Home  > Learn > Events > SRSS > SRSS Program

The Neurobiological Roots of Morality
With Stuart Shanker, D.Phil | July 3 – 10:30am

Join Stuart Shanker for “Reframing Morality,” a captivating exploration of the roots of morality and its profound implications for our understanding of human behavior. Stuart challenges conventional wisdom by scrutinizing the behavior of mammals through a rigorous scientific lens, devoid of epistemic or moralistic terms. Delve into the fascinating realm of neuroscience as Stuart uncovers the neurobiological basis of empathy, sympathy, and prosocial behavior deeply embedded in the Gray Brain. Learn how ancient survival mechanisms shape our moral instincts and drive our responses to distress in others. Gain insights into the delicate balance of positive and negative sensations that underpin moral development and societal well-being. Discover the critical role of self-regulation in nurturing empathy and compassion, essential qualities for fostering a moral society. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of neuroscience, morality, and human nature, and its profound implications for our collective future.

The Self-Reg Path to Moral Wellbeing
With Stuart Shanker, D.Phil | July 4 – 10:30am

Join Stuart Shanker as he unveils “The Self-Reg Path to Moral Wellbeing,” exploring empathy’s roots and societal implications. Stuart challenges conventional notions of empathy, revealing its mechanistic underpinnings in our Gray Brain’s survival mechanisms. Through neuroscience and animal research, he illuminates empathy’s role in moral behavior, highlighting the importance of self-regulation in nurturing compassion. Explore a Self-Reg reframe on empathy and how to genuinely foster it which in turn shapes responses to distress, gaining insights into nurturing it in today’s disconnected world. This luminary addresses adult concerns about youth moral wellbeing, highlighting the balance between fear and care. Discover practical strategies for finding empathy, enhancing wellbeing, and moral flourishing. Experience hope as science and Self-Reg pave the path forward.

Resilience Uncovered: The Hope, The Hows
With Susan Hopkins, Ed.D | July 3 – 8:45am

Evolve your understanding of resilience with Susan Hopkins in this luminary talk as she challenges the conventional views of resilience. Contrary to common beliefs, resilience is not a fixed trait that one either possesses or lacks. Instead, it is a dynamic brain-body state in constant flux. Navigate the intricate realm of deep brain processes influencing resilience, often unbeknownst to us. With a deeper understanding, we can embrace and actively influence this state by prioritizing the factors that truly matter. Uncover the triad of factors—biological, social, and psychological—that shape well-being and resilience. Discover the transformative force of integrating Self-Reg into the equation, bridging the missing link. Join Susan Hopkins as she reshapes how we see resilience, providing a practical take on building resilience in ourselves and the next generation.

Reimagining Well-being: A Self-Reg Pathway to Flourishing
With Paula Jurczak, MSW | July 3 – 1:00pm

Health and well-being are fundamental to our human experience, guiding us towards a vital and enriched life. Well-being transcends individual happiness; it’s about fostering interconnected havens where safety, rootedness, balance, capability, and trust converge harmoniously. These havens of well-being are diverse, holistic, and empowered by collective knowledge and understanding, supporting individuals across all stages of life.

When we prioritize well-being, we become catalysts for positive change, fostering collective limbic regulation that uplifts everyone. Each interaction, no matter how small, contributes to the cultivation and sustenance of these havens of well-being. By embodying the five Look Fors of a Self-Reg Haven, we nurture resilient communities where well-being thrives for all.

Self-Reg: Anywhere, Anytime
With Kim Smith, MScEd | July 3 – 1:00pm

Self-Reg is for any school, any student and any staff.  We strive to make a safe, calm and inclusive school environment, including how to see the needs in a school from a Self-Reg perspective. What are the stressors and how can we reduce them?  Kim will explore professional learning with staff and incorporation of Self-Reg into classrooms. A favourite topic of Kim’s is how to work with challenging students even when you’re just getting to know them.

And How are the Adults Today?
With Cathy Lethbridge, B.Ed | July 3 – 1:00pm

The Masai tribe’s greeting “Casserian Engeri,” meaning “And how are the children?” reflects their belief that children’s well-being is crucial for a prosperous future. But what about the adults’ well-being? Stuart emphasizes that children’s well-being relies on the wellness of the significant adults in their lives. Cathy’s talk will highlight the practical use of Self-Reg for adult wellness, considering the post-pandemic world’s challenges. She’ll discuss the deep Interbrain connection between adults and children, redefine adult “misbehaviour” as stress behavior, and show how Step 5 of Self-Reg, “Restore,” benefits everyone’s wellness.

