Date: Saturday, November 26 (9am-12 noon) AND Wed Nov 30, 2022 (6-9pm)
Cost: $75 Total PD hours: 6 hrs Location: ONLINE Presenters: Karen Carey & Colin Morrison

Description: Our children are exposed to messages about gender from birth. At birth, babies are assigned as male or female based on biological characteristics, referred to as the “sex” or “assigned gender” of the child. Meanwhile, “gender identity” is how a person feels about themselves and how they want others to see them, which may be as male, female, somewhere in between, a combination of both or neither. Although people often confuse them, gender identity is different from assigned gender (sex role given at birth), sexual orientation (physical and emotional attraction to others) and gender expression (how we express gender through behaviour, appearance, activities etc.).
Society has traditionally told us how girls and boys should speak, look, dress and act. Children’s curiosity about gender differences can be observed as early as age two or three, but along with that curiousity comes social pressures to con-form to more expected traditional male/female gender norms. But at the same time, as society continues to progress, we are living in a time where children are being encouraged to talk openly about gender identity and gender expression and recognize that families come in all different shapes and sizes.
The objectives of this presentation include: provide an overview of current understandings around gender identity and expression and explore theory as to where our gendered behaviour comes from. help participants better understand the unique needs of gender diverse children and their families, as well as the many challenges they may face in daily life. demonstrate ways educators may identify, explore, and confront stereotypical beliefs and work to create an open learning environment that encourages healthy gender development and expression for both children and their families.

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 fami-lies. 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.