Dr. Caroline Buzanko

Dr. Caroline Buzanko is a psychologist. Mother. Professor. International Speaker. Yoda of Anxiety. ADHD Superhero. And Changer of Lives. With nearly three decades of experience, she is a recognized expert in resilience and the social, emotional, and behavioural well-being of children and teens. In 2024, Dr. Caroline was honoured as Alberta’s Psychologist of the Year for her exceptional contributions to the field. Known for her dynamic, engaging style, Dr. Caroline has a knack for simplifying complex challenges and equipping educators with practical tools that make a real difference. Through her work, her mission is clear: to help every child unlock their potential, build confidence, and embrace resilience.

Keynote: Strengthening Resilient Students - Practical Approaches to Boost Emotional Strength in the Classroom 

9 – 10:15 a.m.
Hyatt Imperial Ballroom 1, 2 & 3

In this engaging keynote, educators will learn how to foster confidence and resilience in their students, essential skills that equip children to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. You will explore the growing challenges children face and how these impact their emotional and academic growth. You will learn practical strategies to promote emotional regulation, encourage autonomy, and create environments where students can learn from failure without fear. Walk away with actionable steps to build stronger, more resilient learners. 

Session II: Empowering Success: Supporting ADHD Students in the Classroom

10:45 a.m. – noon
Hyatt Imperial Ballroom 1, 2 & 3

In classrooms across the globe, educators are working with ADHD students, a diagnosis that brings both challenges and incredible potential. Students with ADHD are motivated and eager to succeed but need strong, supportive teachers to guide them. In this workshop, teachers will gain a better understanding of ADHD and leave with practical tools to address common challenges, foster self-regulation, boost engagement, and leverage the unique strengths these students bring to the classroom.

Dr. Chandra Lebenhagen

Dr. Chandra Lebenhagen is the founder and Executive Director of Including Autism. She received her doctorate in Curriculum and Learning from the University of Calgary, where her research focused on the self-reported experiences of Canadian autistic high school students. For over 20 years, Dr. Chandra has worked as a teacher and inclusion consultant in K-12 settings. In addition to working alongside educators in schools, she instructs graduate-level courses at several Canadian universities. She is the author of several peer-reviewed publications, including a book titled Autism and Inclusive Education: A Guide for Teachers, Practitioners and Parents. Inclusive, neuro-affirming, evidence-based, practical, and sustainable are central to her approach to co-creating meaningful and success-based programs for students with disabilities. Visit her website for more information.

Session III: Bridging the Research-to-Practice Gap: Strategies to Help Ensure Evidence-Based Practices are Practical and Sustainable in the Context of “Real-World” Classrooms

12:30 – 1:45 p.m. 
Hyatt Imperial Ballroom 1, 2 & 3

In this session, Dr. Chandra introduces a framework that assists educators in more efficiently and effectively applying their knowledge of evidence-based practices to support neurodivergent students. Using several “real-world” classroom scenarios, barriers to the successful implementation of evidence-based supports and strategies are discussed, which helps us understand why the implementation of some supports and strategies for students with high support needs do not go the way we planned or why they only work for a short time. Opportunities to prevent and overcome barriers to the successful implementation of evidence-based practices are presented.