Dr. Deborah MacNamara is a highly regarded clinical counsellor, author, and educator who helps parents and professionals make sense of children through developmental science. Known for her ability to translate complex theory into practical insight, Deborah is a leading voice in the movement to shift parenting, education, and mental health practices from behavioral quick-fixes to relational and developmental approaches.

As the author of the bestselling books Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers, and Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for Our Kids (and Everyone Else We Love), Deborah’s work has reached audiences across the globe. Her original frameworks around emotional development, alarm, and attachment offer clear, compassionate guidance to those raising and working with children.

A longtime faculty member at the Neufeld Institute and founder of Kid’s Best Bet counselling center, Deborah is widely recognized for her visionary thinking, discerning insights, and ability to galvanize meaningful change. She speaks regularly at national and international conferences, inspiring audiences with her warmth, clarity, and conviction.

Whether she’s addressing educators, mental health professionals, or parents, Deborah brings a rare combination of creativity, grounded theory, and deep compassion – helping adults rediscover their role as a child’s best bet.

Kathryn Goetzke is a global mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and author dedicated to teaching the science and skills of hope. As CEO and Chief Hope Officer of The Shine Hope Company, she created the award-winning programs Hopeful Minds, Hopeful Cities, and Hopeful Mindsets, helping communities worldwide learn how to hope through evidence-based tools and education.

A passionate changemaker, Kathryn represents the World Federation for Mental Health at the United Nations and is leading efforts to establish an International Day of Hope. She is the author of The Biggest Little Book About Hope and the host of The Hope Matrix podcast.

Drawing from her personal journey of healing from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction, Kathryn works with cities, schools, and organizations to build measurable hope as a proactive approach to mental health and well-being. Her work has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Psychology Today, Scholastic Choices, and presented at the United Nations, The World Bank, and Harvard University.

Granny Willow (Kelleen Blouin) is a proud Métis woman, mother, and grandmother of Ojibwe, Lakota, and Cree descent. She has been on her cultural path for the last 25 years after she was called to the drum with hoop dance. Granny Willow carries forward the legacy of her Granny Emilia, whose early influence helped her stay grounded in her roots and identity. Through her work in classrooms, community gatherings, and schools, she has shared her teachings with thousands of students. Granny Willow’s journey has carried her deeply into traditional teachings, including the Medicine Wheel and Sacred Circle, drum teachings, cultural storytelling with puppets, and the work of Truth and Reconciliation.