• Check-in (coffee/juice/tea avail)

  [Bring your coffee mug]

• Exhibitors open

• First Session:
  Main Stage (or outside weather permitting): Morning Breathwork & Movement (FRY Canada)
  [Bring Yoga Mat, water bottle]

Opening “Ceremonies” featuring:

– Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe

– Paul Burnett, Deputy Chief Community Policing Command
– Greg Furlong, Deputy Chief of Ottawa Paramedic Services
– Paul Hutt, Fire Chief of Ottawa Fire Services

MC – Hot 89.9

Caitlin Morrison, Matthew Perry Foundation 

Matthew’s Story

Matthew loved superheroes, especially Batman, because they stood for strength and resilience. But even the strongest heroes need help. First Responders are real-life superheroes, yet the ability to help others does not mean you do not need support yourself. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.

• Session 2 concurrent:

  Main Stage: Samantha Cooper, Ability Dogs Canada

  
  Understanding PTSD and the role Service Dogs take in our Community

  PTSD is an injury that can happen to anyone. We will talk about prevention and action plans to lesson the occurrence in the work place. Just like physical safety plans, PTSD needs a safety plan so we can reduce the number of injuries. Meet Samantha Cooper, founder of Ability Dogs Canada, and some of the ADC dogs and learn about how Service Dogs and Intervention Dogs can play a role in helping to manage and even sometimes prevent PTSD injuries in the workplace. Being aware of the risks and having a plan to help prevent PTSD is what our workshop is all about. Know when to reach out for help, know the symptoms, and learn how working K9’s can help.                                                          Meet some of ADC’s Intervention Dogs !

  —
  Classroom: Parul Shah, Embracing Empowerment Counselling Services

  Connection Through Conversations withFirst Responders and Their Families

  Empowering First responders and/or their family members to learn how we can come together as a collective that implements proactive guidance, tools  and support.

  Takeaways: 
  1. Building and rebuilding communication skills
  2. Stress management skills
  3. Coping strategies
  4. Strengthening community connections

• Session 2 concurrent:

  Main Stage: Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, ICU MD – The Ottawa Hospital, Preventing Health Issues

  
  How To Reduce Burnout
  
  Burnout among First Responders is a growing concern with serious personal and professional consequences. In this session, Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng presents an evidence-based framework to enhance resilience and well-being. Grounded in five key pillars – Purpose, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Stress Management, and Community – this talk provides practical strategies to improve mental and physical health, prevent burnout, and sustain long-term performance. Designed specifically for those on the front lines, this session empowers attendees to prioritize their own health while continuing to serve others effectively.
  

  —
  Classroom: Rachael Riethman, Registered Psychotherapist/Clinic Owner – Sandstone Psychotherapy and Counselling

  Invisible Wounds: The Silent Toll of Moral Injury on First Responders

  First Responders face intense, high-stakes situations every day—but some wounds aren’t visible. This engaging and informative talk explores moral injury, a hidden struggle that arises when actions or events violate deeply held values, leading to guilt, shame, and emotional distress. We’ll break down the differences between acute stress, chronic stress, PTSD, and moral injury, and provide practical strategies to prevent, recognize, and cope with moral injury. Join us to learn how to protect your mental well-being, support your peers, and navigate the weight of the job with resilience. 

• LUNCH (pre-ordered)

• Visit Exhibitors

• Session 3 concurrent:

  Main Stage: Julia Long, FRY Canada

  Tips and Tricks to Calm the Nervous System

  In this session we will look at the interplay of the Nervous System, Brainwaves, Breathing, Mindful Movement, Deep Tissue Stretching, Mindfulness Exercises, Positive Affirmations and even 5 minutes of a Meditation can “hack” the nervous and raise theBar of Resilience™

  —
  

  Classroom:  Anastasia Machan, Second Nature Family Health and Wellness Centre

  Supporting the Mental Health of FirstResponder Families: Understanding the Impact, Providing Support, and Fostering Healing

