Accidents, Addictions,
and Abuse:
Understanding and Supporting
Vulnerable Clients
Northern Ontario Conference for
Healthcare Professionals
Accidents, Addictions,
and Abuse:
Understanding and Supporting
Vulnerable Clients
Northern Ontario Conference for
Healthcare Professionals
About | Accommodations | Speakers | Agenda | FAQ
About the 2024 Northern Ontario Conference for Healthcare Professionals
This conference will take place from October 16th to 18th, 2024, at the Killarney Mountain Lodge, a stunning resort that offers a variety of activities and amenities for your relaxation and enjoyment.
You will hear from expert speakers from different disciplines who share insights and practical strategies to deal with some of the most challenging and complex clients. You will learn about:
- The behavioural impact of traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, depression, and other mental health disorders
- Emerging psychedelic therapies and evidence-based cannabis treatment for adults and children
- The challenges and treatment options for supporting clients with addictions
- The legal implications and processes for representing vulnerable clients
- Resources and referrals available for clients who need additional help or intervention.
This conference will also allow you to network with other professionals, such as healthcare providers, hospital clinicians, and lawyers. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your skills, knowledge, and confidence in working with vulnerable clients. Register now and secure your spot for this exciting and informative conference.
We look forward to seeing you at the Killarney Mountain Lodge in October 2024!
Who should attend?
This conference will be of special interest to healthcare professionals who treat, advise, and advocate on behalf of the brain injury community. You will gain valuable insights and skills that will help you improve the quality of life and outcomes for your clients.
Accommodations for the Conference
With the incredible landscape of Killarney as your backdrop, the Killarney Mountain Lodge and Sportsman’s Inn offer accommodations and amenities to suit your needs. To ensure your needs are met for a satisfying stay, please review the room information thoroughly. Various rooms differ in features and amenities.
Please contact Madison Brunette directly at mbrunette@oatleyvigmond.com to inquire about availability.
Killarney Mountain Lodge
Sportsman's Inn Resort & Marina
CONFERENCE AGENDA
All conference activities and presentations will be held in Granite Ridge unless otherwise stated. Subject to changes.
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
4:00pm - 6:00 pm
Conference Check-In, Front Lobby
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Welcome Reception & Dinner
8:00pm - 10:00pm
Night Cap, Carousel Lounge
Thursday, October 17, 2024
6:45am - 7:30am
Yoga with Josie Skelly, Location TBD
7:30am - 8:30am
Breakfast & Registration
8:45am - 9:00am
Opening Remarks
9:00am - 10:00am
Dr. William Gnam
Stigma, Personal Bias, and Their Adverse Impacts on Personal Injury Clients with Addictions
10:00am - 10:30am
Dr. Genevieve Dale
A Groundbreaking New Approach to PTSD: Reconsolidation Therapy
10:30am - 11:00am Refreshment Break
11:00am - 11:45am
Dr. Tara Leary, Lara Fitzgerald-Husek, Colleen Rosener
Choices in Healing: Exploring Public and Private Support for Addictions
11:45am - 12:30pm
Kate Davis
Out of My Mind, Back in 5 Minutes
12:30pm - 1:30pm Lunch Break
1:30pm - 6:30pm Recreation & Leisure Time
6:30pm - 9:30 pm
Cocktail Reception & Dinner
9:30pm - 12:00 am
Night Cap Bonfire, Outside
Friday, October 18, 2024
7:45am - 9:00 am
Breakfast
9:15am - 9:30 am
Opening Remarks
9:30am - 10:30am
Dr. Evan Lewis
A New Approach to Concussion: Reframing Persistent Symptoms as Functional Neurological Disorder
10:30am - 11:00am Refreshment Break
11:00am - 11:30am
Edan Dales
Supporting Families Impacted by Trauma
11:30am - 12:00pm
Robert Durante, Jacob Florean, and Dr. Carolyn Lemsky
Jacob's Journey from Injury & Addiction to Health & Happiness
12:00pm - 12:15pm
Closing Remarks
12:15pm - 1:30pm Lunch Break
CONFERENCE CHAIRS
Troy Lehman
Since starting law school, Troy has wanted to be a litigator. He graduated from Western University’s Faculty of Law and earned the highest mark in his class of 2001 on the bar exam. After being called to the bar, Troy joined a London firm that specialized in defending doctors in medical malpractice cases. During his first six years, he averaged two to three trials a year.
