Presentation Intro: We all want to support struggling kids, but making that happen in a coordinated way across environments can be complicated. Parents, teachers, and others may come to the situation with different perspectives, different levels of knowledge, and different priorities. Fostering communication and collaboration between the school and home is one of the best ways to support all young people, but particularly those facing the challenges of Learning Disabilities. In this workshop we will look at some of the best practices that can help to establish supportive relationships and a consistent response so that young people can thrive.
Presenter Bio: Dr. Karen MacMillan holds a PhD in Counselling Psychology, and in 2003 she became a Registered Psychologist in Alberta. Since 2015, Karen has been an Executive co-Director of Foothills Academy Society in Calgary, which offers both a specialized school for students with LD in grades 3-12, as well as an extensive range of programs and services to individuals with LD and/or ADHD in the broader community. She is also an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. Karen is a strong advocate for individuals with Learning Disabilities and ADHD from the perspectives of both a professional in the field, and a parent of two young adults with neurodiversity. For example, Dr. MacMillan, has sat on the Board of Directors for the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada (CADDAC) since 2014.