AGENDA
DAY 1|05.12
03:00 – 04:00 PM
03:00 – 04:00 PM
Registration
⚲ Foyer - Level 3
04:00 – 05:30 PM
04:00 – 05:30 PM
Learners Meet & Greet
⚲ Salle de bal Est - Level 4
Welcome, Learners! Come say hello and break the ice with ENRICH and CNPRM
05:30 – 06:00 PM
05:30 – 06:00 PM
Opening Address
⚲ Salle de bal Est - Level 4
Susan Samuel, ENRICH program director
Gabriel Altit, MDCM, MSc – Pediatrics, McGill University | ENRICH Learner & Co-Chair
Mary Olukotun, RN, BScN, PhD(c) – Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta | ENRICH Learner & Co-Chair
Anna Mackinnon, PhD – Psychiatry and Addictology, University of Montreal| ENRICH Learner & Co-Chair


The symposium begins: opening remarks, land acknowledgment, and introductions to our partner groups — DOHaD, CAMCCO, and CNPRM.
06:00 – 08:00 PM
06:00 – 08:00 PM
Exhibit: Art of Creation
⚲ Salon A-B-C - Level B
A celebration of creativity with a wine and cheese reception, hosted in collaboration with DOHaD and CNPRM
08:00 – 10:00 PM
08:00 – 10:00 PM
Pizza Party
⚲ TBA
Grab a slice of the action — music’s on, pizza’s hot, and the night's young.
DAY 2|05.13
07:00 – 08:00 AM
07:00 – 08:00 AM
Breakfast
⚲ Foyer - Level 4
09:00 – 10:30 AM
09:00 – 10:30 AM
Plenary: Black Perinatal Health
⚲ Salle de bal - Level 4
Mary Olukotun, RN, BScN, PhD(c)– Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta | ENRICH Learner & Co-Chair
Nakeisha Lodge-Tulloch, PhD(c) – Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, Queen’s University | ENRICH Learner
Showcasing presentations by ENRICH Learners Mary Olukotun and Nakeisha Lodge-Tulloch
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
ENRICHment Workshops I
⚲ Drummond - Level 3
Eric Benchimol, MD, PhD – Gastroenterology, Sickkids Hospital, University of Toronto
Katie Birnie, PhD, RPsych – Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine; Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary
Maddie Gallant, RN, PhD(c) - Assistant Professor, Acadia(CBU) University, PhD Candidate, Dalhousie University School of Nursing, and Perinatal Nurse Consultant, IWK Health.
Brittany Finlay, MPP – Health and Social Policy, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
Vina Mohabir
Oluwabukola Salami, RN, PhD – Tier 1 Canada Research Chair and Full Professor, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
Gervin Ane Apatinga, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
Jean-Sébastien Joyal



A series of workshops hosted by ENRICHment leads on data science, impact and engagement, translational science, and equity—designed to build practical skills and deepen understanding in child and perinatal health research.
12:30 – 01:30 PM
12:30 – 01:30 PM
Lunch
01:00 PM – 03:00 PM
01:00 PM – 03:00 PM
ENRICHment Workshops II
⚲ Drummond - Level 3
Eric Benchimol, Professor, Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto
Katie Birnie, PhD RPsych (she/her), Assistant Professor, Departments of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine; and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary
Maddie Gallant, RN, PhD(c) - Assistant Professor, Acadia(CBU) University, PhD Candidate, Dalhousie University School of Nursing, and Perinatal Nurse Consultant, IWK Health.
Brittany Finlay, MPP – Health and Social Policy, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
Vina Mohabir
Oluwabukola Salami, RN, PhD – Tier 1 Canada Research Chair and Full Professor, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
Gervin Ane Apatinga, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
Jean-Sébastien Joyal