The Beginning of the Paradigm Revolution: Envisioning a Bully Free School
With Joel Gunzburg, LCSW-C | July 3 – 2:30pm

We’ll embark on a journey through over two decades in schools, delving into the profound impact bullying has had on individuals and their lives. Joel will reflect on the disheartening studies suggesting that bullying is worsening and question the efficacy of current systems in eradicating it. Amidst this bleak landscape, we’ll seek hope in reframing bullying as a stress behavior. This shift in perspective will kickstart a paradigm revolution. We’ll scrutinize the structures and frameworks needed to enact meaningful disruptions, addressing how bullying affects systems, social dynamics, and the emotional well-being of individuals and communities.

Cracking the Code: Implementing Self-Reg in Early Childhood Settings
With Crystal Carbino, RECE | July 3 – 2:30pm

Join Crystal Carbino, a dynamic early childhood educator, as she shares her journey of integrating Self-Reg principles into learning. This session isn’t just theory; it’s about real strategies that work. Discover how Self-Reg shapes pedagogy, transforms learning environments, and strengthens relationships with parents and caregivers. Crystal will also offer insights on working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure everyone’s on the same page. Let’s dive into Self-Reg in early childhood education, cut through the fluff, and learn how to nurture resilience, inclusion, and well-being in our young learners while rekindling the joy and fulfillment in our role as educators

Radiating Inclusion: A Journey with Self-Reg Across Lifespan
With Sonia Mastrangelo, PhD and Susan Hopkins, EdD | July 4 – 8:45am

Get ready to be captivated as Susan Hopkins and Sonia Mastrangelo delve into the dynamic world of inclusion through a Self-Reg lens, spanning early childhood education, K-12 schools, post-secondary education, and beyond. Grounded in the five practices and five domains of Self-Reg, they will uncover the secrets to cultivating environments where children, youth, and adults feel and experience the Five Look Fors in their relationships, environments, and lives. Through relatable anecdotes, video clips of student perspectives, an interactive Menti exercise, and insightful science, participants will discover how the Self-Reg framework not only nurtures resilience, well-being, and healthy development, but also ensures that individuals feel capable, rooted, safe, trusted, and balanced across all five domains.  Join Susan and Sonia as they shift us beyond traditional notions of inclusion (that focus only on equal access to opportunities and resources) toward embracing Self-Reg in all we do, say, and embody.

W.I.R.E.D. for Well-Being: A Conversation
With Jean Clinton, BMus MD FRCP(C) and Susan Hopkins, EdD | July 4 – 1:00pm

Join us for a captivating conversation between Susan Hopkins (EdD) and Dr. Jean Clinton, a distinguished clinical psychiatrist, as they delve into the WIRED for Wellbeing areas of Wellness, Inclusion, Resilience, Equity, and Development. This engaging dialogue marks the 10th annual summer symposium, with Dr. Jean’s participation spanning nearly every year of its existence. Focused on the holistic well-being of children, youth, parents, educators, and various professionals, this conversation promises to be both enlightening and empowering. Dr. Jean’s renowned belief, encapsulated in her acclaimed book “Love Builds Brains,” will serve as a guiding principle as they explore the profound impact of love and connection on brain development. Expect an abundance of insightful stories, moments of laughter, and deeply moving anecdotes as Susan and Dr. Jean share their expertise and experiences.

Identity and the Self: The Culture of Regulation
With Rodney Glasgow, Ed.D | July 5 – 8:45am

The upcoming luminary talk will focus on the dynamics of belonging in education. It aims to encourage a holistic perspective on this critical issue. The discussion will explore the creation of inclusive environments that foster belonging while addressing systemic challenges for fairness and justice. Additionally, it will highlight how inequity disrupts students’ self-regulation and hinder their engagement in educational opportunities. Emphasizing the need for cultural competence and continuous learning among educators, the talk will stress the importance of fostering a culture of openness and support. Overall, it promises to provide practical strategies for creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.

ASK WORKSHOPS

Self-Reg Toolkit: Your SRSS Journey Begins Here
With Susan Hopkins & Your Self-Reg Team | July 2 – 1:00pm

Step into the Self-Reg Toolkit Workshop, where the learning vibe is relaxed, engaging, and tailored to all levels of experience. Dive into a dynamic array of Self-Reg tools and techniques, with plenty of hands-on activities to choose from. Meet the TMC Self-Reg team through a variety of laid-back, interactive mini session options, where their stories and expertise bring Self-Reg principles to life. This isn’t your average workshop—it’s a practical, enjoyable kickoff to the 10th Annual Self-Reg Summer Symposium, designed for real-world application and genuine connection.

