CMHO Conference 2024
November 18–19
Better Outcomes for Infants, Children, Youth, and Families
We are thrilled to welcome you back to North America’s largest child and youth mental health and addictions conference from November 18 to 19, 2024! With a goal of better outcomes, advancing equity, and building a stronger child and youth mental health and addictions system, the conference convenes leaders with a shared goal of improving the health and well-being of young people and their families, including youth and families with lived expertise. The 2024 CMHO Conference provides an opportunity to highlight innovative and evidence-based practices, share knowledge and experience, and build on our collective efforts to prioritize improving outcomes for infants, children, youth, and families.
Quick Links
Conference Agenda
Keynote Speakers
Zayna Khayat
Zayna Khayat
Zayna is the in-house health futurist with Deloitte Canada’s Healthcare and Life Sciences practice. She is adjunct faculty in the Health Sector Strategy stream at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto where she instructs courses in healthcare innovation and partnerships in the health MBA program. Zayna is a Growth Advisor at Teladoc Health in Canada and advises a few emerging health startups. Zayna previously led the Futures team with national home healthcare and aging social enterprise, SE Health, as their Future Strategist. Dr. Khayat was previously the lead of health system innovation at MaRS Discovery District, a health innovation hub in Toronto, Canada. In 2017, she was seconded to the REshape Innovation Centre at Radboud University Medical Centre in the Netherlands. Zayna completed her Ph.D. in diabetes research at the University of Toronto (2001), followed by a career in strategy consulting, including as a principal in the healthcare practice of The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). She currently resides in Toronto with her husband and three children and is proficient in French and Arabic languages (and a bit of Dutch!).
Keosha Love
Keosha Love
Keosha is an award-winning artist, activist and educator who builds spaces for wellness and collective liberation. As a poet and writer, Keosha is notable for centring self-actualization, womanism and generational healing in her work. She closely explores the diverse narratives and identities of Black and racialized people to champion their stories and use Black joy as rebellion. In 2016, Keosha founded Our Women’s Voices, a Toronto-based not-for-profit focused on amplifying the voices of women and making social change through arts, education and community organizing. With her BA in Psychology and roots in creative arts, Keosha has graced many stages and rooms as an educator and public speaker, exploring themes of mental health, race and gender advocacy. Keosha’s work can be found in collaboration with Facebook, Nike, Art Gallery of York University, Never Apart Magazine & more. Her poem “A Prayer for Black Women” has been shared nationally and featured in CBC’s Poetic License. In 2021, Keosha debuted her first mental health series titled Black & Vulnerable also on CBC. Most recently, Keosha was the recipient of the Community Hero Award presented by TFC for her contributions towards her community. Ultimately, Keosha Love is a storyteller and pivotal voice that inspires others to use theirs.
Michael McCreary
Michael McCreary
Twenty-eight-year-old Michael McCreary is an autistic comedian, actor, author and TEDX speaker who has been performing stand-up comedy since age 13. In the past 10 years, he has performed stand-up shows and keynote addresses in every province in Canada – plus the Yukon – and across the United States. He has done shows for tech giants IBM and SAP International; for universities such as McMaster, Queen’s, McGill, Montana State U and the University of Texas; and for many agencies and autism organizations: Autism Ontario, Autism Canada, Autism Nova Scotia, Autism Asperger’s Friendship Society (Calgary), Firefly Autism (Denver), Autism Yukon, Geneva Centre for Autism, Autism Society Newfoundland & Labrador, Pacific Autism Family Network; and for schools and school boards across the continent.
Michael has also written the award-winning book “Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic” (Annick Press); hosted the Autism Ontario video “Autism: See the Potential”; has consulted on the TV show “Ransom” to ensure the authenticity of a character with autism and has been featured on The National and on CBC Radio’s “Laugh Out Loud!”
He was the featured comic in Commander Chris Hadfield’s Generator show at Massey Hall in Toronto in 2016.
He played the role of a neurodivergent character “Eggs” in the TV series Astrid & Lilly Save the World (SYFY Network) and he can also be seen in Season 2 of Ginny & Georgia (Netflix).
In May 2022 he was part of the closing Gala at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival for CBC, and this year he was in the Halifax Comedy Festival.
