Charity Helman is an experienced educator dedicated to empowering all learners. As an Instructional Design Lead at Calgary Academy, she specializes in creating inclusive and accessible learning environments. With a passion for educational technology, Charity leverages assistive technology and AI tools to enhance student learning and independence. Her expertise in instructional design and digital literacy enables her to develop innovative strategies that cater to diverse learning needs. A Google Certified Educator and Trainer, Charity holds a BA in English, a BEd, and a certificate in Technology Leadership. She is committed to exploring the latest advancements in EdTech to support learners of all abilities.

In January 2013, Dr. Wilcox moved to Alberta from Pennsylvania, where she spent most of her life. She is married with two young adult sons.

She earned a BSE in English Education and an MS in School Psychology at Millersville University.

She practiced as a school psychologist for eight years, primarily serving students with intellectual disabilities or severe emotional/ behavioral problems, before completing her PsyD in School Psychology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in 2009. She completed post-doctoral training in clinical neuropsychology.

She practiced as a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania, primarily working in pediatric neuropsychology, until joining the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, where she is an Associate Professor, School and Applied Child Psychology. Dr. Wilcox is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.

Dr. Dan Ross is a community pediatrician practicing in South Calgary. He has worked for over 25 years with children with developmental, learning, and behavioural concerns, particularly ADHD, ASD, Learning Disabilities and other neurodivergent or mental health concerns.

He has helped organize and present at prior conferences and educational sessions with the LDAA in the past and is excited to continue his involvement and advocacy with the LDAA Board moving forward. In his free time, he enjoys his hobby of photography, and travel.

Michele Pentyliuk, M. Ed., is a Registered Psychologist and Certified Teacher working in private practice in Edmonton as a clinician and the managing partner of North Land Family Counselling Group. The focus of her practice is on identification of – and interventions for – individuals who encounter challenges within educational environments. Early intervention regarding literacy learning is a particular interest. Michele started her career as a Special Education teacher, then moved into private practice as an educational consultant before embarking on her graduate program where she focused her studies on assessment and intervention practices, culminating her program with a thesis evaluating parental involvement in assessment. Michele has presented workshops to parents, professionals, and students throughout Canada on a wide range of topics related to learning and learning differences. She has provided strategy instruction to individuals, small groups, and large audiences at all educational levels.

Pam Lougheed-Stack is a leader in the learning disability sector. Her vast experience supporting diverse learners throughout her teaching career spans across a variety of roles, including as a classroom teacher, resource teacher, learning specialist, early and late literacy specialist, and as a special educator teaching classes to students diagnosed with learning disabilities.

Pam demonstrates expertise in delivering evidence-based literacy instruction and intervention, and in creating educator focused curriculum. She has led school-wide literacy initiatives and is a sought-after presenter on effective literacy instruction to various groups across Alberta.

Bani Puri holds a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta and has spent over 20 years sparking curiosity and fostering growth in students. With experience across multiple grade levels, international teaching, and leadership roles, Bani brings a well-rounded perspective to education. Since joining Foothills Academy in 2007 after teaching in the UK, Bani has been passionate about supporting students with learning disabilities, using creative teaching, strategic leadership, and a strength-based approach to help them thrive. Beyond the classroom, Bani loves mentoring, running school clubs, and engaging with the community—because learning happens everywhere!

Now, as Manager of Community Education and Professional Development, Bani is excited to build an inclusive, collaborative learning space that empowers students, supports educators, and connects communities. With a heart for education and a belief in lifelong learning, Bani looks forward to igniting even more sparks along the way.

In January 2013, Dr. Wilcox moved to Alberta from Pennsylvania, where she spent most of her life. She is married with two young adult sons.

She earned a BSE in English Education and an MS in School Psychology at Millersville University.

She practiced as a school psychologist for eight years, primarily serving students with intellectual disabilities or severe emotional/ behavioral problems, before completing her PsyD in School Psychology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in 2009. She completed post-doctoral training in clinical neuropsychology.

She practiced as a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania, primarily working in pediatric neuropsychology, until joining the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, where she is an Associate Professor, School and Applied Child Psychology. Dr. Wilcox is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.

Michele Pentyliuk, M. Ed., is a Registered Psychologist and Certified Teacher working in private practice in Edmonton as a clinician and the managing partner of North Land Family Counselling Group. The focus of her practice is on identification of – and interventions for – individuals who encounter challenges within educational environments. Early intervention regarding literacy learning is a particular interest. Michele started her career as a Special Education teacher, then moved into private practice as an educational consultant before embarking on her graduate program where she focused her studies on assessment and intervention practices, culminating her program with a thesis evaluating parental involvement in assessment. Michele has presented workshops to parents, professionals, and students throughout Canada on a wide range of topics related to learning and learning differences. She has provided strategy instruction to individuals, small groups, and large audiences at all educational levels.

Meadow Schroeder, PhD, R Psych is an Associate Professor in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. She has been teaching and mentoring graduate students in educational psychology for over a decade. She has taught school psychology and counselling courses in assessment, intervention, and ethics. Her main research interests include how students with disabilities are supported in the educational setting, diagnostic decision-making, and self-regulated learning.

Sheryl Walters is an Assistant Principal at Calgary Academy and a Doctoral Student at the University of Calgary. With 13 years of experience in education, she has excelled as an instructional designer and administrator within special education. Sheryl’s expertise lies in mathematics instruction and inclusive design, and she is dedicated to coaching educators and engaging learners through innovative numeracy strategies and effective discourse.

Liz Thompson is an Assistant Principal and former Foundational Numeracy Lead at Calgary Academy, where she has spent the past twelve years working with exceptional learners. Her expertise is in building teacher capacity to integrate foundational numeracy skills and address the diverse needs of math learners. Liz is also pursuing a Master of Education in Sustainability, Creativity, and Innovation from Cape Breton University, further enriching her approach to educational practice and innovation.