A day designed to help you pause, reset, and sustain yourself in the work you do.
April 13, 2026 | Brandon, Manitoba
A day to pause, reset, and reconnect with what supports you in the work you do.
What You’ll Walk Away With
Practical ways to manage stress in people-focused, high-responsibility roles
Clear strategies for setting boundaries that hold
Simple tools you can use in the middle of a demanding day
A renewed connection to creativity, movement, and play
A more sustainable approach to resilience
Connection with others who understand the realities of this work
Schedule
Morning
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Registration
Arrive, settle in, and connect over a light breakfast.
9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
Welcome & Opening
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Mindful Resilience - Mireille Saurette
Stress Reduction for People Who Care for Others
Practical approaches to managing stress while continuing to support others in demanding roles.
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Break
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Boundaries Without Guilt - Cece Tardiff
Protecting Your Energy
Learn how to set and maintain boundaries that support your well-being without added guilt.
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch, Play & Collective Canvas
Nourishment, connection, and creative expression.
Afternoon
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Expressive Wellness - Dawn Marie Chartrand
Gentle Movement and Laughter
An experiential session designed to reconnect you with movement, lightness, and release.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Finding Play - Jessica Dumas
Rediscover Joy & Creativity
Explore how play and creativity can support resilience and well-being in everyday life.
3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Break
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Closing Keynote - Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe
A grounded and practical perspective on resilience, hope, and sustaining yourself in complex work.
4:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Closing & Farewell
Schedule subject to change.
Speakers
Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe
Closing Keynote Speaker
Award-winning psychology and education expert on resiliency, stress, and hope
Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe is one of the most trusted voices globally on resilience and sustainable performance. Known for translating research into practical, real-life strategies, she helps individuals and organizations stay capable, steady, and well in demanding environments.
A bestselling author and highly sought-after keynote speaker, she has delivered over 2,000 presentations worldwide and is featured regularly in major publications. Her work focuses on making resilience, hope, and well-being actionable in everyday life.
Mireille Saurette
Wellness Advisor, Assiniboine College
Mireille Saurette brings over a decade of experience supporting student well-being through mindfulness and holistic practices. She has facilitated hundreds of mindfulness-based sessions and holds advanced training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and teaching.
Her work integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness, grounded in both professional practice and deep personal commitment to mindfulness and embodiment.
Cece Tardiff
Registered Clinical Social Worker, Founder of Amani Routes Counselling
Cece Tardiff is a trauma-informed therapist working at the intersection of mental health, systems, and everyday coping. Her experience spans government, private, and community-based settings across Canada and the United States.
She specializes in boundaries, burnout, and emotional sustainability, emphasizing practical, long-term approaches to well-being and accessible support before crisis.
Dawn Marie Chartrand
Artist, Yoga & Wellness Facilitator
Dawn Marie Chartrand is a visual artist, performer, and wellness facilitator from Rolling River First Nation. Through her work, she blends creativity, movement, and laughter to support well-being across all ages.
As a certified Yoga and Laughing Yoga instructor, she creates accessible, engaging experiences that reconnect people with expression, joy, and presence.
Jessica Dumas
Executive Speaker Coach & Leadership Strategist
Jessica Dumas works with leaders and organizations across Canada and the United States to strengthen communication, confidence, and presence. She is widely recognized for her leadership and influence, including serving as Chair for both the Indigenous Chamber and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.
A member of Keeseekowenin First Nation, Jessica brings a strong focus on voice, leadership, and impact in complex environments.
About The Breathing Room
The Breathing Room is a developing wellness initiative focused on supporting people in roles that require them to consistently support others.
Created in response to what we continue to hear across our region, it recognizes the cumulative impact of this work and creates space for practical tools, connection, and sustainable approaches to well-being.
Event Information
Arrival & Check-In
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Please arrive early to allow time for registration and breakfast. The program begins promptly at 9:00 a.m.
Location
Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium
205 20th Street, Brandon, MB R7B 1L6
Parking
[Parking details]
Meals & Refreshments
Morning and afternoon coffee break as well as lunch will be provided.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing a water bottle and notebook. Consider dressing comfortably for a day designed to help you pause, reflect, and recharge.
Accessibility
The venue is accessible. For detailed information about parking, building access, and additional accessibility features, please visit the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium accessibility page:
WMCA Accessibility Information
If you require specific accommodations, please connect with our team in advance or upon arrival.
During the Event
If you need assistance at any time, please speak with a United Way team member at the registration table.
You are welcome to step out of sessions as needed throughout the day.
Acknowledgements
The Flourish Wellness Conference is made possible through funding from the Government of Manitoba through the From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL Program, supporting community-led initiatives that strengthen well-being and connection.