✦ Empowering Women Symposium ✦
Tools & Strategies to Promote Resilience & Networking
February 28th 2026 - Stay in the know with our Newsletter
Sparwood, BC
Recreational Centre Hall | 367 Pine Avenue
Feb 28th
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Looking to help out as a sponsor? Download More Info or contact us at info@campmentalhealth.com
Lately, more of us are running on empty. Once again, we are bringing together local professionals to not only name what we’re seeing, but provide tools and strategies to promote resilience—that make support real and doable. In addition to our healthcare speakers, at this event we move beyond the medical field. We have leaders from male-dominated professions, relationship experts, and business professionals.
Set against the backdrop of our mountain community, this gathering also invites you to slow down and reconnect—both with yourself and with the outdoors. For our out-of-town guests, this is a chance to step into fresh air, open spaces, and the grounding presence of the mountains that shape our way of life here. We encourage you to carve out time before or after the event to explore the trails, scenery, and natural beauty that make this place such a powerful setting for reflection and renewal.
This event is also about connection. You’ll have dedicated time to network with other women in the community—sharing stories, building relationships, and supporting one another’s work. Be sure to bring your business cards.
Spots are limited, sign up today!
Our November event sold out and showed us that our community is full of powerful females in leadership roles. They are ready to share their experience and knowledge to help combat rising numbers of burnout.
Date/Time: February 28th
9:00 AM - 4:00 PMVenue: Sparwood Recreation Centre Hall
367 Pine AvenueFormat:
AM: Morning Coffee & Speakers
LUNCH BREAK - FOOD PROVIDED for Full Day participants
PM: Hormone Expert/Speakers & Networking, Snacks and RefreshmentsCost:
$25.00 - Half Day (AM)
$50.00 - Full Day with LUNCH
Please contact us directly if financial support is needed.
EVENT DETAILS
What We Will Cover
Tools & Strategies to Promote Resilience & Local Networking
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9:15 – Welcome & Opening the day.
Introduction to the resilience framework.9:20 – Welcome from David Wilkes, Mayor of Sparwood
Dr. Tyla Mackay, R.Psych, CRHSP, Registered Psychologist
Stress in the Body
How stress lives in the nervous system and practical ways to support regulation and resilience.
Anne Keery, CCMP Change Management Consultant
Female Leadership in Male-Dominated Spaces
Building confidence, voice, and resilience as a woman leading in male-dominated environments.
Kate Powell, BSc, MPT, OLY Physiotherapist
Movement Tricks to Support Resilience
Simple movement strategies that strengthen regulation, resilience, and mind-body connection.
Emily Fisher, MScPT, BScKin, Physiotherapist
Brain-Focused Resilience Strategies
Understanding the brain under stress, concussion-informed recovery principles, and practical strategies to support cognitive resilience and safe return to work and life.
Dayna Haig-Conway, MA, RCC, Clinical Counsellor,
Understanding Our Unmet Needs
How unmet belonging needs shape burnout, behavior, and resilience, and how to begin meeting them -
12:00–12:45 – Lunch & Networking Booths informal Q and A
Food provided, informal connection encouragedThank you to Mapleleaf Real Co for sponsoring the food and beverages for this event.
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Afternoon
Vanessa Oleksow, RCC-ACS, Clinical Counsellor
Supporting Resilience in Kids
When and how giving ourselves permission to step back can actually strengthen children’s resilience.
Dr. Kallie Doucette, ND (MSCP), Naturopathic Doctor
Hormones and Resilience
How hormones impact mood, stress, and resilience across different life stages.
Lindsay Day, MSc, Registered Clinical Counsellor (BC), Registered Psychologist (AB)
Resilience in Relationships & Marriage
How are relationships impact our resilience and how it out impacts our relationships.
Closing Remarks & Transition into Networking
Draw Prizes!
Thank you to Elk Valley Resources, Columbia Basin Trust, Fernie Brewing Co, and Hike Fernie for their prize donations.
Schedule
Showcase Your Brand — Reserve a Booth Today
Put your business directly in front of engaged attendees and turn foot traffic into real connections. For just $100, your booth gives you a dedicated space to promote, sell, and grow your brand at our event.
Speakers
Dr. Tyla Mackay, R.Psych, CRHSP (Canadian Registry of Health Service Psychologists)
Registered Psychologist and founder of Alpine Pathways Psychological Services
Dr. Tyla Mackay has a private practice in Fernie, BC where she specialises in PTSD, trauma, and vicarious trauma with first responders, RCMP, and healthcare providers. She also works closely with Divisions of Family Practice to provide workshops, peer support, and education to medical clinics. She enjoys teaching groups and organisations about regulating the nervous system and finding healthy ways to settling in the calm and away from the chaos.