Part 2 continues the conversation—come ready to dive deeper
03:00 – 03:30 PM
03:00 – 03:30 PM
Refreshment Break
03:30 PM – 05:00 PM
03:30 PM – 05:00 PM
Reboot: Personal Wellness Workshop
⚲ Salon 1 - Level 2
Scott Berish, performance coach and wellness educator

Moderators: Gabriel Altit, Mary Olukotun, Anna Mackinnon
Pause. Breathe. Treat Yourself. Enjoy gentle movement, mindful reflection, and tasty refreshments—because wellness shouldn't feel like work. Oh, and there’s ice cream involved.
05:30 – 07:00 PM
05:30 – 07:00 PM
Poster Session
⚲ Foyer - Level 3
Engage with research grounded in real-world challenges—ENRICH learners share insights that are shaping the future of child health.
07:00 – 09:00 PM
07:00 – 09:00 PM
Dinner on Your Own
Explore the city’s culinary scene—grab a friend, try something new, or enjoy a quiet moment to yourself.
DAY 3|05.14
07:00 – 08:00 AM
07:00 – 08:00 AM
Breakfast
⚲ Foyer - Level 4
08:00 – 09:00 AM
08:00 – 09:00 AM
Presenting for Impact: Designing Effective Presentations for Any Audience
⚲ Salle de bal - Level 4
Robert (Bob) Connelly, MD MBA FRCPC – Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Queen's University
Neonatologist, Kingston Health Sciences Centre

Moderator: TBA

Learn the craft of clear, compelling presentations in this dynamic session with Dr. Bob Connelly, featuring practical tools to engage any audience and present with confidence
09:00 – 10:30 PM
09:00 – 10:30 PM
Connections: Building Thriving Mentorships
⚲ Salle de bal Est - Level 4
Gina Dimitropoulos, ENRICH Mentorship Chair
Gabriel Altit, MDCM, MSc – Pediatrics, McGill University | ENRICH Learner & Co-Chair


Time to sync up for a fast-paced, interactive session where mentorship meets momentum. Speed through conversations on innovation, creativity, early career challenges, and the evolving role of AI in pediatric health research
10:30 – 11:00 PM
10:30 – 11:00 PM
Refreshment Break
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Plenary: Indigenous Perinatal Health
⚲ Salle de bal - Level 4
Kathleen Lounsbury, RN, PhD Student – Nursing. Trinity Western University | ENRICH Learner
A plenary dedicated to centering Indigenous knowledge, stories, and traditions in perinatal health—honouring the wisdom that guides pregnancy, birth, and early life.
12:30 – 01:30 PM
12:30 – 01:30 PM
Lunch
01:30 PM – 03:00 PM
01:30 PM – 03:00 PM
Catalyst of Connection: The Art of Meaningful Knowledge Translation
⚲ TBA
Samantha Louie-Poon, RN, PhD – Assistant Professor, University of Alberta
Moderator: Mary Olukotun, RN, BScN, PhD(c) – Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta | ENRICH Learner & Co-Chair
A workshop dedicated to reimagining knowledge translation as a bridge between people, stories, and systems. Guided by Dr. Sam Louie-Poon, participants will explore how translation can foster equity, deepen connection, and move knowledge into action
01:30 PM – 03:00 PM
01:30 PM – 03:00 PM
Navigating Industry Partnerships for Child Health Research
⚲ TBA
Anne-Laure Ménard, PhD – Special Programs Coordinator, TransMedTech Institute, CHU Sainte-Justine
Maria Julia Guimaraes, Totum Tech CEO & Founder
Moderator: Anna Mackinnon, PhD – Psychiatry and Addictology, University of Montreal| ENRICH Learner & Co-Chair
This session will provide an overview of processes for establishing and conducting research projects with industry partners to develop and test innovations in child health (e.g., devices, programs, applications) from conceptualization to commercialization. A panel discussion will highlight experiences and practical strategies from researcher, industry, and patient partner perspectives. An interactive activity will help learners apply the suggested approaches and considerations to their own work and future projects.
03:00 – 03:30 PM
03:00 – 03:30 PM
Refreshment Break
03:30 – 04:15 PM
03:30 – 04:15 PM
Ideas in Motion: A Ted-Style Showcase
⚲ Salle de bal - Level 4
Yi Wen (Jenny) Wang, RN, MEd – Nursing, McGill University | ENRICH Learner
Despoina Manousaki, MD, PhD – Pediatrics, University of Montreal | ENRICH Learner
Moderator: Brendan Andrade, PhD – Psychiatry, University of Toronto
ENRICH learners take the stage to share bold ideas and lived insights — an invitation to see research and care in a new light.
Black & Indigenous Safe Space
⚲ Salle de bal Est - Level 4
This gathering is a dedicated space held with care for Black and Indigenous voices—to connect, share experiences, and be in community through open, honest conversation
06:00 – 08:30 PM
06:00 – 08:30 PM
ENRICH Keynote Dinner
⚲ Salle de bal Est - Level 4
Susan Samuel, ENRICH program director

