Lori Meyer, Associate Superintendent of Learning, AB

Lori has been in this role with Rocky View for almost 4 years, coming to Alberta from a similar role in SK.  Lori has had the privilege of being a classroom teacher, school administrator, and registered psychologist, and she is in her 28th year of this amazing profession. Lori has planned, implemented, and supported various teaching and inclusive learning programs and is passionate about ensuring all students have access to a high-quality total experience in RVS. Additionally, community work has been a vital part of Lori’s career, partnering with numerous agencies to create and support programs that address the non-academic needs of children and their families.

Kandy Mackey, Director General, Eastern Townships School Board

Kandy Mackey is a dynamic, bilingual educator with nearly three decades of experience in educational administration at the Eastern Townships School Board, where she has served as Teacher, Principal, Director of Pedagogical Services, Assistant Director General, and now, Director General.  Since 2013, she has led the school board with a steadfast commitment to advancing student and adult learning, combining pedagogical expertise, a developmental approach, and an unwavering focus on building professional learning communities.  Skilled in data-driven decision-making, Kandy leverages insights to address educational challenges, promote positive school environments, and empower educators to drive sustainable change.  Known for her collaborative style, she has built strong partnerships across the organization to enhance student outcomes and ensure educational excellence.  As ETSB’s Change Management facilitator, inspired by the work of Pierre Collerette, Kandy is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, student-centered future for the school board.

Jason Kupery, Director of Learning, Palliser School Division

Jason Kupery has worked in Education for 24 years and counting, first as a teacher, then principal and now in Division Leadership with Palliser School Division. He is driven by helping students find their confidence and purpose through programs like career exploration, student leadership and wellness.  His enthusiasm for helping students discover their passion and potential is contagious.  Student success, both in school and beyond, are always at the top of his mind.

Simon Ketcheson, Product Director, Confident Learners

Simon leads the design and delivery of literacy programs focused on improving educational outcomes for students across diverse communities. Simon brings over a decade of expertise in educational product management, client success, and implementation, with a proven track record in helping organizations meet and exceed their goals.

Ericka Sutherland, Instructional Literacy Mentor

Ericka is a learning consultant in the Confident Learners program at The Learning Bar. Ericka completed master’s degrees in Literacy and Curriculum Studies from Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax, NS, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS, with a focus on professional learning communities and teacher professional development.

Ericka Sutherland, Instructional Literacy Mentor

Ericka is a learning consultant in the Confident Learners program at The Learning Bar. Ericka completed master’s degrees in Literacy and Curriculum Studies from Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax, NS, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS, with a focus on professional learning communities and teacher professional development.

Sandi Harrower, Instructional Literacy Consultant

Sandi is an Instructional Literacy Consultant for the Confident Learners Program with The Learning Bar, bringing extensive experience in both rural and urban educational settings across Canada and the United States.

With a rich background that spans roles as an Early Learning Supervisor and Learning Coach for Livingstone Range School Division in Southern Alberta, and over 15 years with the Calgary Board of Education as a classroom teacher, learning leader, and Early Learning Specialist, Sandi brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in early childhood and literacy education.

Speaker Biography:

Stephanie Guignion is a Product Manager at The Learning Bar with over a decade of experience as an early year classroom teacher. She is passionate about finding innovative ways to help educators maximize the benefits of the Early Years Evaluation

Speaker Biography: Lorna Cameron

Lorna has been with The Learning Bar now for 7 years now and was an administrator and teacher for over 20 years before joining The Learning Bar. As a member of the Customer Success team she works with school districts across Canada to support and build their skills and knowledge in the areas of data-driven planning and decision making. She comes from within the school system and has seen first hand many of the challenges that you face and has a clear understanding of what schools are doing to overcome these.

Speaker Biography: Gail Markin

Gail’s distinguished career in education and mental health spans roles as a social worker, family counsellor, teacher, and school counsellor, culminating in her current work as an educational consultant and mental health and wellness coach. Her leadership roles in networks like Social Emotional Learning BC and BC School Centred Mental Health Coalition, along with her involvement in the EdCan Staff Well-being Network and Compassionate Systems Leadership Network, reflect her deep commitment to well-being in educational settings.

Gail holds two bachelor’s and two master’s degrees in psychology and education and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Leadership and Policy. Her experience includes keynote presentations, workshops on workplace well-being and a TEDx talk on the power of belonging. She is the author of ‘Beyond Self-Care: Leading a Systemic Approach to Well-being for Educators’ where she combines learning from both research and practice to support leaders with practical ideas to create well-being in their schools and districts.

Speaker Biography:

Lori Bryden, Instructional Literacy Consultant, The Learning Bar

Dr. Lori Bryden is a retired teacher, coordinator of special education, and principal of 38 years. She holds a Doctorate in Education in Curriculum and Special Education; a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instructional Technology from Acadia University; a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University; and a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University. In addition to her principal qualifications, Dr. Bryden has also earned her Supervisory Officer’s Qualifications.

Throughout her career in education, she has effectively applied trauma-informed leadership practices, creating an inclusive atmosphere for all school community members.

Her areas of research include trauma-informed practices, inclusion, and equity. She strongly believes that all children can achieve at a high level when provided with appropriate support. She is passionate about assisting school teams to create safe and supportive learning environments.

An executive member of the Ontario Council of Special Educators, Dr. Bryden has also worked with the Ontario Ministry of Education, developing a comprehensive model for Collaboration in Special Education. She co-wrote the application to the Ontario Ministry of Education for a classroom for students with attachment disorder.

Dr. Bryden’s professional development on trauma, includes Level 1 Training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Trauma-Informed Certification from the Community Resilience Initiative.