Practice Change Champions
Through Practice Change Champions, we are aiming to influence practice and organizational change to include attachment and early childhood mental health in community programs and services. Information about upcoming sessions can be found lower on this page. The sessions typically include a facilitator leading a presentation, with breakout rooms for smaller groups to discuss the learning with peers. All participants are encouraged to actively participate in the breakout room conversation to learn together. A list of past and upcoming sessions is below.
The goal of the sessions is to increase knowledge in:
- Child development and brain development
- Attachment and temperament
- Risk factors for insecure attachment
- Impact of trauma and parent mental health
- Common behaviors and resilience practices
- Understanding and Supporting children/families with challenging behaviours
- Effective role modeling –being and teaching to be a role model
What is a Practice Change Champion and who should become one?
- A Practice Change Champion is a community-based professional who works with young children and/or their families who promotes attachment and early childhood mental health.
- Those who participated in Practice Change Champions previously are encouraged to participate as well as those new participants.
How can I get started?
- Sign up to be a Practice Change Champion
Supporting Co-Regulation with Parents and Caregivers
Facilitator: Mandi Pekan, MA, Registered Psychotherapist
Tuesday May 12, 2026 7:00-8:30pm
This session supports frontline staff working with infants and young children (0–6) to strengthen their ability to foster co-regulation with parents and caregivers. Grounded in an equity and trauma-informed approach, it recognizes the realities families face, including the impact of stress, trauma, and the social determinants of health.
Building on existing knowledge, the session deepens understanding of how stress, systemic barriers, and lived experience shape the caregiver experience, and how frontline staff can respond in supportive, non-judgmental, and context-responsive ways.
Previous Sessions
- March 2, 2022: Attachment, facilitated by Kristina Scully, Youville Centre, download resources
- May 25, 2022: Understanding Trauma, facilitated by Carmela Savoia, download resources and slides
- Summer 2022: Fostering Physical Literacy, download booklet
- September 21, 2022: Exploring the Circle of Security - A Relationship Based Parenting Program, facilitated by Joanne Boyd, Parent Resource Centre, download resources
- October 25, 2022: 1Call1Click.ca – Simplifying the Journey for Youth and Families, to learn more visit 1Call1Click.ca
- November 30, 2022: Working with Challenging Behaviours: Supporting Front-Line Service Providers, facilitated by Natasha So, Supervisor at Crossroads Children's Mental Health Centre, download resources and slides
- February 28, 2023: Rewiring: From Reactivity to Responsivity, facilitated by Jessica Lemieux, RSW, Cultivation Therapy Services, download resources and slides
- April 18, 2023, Panel: Parenting Programs in Ottawa: Learn about opportunities for the families you work with! Learn about parenting programs in Ottawa, including SafeCare, Buns in the Oven, Circle of Security, EarlyON, and more. Panelists: Kim Vandermeer, Somerset West Community Health Center; Katherine Gummeson, Family Services Ottawa; Carolyne Normand, Bethany Hope Centre; Brooke Talisman, St. Mary's Home; and Marine Noel et Louise Albert, Grandir Ensemble. Download resources and slides
- May 16, 2023: Brain Story in Action, facilitated by Rachel Day, Bethany Hope Centre, download resources
- September 27, 2023: Promoting Secure attachment, facilitated by Carolyne Normand, Bethany Hope Centre, download resources
- October 25, 2023: Inclusion, facilitated by CISS staff, download resources
- November 15, 2023: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) from the Inside Out, facilitated by Glory Ressler, Canadian Mothercraft Society, download resources
- February 6, 2024: The Importance of Reciprocity in Communication and Development, facilitated by Cindy Harrison, ACT Learning, download resources
- March 5, 2024: Colour Blind? Why Being 'Not Racist' Is Not Enough Anymore, facilitated by Aubrey Noronha, Hello Hope, resources only available to participants
- April 16, 2024: Encourager un attachement sécurisant (Encouraging Secure Attachment), facilitated by Carolyne Normand, download resources
- May 1, 2024: Newcomer Mental Health, facilitated by Azaad Kassam, download resources
- Wednesday, September 18, 7 pm: Ask Masi
- Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Using Picture Books to Help Children Cope with Anxiety with Shoshana Magnet, PhD, download resources
- Wednesday, November 13, 2024: Supporting the Child-Parent Attachment Relationship in Contexts of Stress: Strategies for Early Years Staff with Nicole Racine, PhD, CPysch, download resources
- Wednesday, April 9, 2025: Why Outdoor Risky Play is Critical in the Early Years — Now More Than Ever, with Hebah Hussaina, MSc., Outside Play Lab, University of British Columbia, download resources
- Tuesday, June 17, 2025: Supporting Young Children Who Are Grieving, with Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice, download resources