Children Who Are Really Struggling – Making a Difference
With Kim Smith and Sandy Haliburton | July 3 – 9:00am

Let’s acknowledge the truth: some children truly struggle, and as educators, we often find ourselves grappling with their challenges alongside them. Join seasoned school administrators Kim Smith and Sandy Haliburton in this Applied Self-Reg Knowledge workshop for a deep dive into real-life stories and an enlightening exploration of how Self-Reg has proven to be a game-changer. Delve into pivotal moments where Self-Reg made all the difference, and learn how you too can make a significant impact—for both yourself and the children and youth in your care. This hands-on workshop transcends mere theory, providing actionable tools to effect real change in the lives of your most challenging students. Join us as we unpack the transformative power of Self-Reg and discover how you too can be a difference maker.

Expanding Perspectives: Rethinking Child Development Beyond Checklists
With Melissa Pinnell, BEd | July 3 – 2:30pm

Step into a transformative session that reimagines child development beyond traditional checklists, guided by the principles of Self-Reg. Join Melissa as she explores how integrating the 5 practices and 5 domains of Self-Reg fosters a holistic understanding of children’s growth. Alongside others, discover the science-aligned and hopeful approach to embracing the complexity of each child’s journey, creating environments that nurture their well-being and potential.

Chaos to Calm: Practical Self-Reg Tools for Learning and Wellbeing
With Crystal Carbino, RECE | July 4 – 9:00am

Join Crystal, a seasoned Early Years Professional and Self-Reg Champion, for a hands-on workshop focused on practical strategies for integrating Self-Reg principles into your early learning context. In this interactive session, Crystal will share her wealth of real-world experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of adopting a Self-Reg first philosophy in early childhood education, especially when dealing with challenging behaviours. Participants will explore Crystal’s favourite Self-Reg tools and techniques, carefully selected to create calm, alert, and engaged learning environments for young children. Crystal will guide attendees in applying actionable strategies during the workshop that can in turn be implemented immediately, helping them overcome common obstacles and unlock the full potential of Self-Reg. Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to learn from a true expert and revitalize early childhood education with Crystal’s transformative insights!

ASK Network: Research Projects & Journal Launch
With Sonia Mastrangelo, Ph.D & Anne Showalter, Ph.D

If you are interested in learning more about A.S.K and how to become involved in research related to self-regulation, then this session is for you! We will be discussing the launch of the new Applied Self-Regulation Journal and two exciting projects that are underway.

A Mental Health Q & A from a Self-Reg Perspective
With Paula Jurczak, Ph.D | July 4 – 2:30pm

The number of children and youth struggling with mental health challenges continues to increase. We are seeing a sharp rise in microaggressions and the spread of hate. Traditional mental health approaches focus on deficits and ableism. Stigma develops when we view an emotional or mental problem as something that happens to others; stigma decreases when we appreciate that mental health challenges could happen to us or those we care for. Self-Reg looks at strengths, stressors and the neurobiology of brain and body. Send in your questions, bring your curiosity and let’s have an interactive conversation about mental health from a Self-Reg lens. (For information and educational purposes only).

Teaching Young People How to Surf the Waves of Life
With Joel Gunzburg, LCSW-C | July 4 – 2:30pm

Discover the transformative power of reframing resilience in both educational settings and everyday life. In this session, participants will explore how the human spirit’s flexibility and adaptability can be harnessed to navigate diverse environments and life situations. We’ll delve into the complexities of individual identity, environments, and schemas, recognizing that each equation is unique yet universally understood through the lens of Self-Reg. Attendees will walk away with three actionable strategies to implement in their practice or personal lives as advocates, parents, or stakeholders in youth wellness. Join us as we Reframe for hope, Recognize the equation, and Research your own path to Restoration.

