Healthy Connections:
The Power of Compassionate Parenting
On March 1st we held our successful Parent Learning Event. Learn more below!
Event Recap
This year our Parent Learning Event brought together 50 participants for a day filled with insightful conversations, connections and practical strategies on parenting and child well-being. And what a success it was! From gaining helpful information in understanding parenting approaches, learning strategies to strengthen connections with children and accessing relevant and up-to-date topics for parents, caregivers and educators; the event provided an inspiring and supportive space to reflect and learn how to navigate the parenting challenges.
Beyond the speakers' presentations, the event fostered interactive discussion between participants and with the speakers, allowing parents, caregivers and professionals participating to connect, share experiences, and gain practical tools to navigate the joys and challenges of raising children, such as mindfulness strategies, effective parenting styles, the benefits of free play, etc.
A huge THANK YOU to the amazing team that organized this event and to our dedicated volunteers who helped make it such a success. This event was without a doubt a celebration of the power of community in supporting families.
"Too perfect to be even better!"
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"I loved the event. Great job, team!"
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"You guys are awesome! Great job! I appreciate it very much!"
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"Too perfect to be even better!" • "I loved the event. Great job, team!" • "You guys are awesome! Great job! I appreciate it very much!" •
2025 Special Guest Speakers
Dr. Shimi Kang
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Dr. Shimi Kang believes every person has the innate intelligence and ability to live their best life. She provides science-based solutions for health, happiness, and achievement in the workplace, classroom, and at home. With over 25 years of clinical experience and extensive research in the science of
optimizing human potential, Dr. Kang provides proven solutions and practical tools to cultivate the key 21st century skills of resilience, connection, creativity, and more.
She is the author of the #1 bestseller The Dolphin Parent and The Tech Solution, a Clinical Associate Professor at UBC, the founder of Future Ready Minds, and host of the YouTube show, Mental Wealth with Dr. Shimi Kang. Proud mom of 3, Dr. Kang is the recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction, Governor General of Canada Award and Diamond Jubilee Medal for her many outstanding contributions in the fields of mental health, addiction, education and parenting.
To learn more please visit: https://www.drshimikang.com/
Dr. Hali Kil
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Dr. Hali Kil is the Director of the All Families Lab. She is Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Simon Fraser University, Investigator at BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Associate Member of SFU's School of Public Policy, and is an affiliate investigator with the Fraser Health Authority and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Dr. Kil's areas of expertise are parenting, mental health, child development, mindfulness, and intercultural relations.
Our Parent Learning Event explores how to promote children's positive behaviors, support well-being, and foster strong connections through compassionate practices.
What can you expect from the Parent Learning Event:
Insights and perspectives on parenting styles
Hands-on strategies for connecting with children
Dialogue on children’s positive behavior and well-being
Helpful resources from the community
Our work is made possible through the support of our Advisory Committee members:
Anita Olson, Community Early Childhood Consultant Family Services of Greater Vancouver
Casey Wang, Manager Family Support Services, Burnaby Family Life
Chelsea Hitchen, Community Health Specialist – Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences Fraser Health
Joanna Peplak, Assistant Professor | Director of Grow to Care Lab, Department of Psychology at Simon Fraser University
Liliana Hernandez, Director of Operations, Burnaby Family Life
Sheri Brattston, District Principal Community Education & Child Care
