outreach – finding your clients
• Self-Awareness – recognizing and breaking barriers
• Discovering the Root Cause – what’s stopping your client from learning
• Partnerships with other Agencies – connecting the dots with your clients
• Follow-up - achieving goals
About the Presenter: Dolorese has been working as a Skills Coordinator at the Comox Valley
Lifelong Learning Centre for the past six years. She is a lifelong learner and has a passion for
teaching. Dee is continually evolving her program to reach out to more clients. She can often be
seen dragging laptops and an Instant Pot around town while delivering her Bytes & Bites
workshop throughout the community.
36. Literacy Outreach Coordinators Roundtable – with Maureen Kehler and Margaret Sutherland
Come together with other literacy outreach coordinators for a facilitated discussion on all things
LOC! Bring your ideas, questions, suggestions and concerns.
About the Presenters: Maureen is the Program Manager responsible for Literacy Outreach
Coordination at Decoda Literacy Solutions, working with LOCs throughout the province and on
various other programs and initiatives. Her background in health and employment services has
provided the context for teaching and gaining experience in a variety of environments.
Margaret is the Executive Director at Decoda. Margaret has 19 years’ experience working in BC’s
literacy field. Her experience includes working as a regional manager, communications manager,
literacy outreach coordinator, program facilitator, trainer, event planner and tutor. This varied
experience has given her an understanding and love for community literacy work.
37. Supporting LGTBQTS Learners – with Shantel Ivits
Through this session, participants will learn about gender diversity, gain strategies for creating
welcoming environments for trans students and understand how to respect the rights of trans
students in educational settings.
About the Presenter: Shantel Ivits is an instructor in the Basic Education Department at
Vancouver Community College, as well as the author of the six Adult Literacy Fundamental English
textbooks for the BC Open Textbook Project. Shantel identifies as transgender. For the past nine
years, they have served as a lead organizer of the first clinic in North America run by and for trans
people. They created an adult upgrading class for queer, trans and Two-Spirit students; launched
the Trans Rights BC project; and authored a wide range of resources used by health authorities in
BC.
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Afternoon sessions: Friday November 22
Plenary: Greg Moore
Greg Moore is the former Mayor of the City of Port Coquitlam and
Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors. He has a long
career in public service and business, and extensive experience in
media.
Greg’s recent leadership accomplishments include:
• 10-year, $7.5 billion Translink Mayors Plan
• National Zero Waste Council
• Union of BC Municipalities Housing Committee
• Regional Prosperity Initiative
He is now the proud owner of the Patina Brewery Brewhouse and
Barbecue in Port Moody and Proprietor of the Livable Region
Group of Companies.
38. Teaching Reading Through Language Experience – with Marci Bulloch
Join an interactive and fun session on how to bring the language experience process into your
tutor training program or your direct work with learners.
About the Presenter: Marci has over 25 years experience in adult literacy and community
development. She loves connecting with all people from the learning community to help them see
that our goals are mutual. Marci is currently a program manager at Decoda as well as an
instructor in the Community Development and Outreach Department at Capilano University.
39. Fish Don't Climb Trees: A Whole New Look at Learning Challenges – with Sue Hall
Sue Hall is the author of Fish Don’t Climb Trees. Sue's aim is to shed light on the 'gift' that leads to
both learning challenges and talents. She will provide theory to help understand and overcome
learning challenges and will provide a hands-on experience with one of the components. Fish
Don’t Climb Trees is based on her personal experience with dyslexia.
About the Presenter: Sue is dyslexic, has been facilitating children and adults with learning
challenges for 20 years, and author of Fish Don't Climb Trees. She founded The Whole Dyslexic
Society, presents at Professional Development days, and has been interviewed on radio and TV.
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40. Clear Language and Design: The Basics in Practice – with Tracy Defoe and Jenny Fitzgerald
Are your notices and posters easy to understand? Do people read and understand your written
communication easily? Learn how to apply Clear Language and Design (CLAD) best practices to
your current work samples by balancing fonts, white space and images. With clear wording and
formatting, your message will be read and understood at a glance.
About the Presenters: Tracy Defoe and Jenny Fitzgerald are instructors for Capilano University's
Community Development and Outreach Department. With backgrounds in course development
and training, they are advocates for Clear Language and Design (CLAD) who want to turn you on
to clearer communication.
