Survive to Thrive Foundation
Workshop
An interactive experience for Children, Family, and Community Service staff who want practical tools they can use immediately.
This session will explore brain responses and individual coping strategies through a neuroscience lens, that brings a stronger understanding of intergenerational complex trauma.
Designed to help move from the feeling of fixity (survival) to flow (thriving). The session will emphasize the significance of self-care, aiming to equip participants with the ability to stay within a range of resilience while providing support.
Takeaways
Understanding what happens when we move out of our survival brain (right brain) and into the cognitive-thinking brain (left brain).
Recognizing which part of the brain others are using.
Meeting individuals where they are at (assessing their capacity in the moment).
Identifying resources instead of deficits.
Differentiating between self-soothing and escape behaviours.
Strengthen your ability to support clients — and yourself
Addressing grief and loss responses.
Strategies put into practice.
OVERVIEW
Join Nicole McFadyen and Frank Shannon for a powerful, full‑day Survive to Thrive Foundation Workshop — an interactive experience designed for Children, Family, and Community Service staff who want practical tools they can use immediately.
Together, Nicole and Frank will guide you through how the brain responds to stress, how to shift from survival mode into thriving, and how to strengthen your ability to support others while caring for yourself. Blending neuroscience with Indigenous perspectives, this session delivers real‑world strategies, meaningful insights, and a supportive space to learn and connect.
Experience Details
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As you sign in at registration, enjoy a relaxed start to the day with complimentary water, coffee, and conversation.
To help us reduce waste, please bring your own reusable water bottle or coffee cup.
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Participants will explore the basics of brain science, learning how stress impacts our responses and coping strategies. Drawing on both neuroscience and Indigenous perspectives, the morning focuses on recognizing when we or others are in survival mode and on identifying and building on existing strengths.
Introduction to brain science and stress responses
Exploring survival mode vs. thriving mode through neuroscience and Indigenous perspectives
Understanding coping strategies and recognizing brain states in self and others
Practical tools for meeting people where they are and identifying strengths
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Participants are welcome to enjoy lunch on their own during the scheduled break. You may explore one of the many great local cafés and restaurants nearby, or bring your own meal — a list of recommended options within the community will be provided.
To help us reduce waste, please bring your own reusable water bottle or coffee cup.
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The afternoon centers on deepening self-care and bringing awareness to the range of resilience for staff, with practical approaches to strengthening relationships with children and support persons. Participants will also address topics like grief, loss, and placement stabilization, then come together as a group to reflect on key insights and consider how to apply what they’ve learned in their daily work.
Deepening self-care and the ability to in the range of resilience
Enhancing connections with those you serve
Addressing grief, loss, with clients and within our work
Group reflection on key takeaways and applying learning to your work
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To wrap up the day, we’ll come together as a group to reflect on key insights, share takeaways, and discuss how the lessons learned can be applied in your work moving forward.
“This session was eye-opening. Learning about the importance of co-regulation and how to create supportive environments, has transformed the way I approach my work. I feel much better equipped to make a difference.”
- ATTENDEE