Guided Mindful Moment

For those staying onsite or arriving early who wish to start the day trying a few moments of grounding work and breath. Start the day on the right foot!

• Check-in (coffee/juices available)
• Exhibitors open

Session 1 – Main Stage

Speaker: David Wolff, EdD(c), MAdEd, BClinPrac, A-EMCA, CMM III

David Wolff has been a paramedic since 1986, with experience spanning frontline care, leadership, and education. He holds a Bachelor’s in Clinical Practice (Charles Sturt University) and a Master’s in Adult Education (St. Francis Xavier University), where he focused on resilience, transformational learning, and critical reflection. He also completed and now teaches in the First Responder Trauma Prevention and Recovery Certificate at Simon Fraser University. David is currently completing a Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (Traumatology) at Liberty University, focusing on worldviews, spirituality, and resilient identity. He has presented internationally and published in industry magazines and peer-reviewed journals. He is a Senior Fellow of the McNally Project and serves as the provincial Chair of the Ontario Paramedic Association’s (OPA) Paramedic Wellness Committee.

Talk Title: Anchored in the Shifting Tides: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study of Paramedic Resilience and Worldviews

Many first responders experience post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) from their work, yet many others do not. What remains unclear is why some individuals, despite repeated exposure to the same potentially trauma-causing events, maintain psychological health and resilience. David Wolff’s research explores the lived experiences and life stories of numerous paramedics to uncover the strategies, supports, perspectives, and worldviews that make a difference. Understanding what these resilient practitioners are doing differently can inform recruitment, guide education and training, shape leadership approaches, and support mental wellness strategies that are transferable across first responder organizations and emergency service agencies.

Key Takeaways:

By examining the experiences of resilient paramedics, David Wolff’s research highlights strategies and supports that can enhance mental wellness across all first responder agencies.

• Opening “Ceremonies”
• Guest of Honour: TDB

Session 2 – Main Stage

Speaker: Julia Dharma Long, CWMF, ANF, RYT500, YACEP, BBA, LL.B, CEO

Julia Dharma Long is an author, speaker, certified Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator, Applied Neuroplasticity Facilitator, and advanced yoga and meditation teacher with over 1,000 hours of training, including trauma-informed specialty. As founder of FRY Canada and the not-for-profit F.R.Y. Community Outreach, she champions First Responder proactive wellbeing through science-backed tools rooted in neuroplasticity and embodied mindfulness. Her work includes “Duty to Self: A First Responder’s Handbook for Building Resilience”, “F.R.Y. First Responders’ Yoga. The Book”, and the FRY APP bringing tools to build resilience or recover, immediately when needed, 24/7, regardless of geographical location. A sought-after speaker and trainer, Julia blends mindful movement to energize and deep tissue stretch, positive affirmations & mindset, relaxation techniques, meditative moments and civic leadership to inspire transformation in high-stress environments. The inaugural First Responders Day 2025 event was spearheaded by Julia and continues to gain momentum as a day of Thanks and Gratitude for those who continue to serve and keep our communities safe.

Organization: FRY Canada, F.R.Y. Community Outreach (NFP)

Talk Title: Duty to Self: Proactively Raise your “Bar of Resilience™”

This talk is a powerful invitation for First Responders (firefighters, paramedics, police, dispatchers, nurses, doctors, military, emergency personnel, and other high-stress/trauma-exposed roles) to reclaim clarity, strength, and balance in the face of daily stress and trauma. Grounded in the science of nervous system regulation and trauma-informed care, it explores how chronic activation of the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system can erode wellbeing over time, and how intentional practices can restore it.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand how brainwaves and the HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis) influence stress and cortisol cycles
• Recognize the difference between sympathetic “fight or flight” and parasympathetic “rest and digest” states
• Learn to identify and interrupt unhealthy stress responses before they become chronic
• Explore breathwork techniques that calm the nervous system and restore clarity
• Use affirmations and mindset tools to rewire thought patterns for strength and focus
• Practice meditative moments for recovery, gratitude, and emotional regulation
• Discover energizing and restorative mindful movement strategies
• Apply the FRY Method™ to build a personalized, modular wellness practice
• Leave with a renewed understanding: your protection and healing is vital, your service is heroic, and your wellbeing matters

Session 3 – Main Stage

Speaker: Parul Shah, MSP, RSW, CPA

Parul Shah is not only a psychotherapist, but also a spouse of a police officer. Parul has been a member of the 911 family for over 24 years. During this tenure, she has witnessed the difficulties faced by her family members and has observed that workplace stigma extends beyond frontline personnel and affects their families as well. This stigma ultimately influenced her approach to problem-solving, perception, and management.

Parul’s purpose in life is to share insights from “what got us here” to takeaways of “being okay” in our mental wellness journey

Organization: Embracing Empowerment Counselling Services

Talk Title: The Weight You Carry

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating Challenges
• Meaningful Support System – Building a care team (internal and external resources)
• Mindful Movements that strengthen your well being

• LUNCH (Free for First Responders – register; advance tickets for public available for purchase)
• Visit Exhibitors

Session 4 – Main Stage

Speaker: Harpreet Singh, Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), MBA, Financial Advisor

Harpreet is the Founder and Financial Advisor at Zoho Financial, a firm dedicated to helping high-achievers, professionals, and their families build clarity, confidence, and control over their financial lives. With ann extensive experience in educating and guiding clients through complex financial decisions, Harpreet holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, MBA, as well recognized financial qualifications and licenses, combining technical expertise with a practical, real-world approach.

He is also an experienced speaker, a Radio show host, a community builder, and leader, known for educating, motivating and empowering audiences to take actionable steps toward personal and professional growth. Beyond his professional pursuits, Harpreet is a devoted husband and proud father of three boys, bringing the same commitment, care, and integrity to his family as he does to his clients and community.

