WORKSHOPS and PRESENTERS
Workshop 1 1:00 PM – 1:40 PM
Empowered Parents, Confident Children
Parenting can bring wonderful moments of connection, along with times when parents and children feel stuck in a power struggle. In this workshop, we’ll chat about what can contribute to these difficult moments and explore a few simple ways to stay connected while maintaining healthy boundaries. Together, we’ll reflect on how parents can pause before responding, support confidence, responsibility, and resilience in their children, and reconnect after challenging interactions. This workshop is an opportunity to share ideas, reflect on what may work for your family, and take away a few practical strategies to try at home.
Behni Shalmani is a registered social worker and master’s student in Counselling Psychology, completing her practicum at Sea to Tree Health & Wellness. An artist at heart, Behni brings creativity, warmth, and playfulness to her work. She is passionate about helping parents recognize their strengths, empower their children, and create relationships in which young people feel heard and valued. At the heart of her approach is the belief that meaningful growth begins with connection: before we can guide or solve problems, we first need to sit together, listen, and truly see one another.
Workshop 2 1:45 PM – 2:25 PM
Positive Psychology and the Science of Happiness
Positive psychology is the scientific study of optimal human functioning. It aims to discover and promote the factors that allow individuals and communities to thrive.” This presentation will provide an introduction to positive psychology and why some people do well despite adverse life circumstances. The 12 happiness increasing activities will be reviewed as tangible tools to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Julie Watts, MSW RSW, 200 hr YTT
As a Registered Social Worker currently completing a Master of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, I bring over 20 years of experience supporting individuals across diverse areas of social services. My person-centred, trauma-informed approach integrates evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, Positive Psychology, and Solution-Focused Therapy, to foster resilience, well-being, and hope. Drawing on my training in mindfulness, the Science of Happiness, and yoga, I walk alongside individuals as they navigate life’s challenges, discover their strengths, and move toward meaningful growth and healing. I believe we all have the capacity to cultivate greater happiness and create positive change in our lives.
Workshop 3 2:30 PM – 3:10 PM
Movement and Mental Health
How Physical Health Affects Our Mental Health. Our bodies and minds are deeply connected. This approachable and practical talk explores how movement, sleep, stress, connection, and everyday physical habits can influence our mental health. Jennifer will share simple ways to bring more movement and body awareness into everyday life—not as another thing to “fit in,” but as a tool for feeling more grounded, energized, connected, and capable. Together, we'll explore the body–mind connection and how small, accessible changes can support our mental well-being, regardless of age, ability, fitness level, or experience.
Jennifer Sivertson is the founder of Always Active, a Sooke-based movement and wellness community focused on helping people feel stronger, more connected, and supported in everyday life. She is also a Youth Outreach and Navigator with the Sooke Family Resource Society, where she supports youth and families in connecting with resources, building relationships, and navigating challenges within their community.
As a movement and mindfulness instructor, community leader and mom of 3, Jennifer brings together her passion for physical health, mental well-being, connection, and accessible movement. Through movement and mindfulness, she creates opportunities for
Workshop 3
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Relationships: The Good, the Bad, and the Hilarious
Join Rod for an engaging and light-hearted look at relationships, where you might learn something about your partner, discover something about yourself, and perhaps even find out why being right isn’t always the same as being connected.
Rod Holt, CD, MACP, RCC, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who believes that healthy relationships aren’t about being perfect; they’re about learning to understand one another, communicating more effectively, and navigating life’s challenges together.
Drawing on his counselling experience and training in the Gottman Method, Rod takes a practical, down-to-earth approach to exploring what makes relationships work. With a focus on communication, emotional connection, managing conflict, and the small everyday moments that bring people closer together, Rod brings both professional insight and a healthy dose of humour to the conversation.
With more than 22 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces and experience supporting individuals, couples, and families, Rod understands that relationships can be both our greatest source of support and, occasionally, our greatest source of frustration.
COME MEET OUR LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
Foundry offers free and confidential mental health and wellness services for youth ages 12-24 in British Columbia and their families. Services include primary and sexual health care, counselling supports, substance use health care, peer support, and employment/education support. We will be opening in the West Shore in spring 2028.
