Thank you to everyone who helped make this an successful event.
✦ Empowering Women Symposium ✦
Tools & Strategies to Promote Resilience & Networking
Sparwood, BC 2025
Recreational Centre Hall | 367 Pine Avenue
Lately, more of us have been running on empty. Once again, we brought together local professionals to not only name what we were seeing, but to provide tools and strategies to promote resilience and make support feel real and doable. In addition to our healthcare speakers, this event moved beyond the medical field, bringing in leaders from male-dominated professions, relationship experts, and business professionals.
Set against the backdrop of our mountain community, the gathering also invited attendees to slow down and reconnect—both with themselves and with the outdoors. For our out-of-town guests, it was a chance to step into fresh air, open spaces, and the grounding presence of the mountains that shape our way of life here. Guests were encouraged 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.
The event was also about connection. Attendees had dedicated time to network with other women in the community—sharing stories, building relationships, and supporting one another’s work.
Our November event sold out and showed us that our community is full of powerful women in leadership roles who are ready to share their experience and knowledge to help address rising levels of burnout.
Sharing With Community
Tools & Strategies to Promote Resilience & Local Networking
Who Was There?
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.
Thank You to our Community who have donated draw prizes!