Guilherme Sant'Anna, MD, PhD – Professor of Pediatrics / Neonatal Division, McGill University Health Center; Senior Scientist of the MUHC Research Institute
Member of the Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Co-Leader of the Smart Hospital Project

Wissam Shalish, MD, PhD – Pediatrics, McGill University | ENRICH Learner

Jessica McConnell and Ben Browning, SMART Hospital Project, Proud NICU Parents of Baby Henry

Moderator: Gabriel Altit, MD – Neonatology, McGill University | ENRICH Learner & Co-Chair
A night of reflection and celebration: savor a meal, connect with colleagues, and be inspired as Dr. Guilherme Sant’Anna, co-lead of the SMART Hospital Project, and his team set the stage for renewed purpose through their visionary work
DAY 4|05.15
07:00 – 08:00 AM
07:00 – 08:00 AM
Breakfast
⚲ Foyer - Level 4
08:00 – 10:00 AM
08:00 – 10:00 AM
Research in Progress
⚲ Salle de bal Est - Level 4
Susan Samuel, program director
A workshop dedicated to sharing bold ideas and emerging research from ENRICH learners. Participants offer brief presentations of their projects and receive thoughtful feedback from mentors to support their growth as researchers and storytellers

10:00 – 10:30 AM
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Refreshment Break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Illumination Workshop
⚲ Salle de bal Est - Level 4
Mandy Archibald, RN, PhD – Assistant Professor & Interdisciplinary Artist, University of Manitoba
Jop Jans, MD, PhD, Pediatric Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht

The Illumination program encourages new ways of thinking, being, and interacting to promote creativity, comfort with difference, and innovation in child and perinatal health. This workshop invites participants to explore fear and failure through creative engagement, reflection, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

12:30 – 01:30 PM
12:30 – 01:30 PM
Expanding the Bar: Adjudicating Excellence in the Canadian Research Ecosystem
⚲ Salle de bal Est - Level 4
Rebecca Pillai Riddell, CPsych, FCAHS – Nominated Principal Investigator, DIVERT Mental Health; Professor, Psychology, York University; York Research Chair in Pain and Mental Health
Ruth Green, PhD – Principal Investigator, DIVERT Mental Health; Associate Professor and Director, School of Social Work, York University

How do we judge excellence in an academic world that’s changing? In this interactive workshop, Dr. Rebecca Pillai Riddell—DIVERT’s NPI and an “accidental advocate”—shares lessons co-created with diverse researchers on integrating justice, equity, and inclusion into academic evaluation. Designed for faculty and students, the session invites reflection and offers practical tools for rethinking how we assess grants, awards, and peers.
01:30 PM – 01:45 PM
01:30 PM – 01:45 PM
Closing & Reflections
⚲ Salle de bal - Level 4
Susan Samuel, program director
ENRICH 2025 comes to a close, but the momentum carries on—guided by, and grounded in, human connection.
Made on
Tilda