Human-Nature Counselling Society (HNCS) is a registered Canadian charity based in Victoria, BC, dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of children, youth and families through accessible, Nature-based counselling and group programs. We provide trauma-informed therapeutic services in outdoor settings to reduce barriers to care and foster resilience, belonging and connection. HNCS prioritizes vulnerable and equity-deserving youth, including those facing financial hardship, social isolation, and systemic barriers to support. Through individual counselling, group programs and professional training, we work to expand access to timely, preventative mental health care while strengthening community capacity and long-term sustainability. For more information, visit
Family, friends or service providers can call on someone’s behalf.
LifeRing Canada Secular Recovery has been in Canada since 2005. It is a worldwide organization. It is a free, peer-led organization that offers an abstinence-based, nonreligious approach to overcoming alcohol and drug addiction. Through online and face to face meetings participants learn how to put together an abstinence-based recovery program that works for them! For more on LifeRing Canada please visit our website at: www.liferingcanada.org
Moms Stop The Harm (MSTH) is a national, family-led advocacy and support promoting compassionate, evidence‐based drug policies. They have developed a number of support groups and initiatives across the country designed to provide peer led support to families and advocacy for person first policies MSTH was started by three mothers in 2015 who lost their sons to overdose. There are now well over 5,000 members in the non profit organization.
Prism Wellness (AVI)
increases health equity by providing highly responsive, harm reduction-based HIV, hepatitis C, substance use, sexual health, mental health, and other community health services, and is informed by the voices of people with living experience.
Real Talk Workshops -- Workplace Burnout Prevention
Ashley is a practicing Probation Officer with a background in non-profit and government roles, I understand high-stress work environments from the front lines. I founded Real Talk Workshops to help organizations across Vancouver Island proactively prevent burnout. I deliver practical, affordable 1.5-hour workshops directly at your workplace, blending real-world experience with certified training in Trauma-Informed Practice, Mental Health First Aid, and Crisis Intervention. Participants walk away with actionable steps they can use right away, while your organization shows staff you are invested in their well-being—boosting both recruitment and retention.
SEAPARC provides recreational facilities, programs and activities for people living in Sooke, communities within the JDF Electoral Area (Otter Point, Shirley, Jordan River and East Sooke), and others from across the capital region.
Sea to Tree Foundation Our primary purpose is to increase access to high quality mental health and counseling services to individuals, couples, and families through subsidies for those living in the Sooke Region who are experiencing financial insecurity. We strive to offer these services with minimal wait times, in partnership with Sea to Tree Health & Wellness Ltd. 100% of the profit from our practicum
program to Sea to Tree Foundation.
Sooke Family Resource Society (SFRS) For more than four decades, SFRS has been a trusted source of South Island family support, helping individuals of all ages navigate challenges, build resilience, and feel connected within their community. What began as a small circle of parents seeking guidance has grown into a respected, inclusive organization dedicated to supporting the emotional, social, and practical needs of people from Port Renfrew to Greater Victoria. At Sooke Family Resource Society, we provide a trusted range of programs, from early childhood development and youth outreach to prenatal support and senior resources.
Sooke Region Communities Health Network (SRCHN) Our mission is to support healthy lives in healthy communities through innovative, collaborative development and improvements of services for everyone from Port Renfrew to Beecher Bay. We run community programs that promote aging in place, social connection, volunteerism and navigation of systems/Volunteer Income Tax Programs.
Sooke Shelter Society supports people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the Sooke region. Through supportive housing, seasonal shelter, outreach, case management, and community meal programs, we help people meet immediate needs and work toward greater stability. Our compassionate, trauma-informed approach includes connecting people with housing, health care,
mental health and substance use supports, in collaboration with community partners.
Sooke Transition House Society (STHS) provides shelter, support, counselling, and advocacy services for women, children, and families impacted by violence. Our programs support safety, emotional wellbeing, healing, and connection through trauma-informed and client-centred approaches. We are proud to work alongside community partners to promote healthy relationships, mental wellness, and stronger, safer communities throughout the Sooke region.
The South Island Division of Family Practice (SIDFP) is a community-based group of family physicians who work together to achieve shared healthcare goals and improve patient care. SIDFP collaborates at the community, regional, and provincial levels to strengthen the voice of family physicians and enhance their impact on healthcare delivery and policy.
