Resiliency is usually framed as "bouncing back," or "growing forward." Keynote Speaker Claire Masikewich challenges that — pointing out that real resilience isn't a reward waiting on the other side of a hard season, it's something you build and live inside of, right in the middle of it.

Claire is a former Director of Marketing and Communications & is redefining resiliency. When her five-year-old daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, Claire built a framework for living inside life's 'hard times' and has applied it everywhere since, founding the Strong Like Sloane Foundation, raising over half a million dollars for pediatric cancer in less than three years.

The system, not the symptoms: Research results from the firefighter wellbeing study

Using examples from Star Wars, Dr. Jennifer Jackson presents her findings from the firefighter wellbeing study. Having visited every Calgary Fire facility, firefighters across Calgary contributed to her new study, with contributions from every station, across all platoons. Dr. Jackson discusses what firefighters said about their wellbeing, and what was learned.

Dr. Jennifer Jackson is a Registered Nurse and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary, with a cross-appointment in Community Health Sciences at the Cumming School of Medicine. Her research focuses on how organizational strategies can support the wellbeing of carers. Dr. Jackson has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and has presented her work internationally.

Moment of remembrance with Angela Unger,  Manager of Workforce Support

The Human Behind the Hero: Protective Factors in Suicide Prevention Among First Responders

Have you ever wondered what matters most for preventing suicide among first responders? Led by Dr. Shelley Fahlman and Kathy Bartely, this session outlines the key risk and protective factors for suicide among first responders and how suicide prevention can be meaningfully embedded into organizational culture. 

Dr. Shelley Fahlman, RPsych, is a registered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of diverse experience within healthcare in Alberta including front-line Psychologist, Health Promotion Facilitator, Team Lead, and Program Manager. 

Kathy Bartel leads the Provincial Peer Support Program for Emergency Health Services Alberta. With more than two decades of experience in emergency medical services, she has dedicated her career to caring for others, first through patient care and now through promoting the mental health and wellbeing of employees. 

Allan started his career in Transit Public Safety in 2008 as a Peace Officer. Over his career, he has responded to calls for service ranging from rogue birds to fatal collisions and everything in between.

In his position, he has had the opportunity to act in a Sergeant capacity which has given him the experience in coaching new officers. In his personal time, he loves hunting, golf and spending time travelling and being with his kids.

Allan began suffering from PTSD in 2024 and has been dealing with it ever since. He has humbly become a person others can reach out to and has helped many members. Being there for other members has become his new passion, including attending Wellness Week to share his story with us.

Moral Injury & Sanctuary Trauma: Perspectives from an Operational Stress Injury Clinic

Day 4 of Wellness Week 2026 explores the emerging clinical concepts of moral injury and sanctuary trauma, particularly as they affect first responders. Distinct from PTSD, moral injury arises from experiences of betrayal, ethical compromise, and institutional invalidation—often exacerbated by organizational challenges and chronic workplace stress. 

Dr. Amanda Berg is a psychiatrist specializing in trauma-focused care at the Carewest Operational Stress Injury Clinic, a tertiary center dedicated to the comprehensive assessment and treatment of operational stress injuries in serving RCMP members, Canadian Armed Forces personnel, and veterans. 

Disclosure and Resolution Resources (DRR) is a confidential, independent third-party service available to CFD employees to discuss workplace challenges, conflict, or difficult experiences in a safe and neutral environment. DRR does not share information with CFD or The City, does not investigate or initiate complaints, and only takes action at the direction of the individual seeking support. 

Website: www.hrws.ca/drr
Email: drr@hrws.ca

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Sharable PDF with mental health resources and services, including 24/7 crisis support. Be prepared with the right information for yourself and others.