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:

Karen Power, Leadership Development Consultant, The Learning Bar

Karen Power is a consultant and former teacher, principal, superintendent, and senior advisor for professional learning and leadership. She has won multiple awards and authored books related to her work which focuses on leadership coaching in schools and districts, building collaborative practices through professional learning community (PLC) implementation, district strategic planning, and developing effective instruction, assessment and evidence-based decisions for long-term sustainability. Karen is now working as a consultant with The Learning Bar to support leadership development within schools and districts.

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

Joel Henderson is a Research Associate at The Learning Bar. As a member of the research team, he works closely with school districts across Canada to support their needs, with a particular focus on assisting school leaders as they understand and explore their OurSCHOOL data. Joel holds a master’s degree in education and his expertise extends to the areas of instructional design, e-learning, and curriculum development.

Speaker Biography: Gail Markin

Gail Markin is a counsellor, consultant and coach who supports school districts with health and well-being.
She has a particular focus on embedding well-being into the education workplace.  Gail 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.  When she is not writing and speaking or podcasting about well-being, Gail is working on an Ed. D. in Leadership and Policy at UBC.

You can find out more about Gail on her website: https://www.gailmarkin.ca/