7th Annual Parent & Caregiver Conference

Join us at the Parent and Caregiver Conference for an inspiring and uplifting morning designed to bring parents and caregivers together in community and connection. This year, we are excited to welcome two incredible keynote speakers.

Brenda Agnew will share powerful insights on navigating complex systems through both her professional expertise and lived experience. Michael Jacques lives with a disability and has transformed challenge into purpose and shares his story to inspire acceptance, belonging, and true inclusion. Learn more about our keynote speakers below.

This event promises to be informative, empowering, and a great opportunity for meaningful connections and valuable support for parents and caregivers. 

Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Hosted at: Four Points by Sheraton St. Catharines

Keynote Speakers:

 

Michael Jacques
Diagnosed with autism and an intellectual disability at a young age, Michael has turned challenge into purpose. As an author and dynamic speaker, he shares his story to inspire acceptance, belonging, and true inclusion. With courage, wit, and heart, Michael empowers audiences to celebrate diversity and choose inclusion every day. 

 

Brenda Agnew
A dedicated advocate for education, system navigation, and disability rights, Brenda is inspired by her personal journey as the proud mother of two sons. Her younger son, Maclain, is a former 29-week Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome survivor who lives with quadriplegic dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy and profound hearing loss due to Kernicterus. She is a strong proponent of education advocacy, working to ensure that families have the tools, resources, and representation needed to navigate complex systems and access equitable opportunities. Drawing on both lived and professional experience, Brenda is committed to amplifying the voices of families in shaping inclusive policies, fostering accessibility, and driving meaningful engagement in decision-making processes.

Agenda:

9 a.m. Welcome
9:05 – 10:05 a.m. Keynote Michael Jacques
10:05 – 10:15 a.m. Q&A
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 – 11:50 a.m. Keynote Brenda Agnew
11:50 a.m. – 12 p.m. Closing  

Please note:

Registration of your child’s name on the registration form does not guarantee childcare. Space is limited and childcare is not confirmed until a staff member has personally contacted you. Please keep in mind that for some families, attendance depends on the availability of childcare.