For more information:
Contact Stephanie Mitton
Phone: 780-452-4661
Email: smitton@schizophrenia.ab.ca
See our Online Program Guide for technical details.
Learn ways to better support your loved one and yourself from experts in the field of schizophrenia.
Our online educational speakers forum provides SSA family members and caregivers with the opportunity to hear doctors and other experts speak on important topics related to schizophrenia.
Because the program is run online with the presenter on live video chat, you can attend from wherever you are as long as you have an internet connection.
Questions will be taken throughout the forum. You can participate through instant messaging, via microphone, or with full video chat. You're free to choose whatever format feels most comfortable to you.
**Please note that these programs are not recorded to maintain confidentiality for participants. **
Registered Disability Savings Plan and the Canada Disability Savings Grant and Bond
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Time: 5:00-6:30pm
Session Description:
Employment and Social Development Canada will share information on the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), which supports persons with disabilities to save for their future. The Government of Canada helps to increase these savings by contributing up to $90,000 to an individual’s RDSP through the Canada Disability Savings Grand and Bond, depending on family income and contributions.
Speaker: Jennifer Soucy
Jennifer is a policy analyst for the Canada Disability Savings Program within the Office for Disability Issues, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Jennifer joined the federal public service in May 2021 after a 20 year career in education and non-profit organizations, where she directly supported individuals with disabilities and their families. Jennifer supports the Outreach team with the promotion of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Canada Disability Savings Grant and Bond. She is responsible for stakeholder and community engagement and provides information sessions about the RDSP, Grant and Bond to provincial and community organizations and to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Planning Ahead: Wills and Henson Trusts
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 4:00-5:30pm
Session Description:
This Estate Planning presentation provides an overview of Wills and Henson trusts, including their purpose, key features, and appropriate use. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how these tools can be structured to preserve benefits while ensuring long-term financial security and care, with focus on families supporting loved ones who receive AISH.
Speakers: Michaela Summers & Lindsay Wigglesworth
Michaela is an Associate Lawyer at VanderLeek Law and recently received her Trust and Estate Practitioner (“TEP”) designation. Prior to attending law school at the University of Calgary, Michaela studied psychology and worked as a disability support worker and as a research assistant at the Child Development Centre. She currently volunteers with Calgary Legal Guidance.
Lindsay is an articling student at VanderLeek Law who will be called to the bar this summer. Lindsay has an undergraduate degree from the University of Calgary in English literature. She worked as a legal assistant in Calgary for 5 years before going to the University of Saskatchewan College of Law.
Interactive Workshop: Minding Stress - A Sampler Platter
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Session Description:
Stress is a normal part of life, but having practical tools to manage it can make a significant difference to our health and well-being. In this interactive session, participants will explore the impact of stress, learn to recognize common signs and symptoms, and experience evidence-informed stress management techniques. Through guided practice, attendees will try out breathing exercises and mindfulness strategies that can be used in everyday life to reduce stress. This session offers a preview of the full Minding Stress workshop series and is suitable for anyone interested in learning new tools to manage their stress.
Speakers: Arisha Mohammed and Sarah Risk
Arisha Mohammed, a Self-Management Consultant and Sarah Risk a Registered Occupational Therapist and Behaviour Change Consultant are from the Chronic Disease Management Program with Primary Care Alberta. They are passionate about Stress Management and are looking forward to sharing some information and practical strategies with you!
To register for this session, please email Stephanie at smitton@schizophrenia.ab.ca
Once you register for the session over email, the Zoom link will be sent back to you.
*Please note that this is an interactive workshop and we would like to be able to hear and see you, if you’re comfortable. Participation is welcome!*
Mobile Response Team (MRT) Calgary Zone
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: 5:00 - 6:00pm
Session Description:
The Mobile Response Team (MRT) operates Recovery Alberta's mental health crisis triage for the Calgary Zone. MRT offers urgent mental health support, and / or consultation in crisis situations. MRT services include: crisis prevention and intervention, information regarding resources and support, interprofessional consultation, education regarding mental health topics and issues, guidance in the process for obtaining a Form 8 Warrant under the Mental Health Act, and critical incident response and Psychological First Aid (PFA).
Speakers: Shelby Bragagnolo and Amy Speers
Shelby Bragagnolo BSW, RSW: I am a social worker with eight years of experience working in mental health, including the past four years with the MRT team. I am passionate about crisis intervention and supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges. My approach focuses on empowering clients by helping them recognize and build upon their existing strengths, skills, and coping tools to navigate difficult situations and achieve their goals. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and spending time in nature with my dog, which helps me stay grounded and maintain balance.
Amy Lee Speers RN, BN: I am a born and raised Calgarian who completed my Bachelor of Nursing degree at Mount Royal University in 2020. I have been with the Mobile Response Team (MRT) for 2.5 years. As a Registered Nurse, mental health has always been a particular area of interest for me because it requires you to build trusting relationships while supporting people and their families in vulnerable situations. I appreciate the diversity in scenarios we work with as a crisis team, as crisis has a different meaning for everyone. As I enjoy my career, it is also important to prioritize my own mental health so that I can show up in my role as best as I can! When I am not at work, I love being outside in any way I can. I enjoy skiing, mountain biking, and camping. I have fun cooking and baking for both my health and my soul as well as singing and painting. Hanging out with my family at least once a week is always my goal. Everyone has a unique walk of life, and having the privilege to work for MRT allows me the opportunity to offer a hand to hold for those who need it!
