INTRODUCING: Modern Family Forum

One inspiring day. Countless takeaways. All for free.

The first of its kind in the Sturgeon Region, the Modern Family Forum is a one-day conference focused on empowering parents, uplifting youth, and strengthening families in today’s ever-changing world.

Parents, caregivers, and youth 12+ are invited to attend this special, family-focused, free resource that includes takeaways for caregivers of children and youth of all ages! Get inspired with guest speakers on parenting, communication, mental health, technology, and more; connect with others; and access family-oriented resources all in one place. Free admission. Childcare is not provided.

REGISTER HERE by February 24, 2026

COST: FREE

AGES: Parents, caregivers & youth (12+)

DATE: Saturday, February 28, 2026

TIME: 9:00am-4:00pm

LOCATION: Bon Accord Community Hall

Highlights:

First conference of its kind in the Sturgeon Region!
6 insightful presentations on modern parenting topics you won't want to miss
Free to attend, lunch and 15-min health breaks provided
Vendors are open on the lower level from 9am-3pm and feature modern family resources

Modern Family Forum Conference Agenda

Time	Description	Speaker	Topic
8:15 am	Doors open, check-in begins
9:00am - 3:00pm	Vendors open (lower level)
9:00am - 9:15am	Welcome	Christina Fedorak & Nicole Paproski, Town of Bon Accord
9:15am - 10:00am	Speaker #1	Deanna Marler, BSc, PHEc, MPH, Primary Care Alberta	Supporting Positive Youth Development
10:00am - 10:15am	Health Break
10:15am - 11:00am	Speaker #2	Jessica Himschoot, R. Psych., Morinville Counselling Services	Under the Radar: Social Bullying and How to Stop It
11:00am - 11:15am	Health Break
11:15am - 12:00pm	Speaker #3	Jennifer Penner, Facilitator, Safe Communities, Sturgeon County	Online safety
12:00pm - 1:00pm	LUNCH (lower level)
1:00pm - 1:45pm	Speaker #4	Pam Stuart, B. Psyc. Hons & Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology, Concordia University; Bon Accord Resident	Books, Binders, and Breaks: Finding Balance and Overcoming Chaos A long-time resident of Bon Accord, Pam Stuart received both her bachelor's degree in Honours Psychology with a special focus on cognition and behaviour, as well as a Behavioural Interventions Certificate with a focus on applied behavioural analysis from MacEwan University. She is currently a Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology at Concordia University.
1:45pm - 2:00pm	Health Break	Zumba with Nancy Johnston Fitness
2:00pm - 2:45pm	Speaker #5	Kim Mills, RSW	Preventing Burnout With over 20 years of experience in social services, Kim Mills is a registered social worker who brings a background in working with diverse families and communities, always with the goal of support and encouragement. This presentation is grounded in a deep commitment to building community and helping people develop practical tools to feel supported, capable, and well. This session will help parents and teens better understand stress and personal capacity in everyday life. Together, we’ll explore how to recognize early signs of overwhelm, what burnout can look like long before it fully hits, and how stress can influence our reactions and decisions — especially in daily moments with the people closest to us. The focus is on awareness, communication, and small, realistic changes that support healthier relationships and emotional well-being.
2:45pm - 3:00pm	Health Break
3:00pm - 3:45pm	Speaker #6	Coming Soon!	Coming Soon!
3:35pm - 4:00pm	Closing Remarks	Christina Fedorak & Nicole Paproski, Town of Bon Accord

Concession services provided by Gibbons 4H Sew & Sos

Vendor List - Coming soon!