Chris Piro, Director of Student Services, STAR Catholic School Division, AB

Chris has been with the Catholic School system in Leduc for over thirty-five years and has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of students with various strengths and challenges. Her teaching experience ranges from Kindergarten to Grade 6, with the majority of her career focusing on inclusive education and adapting or modifying curriculum to meet student needs. Chris had the opportunity to be a Vice-Principal of a K-6 school where her learning and understanding of our education system continued to evolve. Her current role as Director of Student Services has provided additional experiences and insights into high school students and various stakeholders’ perspectives. Ensuring all students reach their full potential continues to be Chris’s passion and mission.

Pam Garnham, Superintendent/Secretary-Treasurer/and CEO of, Portage la Prairie School Division, MB

Pamela has 31 years of experience in education, having worked in grades K to 12 as a teacher, resource teacher guidance counsellor and school administrator. Throughout her career, she has focused on ensuring that our students are the central focus of education and that the instructional and developmental needs of students are met from inclusive regular classrooms, neighbourhood schools and across the division.

Heather Merasty, Superintendent, Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority, SK

Heather Merasty is a proud member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, located in Saskatchewan. She is a dedicated educational leader with over 23 years of experience in the field, dedicating her practice to the benefit of Indigenous peoples and their respective communities.

Currently, she serves as a Superintendent of Student Support Services with the Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority, and as Vice President of Yellow Sky & Associates Ltd. Before her current positions, she served as Senior Director of Education and Superintendent of Special Education with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, and Special Education Consultant with Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division.

Dr. Doug Willms

Dr. Willms is the Founder and President of the Learning Bar Inc. He is the Past President of the International Academy of Education, a Member of the US National Academy of Education, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. From 2002-2017, he held the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Literacy and Human Development at the University of New Brunswick. Dr. Willms has published over 200 research articles and monographs pertaining to youth literacy, children’s health, the accountability of schooling systems, and the assessment of national reforms.

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