ontario care collective

Join us for the 2026 Ontario Care Collective Conference as we come together once again to strengthen our sector, share knowledge, and build meaningful connections.

As the landscape of out-of-home care continues to evolve, providers and leaders are navigating increasing complexity, changing expectations, and emerging opportunities. Now more than ever, collaboration, innovation, and informed practice are essential to delivering high-quality, responsive care.

This year’s conference will focus on advancing professional practice, supporting organizational sustainability, and strengthening sector-wide advocacy. Through expert-led sessions, peer learning, and open dialogue, participants will gain practical tools and insights to enhance outcomes for children, youth, adults, and families in their care.

Together, we will continue building a strong, unified voice — grounded in evidence, experience, and shared commitment — to ensure out-of-home care remains responsive, resilient, and impactful across Ontario.

Conference Schedule

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

6:30 PM — Dinner: Food Stations & Conversations, Dining Room and Pool Side

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

7:30 AM — Breakfast

8:30 AM — Morning  Concurrent Sessions
1.  Rewriting the Narrative: From What Hurts to What Heals, and What Helps Children Thrive,
presented by Nicole Tuzi, Executive Director, SafeGuards Training for Children and Adult Services
2.  Partnered Case Management: A Commitment to Better Pharmacy Service
presented by Mark Barnes, Pharmacist, RespectRX Pharmacy

9:45 AM — Morning  Concurrent Sessions
1.  Lost in Transition Investigation Report - What You Need to Know
presented by Yvonne Heggie, Investigator, and Emily Dutil, Investigator, Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario
2.  Strengthening Collaboration in Ontario’s Child Welfare and OPR Sectors
presented by Michelle Gingrich, Sr Manager Service, CPIN & Data and Keishia Facey Sr Manager Learning and One Vision One Voice, 
Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies

10:45 AM - Networking/Coffee Break

11:15 AM  — Morning  Concurrent Sessions
1.  Purpose and Structure of the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario, Children and Youth Unit
presented by James McGuirk, Investigator and Sameer Udipi, Investigator, Ontario Ombudsman Office

2.  Leveraging the Expertise of Post Secondary Child and Youth Care Students
presented by Coura Niang, President, Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM — Lunch

1:15 PM  — Afternoon Concurrent Sessions
1.  Providing Care to Residents Impacted by Trafficking & Exploitation in Ontario
presented by Kaitlyn Ranasinghe, Program Manager, BridgeNorth Women's Mentorship & Advocacy Services

2.  Modern ABA and Debunking the Controversy - How Has ABA Evolved?
presented by Dana Pettus, Clinical Manager at AlphaBee and Joel Maala, Trainer at wm+a

2:15 PM - Networking/Coffee Break

2:45 PM  — Afternoon Concurrent Session
Addressing Frequent Non-Compliances in Children’s Licensing
presented by

Sarah McNally, Manager, Children and Youth At Risk Branch

Lyndon Phillips, Manager, Community Collaboration Division

Mamta Chail, Director, West Region, Community Collaboration Division

Emily Coletta, Senior Program Analyst, Children and Youth at Risk Branch

Caralyn Anderson, Manager, Children in Extended Society Care

3:45 PM -On-site Activities

6:30 PM — Dinner & Entertainment

Thursday, June 11, 2026

7:30 AM — Breakfast

8:30 AM - Ontario Care Collective Roundtable Discussions

10:15 AM - Networking/Coffee Break

10:45 AM - Intersecting Identities in Care: Seeing the Whole Child
presented by Harmony at Work

12:15 PM - Closing Remarks

12:30 -  Lunch to Go

Register Today