Date: Tuesday March 29 (6-9pm) AND Saturday April 2, 2022 (9am-12 noon) Cost: $75 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: ONLINE Presenters: Colin Morrison & Karen Carey

Description: Stress is a part of life and can be found all around us. There is good stress and bad stress. Stress can moti-vate us to get things, but too much stress can make our lives seem too hectic and overwhelming.
This presentation will focus on understanding stress, how stress affects day-to-day functioning, and steps we can take to decrease stress for children, caregivers, and Early Child Care Workers. We will also look at the link between chronic stress and anxiety, different types of anxiety, environmental factors that impact anxiety, and ways to help or implement strategies that support those struggling.
Objectives: Define Stress vs Anxiety
Review different types of anxiety and how it looks different for everyone
Discuss ways to address Stress and Anxiety concerns for children, caregivers, self, and coworkers.


Presenter Biographies: Colin Morrison has over 20 years’ experience working with children, youth & families in the mental health field. Colin has served primarily as youth care worker & case coordinator for families & children in the Child & Family Day Treatment Program at the IWK. He has extensive experience in developing & implementing skill groups with children, particularly in the area of emotional regulation, & providing supportive counselling to families. Colin is currently completing a Master of Social Worker degree at Dalhousie University, & is working on a thesis related to male childhood sexual abuse, & the impacts of “toxic masculinity” on mens’ help seeking behaviours. He has a keen interest in trauma focused therapy, attachment theory, mens’ health, & issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Karen Carey has over 15 years’ experience working with children, youth & families as a social worker, youth care worker, case coordinator, in home support worker & direct care practitioner. Through evidence 
based & best practice methods, Karen is a strong advocate for the children, youth & families. Although Karen has strong roots in attachment theory, systems theory, positive parenting, trauma & resilience; her personal philosophy is to promote mental, physical & emotional health/wellbeing though a solution focused & social learning model. 
Together Colin & Karen have seen positive & long lasting benefits for children AND families when they are provided education, strategies, guidance, empathy & support. They see effective communication & open collaboration as the key ingredients in supporting positive futures for the children & families under their care.