He is currently working on a play, a new book, a documentary and getting his driver’s license.
Youth Action Committee
Youth Action Committee
The Youth Action Committee (YAC) is a provincial advisory committee made up of youth aged 16-25 who work to reduce stigma and improve mental health services for children and youth through youth-led policy recommendations. The YAC identifies a major issue youth experiencing mental health difficulties in Ontario are facing and sets out to find out how youth think we can solve these complex issues. Following province-wide youth consultations, the YAC works with Children’s Mental Health Ontario’s (CMHO) policy team to generate youth-led policy recommendations. The committee works together to deliver findings and recommendations to stakeholders responsible for change.
Keynote Panel: An Indigenous Journey to Supporting Mental Health Across the Lifespan- For Us It Begins in Infancy…. Or Earlier!
Chaya Kulkarni
Chaya Kulkarni, BAA, M.Ed., Ed.D
Director, Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion (IEMHP), Learning Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto
Dr. Chaya Kulkarni is the Director of Infant Mental Health Promotion (IEMHP) at The Hospital for Sick Children, a national organization which improves outcomes across the lifespan through translating and promoting the science of early mental health into practice with families during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood. Dr. Kulkarni has over 25 years of experience in a number of leadership roles including frontline service delivery, policy analysis, research, and curriculum and resource development. Prior to joining IEMHP, she was VP, Parent and Professional Education at Invest in Kids, and has also served as Senior Policy Analyst and Researcher for the Office of the Official Opposition, Queen’s Park. Dr. Kulkarni is a member of the Board at Gateway Community Health Centre and an adviser to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Warren Kapashesit
Warren Kapashesit
Warren Kapashesit is an indigenous Cree man from Moose Cree First Nation. Educated in Social Work, Warren has been in the helping field for 17 years. He is a Program Manager for Child and Youth Milopemahtesewin Services, which provides a wide range of wellness and supportive services to indigenous children, youth, and their families. In this role, Warren was one of the key people involved in creating and launching an entirely new program focused on preventing indigenous children and families from becoming involved or staying involved in the child welfare system. Warren’s previous work in program management, program development, therapeutic counselling, child welfare, and crisis work contributes to every project he’s involved in. He’s a proud Cree man who lives with his wife and 6-year-old daughter in the small town of Moose Factory, Ontario.
Amber King-Robitaille
Amber King-Robitaille
I am Amber King-Robitaille, known by my Anishinaabe name, Pichi Kwe (Robin Woman). I belong to the eagle clan and am the middle daughter of Ron and Carla King from Cedar Point, an extension of Chimnissing, also known as Beausoleil First Nation.
My roots are deeply embedded in the traditional territory of my people, and I currently live in Penetanguishene with my husband and two daughters. In my role as the Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Coordinator at Chigamik Community Health Centre, I bring a wealth of skills and a deep commitment to supporting the Indigenous community in Simcoe County.
Over the past 20 years, I have worked in various capacities advocating for the Anishinabek people across Ontario. My experiences reflect a strong dedication to building supportive structures for Indigenous populations throughout Turtle Island. I’ve worked in my home community of Chimnissing within the Lands and Resource department, supported transportation and nuclear initiatives under the political secretariat of the Anishinabek Nation, and served as an early infant mental health and development advocate at the Georgian Bay Native Women’s Association.
Driven by a commitment to empower Indigenous families, I pursued a diploma in Social Service Work through the First Nations Technical Institute in partnership with Canadore College, graduating with academic honours. I am eager to leverage my education to effect meaningful change.
I remain passionate about fostering strong Indigenous voices and advocating for best practices in working with Indigenous families. I look forward to continuing my work within the Indigenous community and contributing to our region’s growth.
Chi Miigwetch,
Amber King-Robitaille
Rachael Simon
Rachael Simon
Member and resident of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, located adjacent to Sarnia, Ontario. Rachael is a graduate from McMaster University earning her Masters of Science in Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care, as well has holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University. After completing her undergraduate degree, Rachael worked briefly at Wilfrid Laurier University supporting indigenous learners, before returning home to Aamjiwnaang First Nation where she is currently the Manager of Child and Family Services. In this portfolio, Rachael supports the departments that service children and families, ages 0–18. In her free time, Rachael enjoys being outdoors with her family, playing hockey, and traveling to powwows.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The CMHO Conference is an opportunity for your organization to have direct exposure to over 700 leaders and practitioners in child and youth mental health, including CMHO members, mental health workers in schools, child protection, youth justice, youth addictions, child development and rehabilitation, infant and young parent programs, primary care, hospitals, and public health; government officials; youth, families, and more.