Throughout his career, Troy has been invited to educate other lawyers on personal injury law at conferences hosted by the Law Society of Ontario (formerly the Law Society of Upper Canada), the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and York University. He helped bring the Advocates Society’s Courthouse Series program to Barrie and has chaired that prestigious program for many years. He has been a guest lecturer at both Queen’s University and Western University, a director of the Simcoe County Law Association and was elected a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America—a prestigious accolade that fewer than one half of one percent of eligible lawyers receive.
When he’s not working to advance the rights of a client in need, Troy enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys, especially if there’s a Cleveland Browns game on.
Adam Little
Adam earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto in 1996. He graduated from Queen’s University Faculty of Law in 2000 and was called to the bar in 2002.
Adam speaks regularly at law conferences around the country. He co-authored The Personal Injury Practice Manual, and co-wrote chapters of The Oatley-McLeish Guide to Personal Injury Practice in Motor Vehicle Cases. A past president of the Simcoe County Law Association, Adam has also received the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association’s “Distinguished Service Award” and the prestigious “Dean F. Edgell Award,” presented annually to a lawyer who has promoted the goals of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association through significant contribution and excellence in legal writing, continuing legal education and leadership activities.
When Adam isn’t practicing personal injury law, he enjoys running, mountain biking, riding his ATV — and doing just about anything outdoors.
Karen Vigmond
A born-and-raised Barrie resident, Karen knows and loves her community. She is proud to be a partner in one of Canada’s most successful personal injury law firms—right in her own backyard. Karen joined Oatley Vigmond in 2013 as an associate lawyer. She holds a BA from Queen’s University and her Juris Doctor from Bond University in Australia. Prior to being called to the Bar in January 2013, Karen articled at a well-known personal injury law firm in Toronto.
With a deep interest in community involvement, Karen joined Spinal Cord Injury Ontario in 2013, and in June of 2021 was appointed to their Board of Directors. She has also volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Society in both Kingston and Barrie, and with Lawyers Feed the Hungry.
Karen shares her two young children with her husband, a firefighter in Hamilton. When not practicing law, she tries to find moments of calm in her busy household by going for a run, spending time at the lake, or hitting the slopes.
Lara Fitzgerald-Husek
As a partner at Oatley Vigmond, Lara Fitzgerald-Husek uses her empathy, creativity, and trial experience to connect with her clients and help them move forward after trauma. Lara focuses her practice solely on personal injury, and she is determined to get her clients the best possible outcome—the one they deserve.
Lara completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto and obtained her Juris Doctor and MPA at Queen’s University. She was called to the bar in 2013 and joined Oatley Vigmond after practicing insurance defence at a leading national firm. Her experience representing Canada’s largest insurers has provided Lara with valuable insight into personal injury claims, allowing her to better serve her clients.
When Lara is not practicing personal injury law, she is steadily working through a culinary degree at George Brown college, hiking with her dog Finnegan, and practicing urban gardening.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Dr. Genevieve Dale
I’m a private sector psychologist in the GTA area. I have my own private practice, PHNX PSYCH. Over the last 10 years, I have worked in various private practices, hospitals and clinics including Montfort Hospital, Center of Psychological Services at the University of Québec in Hull, Eastern Ottawa Psychological Center, Medical Sainte-Anne Clinic, Y2 Consultants Psychologist and the 555 Multi Clinic in Hull. In addition to my practice, I have also taught undergrad classes at the University of Québec in Hull and supervised master’s degree students at the University of Ottawa. I’m a provider for Blue Cross, Green Shield and Public Safety. I am certified to practice Reconsolidation Therapy, and I supervise a team of therapists that specialises in the treatment of trauma. I am a registered psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and a registered psychologist with the Order of Psychologists of Quebec. I’m also a registered member of the Canadian Psychological Association.
