Parents as Literacy Supporters (PALS) Facilitators Training

This engaging, full-day training offers an opportunity to explore the newly revised PALS curriculum and resources – refreshed, pilot-tested, and ready to inspire meaningful learning with families across British Columbia. Designed to support PALS, ABPALS, and IPALS programming, the training provides a practical and reflective look at program structure, key themes, and updated materials that strengthen inclusive family literacy initiatives.

The training is designed to meet the needs of both new and experienced facilitators and will include:

• Hands-on, play-based learning activities
• Strategies for working with adult participants, newcomer families, and Indigenous communities
• Exploration of child development philosophies
• Guidance on cultural sensitivity and inclusive practice
• Embedding Indigenous ways of knowing and being

Participants will receive a certificate upon completion. Whether you’re new to PALS or an experienced facilitator, this is a great opportunity to explore the updated materials, gain new insights, and connect with others supporting family literacy across BC.

Presenter bios

Fiona Morrison co-developed the PALS program with Dr Jim Anderson, University of British Columbia in 1999 in the Langley School District. Fiona has more than 40 years of experience as an educator in a variety of roles. She has been a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, faculty associate and university instructor. She retired as Director of Family Literacy and Early Learning at Decoda Literacy Solutions in 2012. Fiona continues to be passionate about working with families and supporting young children’s literacy learning.

Gail Stromquist is a member of the Spuzzum First Nation nestled in the ancestral lands of the Nlaka’pamux. She is the Assistant Director for Aboriginal Education at the BC Teachers’ Federation. Before working at the BCTF, Gail taught for 20 years in the Langley School District. During that time, she facilitated many Aboriginal PALS programs, and she continues to collaborate to provide support to the PALS program. Her passion is educating hearts and minds, confronting Canada’s genocidal history while engaging with expressive art forms as a valuable path to healing.

Aliza Dhungana has led and supported the delivery of the PALS program and brings over 20 years of experience in program development, adult and family literacy, early learning, gender equality, and community development. She has worked with UNESCO and a range of national and international development agencies. Aliza brings a passion for joyful learning and supporting families as their children’s first teachers.

A Northern Indigenous Literacy Program’s Journey with Corrections

Room: Vice Regal

A powerful case study in bridging access gaps: Kenamatewin Native Learning Centre, a small, Northern Indigenous-led literacy centre in remote Kenora, Ontario, has led the way in correctional literacy for 10 years. This presentation explores their journey building a successful program that emphasizes cultural responsiveness and innovation. We will detail how they navigated challenges, developed effective curriculum and achieved a major milestone: becoming the first program to successfully implement educational tablets within an Ontario jail. Join us to gain practical insights and deep lessons learned in establishing and sustaining a high-impact corrections program.

Presenter bio

Linda Wright has been working in literacy for over 20 years. Her focus has been using technology to reach those who are underserved and provide opportunities to bridge the digital gap in remote places such as fly-in Northern communities or those facing incarceration.

Joining Linda is:

• Katherine Shine, Executive Director of Kenamatewin Native Learning Centre
• Tamara Wosner, Corrections Literacy Lead and Practitioner
• Nicci Johnston, Corrections Literacy Practitioner

AI-mazing Literacy!

Room: Plaza

Discover how AI can transform literacy learning in schools and beyond! This session explores Reading Coach & Progress, SchoolAI, Book Creator, Diffit, and Seesaw—tools that support reading fluency, personalized feedback and creative expression. Learn strategies to integrate these tools in classrooms and community programs to engage learners, streamline planning and enhance literacy outcomes for all ages.

Presenter bios

Nelly Fargeon is a Digital Learning Helping Teacher in Abbotsford, BC, with 10 years in upper elementary and in the library. She holds a Master’s in Leadership and Mentorship, where her capstone explored bridging AI and pedagogy. She is passionate about empowering educators and closing literacy gaps.

Sara Strocel is a middle school Helping Teacher in Abbotsford, BC, with 20 years of experience teaching Grades 6–8. She holds a Master’s in Education from Western Washington University. She is passionate about literacy, believing that “reading is a social act” and a key to building community.

Digital Navigation: Supporting Low-Level Language Learners in Building Essential Online Skills

Room: Salon C

In this session, we will dive into the digital tools, supports and training strategies we use at Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) to help learners with limited digital skills succeed online and beyond. We believe that if we want clients to truly thrive in their lives in Canada, we must equip them with the digital confidence they need for everyday tasks, not just remote learning. We will share the wins, the challenges and all the real-world lessons we have been learning along the way.

Presenter bios

Shayna Jepsen is the Lead Teacher and Language Program Coordinator for CBAL. She supports instructors across the region, develops digital navigation resources for newcomers and leads training on effective online teaching practices. With a background in TESOL and extensive experience teaching multi-level adult ESL, Shayna focuses on creating accessible, learner-centered online classrooms that help newcomers succeed.

Sara dos Santos is the Digital Navigator for CBAL’s LINC Online program. She supports learners in developing the digital skills needed for online learning, provides one-to-one tech assistance and creates clear “how-to” guides and videos for students and instructors. With a strong background in learner support and digital literacy, Sara plays a key role in helping newcomers confidently access and succeed in virtual classrooms.

Establishing and Reinforcing Access to Education for Provincial Corrections Clients and Connecting Them to Educational and Literacy Supports in the Community

The session will focus primarily on the K–12 school programs offered in provincial correctional centres in partnerships with local school districts and volunteer literacy agencies and the efforts made to connect corrections students to community-based programs. There will be a brief reference to vocational certification offered through local universities and other post-secondary opportunities. Content will also include information on employability and life skills programming available to people on remand and serving provincial sentences.

Presenter bio

As the Director of Programs of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Carrie McCulley is involved in many initiatives including leading the development of cognitive behavioral programs, contributing to the branch’s commitments to Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP), and acting as the liaison with the Ministry of Education and Child Care in support of education and literacy.

Answers May Vary: Providing Daily Opportunities for Inclusive Literacy Instruction with Authentic Materials

Room: Richmond

Have you ever wondered how to support adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities to:

• increase their confidence to engage with environmental print,
• strengthen their everyday reading and writing skills,
• incorporate skill-building activities into daily life

The Answers May Vary Guidebook was designed for practitioners and community support workers. This comprehensive resource focuses on how to incorporate literacy skills into the daily lives of adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities.

Join us to explore this animated resource that features inclusive, foundational literacy practices and approaches that can make literacy instruction meaningful, accessible and responsive to all learners’ diverse needs.

Presenter bios

Emily Robinson Leclair works for the Community Learning Network in Alberta and has a strong background in adult literacy and foundational learning. She loves a good resource and understands that people are key to making them great.

Berniece Gowan is the Professional Development/Literacy Specialist for Calgary Learns. She has been working in adult literacy for over 25 years as a practitioner, capacity builder and resource developer. She loves community-based work and is passionate about meaningful work.

Book Clubs for Non-Readers

Room: Bridgeport

We will tell you about our online book club for adults who struggle with reading. Unlike a traditional book club, ours operates as a guided reading circle and is based on the concept of an outreach book club. You will hear from the literacy outreach coordinator, the volunteer facilitator and one of the book club participants as we share our experiences and explain what an outreach book club is and how our book club works. Finally, we will give you tips and resources so you can create your own guided reading circle for your learners.

Presenter bios

Shanti Ang is the Executive Director/Literacy Outreach Coordinator for Surrey and White Rock. Shanti is passionate about literacy, learning and spreading kindness. She believes that every person has the power to make a positive difference in our world.

Marie Baird spent much of her teaching life internationally. She appreciates the common ground we find in reading, and the opportunities for new perspectives and shared experiences. Meeting online reduces barriers of transportation and time, ensuring that we maximize our hours spent together.

Meryl Wang is a participant in READ’s Book Club. She is from China and has been in Canada for 5 years. Meryl is a mother, a wife, a student and loves reading in both her languages.

Energizing Your Literacy Task Group: Gather, Grow and Get Things Done

Room: Cambie

In this hands-on workshop, participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, learn from one another and try out a variety of engaging activities and strategies designed to make Literacy Task Group meetings more meaningful, productive and fun!

This session will highlight the power of authentic conversation and collaboration, sharing activities that help connect communities and build trust. Participants will learn how to set clear, achievable goals that reflect the priorities of their communities and discover practical examples of what those goals might look like.

By the end of the session, participants will leave with fresh ideas, renewed energy and concrete tools to help their Task Groups plan effectively, strengthen partnerships, and celebrate progress.

Presenter bios

Chrisy Hill has been a Literacy Outreach Coordinator for over a decade for Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) in Elk Valley. She has facilitated numerous Literacy Task Group meetings and has a strong belief in the power of connection and fun. Chrisy strives to build close partnerships within her community to support learning for everyone.

Joan Exley has worked in literacy for 26 years and is the Literacy Outreach Coordinator for CBAL in Nelson. A lifelong educator, she believes in the transformative power of literacy and connection, fostering authentic conversations and partnerships that build inclusive, resilient communities.

AI in Literacy: A Learning Toolkit

Room: Salon C

The “AI in Literacy: A Learning Toolkit” workshop by Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy (MTML) is designed for adult literacy instructors, coordinators and staff at all levels. It introduces participants to a practical resource built to strengthen AI and digital literacy in adult education. Participants will explore its objectives: empowering instructors, enhancing continuous improvement, offering strategies for applying AI tools and promoting responsible, equitable use in literacy programs. The workshop emphasizes how the toolkit helps instructors and learners adapt to technological change, build skills, and foster inclusion and accessibility in classrooms.

Presenter bio

Ambreen Ahmad is Executive Director of MTML, supporting adult literacy in Toronto and York Region. With dual master’s degrees and diverse leadership roles, she co-founded StudyPages, a free tutoring platform. She was also recognized by ‘Women We Admire’ as one of the Top Women Leaders of Toronto for 2025.

Leaning into Literacy: Storytime Workshops for Early Childhood Educators

Room: Vice Regal

North Vancouver City Library staff have developed a program for early childhood educators (ECEs) in response to an increased demand for literacy-based programming and outreach from daycares. Supported by funds from the Raise-a-Reader grant, the workshops educate ECEs on the five principles of literacy: singing, talking, reading, writing and playing. Research shows that utilizing these principles in storytimes makes them engaging and accessible and is effective for helping young children develop literacy skills.

This session will share how the workshops were developed, how Indigenous ways of knowing were integrated into the curriculum, the challenges and successes of the program, and how attendees can develop their own “train the trainer” style literacy program.

Presenter bios

Nicole Johnston is the Indigenous Cultural Programmer at the North Vancouver City Library. She is a proud member of the Squamish Nation and shares her traditional knowledge in programs for all ages.

Jennifer Pride is a librarian in the Youth & Family Services department at the North Vancouver City Library where she works with children of all ages and their caregivers. In collaboration with colleagues, Jennifer has led the development of the Storytime Circle Program for ECE workers.

Nothing About Us Without Us: Learner Informed Content Development

Room: Cambie

This session explores how authentic learner  engagement can transform the development of digital literacy content. Drawing on a current project that involves running focus groups with federally incarcerated individuals, presenters will share strategies for ensuring that programs reflect the voices, experiences, and needs of marginalized adult learners. Session participants will gain practical insights into how to involve learners throughout the content development process and how to translate that input into accessible, learner-centred digital content. The session will also outline key steps for building digital literacy skills and creating content that bridges gaps in skills and knowledge. Participants will leave with tools and approaches to strengthen their own programs and initiatives.

Presenter bio

Richard Harvey is the Vice-President of Programs & Impact with United for Literacy (formerly Frontier College), Canada’s original Literacy organization.

Integrating Indigenous Languages into Literacy Programs

Room: Dinsmore

Bushkids received a grant from Hotıì ts’eeda which allowed them to invite several organizations in the community to learn Tlicho together on the land. College Nordique offers 12-week sessions in the Tlicho language, and so a group of ten people, including three staff from the NWT Literacy Council, came together a year and a half ago and are amid completing their second year of the program.

The session will discuss how gathering together to learn the language of the land that we live on has improved our programming, built stronger community connections and allowed us to uplift Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

In addition to this, we will share practical ideas for integrating Indigenous languages into Family Literacy programming.

Presenter bios

Rachel Vander Veen is a non-Indigenous on-the-Land educator and Family Literacy Senior Project Specialist, who resides in Yellowknife, but is originally from St. Catharines, Ontario. She works at both Bushkids and the NWT Literacy Council.

Daina Sanderson is a Family Literacy Project Specialist. Her family is originally from Łutselk’e, but she lived most of her life in Grand Prairie. She now resides in Yellowknife. She does not speak her family’s language but has been working to learn the language of the land that she now lives on.

Seeds of Connection: Bridging Literacy Gaps Through Art, Music and Family Storytelling

Room: Richmond

This interactive workshop explores how art, music and family storytelling can bridge literacy gaps in early childhood. Participants will learn simple, creative strategies that strengthen language, emotional expression and family engagement. Using my Joy Garden framework, I will share songs, hands-on activities, and culturally responsive storytelling practices that build literacy through connection and joy. Attendees will leave with adaptable templates and a mini “Joy Garden Literacy Kit” they can use immediately in classrooms, libraries and community programs. Perfect for educators and literacy practitioners seeking practical, inclusive ways to support young learners and their families.

Presenter bio

Early childhood educator, author, musician, artist and former BC Literacy Outreach Coordinator with 30+ years’ experience across Canada and the U.S., Mitra Dee Evans creates joyful, creative literacy resources that blend music, art and storytelling to help families and educators nurture lifelong readers.

Community-based Skills Programming

Room: Bridgeport

Since 2022, NWT Literacy Council has offered pre-employment training programs in NWT communities. Initially a short-term project, it has been expanded to support the needs of more learners. During the 5-week class, participants earn certificates such as First Aid and WHMIS, practice interview and resume writing skills and review career education pathways. A key component of the program is culturally-based activities, on the land programming and embedded opportunities for healing and confidence building. Participants also increase their Skills for Success through embedded learning activities. Following the class, participants complete a two-week work experience with a local employer.

This session will include a program overview, activity examples and discussion for ways to replicate the program.

Presenter bio

Katie Johnson has been working with the NWT Literacy Council since 2010, as Family Literacy Coordinator and then Youth and Adult Services Coordinator. Katie is now the NWTLC’s Program Director and oversees the financial management of this growing organization. She enjoys traveling to NWT communities.

Building Human Rights Literacy Through Dialogue: What the Research Tells Us, What Communities Need

Room: Salon C

Literacy practitioners play a vital role in shaping how people understand their rights, navigate systems and make sense of fairness and justice in their daily lives. Yet a new province-wide research study on human rights education in BC shows that many learners lack foundational rights knowledge — and that educators are increasingly tasked with teaching in politically polarized, emotionally complex contexts.

In this participatory three-hour session, we’ll explore the study’s key findings and connect them directly to the realities of literacy work. Participants will move through small-group breakouts, reflective exercises, and a facilitated dialogue designed to surface tensions, challenges, opportunities and promising practices. Together, we’ll consider how stories, critical thinking, self-advocacy and community-based learning all contribute to human rights literacy, and how literacy practitioners can play a powerful role in reducing confusion, strengthening confidence and supporting communities facing misinformation or discrimination.

This session is designed as a two-way learning space: you will gain new tools and insights from the research, while your experiences will help shape the next phase of human rights education planning in BC. All levels of familiarity with human rights are welcome.

Presenter bios

BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner is in Independent Office of the Legislature that exists to address the root causes of inequality, discrimination and injustice in B.C. by shifting laws, policies, practices and cultures. We do this work through education, research, advocacy, inquiry and monitoring.

Joel Harnest (he/him) is the Education Manager with BCOHRC. Joel is a settler with British and German ancestry, living on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, also known as Vancouver.

Barb Ryeburn (she/her) is an Education Advisor with BCOHRC. Barb is a settler on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, also known as Vancouver. 

Martha Solomon (she/her) is an Education Advisor at BCOHRC. She is a settler on the traditional, unceded lands of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc within Secwépemc’ulucw, also known as Kamloops.

Storytelling for Change: Sharing Learner Voices Through Video

Room: Dinsmore

Stories are powerful tools for advocacy, connection and leadership. This interactive three-hour workshop equips literacy practitioners and program leaders to capture and share learner impact through ethical, inclusive digital storytelling. Participants will explore storytelling frameworks that honour learner voice and diversity, learn how to plan and script a compelling impact story, and gain hands-on experience creating short videos using a video editing phone or desktop app and AI-assisted tools.

No prior editing experience is required. By the end of the session, participants will have a completed or draft learner-impact video and a repeatable process they can use to strengthen partnerships, demonstrate outcomes and bridge gaps between learners, funders and the broader community.

Presenter bios

Leanne Adegbonmire works with the Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association and is a PhD candidate in Languages & Literacy Education at the University of Toronto. She’s passionate about inclusive pedagogy, multilingual education and technology.

Ella Ruth Bilodeau is the Communications Specialist with Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association (ECALA). She completed her Diploma in Paralegal Studies at BVC, alongside classes in marketing, branding and social media. She is passionate about inclusive communication and marketing.

Introduction to Family Book Club and 3,2,1, FUN! – New Program Models from the Centre for Family Literacy

Room: Richmond

Discover two exciting new program models from the Centre for Family Literacy designed to bring families together through the joy of shared learning. Family Book Club engages adults and children in shared reading, discussion and hands-on activities that build literacy skills and strengthen family connections.

3,2,1, FUN! turns everyday moments into playful opportunities for early learning, supporting children’s language, numeracy and curiosity through engaging activities and experiences. In this session, participants will explore the core elements of both programs, experience sample activities and discuss how these models can be adapted to their own community settings. Come ready to read, play and imagine new ways to make literacy learning fun for the whole family!

Presenter bio

Kristin Dmytriw is the Director of Programs and Training at the Centre for Family Literacy, where she has been dedicated to advancing adult and family literacy for nine years. She is a passionate ‘practicer’ of strategies and approaches that create impactful and meaningful learning experiences.

Setting Healthy Boundaries while Connecting with Others: Support for the Practitioner

Room: Bridgeport

Literacy practitioners know how best to create healthy learning environments for adults who’ve had bad classroom experiences or who’ve survived trauma. Having created safe places for people, you can unwittingly become a “caring ear”. Kate outlines the importance of being clear about how you can and can’t help. Yet, many practitioners feel guilty or struggle setting these limits.

This workshop will explore these boundaries. Through simple activities, you’ll have the chance to experience the early signals of when a boundary needs to be set and ways to make it easier for you to set them. If you are a practitioner who enjoys new pedagogy, the somatic and mindful lens of this workshop is for you. (Disclaimer: no role plays here).

Presenter bio

Shayna Hornstein is an educator and therapist. She completed training for the treatment of trauma. She was a researcher on Violence and Learning and co-facilitated self-care workshops for literacy practitioners with Kate Nonesuch. She runs training for practitioners and has an atypical physiotherapy practice.

Digital Literacy at the Interface: A Forum for Digital Literacy Practitioners

Room: Vice Regal

We are bringing together people who work in the field of digital literacy—whether you offer formal digital literacy education, informal tech help or you support clients to navigate technology.  Come share ideas, best practices and resources, and explore the emerging trends and challenges through interactive discussions and activities.

The workshop will begin with a “world cafe” style discussion with participants moving between tables to discuss issues such as emerging digital literacy needs, online safety and identifying scams. After a break, we will reconvene for a presentation and discussion about the role of AI and algorithms in digital literacy.

Presenter bios

Dionne Pelan, Betsy Alkenbrack, Rajeeta Samala, Suzanne Smythe and An Xu are educators working in community programs in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and Burnaby. They have been providing digital literacy education, including tech cafes, in their neighbourhood programs for over a decade. They have been collaborating for at least ten years to support programming.

Gitxaala Nation – Family Food Planning and Financial Literacy Community Capacity Building

Room: Plaza

In collaboration with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy, the Gitxaala Nation’s Food Security Department recently delivered a two-day Family Food Planning and Financial Literacy workshop. This sessions were interactive and designed to spark ideas for collaboration, with the goal of creating a model that can be adapted and replicated in other communities.

The workshop aimed to highlight how integrating Skills for Success into everyday practices makes learning more relevant, practical, and engaging. Presenters also shared tools and resources, including information on funding sources and overall costs, to provide participants with a clear understanding of what it takes to deliver a similar event in a remote community.

Presenter bios

Francesca de Bastiani is a certified Skills for Success Practitioner and holds a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Diversity and Curriculum Development. She works closely with remote Indigenous communities in various departments.

Myrna Robinson has been working tirelessly for over 35 years in community gardening. For most of this time, she worked as a volunteer and recently secured a full-time paid position with the Nation as Garden Coordinator. She is a master gardener with training and many years of experience.

Jammi Kumar was hired by the Nation to establish a Food Security/Food Sovereignty Department and comes with a wealth of experience and education in food security.  He is a hands-on manager, responsible for capital projects and in just a few years has raised funding.

Bridging the Reading Gap through Word Exploration

Room: Cambie

Teaching reading can be challenging and many striving readers struggle to remain confident that they can learn to read proficiently. This session focuses on the why and how of vocabulary, spelling and morphology development and instruction to meet the needs of all learners. Participants will leave with a wide range of activities they can immediately implement in their practice.

Presenter bio

Heather Willms is a university instructor, presenter, author and literacy coach who supports educators in using evidence-based practises to support all learners. She has over 25 years of experience as a classroom, reading intervention and district lead teacher for literacy and English Language Learners.

Promoting Literacy in Youth Through Leadership and Volunteering

Room: Plaza

Opening Worlds to Literacy (OWL) is a youth-led program at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House that plans and hosts events to promote literacy to other youth within the community. In this session, youth volunteers from OWL share how inclusive literacy practices can be strengthened through youth leadership, community involvement and supportive environments.

Presenter bios

Kathy Do is a Youth Services Coordinator/Youth Settlement Counsellor at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House.

Cathy Zhou, Kaitlyn Poon, Michael Nguyen, Meghna Veeramani, and Gloria Lai are youth volunteers.