Anne Keery, CCMP
Change Management Consultant & Chair of Canadian Institute of Mining, Crowsnest
Anne has spent over a dozen years working in the mining industry, where her passion for connection naturally led her toward change management - the people side of projects. Anne knows firsthand how chaotic work environments can lead to burnout—both for herself and many around her. In her session, she'll speak candidly about her experience as a woman in a male-dominated workplace, ensuring attendees know they're not alone in their thoughts and feelings. She will also share "Shit You Can Spend Money on for Your Mental Health"—a refreshingly honest look at privileged but practical ways to make life easier and better. Think airport lounges, housekeepers, adult nannys, and choosing donations over fundraisers. Anne believes in removing the guilt around investing in your own wellbeing, especially when burnout is knocking at the door.
Kate Powell, BSc, MPT, OLY
Physiotherapist, Mountain Life Movement
Kate is a physiotherapist and former Olympic gymnast (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004) who has dedicated her career to helping people move with confidence and freedom. Combining her expertise in orthopaedic and sports physiotherapy with Stott and Classical Pilates training, she focuses on full-body recovery and empowering clients to reconnect with their strength. Inspired by Fernie’s mountain lifestyle, Kate’s goal is simple — to help you move well so nothing holds you back when adventure calls.
Emily Fisher, MScPT, BScKin
Physiotherapist and Founder of Ridgeline Physio
Emily Fisher is the founder and lead physiotherapist at Ridgeline Physio in Fernie, BC. She specializes in concussion and vestibular rehabilitation, supporting individuals with persistent post-concussion symptoms and complex vestibular presentations. Emily has completed numerous post-graduate certifications in concussion and vertigo rehabilitation, and is committed to evidence-based practice informed by current research. Her background in high-performance sport and outdoor adventure shapes a practical, movement-focused approach to rehabilitation, supporting safe and meaningful return to work, sport, and daily life.
Dayna Haig-Conway, MA, RCC
Clinical Counsellor
Dayna is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, educator, and founder of CAMP Mental Health Inc. With over 15 years of experience supporting youth and frontline professionals, she helps educators, healthcare providers, and social service workers lead with calm, confidence, and clarity. Drawing on her background in counselling psychology and classroom teaching, Dayna developed the CAMP framework—a practical, evidence-based approach to prevent burnout and build resilience from within.
Vanessa Oleksow, RCC-ACS
Clinical Counsellor
Vanessa Oleksow is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who has been supporting children, youth, and their families for 14 years. A nature lover and self-described nerd, she is passionate about mental health education and mentoring new counsellors to become thoughtful, ethical clinicians.
Lindsay Day, MSc
Registered Clinical Counsellor (BC) Registered Psychologist (AB)
Lindsay is a therapist specializing in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and EMDR for trauma. She supports individuals and partners in moving out of survival patterns and into greater emotional safety, resilience, and connection.
Dr. Kallie Doucette, ND (MSCP)
Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) & Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Kallie Doucette, ND is a naturopathic doctor and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner practicing at Sparwood Chiropractic & Wellness. She has a special interest in women’s hormonal health, with a clinical focus on perimenopause and menopause.
Kallie supports women with hormonal concerns across the reproductive lifespan, including PMS, PCOS, painful and heavy periods, fertility challenges, pregnancy and postpartum care, and midlife hormonal changes. Her approach centers on building strong foundations and helping women understand what’s happening in their bodies, with the belief that when those pieces are in place, hormonal transitions tend to feel steadier and more manageable.
Sponsors:
If you’re a local organization interested in supporting or participating email info@campmentalhealth.com.
5% of proceeds will be donated to Fernie Women’s Resources Centre
Thank You to our Community who have donated draw prizes!
Bring Your Business Cards
Connection is a vital part of mental health. Meaningful relationships help regulate stress, increase resilience, and remind us we’re not meant to navigate challenges alone. This event is designed to create space for genuine connection—because community is not an add-on to well-being, it’s essential.
Stay up to-date on everything at CAMP & Symposium News. Sign up for the CAMP Newsletter…
FAQ
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It’s for any women experiencing overload or any women looking to make change —parents, non-parents, frontline workers, business owners, students, caregivers.
We hope attendees walk away with:
• A clearer understanding of how stress and burnout show up early
• Practical, evidence-informed tools they can apply immediately
• Greater self-awareness around their personal needs and values
• A renewed sense of connection with other women in the community
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Yes, it is $25 a person for the morning, or $50 for the entire day.
LUNCH INCLUDED with a full day ticket.
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Yes! If you would like to sponsor this event please contact us.
Just send an email to info@campmentalhealth.com
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Yes—absolutely. While this event centers women’s experiences, men who care about mental health, resilience, and supportive leadership are welcome. We believe these conversations are stronger when they include everyone who wants to learn, listen, and contribute. We’re all part of the same system, and we grow better together.