I specialize in the treatment of trauma with military personnel and first responders. This population is my passion. Working with heroes, ready to do the greatest sacrifice inspire me and give a sense of meaning to my career and my life. My doctoral thesis was about how to decrease PTSD symptoms in a military population trough Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples (EFT). My results ended up being significant. My sample was couples from a military base in Quebec (Val cartier). To do therapy with them, I had to drive 6 hours each way every Monday for 15 weeks. It was totally worth it. Now I am pleased to be involved in the veteran community in Toronto and working with Toronto Police Association. I was involved with Warriors Adventures Canada and True Patriot Love, I had to accompany a group of veterans in a life changing adventure in the wilderness. I felt privilege to have experienced a bit of the concept of brotherhood, sharing pain and laughs with veterans. I’m also a group facilitator for the Veterans Transition Network, an organisation based in BC. We deliver PTSD treatment and group-based interventions across Canada with group of veterans that struggles with transitioning into civilian life.
I’m also a certified couple psychologist, I practice Emotion Focused Therapy for couple. I also have a certification in cult therapy to help people recognize and get out of mind control organisations. I practice in French and English.
Eden Dales
Eden Dales is a registered social worker, registered with The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and a member of The Ontario Association of Social Workers. Eden received her master’s degree in social work from Yeshiva University in New York City and commenced her career supporting clients in the emergency departments during 9/11 in NYC.
Eden is the owner and director of Eden Dales Social Work (EDSW), a community based social work practice, specializing in preparing social work assessment reports and providing post-trauma counselling services, to individuals and families recovering from trauma, in many languages and regions across Ontario.
Eden has over twenty years of clinical experience and training in the field of social work, with expertise and specialized training in post-trauma recovery, and is knowledgeable and trained in cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction therapy, narrative and brief therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, Couples Counselling, Trauma Informed Care, Psychotherapy for Brain Injury and Concussion Recovery, and Gender Differences in Brain Injury and Concussion.
Eden also has a private counselling practice in North York, focused on stress and mood management, family and interpersonal relationships and executive function challenges (including ADHD, concussions and acquired brain injuries).
Kate Davis
Kate’s generous Insight and outspoken character, provides a powerful combination to help organizations empower their staff with effective tools for managing stress and sustaining motivation.
As the world is becoming more unpredictable, finding balance, connectivity, motivation and peace of mind is challenging. Leaders most often look outward for the answers to these problems, but the foundation of balance and alignment lies within each of us.
Kate Davis is an award-winning comic, author and sought after international keynote speaker. Kate teaches people how to lighten up so they can bring balance, connection and mindfulness into their busy lives. Her presentations on stress management, connectivity and resilience are grounded in 2 decades of research and development. Kate has appeared on Breakfast Television, Star TV, Toronto 1,Prime, WTN, TVO and is on Sirius XM radio. Kate can also be heard on CBC Radio One, “The Debaters.” Kate tours globally with her comedy and speaking which has allowed her to open for President Bill Clinton and the late Barbara Walters to name a few. Kate has been published in Today’s parent magazine and the Mom and Caregiver Magazine. She has written 2 books and won the iparent media award and her second book “Second Best Mom – Stories, Tips and Okay Advice” is now available on all platforms.
Kate’s comedic keynotes have brought thousands of people together, coaching adoring crowds through stand-up, storytelling and practical techniques on managing change and dynamic environments.
Through the proven health building power of laughter Kate inspires others to create moments of inclusivity, joy, and productivity in all areas of their lives. This work leaves people feeling energized, optimistic and equipped with practical tools to make real change and staying motivated.
Robert M. Durante
When Rob Durante was called to the bar in 1997, he had been articling for a year with a law firm that specialized in defending insurance companies in personal injury cases. “I developed a sense of wanting to right injustices,” he recalls. “I didn’t want to work for the insurance companies… For me, it’s all about achieving justice for clients, righting wrongs and arranging fair compensation.” Rob joined Oatley Vigmond that same year and has been advocating for seriously injured clients and their families ever since.
