Building Belonging in Schools with Dr. Kelly-Ann Allen

Women & Girls InMotion: Reimagining Sport

In recent years, youth physical activity levels have seen a decline. For girls, the numbers are particularly jarring, with only 8% meeting daily requirements for physical activity. Armed with the latest data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey, we are diving deep into the barriers women and girls face in sport. Joining us are Lindsay Wright and Tara Chisholm from the InMotion Network, who are at the forefront of elevating the lived experiences of women and girls in sport to create a more inclusive future. This episode explores how modern barriers in sport exist because the systems themselves were never designed with women in mind. By listening to the lived experiences of women, including the voices of coaches and officials, we uncover "unchallenged truths" and work toward reimagining sport environments where women and girls don't just fit in, but truly belong. Ultimately, we discuss how diverse forms of advocacy can combine to build a healthier, more inclusive system that benefits us all. Shownotes: In Motion Network [https://www.inmotionetwork.org/] Understanding the History of Sport in Canada [https://www.inmotionetwork.org/what-we-do/increasing-diversity-of-coaches/learning-about-the-past/] Increasing the Diversity of Coaches & Officials [https://www.inmotionetwork.org/what-we-do/increasing-diversity-of-coaches/] What We Heard Recommended Actions [https://www.inmotionetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/What-We-Heard-A-List-of-Recommended-Actions-IMN.pdf] An Open Letter To Sport [https://www.inmotionetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/open-letter-to_1745330095.pdf]

Building Belonging in Schools with Dr. Kelly-Ann Allen

Dr Kelly-Ann Allen is an associate professor and educational and developmental psychologist at Monash University whose internationally recognized research focuses on the science of belonging in schools. A former school psychologist, she translates research into practical strategies that help students feel connected, supported, and able to thrive. She is the author of several books, including the award-winning The Psychology of Belonging and 3 children’s books, with one more in the works. Kelly-Ann’s mission is to help educators strengthen belonging as a foundation for wellbeing and learning. In this episode, we explore the path that led Dr. Kelly-Ann Allen to her groundbreaking work on belonging and why making research accessible and impactful beyond academia matters so deeply to her. We dive into how we can understand and meet our own belonging needs while learning the key ingredients that help students feel connected at school. Along the way, we talk children's literature, parenting, teaching, and how to attempt to navigate it all with curiosity and compassion. Special thanks to Alberta Mentoring Partnership [https://albertamentors.ca/] for sponsoring this episode. Resources to share: Dr. Kelly-Ann Allen Website [https://www.routledge.com/The-Lonely-Little-Cactus-A-Story-About-Friendship-Coping-and-Belonging/Allen/p/book/9781032073682?utm_source=cjaffiliates&utm_medium=affiliates&cjevent=2e86395dd70611f0819a01c80a1cb828] The Psychology of Belonging [https://www.routledge.com/The-Psychology-of-Belonging/Allen/p/book/9780367347529?utm_source=cjaffiliates&utm_medium=affiliates&cjevent=c5e33630d70811f0814801b70a1cb82b] The Lonely Little Cactus [https://www.routledge.com/The-Lonely-Little-Cactus-A-Story-About-Friendship-Coping-and-Belonging/Allen/p/book/9781032073682?utm_source=cjaffiliates&utm_medium=affiliates&cjevent=2e86395dd70611f0819a01c80a1cb828] Mia Belongs Here [https://www.drkellyallen.com/books] School Is Where We All Belong [https://www.drkellyallen.com/books]

Respect Before Persuasion with Dr. Jacqueline Leighton

In this encouraging conversation, Dr. Jacqueline Leighton helps us explore what truly strengthens wellbeing in schools: relationships grounded in respect, trust, and authentic connection. Drawing on decades of research in the psychology of learning and relationships, she highlights why seeking understanding, rather than persuasion, is essential in our interactions with students, families, and colleagues. We dig into how we show up in relationships at school, how to navigate difficult conversations without rupturing trust, and how self-awareness and self-regulation can guide us through tense moments. Dr. Leighton shares practical, in-the-moment strategies for responding in ways that preserve relationships, even when things feel heated. She also reframes how we can remain hopeful in the face of challenge and affirms, through research, the profound impact of educators’ relational work. Dr. Jacqueline Leighton works as a Professor (University of Alberta) and Psychologist. Leaving Santiago (Chile) in 1975, two years after the coup d'etat, instilled in her a lifelong commitment to independent thinking, human rights, and specifically freedom of expression. She has over 30 years of experience observing/studying how children and adults think, feel, and communicate authentically and effectively in learning environments. A significant portion of her work has focused on understanding how trust is formed and maintained in pedagogical relationships (alliances) to help students thrive in their assessment and learning. Her research and teaching are informed by humanistic psychological principles, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and the Learning Errors and Formative Feedback (LEAFF) model. She completed her PhD in Psychology at the University of Alberta, and her Postdoctoral Fellowship in Psychology at Yale University. Dr. Leighton is a fellow of the International Academy of Education. Book Recommendation: Gleb Tsipursky - The Blindspots Between Us

The Impact of Concussions in School with Dr. Kathryn Schneider

Kathryn Schneider | INTEGRATED CONCUSSION RESEARCH PROGRAM | University of Calgary [https://ucalgary.ca/integrated-concussion-research-program/about/icrp-team/kathryn-schneider] Concussion Resources | Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre | SIPRC | University of Calgary [https://ucalgary.ca/sport-injury-prevention-research-centre/resources/concussion-resources] Best practices in Concussion in Sport: Updates from the Amsterdam International Consensus Statement - The Sport Information Resource Centre [https://sirc.ca/articles/concussion-updates-consensus-statement/] SIPRC – SHRED injuries | University of Calgary [https://www.ucalgary.ca/shred-injuries] Concussion Awareness Training Tool for Educators: Concussion Awareness Training Tool for School Professionals [https://cattonline.com/course/concussion-awareness-training-tool-for-school-professionals] Concussion Awareness Training Tool for Youth: Concussion Awareness Training Tool for Youth [https://cattonline.com/course/concussion-awareness-training-tool-for-youth] Making Headway from the Coaching Association of Canada: NCCP Making Head Way in Sport | Coaching Association of Canada | Association canadienne des entraîneurs [https://coach.ca/module/nccp-making-head-way-sport] Online Concussion Course: Online Concussion Course | Faculty of Kinesiology | University of Calgary [https://kinesiology.ucalgary.ca/current-students/online-concussion-course]

Letting Go to Let Grow with Geoffrey Bishop & Andrea Keith

In this conversation, we learn how a school-wide initiative focused on encouraging students to try things on their own led to improved well-being, less discipline issues, and a culture of support and celebration. Principal Geoffrey Bishop shares how the Fort McMurray Christian school took up a program called Let Grow in their specific school context and how students, teachers and parents were impacted. Andrea Keith, executive director of the non-profit organization Let Grow, shares how other students have benefited from being given the opportunity to be independent in their own communities. Practical strategies for giving students more autonomy to improve their confidence and resilience are shared throughout. This is a powerful example of a comprehensive school health initiative in a Canadian school. References: Let Grow - When Adults Step Back, Kids Step Up. [https://letgrow.org/] Profile on featured school: Let Grow is Life Changing: Parents and Kids Agree - Let Grow [https://letgrow.org/mcmurray-school/] Haidt, J. (2024). The anxious generation. Penguin Press. The Anxious Generation Out Now. Order the Book. [https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book]