  This session will touch on: The Family Behind the First Responder, The Emotional Burden of First Responders, The Ripple Effect on Families, The Silent Struggles, The Importance of Family Support, Tools and Coping Strategies, Recognizing Signs of Strains, Seeking Help and List of Resource

SIGN UP ON-SITE FOR MINI-MASSAGES, compliments of Willis College Students

• Session 4 concurrent:

  Main Stage: Ed O’Meara, 10-33 Wellness

  
  There was hope and the pain did not overcome it

  This talk will be more of an inspirational story of someone who was knocked down several times, and with a lot of help from teammates, professionals and self-determination was able to make lemonade out of many lemons. He is in the final year of his M.A. degree in Counselling and Spiritual Care. Ed O’Meara would not be in a position to help fellow dispatchers today had he not lived through some very traumatic experiences. He brings his experience and his compassion to show fellow dispatchers that there is hope and light on the other side

  —

  Classroom: Sarah Bellefontaine, Four Wings Psychology
  
  Turning Off Work Mode: Practical CBT Tools to Move From Hypervigilance to Calm
  
  As a First Responder, you’re trained to stay alert, react quickly, and anticipate danger. But when your shift ends, does your brain struggle to switch off? Do you find yourself constantly scanning for threats, feeling on edge, or having trouble relaxing? Hypervigilance is an understandable response to a high-stress job, but it can take a toll on your mental health, relationships with others, and sleep. In this talk, you’ll learn how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you regain control. You’ll walk away with practical tools to calm your mind, reset after work, and build long-term resilience.

• Session 5 concurrent:

  Main Stage: Elke Harder, MULTI GEN Living by Design

   

  Living in a Multigenerational Home – A First Responder’s Advantage

  In this session, you will explore the benefits and challenges of living in a multigenerational home and how it can support your role as a First Responder. Learn how shared responsibilities, financial stability and emotional support can improve work-life balance, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Gain practical strategies to navigate family dynamics while maintaining personal strength. This session will help you leverage the strengths of a multigenerational household to better manage the demands of your career and personal life.

  —

  Classroom: Syd Gravel, Badge of Life
  
  Testimony After Trauma
  
  Navigating the Courtroom with Confidence In this talk, you’ll learn how to prepare for giving testimony after experiencing trauma. We’ll explore sanctuary trauma, when trusted systems fail to support you, and moral injury, the lasting impact of witnessing or being involved in events that conflict with your values. You’ll gain practical strategies to manage stress, maintain composure, and communicate effectively in court. This session is designed for first responders and others in high-stakes professions who may need to testify, helping you navigate the legal process with confidence while protecting your mental well-being.

• Session 6 concurrent:

  Main Stage: Martha Tobin, Declutter4Good
  
  

  How to hit your reset button by creating a less overwhelming and more calm space to come home to

  What if you could reduce your feelings of stress and overwhelm through Organizing & Decluttering of your home? By learning about the effective and maintainable 5 step process called ‘SPACE’. First Responders will have a clear and easy understanding about how to create an atmosphere that soothes, inspires and empowers them. First Responders lives are busy, hectic, and often involve crazy hours/shift work. Having a more calm environment to come home to so that they can recharge and refresh will be the focus and goal of this presentation.

  —

  Classroom: Michelle Massunken (Antwi) MSW, RSW / Tina Wilston, The Mind Spa

  
  Rewiring the Trauma Brain: How Neurofeedback Supports Healing

  Trauma shapes the brain, leaving lasting effects on emotional regulation, memory, and overall well-being. In this talk, we will explore how neurofeedback can help the brain heal. Learn how trauma disrupts neural pathways and how neurofeedback retrains the brain for resilience and recovery. This session will provide practical insights into the science behind neurofeedback and its role in trauma therapy, offering hope for those struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.

• Visit Exhibitors

• 50/50 Draw Winner Announcement

• Final Words

• Close