For his undergraduate degree, Rob majored in psychology at McGill University and obtained his law degree from Queen’s University. “I really enjoy the problem-solving aspect of law,” he says. “Every legal problem has an answer. How you get there could be many, many different ways. It’s a lot like trying to figure out a complex puzzle.”
The most memorable case he worked on involved a woman who had become intoxicated at a holiday party thrown by her employer, a real estate firm. The woman suffered a serious brain injury in a motor vehicle collision. Rob was part of the legal team that sued the employer, ultimately winning her a large settlement that would change the public perception of employer obligations at staff parties.
With experience representing clients at all levels of court, Rob has taken his passion for justice and made a difference in the lives of many. Rob also sits on the board of the Brain Injury Association of Sudbury & District. He has been invited to share his considerable experience with personal injury law, accident benefits and commercial host liability at conferences across the country hosted by the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Society of Ontario (formerly the Law Society of Upper Canada), The Advocates’ Society and the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association.
Dr. William Gnam
Dr. William H. Gnam is a practicing Psychiatrist in Ontario. A former Clinician Scientist of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada, Dr. Gnam was also the Occupational Psychiatrist of the City of Toronto for 10 years. He is one of the most experienced disability and catastrophic impairment evaluators in the Province. In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Gnam is an expert in the scientific foundations of clinical decision making, and he holds a Masters Degree in Physiology from Oxford University, a Master Degree in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Toronto, and a PhD in Health Economics from Harvard University. Dr. Gnam is currently the Medical Director of Everspring House Bradford, a multidisciplinary day treatment program that treats clients with complex mental disorders, including addictions.
Dr. Tara Leary
Dr. Tara Leary is the Regional Medical Lead for addictions services at Health Sciences North in Sudbury. She also has a community addictions practice and is an associate professor at NOSM U where she acts as the Medical Director of Continuing Medical Education.
Dr. Leary has been in practice in Sudbury for over 20 years, with a focus in mental heath and addictions for more than a decade. Her work has supported various agencies over the years, ranging from the Canadian Mental Health Association to the Sudbury Jail, but ultimately she has focused her efforts in helping to build a more responsive addictions approach with HSN.
She is a published author in several peer-reviewed journals; has helped develop accredited addictions learning simulations for clinicians; presents at provincial and national addictions conferences; and sits on several advisory committees, including the Ontario Health Centre of Excellence in Mental Health and Addictions Task Group on Bed Based Services.
Dr. Carolyn Lemsky
Dr. Carolyn Lemsky is a board certified neuropsychologist with over 25 years of experience working in rehabilitation settings in the U.S. and Canada. She is the Clinical Director at Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS) of Toronto—a Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care funded agency designed to promote community re-integration of persons living with the effects of acquired brain injury. She is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto
Dr. Lemsky is the director of the Substance Use and Brain Injury Bridging Project, a research and knowledge transfer initiative funded by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation. Along with her partners at the Center for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) she has provided over 70 workshops and webinars for addictions and ABI providers across the US and Canada. Products of the SUBI project include the Brain Injury Tool Kit, a resource funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Technology Transfer Centers. A second edition of the SUBI manual, new for 2022 was released in January.
In addition to frequent conference presentations, Dr. Lemsky has contributed book chapters and articles to the neuropsychology and brain injury literature. She receives frequent invitations to provide training and conference and conference presentations on the SUBI project across Canada and the US.
Dr. Evan Lewis
Dr. Evan Cole Lewis is a neurologist with specialized training in pediatric neurology and epilepsy, holding a clinical appointment as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto. He is the founder and medical director of Numinus Toronto, formerly known as the Neurology Centre of Toronto where his work is at the intersection of traditional neurology and innovative therapeutic approaches.