41. Board Governance & what you need to know! – with Rebecca Beuschel
Participants will be given an overview of the roles and responsibilities of working with a board of
directors. Information presented will be framed within the specific context of working for a not-
for-profit literacy organization, with consideration given to those working in small communities
(where the President of the Board might also be a neighbour). Participants will work through a
series of common scenarios to understand and determine roles and responsibilities of managers,
coordinators, staff members and board directors.
About the Presenter: Rebecca has been the LOC in Quesnel since 2007. Prior to that, she was the
Regional Literacy Coordinator (New Caledonia Region) and has been involved in community
literacy initiatives since 1999. She was a director on the Literacy BC Board and as President she
represented Literacy BC on the committee that formed Decoda Literacy Solutions. She lives and
works in Quesnel.
42. What to do with a Log Jam – with Debbie Denault
Perhaps conflict is inevitable when groups of people work together. Like a logjam on a river,
conflict can cause slowdowns, spills or even a change in course. But all is not lost. This workshop
will provide tools for thinking about the causes, and concrete strategies for developing strong,
vibrant collaborations.
About the Presenter: Debbie Denault is currently the Literacy Outreach Coordinator in Chilliwack
BC. She has maneuvered through numerous logjams during her career. As a member of a
committee, network or initiative, and sometimes as a leader, she has experienced the pure joy
and truly difficult challenges that come with collaborative practice.
43. Understanding Refugee and Immigrant Student Experiences – with Candace Marvel
Participants will learn through first person stories, the personal journey and settlement into
Canada of refugees and immigrants. Participants will also learn the history/situation of students
from refugee trauma backgrounds and gain resources for supporting them and helping them in
the school and community. Insights and learning from settlement workers will be shared.
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About the Presenter: Candace is a Settlement Workers in Schools Programs Coordinator at the
Surrey School District. Originally from Burma, she came to Canada in 2004 as a student refugee
after being stateless in Thailand and India where she took refuge for 21 years. Candace has
assisted newcomer families by connecting them to academic and community resources since
2006. She also facilitates workshops that assist community partners and school personnel in
understanding the complex needs of students and newcomer families who have experienced
trauma.
44. There is No ‘One Size Fits All’ in Digital Inclusion – with Dionne Pelan and William Booth
Participants will consider how different groups they work with are affected by digital policies. This
session draws on the concept of intersectionality and the ways in which different groups are
positioned in the digital world. This session will include an interactive discussion centred around
digital justice and equity issues such as poorly designed government forms, online-only services
that exclude our communities, data and privacy.
About the Presenters: Dionne is a non-traditional educator who holds a Provincial Instructors
Diploma. She has over 15 years’ experience teaching and leading digital literacy activities using
effective adult education approaches. She takes an asset-based approach to help cultivate
relationships and build capacity between a diverse range of stakeholders.
William Booth is a skilled educator, development consultant and evaluation specialist with
professional experience in the non-governmental sector in more than sixty countries. He works
effectively with a diverse range of partners and ideas addressing complex issues. William has
recently been focused on digital literacy as an integral aspect of understanding literacy, not as
binary, but as a basic life skill which allows one to participate more fully in their life.
45. Healthy Start for Families: Engaging Parents and Children for Life-long Health! – with Erica
Stevenson & Rebecca Klapwyk
Healthy Start for Families is a program for parents, caregivers and young children. Through fun,
flexible hands-on sessions parents and children learn new skills around healthy eating, physical
literacy and active play. The presentation will introduce the new and revised LEAP HOP resource
and new Indigenous Activity Cards.
About the Presenters: Erica is a member of the Muskoday First Nation in Saskatchewan and
joined the Healthy Start Team in 2015. She has a background in Early Learning and Childcare and
24-hour emergency homes. She has hands-on experience in providing healthy meal options and
supporting daily physical activity with young children and their caregivers.
Rebecca joined the Healthy Start team as an implementation coordinator in 2018 with a Bilingual
Bachelor’s degree in Health and Environment from York University’s Glendon College. As a mother
she strives to provide opportunities for outdoor exploration and environmental education for her
two children. Rebecca's interests include food security, access to nature in the early years, health
and the environment.
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With special thanks to: