over 60+ educators and experts in perinatal mental health
Our 2025 Speakers
Clinical Psychologist, PhD, Master of Public Health
(she/her)
Jessica Zucker
@ihadamiscarriage
(she/her)
Kate Borsato
@theperinatalcollective
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Founder Postpartum Stress Centre, Author
(She/Her)
Vanessa Marin
director, RSW, full spectrum doula, conference co-host
@postpartumstress
Melissa Medjuck
(she/her)
Founder + director, RCC, PMH-c,
conference co-host
@kateborsato
TO UPDATE
CEO and founder of Momwell, registered psychotherapist, Author
(She/Her)
Rita Girn
@Momwell
Sociologist, Consultant, Educator, & Founder of Remasculine
(he/him)
Dr Brendan Kwiatkowski-Hartman
www.remasculine.com
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Counselor, Adjunct Professor and Doula
(She/Her)
KerriAnne Sejour
@Therapyinmotionnyc
TO UPDATE
Registered Social Worker, PhD Candidate
(She/Her)
Olivia Scobie
@perinatalmentalhealthtrainings
Registered Psychotherapist
(she/her)
Alison Chisholm
@collectivus_psychotherapy
Registered Social Worker, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider, Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
(She/Her)
Amber Sperling
@amber.sperling.rsw
Psychotherapist, Occupational therapist, writer, educator
(She/Her)
Venus Mahmoodi
@highlysensitivefamily
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PsyD
(She/her)
Carissa Gustafson
@dr.nancygrechko
Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
(She/Her)
Kate Kincaid
@okatekincaid
TO UPDATE
TO UPDATE
Canadian Certified Counsellor
(she/her)
Autumn Fowler
www.autumnfowler.com
Clinical Psychologist, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider, Certified Lactation Educator Specialist
(She/they)
Suzanne Mungalez
@its.themamaspace
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD
(She/Her)
Dr. Danielle Alexander
@mamaslovetherapy
Master of Advanced Studies in Infant-Family Practice, Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator
(she/her)
Michelle Charriere
@babiesandbrains
CC-PMH Executive Director & Co-founder Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative
(She/Her)
Ebony Williams
@cpmhc
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Postpartum Doula
(She/Her)
Sam Welsh
@samwelsh.ca
TO UPDATE
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
(He/Him)
Justin Brass
www.vitalitycollective.ca
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, PMH-C, Yoga Teacher
(she/her)
Keisha Amanda Charnley
@nurtured.and.embodied.mama
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Supervisor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
(She/Her)
Kailynn Klepfer
@evolvetxtherapysvcs
TO UPDATE
Registered Provisional Psychologist, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
(she/her)
Melissa Kaur Hanson
@melissa.psychology
Registered Clinical Counsellors, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Providers, Co-Founders of Illuminate Counselling
(she/her)
Alexandra Stewart & Ruth Skutezky
@illuminate_counselling
Practice Owner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist
(She/Her)
Marissa Gray
@graytherapygroup
Licensed Clinical Social Work Therapist, Social work educator
(she/her)
Dr. Julie Franks
@nurturingthesisterhood
Registered Psychotherapist, Spiritual Director, Yoga Teacher
(She/Her)
Briar Culbert
@briar.culbert
Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Sex Therapist & Certified Sexologist
(She/Her)
Taylor McConnachie
@embodiedsexualwellness
Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider, Certified Compassionate Bereavement Care Provider, Certified Birth and Reproductive Trauma Therapist
(she/her)
Avril Ferguson
@perinatalparentinginstitute
(she/her)
Anita Gill
Canadian Certified Counsellor, Registered Clinical Counsellor
(She/Her)
Hilary Evans
@hilary.a.evans
Registered Pharmacist, Reproductive & Fertility Care Specialty Pharmacist
@HerWellnessRx
Registered Psychologist, Co-Founder of Matrescence New Zealand, Perinatal Training and Supervision Specialist
(she/Her)
Christina Bond
@matrescencenz
(she/her)
Jeevan Atwal
Coach, Author, Doula
(She/Her)
Jessie Harrold
@jessie.es.harrold
Canadian Certified Counsellor, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
@jeevanatwalcounselling
Doctor of Psychology, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice Founder
(she/her)
Bridget Jones
@drbridgetjones
(She/Her)
Mila Arsenijevic
Registered Social Worker
(She/Her)
Kaitlin Wolfe
@Kaitlinwolfecounselling
Registered Social Worker, Founder and Clinic Director of Toronto Therapy Practice
@torontotherapypractice
Registered Social Worker, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
(she/her)
Stephanie Borgen
@pillarperinatal
Licensed Professional Counselor, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Co-Founder of Nurture19
(She/Her)
Erica Rose Cummings
@nurture_19_
Registered Clinical Counsellor
(She/Her)
Martina Nova
@novacaretherapy
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
(she/her)
Gabriella Bores
@momsmindmatters
Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Co-Creators of @yourhumantherapists, Co-Founders of Peace Project Mental Health Counseling
(she/her)
Casandra Musumeci
@yourhumantherapists
Registered Nurse, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider, Founder of HER: the motherhood shift
(She/Her)
Kristina Soetaert
@thehershift
Andrea Rockefeller
(she/her)
Ontario Certified Teacher, Patient and Community Engagement Researcher, Co-Founders of Hyperemesis Gravidarum Canada
(she/her)
Julia Russell
Maria Castrellon
(she/her)
registration options
the perinatal mental health conference 2024
conference kick off
Kate Borsato is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and founder of The Perinatal Collective. Melissa Medjuck is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Certified Doula (DONA). Both hold master's degrees in their fields and specialize in perinatal mental health. They provide individual counseling, create educational resources for perinatal professionals, and share free resources online. Their vision is to build an accessible, honest mental health hub for parents and professionals in the perinatal space.
Founder, RCC, PMH-C, conference co-host
Kate Borsato
(She/her)
Melissa Medjuck
(She/her)
RSW, MSW, CD(DONA), conference co-host
registration options
What We Don’t Say Hurts Us: Shame, Stigma, and Silence in Perinatal Mental Health
live presentation
Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive health and the author of the award-winning books NORMALIZE IT: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives and I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement. Jessica is the creator of the viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Vogue, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She’s an advisor for the tech company Empathy and has been featured on NPR, CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America. Jessica earned advanced degrees from New York University and Harvard University.
Clinical Psychologist, PhD, Master of Public Health
Jessica Zucker
(She/her)
registration options
What We Don’t Say Hurts Us: Shame, Stigma, and Silence in Perinatal Mental Health
live presentation
Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive health and the author of the award-winning books NORMALIZE IT: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives and I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement. Jessica is the creator of the viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Vogue, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She’s an advisor for the tech company Empathy and has been featured on NPR, CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America. Jessica earned advanced degrees from New York University and Harvard University.
Clinical Psychologist, PhD, Master of Public Health
Jessica Zucker
(She/her)
registration options
What’s Going On for Dad? Understanding the Shifting Emotional and Masculine Landscape of Modern Fatherhood, And How Providers Can Help
seminar
Dr. Brendan K. Hartman is a Sociologist and Consultant specializing in the social-emotional development and well-being of boys and men, and how this connects to the well-being of all genders. He is the Founder of Remasculine and works with schools, organizations, and families across North America, equipping educators, parents, and leaders to more effectively support boys and young men while navigating gender-related challenges with confidence and care.
Sociologist, Consultant, Educator, and Founder of Remasculine
Dr Brendan Kwiatkowski-Hartman
(He/Him)
registration options
Preventing PMADS: A Values and Relationship Framework
seminar
Amber Sperling is a registered social worker and psychotherapist in Barrie, Ontario, specializing in perinatal mental health, trauma, anxiety, and grief. With over 15 years of experience, she provides individual, couples, and group therapy, focusing on new parents and women professionals. Amber holds degrees in Psychology, Criminology, and a Master of Social Work, and is certified in EMDR and REBT. She offers virtual therapy across Ontario. Outside of work, Amber enjoys time on her farm with her family and is involved in perinatal mental health initiatives.
Registered Social Worker, PMH-C
Amber Sperling
(She/her)
Mini Session
Using EMDR For The Perinatal Population
registration options
Moving Beyond Survival: Centering the Mental Health for Black Birthing Mamas in Clinical Practice
seminar
KerriAnne Sejour is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Perinatal Mental Health Counselor, Doula, Adjunct Professor, and Maternal Health Consultant dedicated to supporting Black women in cultivating identity, self-esteem, and self-confidence. She specializes in guiding new and expecting Black mothers through life’s transitions, offering compassionate care for mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and postpartum adjustment.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Counselor, Adjunct Professor and Doula
KerriAnne Sejour
(She/her)
registration options
olding the Story: Tools to Support Clients in Processing Their Birth Experience
workshop
Missing Bio.
Registered Psychotherapist
Alison Chisholm
(She/her)
registration options
Queering Reproductive Trauma: What We Know, Who Gets Seen, and What Comes Next
workshop
Olivia Scobie is a Registered Social Worker in Ontario specializing in perinatal mood, reproductive trauma, and parental mental health. While she has a subspecialty in provider burnout, her work spans multiple areas. Olivia is the Co-Founder of Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings, maintains a private practice where she offers therapy and clinical supervision, and is currently completing her PhD in Health Policy and Equity. Her research focuses on the reproductive trauma experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ birthers. Above all, Olivia believes in telling your story, eating dessert every day, and ensuring barrier-free access to mental health support.
Registered Social Worker, PhD Candidate
Olivia Scobie
(She/her)
registration options
Trauma Bombing or Storytelling? Holding Safer Space in the Era of Oversharing
WORKSHOP
Amber Sperling is a trauma therapist certified by the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association, a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider, and the Director of a thriving group practice in Ontario. As Co-Chair of her regional Perinatal Mental Health Task Force, she blends clinical care with systems advocacy to improve emotional safety and access to support for mothers navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Registered Social Worker, CPMH Provider, Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Amber Sperling
(She/her)
registration options
The Art of Holding Perinatal Women in Distress Model of Intervention
Interview
Karen Kleiman is a renowned maternal mental-health expert with over 38 years of experience. An advocate and author, she has written influential books like The Art of Holding in Therapy and Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts. In 1988, she founded The Postpartum Stress Center, and in 2022, The Karen Kleiman Training Center, LLC, focusing on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Her Art of Holding Perinatal Women in Distress™ model shapes advanced clinical training.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Founder Postpartum Stress Centre, Author
Karen Kleiman
(She/her)
registration options
Confronting White Supremacy Culture in Perinatal Mental Health Care
live workshop
Gabrielle Griffith is a dedicated leader in perinatal research, education, and advocacy. As co-founder of the Ontario Black Doula Society (OBDS), they focus on supporting Black doulas and families. With a background as a Full Spectrum Doula and a graduate student at McMaster University, Gabrielle leads initiatives on trauma-informed care and cannabis use during pregnancy. A Black, Queer, and Disabled parent, they champion equity, diversity, and inclusive care practices, working to improve healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities.
Perinatal Advocate, Doula, Educator, Speaker
Gabrielle Griffith
(they/them, she/her)
registration options
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and EMDR for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Workshop
Kate Kincaid is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Executive Business Coach with group private practices in Arizona and Utah. She is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), trained in MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy, and utilizes Ketamine-Assisted Therapy in her clinical work. Kate also trains other clinicians in these modalities. She is passionate about perinatal mental health and advocates for innovative psychiatric treatments for PMDD and postpartum depression. Kate is the Co-Creator of Southwest Love Fest and an author of Polyamory Journal: A Relationship Book and a contributing author to Queering Psychedelics.
Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
Kate Kincaid
(She/Her)
registration options
Therapy Is Political: Providing Perinatal Psychotherapy in an Uncertain World
WORKSHOP
Dr. Suzanne Mungalez is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider, Childbirth Educator, Lactation Education Specialist, and Trained Doula. As a Black, Congolese-American, queer mother, her identity deeply informs her work. She is tender with people, tough on systems, and committed to collective liberation. Dr. Suzanne specializes in supporting new and soon-to-be parents in birthing and raising babies in unprecedented times.
Clinical Psychologist, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider, Certified Lactation Educator Specialist
Suzanne Mungalez
(She/They)
registration options
Relationship Strain is a Health Issue: What Perinatal Professionals Can Do Without Doing Couples Therapy
workshop
Autumn Fowler is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and relationship expert who helps couples navigate the challenges of parenthood. Having experienced firsthand how demanding the transition to parenthood can be on a relationship, she has made it her mission to create accessible resources that strengthen connection during the perinatal period. Autumn offers individual and couples therapy, couples retreats, and online education programs designed to reduce conflict, balance the mental load, and enhance relational well-being. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, practicing yoga, exploring the Salish Sea with her family, and playing Cribbage with her husband.
Canadian Certified Counsellor + Relationship Therapist
Autumn Fowler
(She/her)
registration options
Unseen No More: Doula Support for Black Mothers
Live workshop
Dr. Dani is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and Colorado, specializing in maternal mental health. With over five years of experience, she supports mothers navigating the emotional challenges of early motherhood. Drawing on her background in juvenile justice, school-based services, and crisis intervention, she provides compassionate, culturally attuned care. Dr. Dani is deeply committed to helping mothers care for their mental health while balancing the complex demands of parenting.
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD
Dr. Danielle Alexander
(She/her)
registration options
Obstetric Violence and Its Impact on Postpartum Intimacy
Seminar
Ashley Mariani, known as "The Rogue Therapist," is a registered social worker and founder of Mind Online, a therapy clinic offering holistic mental health support in Ontario, Canada. Specializing in sex, intimacy, childbirth, and postpartum relationships, Ashley empowers couples through these transitions. As an advocate against obstetric violence, she promotes autonomy in the birthing space. Ashley also pioneered a certification course for new fathers, equipping them to advocate and support during childbirth.
Registered Social Worker + Relationship Therapist
Ashley Mariani
(She/her)
registration options
The Importance of Attachment: How Early Relationships Shape the Developing Brain
Seminar
Michelle Charriere holds a Master of Advanced Studies in Infant-Family Practice and is a trained facilitator in Circle of Security Parenting. She is an Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist and a proud mother to a three-year-old, with another baby on the way. After more than a decade of supporting families in her community, Michelle founded Babies and Brains to deepen her mission of promoting mental health during the critical birth-to-five window. Through accessible educational resources and content, she equips families with the tools and knowledge to foster secure attachment, emotional connection, and lasting resilience.
Master of Advanced Studies in Infant-Family Practice, Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator
Michelle Charriere
(she/Her)
registration options
Couples'-Adjacent Therapy: Strategies for Addressing Relational Dynamics while Working Individually with Perinatal Clients
seminar
Sam is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with The Perinatal Collective, specializing in couples therapy from conception through the postpartum period. With a focus on attachment, communication, and relationship dynamics, she supports partners as they navigate the chaos, intensity, and connection of early parenthood. As a parent of two boys, Sam brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to her work, helping couples stay connected and feel seen during this transformative season.
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Postpartum Doula
Sam Welsh
(She/Her)
registration options
How the brain changes with parenting
Interview
Dr. Jodi Pawluski, PhD, is a Neuroscientist, Therapist, and Author specializing in the neuroscience of motherhood and perinatal mental illness. Her research has been featured in top journals like JAMA Neurology and Nature Mental Health, as well as major media outlets including The New York Times and CNN. Jodi speaks globally about her findings and the impact of parenting on the brain. She is also dedicated to counseling, mentoring, and advocating for perinatal mental health improvements.
Neuroscientist, Therapist, Author
Keisha Amanda Charnley
(She/her)
registration options
Building Families Through Surrogacy: Gay Men’s Mental Health and Parenting in the Perinatal Stage
Seminar
Justin Brass is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a sex and couples therapist based in Vancouver. His research and clinical work focus on LGBTQ+ mental health, perinatal well-being, and queer family-building through surrogacy. Justin brings a trauma-informed lens to supporting diverse families across the lifespan, with a focus on identity, intimacy, and the transition to parenthood.
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Justin Brass
(He/Him)
registration options
From Guilt to Grace: Supporting Moms in the Journey from Shame to Strength
Seminar
Kailynn Klepfer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker–Supervisor and trauma-informed therapist based in Houston, Texas. With over a decade of clinical experience, she owns a virtual private practice supporting mothers across the state. Kailynn is passionate about helping new moms navigate identity shifts, reduce guilt and shame, and find grounding in their daily lives. Outside of her work, she enjoys staying active with her lively preschooler, spending time with family and friends, and embracing the joys of motherhood.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Supervisor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Kailynn Klepfer
(She/Her)
registration options
“Do I Really Want Another?” Helping Clients Navigate Ambivalence & Uncertainty in Family Planning
Live workshop
Alexandra Stewart and Ruth Skutezky are Registered Clinical Counsellors and Co-Founders of Illuminate Counselling in North Vancouver, specializing in perinatal mental health and relationship support. With a foundation of clinical expertise and personal experiences navigating fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, and motherhood, they bring both depth and empathy to their work. Their approach is rooted in a shared commitment to helping parents feel seen, supported, and empowered as they move through the emotional terrain of building and raising a family.
Registered Clinical Counsellors, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Providers, Co-Founders of Illuminate Counselling
Alexandra Stewart & Ruth Skutezky
(She/Her)
registration options
Breaking the Silence: South Asian Women’s Voices in Perinatal Care
seminar
Melissa Hanson is a Registered Provisional Psychologist in Alberta, providing care at Beaumont Wellness Centre in Beaumont and Century Park Pain & Health Clinic in Edmonton. Informed by her Punjabi heritage, motherhood, and lived experience, Melissa is passionate about perinatal mental health and is dedicated to supporting BIPOC individuals, particularly South Asian women, through compassionate, client-centred care.
Registered Provisional Psychologist, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
Melissa Kaur Hanson
(She/her)
registration options
The Motherhood Identity: Using Narrative Therapy to Support New Moms
mini session
Marissa Gray is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting women, children, and families through transitions, overwhelm, and identity shifts. She founded Gray Therapy Group to address the specific needs of women’s mental health through individual psychotherapy and group-based workshops. Marissa specializes in anxiety, motherhood, relationships, and the mental load, offering compassionate, evidence-informed care tailored to each stage of the parenting journey.
Practice Owner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist
Marissa Gray
(She/Her)
registration options
Co-Creation of a Document: The Grounding Power of Writing in Perinatal Sessions
Live Workshop
Briar Culbert is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, specializing in spiritual psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, and integrative mind-body approaches. She honours each individual’s unique relationship with spirituality and brings a holistic lens to both her client and supervisory work. A mother of two, partner, and nature lover, Briar draws on her background in movement, nutrition, biochemistry, and ceremony to support healing and connection across the perinatal journey.
Registered Psychotherapist, Spiritual Director, Yoga Teacher
Briar Culbert
(She/her)
registration options
Sexual Wellness Throughout Parenthood and Beyond
interview
Taylor McConnachie is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Sex Therapist through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), based in Simcoe, Ontario. She is the Founder and Owner of Embodied Sexual Wellness and Psychotherapy, where she and her team provide holistic, trauma-informed sex therapy and sexual wellness support. Taylor is deeply committed to helping individuals transform and redefine their relationships with sex and sexuality. Her work centers on guiding clients to reconnect with their bodies and rediscover their sexual and sensual selves. Driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to safe, inclusive spaces for sexual healing and education, Taylor founded Embodied Sexual Wellness and Psychotherapy to address the significant gaps in sexual wellness services. She is passionate about fostering a nurturing environment where conversations about sexual wellness are welcomed rather than stigmatized.
Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Sex Therapist through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists, Certified Sexologist
Taylor McConnachie
(She/Her)
registration options
Before the Bump: Supporting Fertility Struggles in Perinatal Mental Health Work
SEMINAR
Anita Gill is a Pharmacist Clinician with a passion for fertility, hormone health, and whole-person wellness. With a background in both sociology and pharmacy, she brings a unique lens to her work, blending clinical expertise with an understanding of the systemic barriers that impact health and access to care. At My Fertility Labs, Anita provides compassionate, evidence-based support, empowering individuals throughout their reproductive journeys. Outside of work, she enjoys strength training, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her husband, toddler, and dog.
Registered Pharmacist, Reproductive & Fertility Care Specialty Pharmacist
Anita Gill
(She/her)
registration options
Perinatal Mental Health at the Margins: Northern, Rural, and Remote Realities
SEMINAR
Avril Ferguson is a Registered Psychotherapist and the Founder of a private practice specializing in perinatal mental health. She holds certifications in Perinatal Mental Health, Grief and Loss, and Birth and Reproductive Trauma. Deeply committed to improving access to care across Ontario, Avril leads Norfolk County Counselling & Psychotherapy, a rural in-person clinic in southwestern Ontario, and Northwell Counselling, a virtual clinic serving northern and remote communities. She is also the Founder of the Norfolk Perinatal & Parenting Institute, which offers clinical services, education, and professional training in perinatal mental health. In partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University, Avril develops and facilitates continuing education programs to expand practitioner knowledge and improve care for families. Across all her work, she advocates for stronger perinatal support systems and provides compassionate, specialized care to individuals and families in underserved regions.
Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider, Certified Compassionate Bereavement Care Provider, Certified Birth and Reproductive Trauma Therapist
Avril Ferguson
(She/Her)
registration options
Running on Empty: Burnout in Parents of Kids with Complex Needs
seminar
Hilary Evans is a Clinical Counsellor and mother who supports families in navigating emotional health with warmth, humour, and evidence-based care. She collaborates closely with pediatricians in her work with children and provides compassionate support to parents facing anxiety, burnout, and complex child health needs. Hilary is known for making hard topics feel relatable and hopeful, whether in therapy sessions, speaking engagements, or through her engaging presence on social media.
Canadian Certified Counsellor, Registered Clinical Counsellor
Hilary Evans
(She/her)
registration options
Men's Mental Health in Practice: Connecting With The Disconnected
Seminar
John Shearer is a Registered Social Worker and the Founder of Kickstart Men’s Therapy, a practice dedicated to men’s mental health. Inspired by his own journey into fatherhood and the lack of meaningful support available to men, John has built a career focused on helping fathers feel seen, supported, and connected. He is the creator of Essentials for the Modern Dad, a course designed for new and expectant fathers to foster confidence, emotional resilience, and deeper connection. John brings a relational, down-to-earth approach to bridging socialized masculinity with emotional presence throughout the perinatal journey.
Registered Social Worker
John Shearer
(He/Him)
registration options
Advocating For Change: Building A Movement For Perinatal Mental Health In Canada
Interview
Patricia Tomasi is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative, a non-profit improving perinatal mental health care in Canada. She launched Flora's Walk, Canada’s largest perinatal mental health event, held annually in May. A mother of two, Patricia experienced postpartum psychosis and advocates for better care through the CPMHC. She also runs the Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Support Group on Facebook and edited You Are Not Alone, a perinatal mental health anthology. Previously, she worked as a communications specialist and journalist.
CC-PMH Executive Director & Co-founder Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative
Stacy McCann
(She/Her)
registration options
Weaving personal and professional threads: parenting a neurodivergent child and navigating mental load, challenges and considerations for supporting these families
Mini session
Jaclyn has held various social work roles in Alberta and BC, including family crisis support, after-school programs, immigrant settlement, and mental health services within Fraser Health. Married for 11 years, she is a mother of three boys, with her eldest diagnosed with global developmental delay and autism. Recently, Jaclyn and her family relocated from BC's Fraser Valley to Saskatoon, SK, where she now works as a freelance grant writer.
Social worker, freelance grant writer
Lisa Greenstein
(She/Her)
registration options
Seeing the Need: Supporting Postpartum Individuals Without Being Asked
SEMINAR
Jeevan Atwal is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider. She offers individual and couples counselling, as well as workshops focused on supporting parents through the perinatal period. Jeevan’s passion for this work was sparked by her own experience after the birth of her first child, when she saw firsthand how often mental health is overlooked during conception, pregnancy, and postpartum. She is dedicated to providing holistic perinatal mental health care and educating communities to better support parents with empathy, knowledge, and intention.
Canadian Certified Counsellor, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
Jeevan Atwal
(She/Her)
registration options
Integrating Matrescence: Setting a New Standard in Maternal Care
seminar
Christina Bond is a Registered Psychologist in New Zealand, mother of two, and Co-Founder of Matrescence NZ. With over a decade of clinical experience and specialized training, she focuses on supervision and professional development for practitioners seeking to confidently integrate the concept of matrescence into their work, ultimately improving outcomes for mothers. Driven by a passion to ensure mothers are truly seen, heard, and supported, Christina also develops resources to guide women through the profound transition into motherhood.
Registered Psychologist, Co-Founder of Matrescence New Zealand, Perinatal Training and Supervision Specialist
Christina Bond
(she/her)
registration options
A Map of Matrescence: How Perinatal Professionals’ Understanding of the Transition to Motherhood Can Be Protective of Mothers’ Mental HealthWhat Providers Need To Know About Supporting Sensitively Wired Families In The Perinatal Period
SEMINAR
Natalie Brunswick is a psychotherapist, occupational therapist, writer, educator and fierce mental health advocate who believes strongly in the need for a nervous-system, trauma-informed & neurodiversity affirming approach to mental health & parenting. She shares her writing online and offers courses and workshops for parents who are ready to unpack the stories they've been telling themselves about who they are, who their kids are, and how they all "should" be showing up in the world.
Coach, Author, Doula
Jessie Harrold
(She/Her)
registration options
When We Hold the Parent, We Hold the Child: How Supporting Caregivers Mental Health Supports Secure Attachment in Infants
seminar
Jessica is a counsellor, co-founder of Repose Wellness Collective, and a mother of twin boys. Her clinical work focuses on supporting children, parents, and families, particularly those impacted by relational harm or developmental trauma. Jessica's passion for working with the perinatal period is rooted in her own journey toward motherhood.
Canadian Certified Counsellor, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
Jessica Cowan Royle
(She/Her)
registration options
Eating Disorders and the Perinatal Period: Considerations for Care
seminar
Courtney Sedlak is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who specializes in supporting individuals with eating disorders and disordered eating. Since the birth of her son four years ago, she has expanded her practice to include perinatal mental health, with a particular focus on clients navigating the intersection of eating disorders and perinatal anxiety. Drawing from her own lived experience with both an eating disorder and postpartum anxiety, Courtney helps clients feel seen and understood while offering practical, evidence-based care.
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Courtney Sedlak
(she/her)
registration options
The Metamorphic Flow of Motherhood: Exploring Cycles of Change including Matrescence and Perimenopause
SEMINAR
Vania Sukola is a feminist psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, breathwork coach, circle facilitator, and ceremonialist based in Toronto/Tkaronto. With 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and groups, she now centers her work around feminism, pleasure alchemy, somatic nervous system resourcing, and nature-based spirituality. Vania specializes in relational trauma, rites of passage, relationship intimacy, and the transition to parenthood, offering a deeply embodied and holistic approach to healing and growth.
Registered Psychotherapist
Vania Sukola
(She/Her)
MINI SESSION
Bringing in Everyday Rituals to Embrace Parenthood
registration options
What If Pregnancy Isn’t Safe? Mental Health, Trauma, and Ethics in the Family-Building Journey
MINI SESSION
Mila Arsenijevic is a Registered Social Worker and the Founder of Toronto Therapy Practice. With nearly 20 years of experience, she specializes in reproductive mental health, supporting individuals and couples through fertility challenges, pregnancy, postpartum, and loss. In addition to her clinical work, Mila provides professional training and corporate workshops aimed at strengthening mental health support across systems and workplaces.
Registered Social Worker, Founder and Clinic Director of Toronto Therapy Practice
Mila Arsenijevic
(She/Her)
registration options
Walking the Same Path: Working with TTC Clients When You're TTC
mini session
Dr. Bridget Jones is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in perinatal and maternal mental health. She operates a solo private practice, providing care to clients in Ohio and across the United States. After earning her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland in 2020 and becoming a mother herself, Dr. Jones developed a deep passion for supporting women through the complexities of motherhood. She works with clients experiencing infertility, pregnancy loss, perinatal anxiety and depression, and postpartum stress, offering compassionate, evidence-based care during some of life’s most vulnerable transitions.
Doctor of Psychology, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice Founder
Bridget Jones
(She/Her)
registration options
Unseen Struggles: The Perinatal Experience of Canadian Military Spouses
MINI SESSION
Kaitlin Wolfe is a Registered Social Worker with over seven years of experience supporting women and families in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. As a military spouse and mother of two, she brings lived experience, empathy, and a grounded perspective to her practice. Kaitlin offers holistic, client-centered care and values authentic therapeutic relationships built on trust, respect, and a deep appreciation for each individual’s unique journey.
Registered Social Worker
Kaitlin Wolfe
(She/Her)
registration options
Integrating Mental Health Support Into Perinatal Healthcare
mini session
Sarah Goodman is a registered social worker and dedicated supporter of individuals navigating conception, pregnancy, and postpartum. She offers therapy for caregivers dealing with mood and anxiety disorders, traumatic events, and relationship issues. Sarah works with the Mount Sinai Academic Family Health Team in Toronto, integrating mental health support into their Perinatal Care Program, and also in private practice at Eva Wellness. She is certified in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International (PSI).
Registered Social Worker, PMh-C
Samantha Copithorne
(She/Her)
registration options
Sharing Safely: Navigating Lived Experience in Perinatal Care with Insights from the Intentional Peer Support Model
MINI SESSION
Dr. Julie Franks is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, trained professional peer, and mother to a preschooler, specializing in perinatal mental health. Her own experiences with infertility and significant anxiety on the path to motherhood inspired her to found Nurturing the Sisterhood, Bainbridge Island’s first local practice dedicated to perinatal mental healthcare. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Franks teaches at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and Western New Mexico University, where her research focuses on elevating women’s roles within families and the workplace.
Doctor of Social Work, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Master of Theological Studies
Dr. Julie Franks
(She/Her)
registration options
Finding Purpose from the Pain: Experiencing Perinatal Anxiety and How it Changed My Career.
mini session
Julia Russell is an educator, advocate, and Co-Founder of Hyperemesis Gravidarum Canada. A two-time HG survivor, she combines her background in education with lived experience to raise awareness and improve care for those affected by Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) in Canada. Julia speaks on the profound physical and mental health impacts of HG, advocating for greater understanding and systemic change. Maria Castrellon is a maternal health advocate, Certified Patient and Community Engagement Researcher, and Co-Founder of Hyperemesis Gravidarum Canada. Also a two-time HG survivor, she draws on her lived experience, academic background in psychology, and expertise in community engagement to lead patient-oriented initiatives that amplify the voices of pregnant patients and their families. Together, Julia and Maria are using their voices to foster national awareness, build supportive communities, and advocate for meaningful change in maternal healthcare across Canada.
Ontario Certified Teacher, Patient and Community Engagement Researcher, Co-Founders of Hyperemesis Gravidarum Canada
Julia Russell and Maria Castrellon
(She/Her)
registration options
Falling Through the Cracks: My Missed Postpartum Depression Diagnosis
MINI SESSION
Amanda Gurman is a storyteller, podcast host, and the founder of Honest as a Mother. As a mother with lived experience of postpartum mental illness, Amanda creates brave spaces for honest conversations about motherhood and mental health. Through truth-telling, empathy, and community, she helps women feel seen, heard, and less alone in their parenting journeys.
Mental Health Advocate, Speaker, Podcast Host
Amanda Gurman
(She/Her)
registration options
Managing ADHD in the Postpartum Period
seminar
Vanessa is a registered psychologist with the Pine Integrated Health multidisciplinary team. She is passionate about supporting folks through the perinatal period, with particular interest in anxiety, OCD, trauma, and ADHD. She is interested in the impact of hormones, role transitions, and cultural expectations on various perinatal experiences. Working with this population has been a huge privilege.
Registered Psychologist, PMH-c
Paige DiChiara
(She/Her)
registration options
'Rest While the Baby Rests’ and Other Lies We Tell New Moms: Reframing Maternal Mental Health Through a Cultural Lens
MINI SESSION
Erica Cummings, Licensed Professional Counselor, and National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, is a maternal mental health counselor, coach, and the founder of Nurture19, an organization reimagining family wellness and parental support. Combining clinical expertise with lived experience, Erica helps families thrive while advocating for systemic change in perinatal care.
Licensed Professional Counselor, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Co-Founder of Nurture19
Erica Rose Cummings
(She/Her)
registration options
Walking the Parallel Path: The Clinician-Mother Experience in Perinatal Mental Health
mini session
Stephanie Borgen is a Registered Social Worker and Perinatal Psychotherapist who supports clients navigating fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood. As a mother of two young children, she brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to her work. Stephanie is particularly passionate about supporting therapist-parents and creating space to explore the emotional realities of navigating motherhood while holding space for others.
Registered Social Worker, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
Stephanie Borgen
(She/They)
registration options
The ADHD Parent in a Postpartum World: Navigating Overwhelm, Shame, and Sensory Overload
MINI SESSION
Martina Nova is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and trauma therapist based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She specializes in trauma, ADHD, postpartum mental health, and parenting through a nervous-system-informed lens. Martina supports clients in breaking intergenerational cycles they were never shown how to escape, while raising their children in more compassionate and connected ways.
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Martina Nova
(She/Her)
registration options
Building Strength from Within: The Power of Resistance Training & Pelvic Floor Function for Perinatal Mental and Physical Wellness
MINI SESSION
Jessie Mundell is a Professional Kinesiologist with over 18 years of experience specializing in prenatal and postpartum fitness and pelvic floor health. She is the creator of multiple online fitness programs for perinatal individuals, certification courses for professionals, and co-host of the To Birth and Beyond podcast. Jessie empowers people around the world to find joy in movement and trust in their bodies through a non-diet, inclusive approach to fitness and wellness.
Master of Human Kinetics, Professional Kinesiologist
Jessie Mundell
(She/Her)
registration options
When There’s No Baby to Hold: Supporting Postpartum After Pregnancy Loss
MINI SESSION
Ella Moynihan is a Counsellor and Women’s Health Advocate who supports women through life’s transitions, from pre-conception to postpartum and beyond. Drawing on her own lived experience with perinatal depression and pregnancy loss, Ella brings deep empathy and a mind–body approach to her work. She helps clients explore patterns, reconnect with themselves, and move through life with greater clarity, self-trust, and balance.
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
Ella Moynihan
(She/Her)
registration options
Holding Space: A Restorative Pause for Caregivers
Mini session
Andrea Rockefeller and Casandra Musumeci are Licensed Mental Health Counselors based in New York and Co-Owners of Peace Project Mental Health Counseling, PLLC. They are also the creators of @yourhumantherapists, a growing community of over 73,000 mental health professionals built through authentic, relatable content that encourages therapists to embrace and celebrate their humanness. Through YHT Wellness, Book Club, and other network offerings, Andrea and Casandra create meaningful spaces for therapists to connect deeply, grow both personally and professionally, and feel truly supported in their work and wellbeing.
Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Co-Creators of @yourhumantherapists, Co-Founders of Peace Project Mental Health Counseling
Andrea Rockefeller
(She/her)
Casandra Musumeci
(She/her)
registration options
Finding Peace With Food & Body (During Pregnancy, Postpartum, & Beyond)
seminar
Mark Williams is a Keynote Speaker, Author, and international mental health campaigner. After experiencing depression in 2004, he founded International Fathers Mental Health Day and the #HowAreYouDad campaign to ensure support for all parents. He also campaigned to reopen Wales' mother and baby unit, which succeeded in 2022. Mark has spoken on global platforms, co-published articles on parental mental health with Dr. Jane Hanley, and received numerous awards, including Pride of Britain’s Inspirational Father and the British Citizens Award for Healthcare in 2023, recognizing his impactful work supporting families.
keynote speaker, author, international mental health campaigner
Mark Williams
(He/Him)
registration options
When There’s No Baby to Hold: Supporting Postpartum After Pregnancy Loss
MINI SESSION
Gabriella Bores is a Licensed Therapist and Postpartum Coach who helps anxious new mothers find calm, clarity, and confidence. Blending clinical expertise with lived experience as a mom, she empowers women to release guilt and embrace joy, without pretending the hard parts don’t exist. Gabriella offers both private therapy and group coaching, creating supportive spaces for mothers to feel seen, supported, and more like themselves again.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
Gabriella Bores
(She/Her)
registration options
When There’s No Baby to Hold: Supporting Postpartum After Pregnancy Loss
MINI SESSION
Kristina Soetaert is a Registered Nurse based in Alberta, Canada, with over a decade of experience in pediatrics, obstetrics, and women’s health. She is a proud mother of two young daughters who remind her daily to slow down and savor life’s little moments. Following her personal journey through perinatal OCD and anxiety, Kristina earned her Perinatal Mental Health Certification and became the founder of HER: The Motherhood Shift, a maternal wellness company revolutionizing how mothers are supported through pregnancy and postpartum. Combining clinical expertise with lived experience, Kristina is passionate about upstream care, advocacy, and empowering women to reclaim their wellbeing.
Registered Nurse, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider, Founder of HER: the motherhood shift
Kristina Soetaert
(She/Her)
registration options
Parental burnout is on the rise. The village has the solution.
Mini session
Zamina is the founder and CEO of Mevi, a family operations mental load app for working parents. Mevi is rooted in the Fair Play method and enables parents to make their invisible load visible through shared family operations. She is a girl mom and technologist with a background in psychology, engineering, and user experience.
Founder of Mevi — The "It Takes a Village" App
Zamina Sunderji-Karim
(She/Her)
registration options
Conception and Beyond: Collaborative Strategies for Black Perinatal Equity
seminar
Millicent Asiedu is a wife, mother of three, and CEO of Mesh of Mothers Foundation Inc., a nonprofit championing Afro-heritage maternal well-being. The organization raises awareness about maternal health disparities and offers culturally responsive perinatal support for African, Caribbean, and Black mothers. A mental health therapist, Millicent is dedicated to addressing social issues impacting families. Her journey with (in)fertility and motherhood inspires women to embrace their present circumstances.
Registered social worker, mental health therapist
Millicent Asiedu
(She/her)
registration options
The Mental Weight of Mom Guilt: Causes, Consequences, and Clinical Care
MINI SESSION
Dr. Caroline Dickens is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in perinatal mental health based in San Francisco, CA. She is passionate about helping women navigate anxiety, build self-trust, and let go of external expectations so they can do motherhood their way. She also co-hosts The Moms Are Alright, a podcast that shares practical knowledge and personal insights to help women build confidence and find more joy in new motherhood. Her mission as a therapist is to help clients feel less alone and equip them with concrete strategies and new perspectives that will guide them toward more peace, less stress, and self-discovery in this new chapter.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Caroline Dickens
(She/her)
registration options
Unpacking Media Myths: A Journalist's Take On The Impact of Societal Pressures on Perinatal Mental Health
Interview
Amanda is an award-winning journalist specializing in psychology, child development, and family dynamics. As a triple citizen who has lived in four countries, she offers a unique cross-cultural perspective. Amanda challenges parenting norms by exploring scientific, cultural, and historical views. She combats misinformation on her Instagram and in her BBC column "How Not to Be Manipulated." Her recent stories have been featured in The Atlantic, New Scientist, Scientific American, and the BBC. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @mandyruggeri for insights on parenting and child development.
Award Winning Journalist
Amanda Ruggeri
(She/her)
registration options
Level Up Your Perinatal Practice: A Road Map to Building Confidence and Competence
seminar
Mallory is a Registered Psychologist in Edmonton, Canada, with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals from conception to parenthood. As co-founder of one of North America's largest perinatal clinics, she fosters a nurturing, evidence-based environment for clients and practitioners. Mallory’s commitment to education and supervision promotes professional growth within her team, while her expertise in perinatal and general psychology helps address diverse challenges, enhancing the well-being of families and communities.
Registered Psychologist, PMH-C, Co-Founder of Pine Integrated Health Centre
Mallory Becker
(She/her)
registration options
Perinatal Suicidality: Mothers Experiences of Recovery Following Counselling
Mini session
Vanessa is a Canadian Certified Counsellor working as an Early Years Clinician in Northern BC. She offers individual therapy and workshops specializing in maternal mental health and parenting during the early years (ages 0-6). Since the birth of her first child, in 2016, she has been a passionate advocate for perinatal mental health. Her master’s thesis focused on mothers’ lived experiences of perinatal suicidality and their recovery following counselling. While this is a challenging and often underrepresented topic in research, Vanessa believes it is important to amplify these mothers’ stories to provide awareness and hope.
Canadian Certified Counsellor, Early Years Clinician
Vanessa Vandergaag
(She/her)
registration options
Supporting Couples In the First Year of Postpartum Through a Narrative & Collaborative Lens
Live Workshop
Hazel Walker is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over a decade of experience who helps married moms prioritize themselves again, so they can stop carrying the load alone & build better partnerships with their spouse. Hazel is the founder of It's aPARENTly Time, LLC and has collaborated with many community providers such as doulas, OBGYN’s, and other mental health professionals to ensure that moms and couples feel more supported. Hazel also serves as an adjunct professor at UMass Global and feels privileged to help support the development of future systemic practitioners.
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Hazel Walker
(She/her)
registration options
The Power of Presence: A Moment to Close with Mindfulness
Live mindfulness practice
Carolyn has been educating others through yoga + meditation trainings, retreats & corporate events worldwide for over 15 years. She discovered yoga in 1999 as a ski bum in Whistler and went on to work for Environment Canada and in the non-profit sector raising funds for green initiatives. After completing dozens of yoga and meditation trainings around the world, she's now primarily a meditation and mindfulness guide and coach. Carolyn is passionate about breath, the nervous system and encouraging others to remember that it’s never too late to breathe deeply, to grow, and to change.
Meditation, Yoga & Breath Coach. Mentor to Teachers and Leaders
Carolyn Anne Budgell
(She/her)
registration options
Factoring in Fathers: Paternal Perinatal Mental Health
Workshop
Dr. Singley, a San Diego-based psychologist, specializes in men’s mental health with a focus on reproductive psychology and fatherhood. As Director of The Center for Men’s Excellence, he leads trainings to promote father inclusiveness. Recognized as APA’s 2017 Practitioner of the Year, Dr. Singley is a Past President of the APA’s Society for the Psychology of Men and Masculinities. He also founded Basic Training for New Dads, a nonprofit, and the Padre Cadre social app for dads. Outside work, he enjoys cooking, surfing, reading, and spending time with his teenage sons.