Passionate about empowering people to see financial wellness as a tool for peace of mind and purpose, Harpreet inspires others to take control of their futures with confidence and clarity.

Organization: Zoho Financial

Talk Title: Protecting the Protectors: Financial Wellness as Self-Care

In a profession where you protect others every day, it’s easy to forget your own safety net. Protecting the Protectors helps you reconnect financial stability with personal wellbeing. You’ll learn simple, stress-reducing ways to organize your finances, prepare for the unexpected, and build a future that supports your values and your family. This session isn’t about money management — it’s about peace of mind. You’ll walk away with practical tools to reduce financial stress, strengthen resilience, and turn financial wellness into another form of self-care — because protecting yourself is part of protecting others.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the Link Between Financial Stress and Wellbeing
• Learn how financial uncertainty impacts mental and emotional health—and how regaining clarity can restore balance
• Build Your Personal “Financial First Aid Kit”
• Discover simple, actionable steps to create financial stability: from emergency buffers to insurance essentials.
• Shift from Reacting to Planning
• Gain tools to make confident, proactive financial decisions that reduce anxiety and improve long-term control.
• Redefine Financial Wellness as Self-Care
• See money management not as pressure, but as a pathway to peace of mind, purpose, and protection for yourself and your loved ones

Session 5 – Main Stage

Speaker: Dr. Bellefontaine, C.Psych

Dr. Sarah Bellefontaine is a Clinical, Health, and Counselling Psychologist who works with adults (18+) dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, chronic illness, and major life transitions. She has a strong focus on supporting first responders and military personnel experiencing Operational Stress Injuries (OSI), offering evidence-based care that is grounded in compassion and trust. Sarah primarily uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and integrates tools from other evidence-based approaches to tailor treatment to each client’s needs. Her goal is to help clients move from surviving to truly living, even in the face of overwhelming stress or trauma. Sarah has worked in both hospital and clinical settings and brings warmth, professionalism, and experience to her practice. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, camping, archery, and spending time with her two pet bunnies.

Organization: Four Wings Psychology

Talk Title: Tactical Mindfulness: Staying Grounded in the Heat of the Moment

In high-stress situations, clarity and composure can make all the difference. This interactive talk equips first responders with practical, science-based mindfulness tools to stay focused, calm, and effective under pressure. Participants will learn quick techniques – like tactical breathing, sensory grounding, and the tactical pause – that can be used on the job or after a call to reset the nervous system. Designed specifically for the realities of first responder work, this session helps build resilience, prevent burnout, and enhance performance when it matters most.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the science of stress – how high-intensity situations impact attention, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
• Learn three tactical mindfulness tools (Box Breathing, Sensory Reset, and the Tactical Pause) that can be used anytime, anywhere.
• Develop quick grounding skills to maintain clarity, focus, and composure in the middle of chaos.
• Build habits for ongoing resilience through short, daily mindfulness practices that fit into real-world first responder routines.
• Enhance performance and recovery by using mindfulness to transition effectively between work, home, and rest.

Session 6 – Main Stage

Speaker: Elke Harder, Founder

Elke Harder is a strategist, Project Management Professional (PMP®) and advisor specializing in multigenerational living solutions. With a background in sales, management and communications, she helps families consider navigating housing transitions, from discussing redesigning existing homes to planning for long-term co-living. Growing up with multigenerational roots overseas, she saw firsthand the benefits of shared living. With housing price increases and evolving city zoning, she provides guidance for consideration prior to families taking the plunge. Elke’s passion for design and problem-solving ensures families find sustainable solutions that enhance well-being and work-life balance.

Organization: Multi-Gen Living by Design

Talk Title: Living in a Multigenerational Home – A First Responder’s Advantage

In this session, we will explore the benefits and challenges of living in a multigenerational home and how it can support your role as a First Responder. Learn how shared responsibilities, financial stability and emotional support can improve work-life balance, reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain practical strategies to navigate family dynamics while maintaining personal strength.
• This session will help you leverage the strengths of a multigenerational household to better manage the demands of your career and personal life.

Session 7 – Main Stage

Speaker: Colleen Kamps

Colleen is a licensed psychotherapist with a career spanning over 4 decades, specializing in mental health and wellness, suicidality, trauma, grief, and crisis intervention. She is an impassioned advocate for mental health through The Tema Foundation and is renowned for her expertise in mental health and wellness, trauma-informed training, and therapy. Her compassionate approach and unwavering commitment to those she serves have earned her widespread recognition and respect in the mental health and first responder field. Colleen is deeply dedicated to destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting holistic wellbeing in her community through The Tema Foundation, her counselling practice, workshops, training, and advocacy efforts. Her passion, commitment, and dedication to helping others are what keep her striving forward to make life easier for those who need support.

Organization: Tema Foundation

Talk Title: Wired for Survival – Understanding the Stress Response and Building Resilience

Drawing from the Duty to Self Handbook, this session goes beyond coping. It offers a practical, evidence-based roadmap to resilience, reminding those who serve: self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Take steps to stay in the profession you have chosen. Showing up for others begins with showing up for yourself.

Key Takeaways:

• A survival response is a normal biological reaction to threat — not a personal weakness.
• Chronic activation of the stress response changes how we think, react, connect, and recover.
• Micro-interventions done in seconds can interrupt escalation and help the nervous system reset.
• Resilience is not “toughing it out” — it’s learning skills to return to regulation over and over.
• Healthy teams create environments where recovery, peer support, and psychological safety are part of culture — not the exception.

Closing and Wrap Up