Dr. Lewis has a rich clinical background in treating patients with persistent symptoms after concussion and Functional Neurological Disorder (previously or, at other times, known as conversion disorder). His consultation work extends beyond clinical settings, involving collaborations with litigators to apply emerging concepts in neurocognitive science theories to draw new perspectives on concussion and mild traumatic brain injury cases.
Dr. Lewis employs a range of therapies, from traditional methods to novel approaches such as psychedelic and ketamine-assisted therapy, and medical cannabis, particularly for conditions like epilepsy, brain injury, and functional seizures. He is actively involved in global research initiatives and advocacy for patients, as a contributor and investigator in clinical trials for medical cannabis therapy in epilepsy and headache.
This blend of clinical practice, research, and advisory roles reflects Dr. Lewis’s dedication to advancing neurological care through a comprehensive understanding of both conventional and emerging therapies in neurology.
Colleen Rosener
Colleen Rosener, MSc, TRS, has dedicated her career to serving those with rehabilitation needs, since 2001 when she received her Master of Science degree in Recreation Therapy Administration from Aurora University in Chicago, Illinois. Colleen began her career treating those in inpatient rehabilitation settings in Baltimore, Maryland at Sinai Hospital and since has practiced in both community and inpatient settings. Presently, Colleen utilizes her two degrees and clinical experience as a Rehabilitation Consultant and Recreation Therapist serving those through their recovery of acquired brain injuries, addictions, behavioral, psychosocial, and physical diagnoses.
Colleen has been facilitating discharge planning from inpatient to outpatient settings within various communities for almost two decades. Over the years, Colleen has successfully completed multiple acquired brain injury related courses through Brock University in collaboration with the Ontario Brain Injury Association to maximize her skills and knowledge allowing her to stay on the cutting edge of acquired brain injury rehabilitation.
Colleen’s expertise and specialized training have allowed her to naturally communicate equally well with clients, family members, and multi-disciplinary professionals, while maintaining a client-centered focus. She shares “making sure absolutely everything is achieved to help my clients through such tragedy is my primary goal and focus”. Colleen’s passion for recovery through rehabilitation involvement optimizes her ability to instantly allow her clients to feel comfortable as she truly holds a place for them in her heart. As she provides direction and case management throughout the continuum of care, Colleen is extremely loyal and will support her clients through all difficult moments and challenges faced. Colleen’s motivation and dedication ensures optimal cost benefit options and recommendations, while supporting the best possible outcomes for her clients and their families. With bringing her rehabilitation and education assets to the table, she continuously feels inspired by positive outcomes and personal moments she will treasure as she sees her clients meet their rehabilitation goals.
While Colleen has always been and will continue to be passionate about her profession, she shares an equal passion for her family while spending time with her two very active boys, with her eldest at Laurentian University playing varsity soccer, and youngest in high school.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Attire for the conference and all related events will be casual. In the spirit of our conference taking place in one of our most treasured natural landscapes, we encourage you to let your style reflect the warmth and charm of our northern roots.
This year's theme for our dinner on Thursday, October 17th, will be CANADIAN COUTURE! We're looking to see your best Canadian tuxedos, flannel jackets and trapper hats!
Yes, there are a limited number of fully accessible and partially accessible rooms available. Please describe your specific needs upon registration with the hotel.
Attendees are able to hike during their recreation and leisure time.
The Crack Hike is a stunning trail that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This is a 6km round trip and takes around 4 hours to complete. The trail will take you through rugged terrain, rocky outcrops, and dense forests. This is a challenging trail with steep sections and obstacles that is best suited for experienced hikers. Appropriate hiking footwear and attire are strongly recommended.
To learn more, click here.
Please note that this is an unguided hiking experience.
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The Lighthouse Trail is a picturesque route that showcases the landscapes of Killarney Provincial Park. The trail is a 5km round trip and is timed around 2 hours to completion. Hikers are treated to beautiful views of the white lighthouse on George Island, surrounded by the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay.
To learn more, click here.
This is a guided hike to the East Lighthouse. Along the way, your guide will teach you about the natural and local history of the area.