Four Days of Impactful Engagement Across BC

At LDS, we’re passionate about creating meaningful connections in the community to help advance our mission to empower all children, youth, and adults with learning differences to recognize their unique strengths and develop the tools to achieve lifelong independence, confidence, and success.   

Our team is on the move! See what our incredible team was up to May 6-9, collaborating, learning, and sharing valuable insights to make an impact across BC. All of this is in addition to our regularly scheduled programming, where, during that week, our team of specialized educators and case managers served an all-time-high record number of learners in our One-to-One and small group programs!

May 6-9: Coastal Connections in Tofino  

Alice Bromfield, Senior Manager, Programs, spent a few days in the beautiful coastal communities of Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet, and the community of ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) of the Nuu chah Nulth Nation. While there, Alice attended the Coastal Family Resource Coalition and engaged with community members to strengthen connections and ensure LDS better meets the unique needs of families in the area. We’re grateful to the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust for inviting us to their gathering, for many learnings we’ve gathered and will share with our team, and for connections with West Coast Community Resources Society, Coastal Family Resource Coalition, 100 Women Who Care Tofino, Ucluelet Aquarium, Chah Chum Hii Yup Tiic Mis, and more! 

May 7: Empowering Business Leaders in Vancouver 

On May 7, Executive Director Rachel Forbes and Katherine Withnell, Development Officer, presented our Understanding Neurodiversity workshop for the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. In addition, Katherine and Vanessa Pat, Communications Coordinator, attended the GVBOT Night of Nonprofit Engagement, forging valuable relationships with volunteers and business leaders across the city to help support our work.  

May 8: Early Intervention for the Tri-Cities

Marlo Humiski, Senior Manager, Early Years Programs, and Rachel Forbes presented at the Tri-Cities Early Childhood Development Table. They shared about our programs, assessments, referral and intake processes, sliding scale, and how we collaborate with a learner’s full educational and support team. They also shared LDS’ approach to early intervention and how we provide families and young learners with the support they need to thrive.  

May 9: Strengthening Early Childhood Education

Marlo Humiski led a standing-room-only workshop on “Understanding Neurodiversity: Strengthening Connections, Identity, and Practice for Early Childhood Educators” at the Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia’s annual conference in Richmond. Joined by Vanessa Pat and Chelsey Leas, Family and Student Services Coordinator, our team had an incredible day connecting with educators and professionals dedicated to improving early childhood practices.   

May 9: Learning from the Networks of Inquiry and Indigenous Education Symposium

Mel Henderson, Case Manager & Program Support, attended the Networks of Inquiry and Indigenous Education Symposium. There, she had the opportunity to engage in dynamic learning experiences alongside educators across the province. This event was a fantastic chance to deepen our understanding of Indigenous education practices and expand our tools and resources to support learners. Watch for Indigenous designed and made decodable books soon in our Learning Centres! 

We’re proud of our work and constantly inspired by the educators, families, and leaders we have the privilege of engaging with. Our team is committed to growing alongside the communities we serve for years to come. 

– Sara Jane R. Walker, Senior Manager, Communications

LDS is a community of dedicated professionals who write collaboratively. We recognize the contribution of unnamed team members for their wisdom and input.