Board Certified Psychologist, Founding Director, The Center for Men’s Excellence
Dr. Daniel Singley
(he/Him)
registration options
Access Better Perinatal Health- Disability Inclusion in Your Practice
keynote
Robin Wilson-Beattie is a speaker, writer, and disability and sexuality advocate. As one of the first to address disability and sexuality in adult product marketing, she merges personal experience with research to explore how disability shapes sexual and reproductive health. The 2024 Carrie Buck Distinguished Fellow at Brandeis University, Robin has presented keynotes, panels, and webinars, including events for the U.S. Vice President’s Office. She’s published in JAMA and major media outlets, co-founded the SPM Disability Justice Fund, and holds certifications in sexual health. Robin is also a mom of two and renovates old houses in her free time.
Certified Sexologist, Speaker, Writer, Advocate
Robin Wilson-Beattie
(She/her)
registration options
The Art of Holding Perinatal Women in Distress Model of Intervention
Interview
Karen Kleiman is a renowned maternal mental-health expert with over 38 years of experience. An advocate and author, she has written influential books like The Art of Holding in Therapy and Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts. In 1988, she founded The Postpartum Stress Center, and in 2022, The Karen Kleiman Training Center, LLC, focusing on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Her Art of Holding Perinatal Women in Distress™ model shapes advanced clinical training.
MSW, LCSW
Karen Kleiman
(She/her)
registration options
Confronting White Supremacy Culture in Perinatal Mental Health Care
live workshop
Gabrielle Griffith is a dedicated leader in perinatal research, education, and advocacy. As co-founder of the Ontario Black Doula Society (OBDS), they focus on supporting Black doulas and families. With a background as a Full Spectrum Doula and a graduate student at McMaster University, Gabrielle leads initiatives on trauma-informed care and cannabis use during pregnancy. A Black, Queer, and Disabled parent, they champion equity, diversity, and inclusive care practices, working to improve healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities.
doula, educator, teacher
Gabrielle Griffith
(they/them, she/her)
registration options
How guiding your clients through postpartum planning Improves their mental health
Mini session
Amanda Mitton is a Certified Postpartum Doula supporting clients in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and care for the families she supports, believing that postpartum support is essential for everyone after birth. Amanda offers in-home emotional and practical support during the early stages of parenthood, gently guiding her clients and leaving them feeling empowered.
Certified Postpartum Doula (PCD)
Amanda Mitton
(She/her)
registration options
Conceivable: Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ Mental Health in Family Building
Live workshop
Laine Halpern Zisman is a fertility support practitioner, lecturer, and adjunct assistant professor at the University of Victoria, where she also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in 2024. She specializes in communication, advocacy, and decision-making in family building. Founder of 2SLGBTQ+ Family Building Canada and a practitioner with Birth Mark Toronto, she supports diverse families. Her book, Conceivable: A Guide to Making 2SLGBTQ+ Family, offers practical fertility strategies.
PHD
Laine Halpern Zisman
(She/her)
registration options
Obstetric Violence and Its Impact on Postpartum Intimacy
Seminar
Ashley Mariani, known as "The Rogue Therapist," is a registered social worker and founder of Mind Online, a therapy clinic offering holistic mental health support in Ontario, Canada. Specializing in sex, intimacy, childbirth, and postpartum relationships, Ashley empowers couples through these transitions. As an advocate against obstetric violence, she promotes autonomy in the birthing space. Ashley also pioneered a certification course for new fathers, equipping them to advocate and support during childbirth.
Registered Social Worker
Ashley Mariani
(She/her)
registration options
Neurodivergent Affirming Practices
Seminar
Rise is a full-spectrum birthworker (birth, postpartum, grief & loss, abortion), yoga teacher, meditation facilitator, and educator specializing in gender-affirming, trauma-informed care, and disability justice. They're passionate about Black queer wellness, trauma education, and rest. Outside of work, they enjoy daydreaming, dancing, and time with their support pup, Jelly Ferocious. Rise founded Riotous Roots to unify their talents and passions for community care.
birthworker: birth, postpartum, abortion, grief & loss
Rise Osby
(They/He)
registration options
How the brain changes with parenting
Interview
Dr. Jodi Pawluski, PhD, is a Neuroscientist, Therapist, and Author specializing in the neuroscience of motherhood and perinatal mental illness. Her research has been featured in top journals like JAMA Neurology and Nature Mental Health, as well as major media outlets including The New York Times and CNN. Jodi speaks globally about her findings and the impact of parenting on the brain. She is also dedicated to counseling, mentoring, and advocating for perinatal mental health improvements.
Neuroscientist, Therapist, Author
Dr. Jodi Pawluski
(She/her)
registration options
What perinatal professionals need to know about supporting folks in alternative family structures
Seminar
Emma Devin (they/them) is a full-spectrum doula with 10 years of experience, specializing in 2SLGBTQIA+ families and doula agency structures. Co-founder of Brood, Western Canada's leading doula agency, they've supported over 500 births and are committed to training the next generation of doulas. A recipient of BC Business's 30 Under 30, Emma enjoys weekends at the farmers market with their four kids and dog.
Co-Founder, Chief People & Product Officer, Doula
Emma Devin
(They/Them)
registration options
When There’s No Baby to Hold: Supporting Postpartum After Pregnancy Loss
MINI SESSION
Ella Moynihan is a Counsellor and Women’s Health Advocate who supports women through life’s transitions, from pre-conception to postpartum and beyond. Drawing on her own lived experience with perinatal depression and pregnancy loss, Ella brings deep empathy and a mind–body approach to her work. She helps clients explore patterns, reconnect with themselves, and move through life with greater clarity, self-trust, and balance.
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
Rachel Stewart
(She/Her)
registration options
Perinatal OCD, Psychosis, & The Space In-Between
Seminar
Ashlee is a LCSW, the Director of Clinical Services at The Postpartum Stress Center, and the Program Administrator at The Karen Kleiman Training Center; specializing in Perinatal Mental Health, depression, anxiety, and couples therapy. Noah Suzuki is a LPC, Lead Trainer at The Karen Kleiman Training Center, and Senior Therapist at The Postpartum Stress Center; focusing on Holding Therapy and exposure-based treatments for anxiety. Both are dedicated to supporting new parents, drawing from extensive experience in clinical and hospital settings.
Licensed clinical social worker
Ashlee Adams
(She/her)
Noah Suzuki
(He/Him)
licensed professional counselor
register now