Mentorship for Wellbeing: A Co-Regulating Strategy for Educators
With Teri Rubinoff, PhD, Noa Daniel, MEd & Christine Chin, BE | July 4 – 2:30pm

Ever thought of mentorship for co-regulation? At The Mentoree, we’re building a supportive mentorship community for educators, grounded in wellbeing, professional learning, and efficacy. We view wellbeing through a Self-Reg® lens because, as we explained in our chapter in the recently published book Mentoring for Wellbeing in Schools (2024), a Self-Reg® approach to mentorship means that Mentors are mindful of their own stress across domains and employ strategies to manage it. They recognize their Mentees’ arousal states and up-regulate or down-regulate as needed. Mentors and Mentees also build relationships that incorporate the five signs of a Self-Reg® haven. Join The Mentoree’s Lead Team for an interactive workshop about the positive impact a co-regulating mentorship relationship can have on your wellbeing. We believe in mentorship for educators throughout their careers and offer insights into developing a mentorship mindset. Discover how our approach extends beyond education as well.

ASK RESEARCH

W.I.R.E.D. to Teach
With Marie Edwards, PhD & Lynsey Taylor | July 4 – 9:00am

This presentation gives an insight into the journey of Acadia University’s pre-service teachers from January to May 2024, as they learned about and applied Self-Reg in their final practicum. Using SRSS’s acronym WIRED as a starting point for data analysis, lead researcher Dr Marie-Christina Edwards and research assistant Lynsey Taylor are excited to share initial findings. Wellness, inclusion, resilience, equity, development are all considered and a sense of hope and optimism emerges for our newly graduated teachers and their future students.

Procrastination Reframe: How a Self-Reg Lens ‘Cures’ Procrastination
With Brenda Smith, PhD | July 4 – 1:00pm

In this thought-provoking presentation, Dr. Brenda Smith (PhD) delves into the complexities of procrastination. Drawing from her extensive research with post-secondary students and insights from Robert Thayer’s Energy-Tension matrix, Brenda explores the diverse motivations behind procrastination. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of procrastination and its individual variations, along with practical strategies and real-life examples to navigate procrastination more effectively in their personal and professional lives. Join us to discover why Brenda sees Self-Reg as a “cure” for procrastination and gain valuable insights and tools from her expertise in the field.

Empowering Narratives: Mishkeegogamang First Nation’s Self-Reg Research Partnership
With Sonia Mastrangelo, Jessie Bottle, Meridith Lovell-Johnston & Gavin Shields | July 4 – 1:00pm

Dive into the empowering narratives of Mishkeegogamang First Nation’s partnership with Lakehead University in Self-Reg research. Discover how this collaboration honours community strengths and stories, shedding light on innovative approaches to wellbeing and resilience.

ASK PANELS

Early Years
With Crystal Carbino and Friends | July 2 – 2:30pm

Join Crystal and a panel of experienced Early Childhood Educators for an engaging conversation as they delve into their journey of Applied Self-Regulation over the past year. Through candid reflections and practical insights, they’ll explore the multifaceted dimensions of promoting wellness, fostering inclusion, building resilience, advancing equity, and supporting holistic development in young children. Gain valuable perspectives and strategies from this diverse group as they share their experiences and lessons learned in nurturing self-regulation in early childhood education settings.

Schools
With Susan Hopkins and Friends | July 2 – 2:30pm

Step into a lively exchange with Susan Hopkins and a diverse group of school leaders, educators and support staff, where real stories, practical strategies, and valuable lessons learned take center stage. Together, they’ll share their journeys of integrating Self-Reg into their classrooms and school communities. Get ready to hear about those lightbulb moments, the challenges faced, and the creative solutions found along the way. Whether you’re a principal, a teacher, or part of the support staff, this conversation offers a chance to connect with others who have been in your shoes and come out the other side with insights to share.

Join us for an open and down-to-earth discussion that’s all about learning from each other and finding ways to make Self-Reg work in our schools.

W.I.R.E.D. for Wellbeing
With Susan Hopkins and Friends | July 5 – 10:30am

Join Susan and a panel of attendees for their insights, and questions, as we join together to celebrate our learning – this year and over the last ten years.

BBQ Lunch and Q&A Wrap Up

With the TMC Team | July 5 – 11:45am

After a wonderful few days of living and learning Self-Reg, it is time to gather, unwind and say our goodbyes over a delicious BBQ Lunch.

Wellness Inclusion Resilience Equity Development

From Dr. Stuart Shanker: “The spiritual goal of Self-Reg is to enable every child, teen and adult to sense a higher truth. Something above and beyond social mores. To know the difference between good and evil. To feel the momentous weight of morality for the wellbeing of our own and future generations. To hear the cries of a child before they stop crying completely because no one ever came to their aid. To be bound to care for the wellbeing of every member of the community, including the stranger. To abhor the possibility that anyone should go hungry or homeless or friendless.”