RED DEER POLYTECHNIC
RDP collaborates with industry to host a resiliency workshop

Red Deer Polytechnic brought practitioners last week to host a sold-out workshop focusing on Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience Scale Masterclass in collaboration with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC), Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence and the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI).

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur throughout a child's life, which can have significant and lasting effects on their overall well-being and development. Throughout the workshop, Resilience Reboot: Empowering Minds, Strengthening Spirits, people gained valuable insights and tools from experts, including Red Deer Polytechnic instructors. Attendees learned about resilience through research and evidence-based materials that will help people explore the lifelong impact of resilience on individuals and communities.

Dr. Anomi Bearden and Dr. Jamie Prowse-Turner, two RDP Psychology instructors, contributed to the workshop by displaying their research in their field of study. Bearden presented how the use of psychology can lead to positive youth development and promote resilience following childhood trauma while Prowse- Turner spoke on post-secondary students' procrastination and self-efficacy in relation to Adverse Childhood Experiences.

RDP students, Seyi A. Alabi and Jocelyn Wynnychuk, also showcased their applied research at the workshop. Alabi, a Social Work Diploma student, presented on turning challenges into opportunities while Wynnychuk, a Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Psychology, talked about her literature review of Move Your Mood, a program about supporting adolescents' well-being.

A highlight from the event included an interactive presentation by AFWI that introduced the Brain Story and Resilience Scale framework as a tool to build resilience and improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

"This workshop offered attendees, regardless of their familiarity with Resilience and diverse Childhood Experiences, a meaningful chance to enhance their knowledge and integrate resilience into both personal and professional settings," says Emile Johnson, Director, Resiliency and Child Advocacy Research. "Workshops like this create a shared language to inform policymakers, practitioners and the public about the critical link between brain development and lifelong well-being."

The Polytechnic, with 60 years of experience in community-based education and applied research, has established strong partnerships across various sectors. The programs cater to regional and provincial needs while making a global impact. RDP's Strategic Plan 2030 highlights the significance of applied research and partnerships by fostering a culture of innovation and creative activity.

For more information on the Polytechnic's Child Advocacy and Resiliency research, please visit: rdpolytech.ca/research-innovation.