Elevate your organization at #CMHO2024!
Sponsorship Opportunities
The CMHO Conference is an opportunity for your organization to have direct exposure to over 700 leaders and practitioners in child and youth mental health, including CMHO members, mental health workers in schools, child protection, youth justice, youth addictions, child development and rehabilitation, infant and young parent programs, primary care, hospitals, and public health; government officials; youth, families, and more.
Elevate your organization at #CMHO2024!
Registration Rates
CMHO Members
| Full Conference | 1 Day |
$685 |
$549 |
Non-Members
Full Conference
899
1 Day
699
Presenters
CMHO Members
| Full Conference | 1 Day |
499 |
399 |
Non-Members
| Full Conference | 1 Day |
699 |
549 |
Youth and Families
| Full Conference | 1 Day |
350 |
200 |
CMHO Members
| Full Conference | 1 Day |
685 |
549 |
Non-Members
| Full Conference | 1 Day |
899 |
699 |
Presenters
Youth and Families
| Full Conference | 1 Day |
350 |
200 |
CMHO Members
| Full Conference | 1 Day |
499 |
399 |
Non-Members
| Full Conference | 1 Day |
699 |
549 |
Accommodations
The 2024 CMHO Conference will take place at the Marriott Downtown at CF Eaton Centre Toronto at 525 Bay St., Toronto, ON.
To book your hotel accommodations and take advantage of our special group rate of $289/night, please click here. The room block closes on Friday, October 25, 2024. You may also book your room over the phone by calling 1-800-905-0667, and mentioning the group name CMHO Conference 2024.
If there is no availability at the Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, please click here for more availability at an off-site location. If you need assistance, please email our event team at info@lomaagency.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is the CMHO 2024 Conference about?
With a goal of better outcomes, advancing equity, and building a stronger child and youth mental health and addictions system, the conference convenes leaders with a shared goal of improving the health and well-being of young people and their families, including youth and families with lived expertise. The 2024 CMHO Conference provides an opportunity to highlight innovative and evidence-based practices, share knowledge and experience, and build on our collective efforts to prioritize improving outcomes for infants, children, youth, and families.
When and where is the event?
The conference will take place on November 18 and 19, 2024, at the Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, 525 Bay St., Toronto, ON, M5G 2L2.
Can I attend the event virtually?
No, the event is in person only.
Are meals provided?
Yes, meals will be provided during the conference.
Menus will be shared in advance. If you have any dietary/allergy restrictions, please make sure to note them at the time of your registration or by modifying your registration HERE.
Tickets
Where can I buy tickets?
You can buy tickets to the event HERE.
Can I attend one day only?
Yes, you can attend the conference for one day only.
We have one-day and full conference tickets available. You can buy tickets to the event HERE.
Can I purchase tickets at the venue?
I'm not able to attend anymore, can I get a refund?
Accommodations
Where should I stay?
What are the check-in/check-out times?
I'm not able to attend anymore. How can I cancel my reservation?
Transportation & Parking
How do I reach the venue?
Bus
Toronto Coach Terminal
Union Station
Subway
Line 1 Yonge: Dundas Subway Station
Line 1 Yonge: Queen Subway Station
Train Station
Union Station / Via Rail / GO Transit
Is parking available on-site?
Yes, on-site parking is available. Parking options at Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre are:
Hourly: $11
Daily: $50
Valet: $60/day
Garage height clearance: 2 meters 1 cm or 6 feet 7 inches
Session & Agenda
Where can I find the conference agenda?
You can find the conferene agenda HERE.
Where can I find my personalized agenda?
How can I book a different session?
If you wish to change your session selection, please log in. Sessions are subject to availability.
NOTE: You have until October 11 to make any modifications to your personalized agenda.
If you have any questions, please contact our event team at info@lomaagency.com.
Our Conference Sponsors
