Build a foundational understanding of early adversity and resiliency.
Join Our Kids Network, in partnership with the Early Years Resiliency Action Table for a unique learning opportunity on early adversity and resiliency. Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, shape development and have lasting effects on health and well-being. Children thrive when they have safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments. These positive factors foster resiliency, the ability to overcome adversity.
The first half of the session will introduce the Ontario Early Adversity and Resilience Framework. This framework is designed to help communities, service providers and organizations prevent early adversity and strengthen resilience for children, families and communities across Ontario.
The second half of the session will focus on practical, relational strategies service providers can use to promote resilience in everyday interactions with children and families. From a children’s mental health lens, this includes fostering safe, attuned relationships, using trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches, and supporting caregivers in understanding and responding to children’s needs.
Overall, the session emphasizes that resilience is built through consistent, supportive relationships and that all service providers play a key role in shaping positive outcomes.
Severe content warning: This workshop includes topics related to early adversity, including adverse childhood experiences, trauma, neglect and abuse. Some content may be emotionally challenging or triggering.
Presenters
Jennifer Hedges, Manager of Early Years and School Years, Healthy Families, Halton Region
Jen Hedges is a Registered Nurse with over twenty-six years of public health experience and fifteen years in leadership roles. As Manager of the Early Years and School Years Program at Halton Region Public Health, she oversees programs supporting prenatal and postpartum health, positive parenting, school health, and oral health through the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program. Jen is dedicated to advancing evidence‑informed approaches that foster resilience and healthy development in children, youth, and their parents, rooted in equity, diversity, and inclusion, trauma‑informed practice, and community development.
Carla Giavedoni, Early Years Manager, Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK)
Carla is passionate about promoting the healthy development and well-being of children and families in Halton. As part of the Leadership Team at ROCK and Co-Chair of the Early Years Resiliency Action Table, she brings over 20 years of cross-sector experience supporting infants and young children. Her work is rooted in infant and early childhood mental health, with a strong emphasis on inclusive, community-based approaches. Carla is committed to strengthening pathways that help families in Halton navigate supports and services, and to fostering resilient, connected communities where every child can thrive.
