I very much enjoy the opportunity to provide experiential and educational experiences to a variety of audiences. My target audiences include parent and caregiver support groups, child development centres, educational and school teams, support agencies, etc. I am available for travel throughout Saskatchewan…..and beyond!

I offer educational and motivational speaking workshops and seminars ranging in length from 60 minute lunch hour chats to single and multi-day workshops.  Although I have a selection of seminars and workshops that may suit your needs, lets talk and create an experience that best suits the needs of your group or agency. 

The SuperKidz Therapeutic Running Model: Harnessing the New Science of Exercise and The Brain for Child Wellness

The Milestones Occupational Therapy for Children SuperKidz Therapeutic Running Program has generated much interest both in terms of participation, but also from those around the country who are interested in helping children engage in meaningful physical activity not only to enhance fitness, but to foster emotional well-being and mental health in a healthy, wholistic way.

Stephan Bourassa, owner of Milestones Occupational Therapy for Children and creator of the SuperKidz Therapeutic Running Program is excited to share his unique experience and knowledge with professionals working with children who wish to learn how to implement the SuperKidz Running Model in their communities.

Learn how Stephan has integrated and leveraged the new science of exercise and the brain with cognitive behavioural strategies to facilitate child and youth engagement with cardiovascular activity who experience the challenges associated with common conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, High Functioning Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, early childhood trauma, etc.

Stephan is now available for booking to speak to interested groups and organizations and is offering two packaged options based on the specific needs of your group or organization.

Should these options not suite the goals of your group or organization, please contact Stephan to discuss customizing a workshop or seminar specific to your needs. 

1.   Introduction to Exercise and the Brain- SuperKidz Therapeutic Running

This short workshop is designed to be delivered in a ½ day format and will provide:    

  • Basic overview of the science behind exercise and the brain
  • Presentation of the evidence basis supporting the use of cardiovascular exercise for brain development, mental health and emotional wellbeing
  • Neuroplasticity and cardiovascular exercise
  • Positive effects of cardiovascular exercise on the functional challenges associated with ADHD, High Functioning Autism, Anxiety, Depression (etc.)
  • General description and overview of the SuperKidz Therapeutic Running Group

2.   SuperKidz Therapeutic Running Model- Integrating the new science of exercise and the brain for Children with Challenges.

This in-depth and comprehensive two day workshop is designed to delve deeper into the evidence of cardiovascular exercise and physical literacy and brain development in a population of kids with challenges:

Day 1: Theory

  • In depth review of the exercise and the brain
  • Presentation of the evidence basis supporting the use of cardiovascular exercise for brain development, mental health and emotional wellbeing
  • Neuroplasticity and cardiovascular exercise
  • Positive effects of cardiovascular exercise on the functional challenges associated with
    • ADHD
    • High Functioning Autism
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Early childhood trauma
  • Effect of cardiovascular exercise on self-regulation and executive functioning in children
  • Practical strategies for implementation of a therapetutic running group for kids with challenges
  • Selecting age groups and tailoring to cognitive levels of participants
  • In depth overview of related documentation and monitoring progress in participants
  • Distance vs intensity, why?
  • Mind-Body connection- integrating cognitive behavioural strategies to foster social competency and self-regulation skills
  • Attunement, building rapport, finding the “just right challenge”
  • Managing challenging behavior in the group and keeping the group on track

Day 2: Practical

  • Overview of 6 week and 8 week curriculum and progressions
  • Overview of physical set-up and equipment recommendations
  • Overview of running specific games and activities to facilitate engagement and running volume
  • Lets run. Hands on practical sessions to facilitate group session design, transition between activities, and session to session progression

Other Topics:

I have lead many workshops and seminars throughout Saskatchewan that focus on the following topics:

  • Autism
  • Sensory Processing Disorder
  • Child Development
  • Difficult Behaviour
  • Self-Regulation
  • Therapeutic use of mobile devices for children with special needs
  • Social Skill Development
  • Parenting for children with special needs

Don't see what you are looking for but would like to discuss your needs, give me a shout!