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You are invited to the 6th Annual London & Region FASD Virtual Conference,

streaming over Zoom on October 20 and 21, 2026!

Our conference mantra since 2020, “Bridging Research, Clinical, and Living Experience,” anchors this year’s theme: Supporting Relationships in FASD: Building Bridges Across the Lifespan.

This virtual fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)-focused educational event brings together researchers, clinicians, academics, medical and allied health professionals, educators, students, families, and adults and children/youth living with FASD in Ontario and beyond.

The conference proudly offers participants:

  • Current multi-disciplinary findings from pre-clinical, translational, and clinical research investigating neurodiversity, including FASD.

  • Strategies for evidence-based treatment.

  • Information about regional resources, supports, and services for individuals living with FASD and their families/caregivers.

  • Compelling living-experience accounts by individuals living with FASD and their families/caregivers.

  • Customizable selections of breakout educational workshops.

  • Opportunities to network with people passionate about understanding and advocating for individuals living with neurodiverse diagnoses, including FASD.

We look forward to seeing you on October 20 and 21, 2026!
Video-recorded speaker content will be viewable for 90-days post event!

Event Details

Save the Date (Marketing Poster)
Call for Workshops (Marketing Poster)
Call for Abstracts (Marketing Poster)
Call for Art (Marketing Poster)

Agenda

Abstract, Workshop Proposal, and Artwork Submissions

Submit an Abstract

Click to submit your basic, translational, or clinical research abstract. Select abstracts will be invited to deliver a 10-minute slide-based oral presentation. Abstracts selected for an ePoster presentation will be asked to prepare a digital ePoster and a 5-minute video presentation.

Submit

Submit a Workshop Proposal

Click to submit your workshop proposal and include in the subject line “FASD Conference Workshop Proposal.” Provide your workshop proposal (maximum 250 words), your name, and any affiliations in a Word or PDF file.

Submit

Submit Artwork

Click to submit your artwork, open to artists of all ages with living experience of neurodiversity and their families/caregivers!

Submit

About CPRI

The Child and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI) is a tertiary service agency providing trauma-informed, highly specialized assessment, treatment, and targeted intervention provincially for children and youth with complex special needs. This includes children and youth with developmental disabilities, autism, and severe behavioural, emotional, and mental health challenges. CPRI also prioritizes research, program evaluation, and education related to serving and supporting this clinical population.

Sponsorship Statement

This program has received an educational grant from The Volunteer Organization of CPRI (VOCPRI).

Event Organizers

Dr. Palmer Taylor, Ph.D.

--- Committee Chair

--- Event Lead Coordinator and Host

--- Graphics Design and Accreditation Lead

Dr. Palmer Taylor has worked as an Education and Learning Analyst on CPRI’s Education and Learning Services team, under the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), for over four years. He was a research assistant for federally-funded academic projects across six years, including: Indigenous People’s participation in the Canadian labour force; smart city initiatives in Ontario; migrant resilience in Ontario; political debates about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act in the U.S.; and public police officers’ employment practices in Ontario.

Tom Ketelaars, C.Y.W.

--- Co-Chair of CPRI’s Scientific Planning Committee

--- Program Manager of Professional Development and Community Relations

Tom Ketelaars is a Sr. Manager in MCCSS of Professional Development and Community Relations within his branch. He previously managed in Applied Research and Education, Education and Learning Services, Tele-Mental Health Services, and Volunteer departments. He also spent six years working as a Child Care Counsellor, primarily with adolescent boys with complex mental health challenges. He has a passion in promoting and training trauma-awareness and trauma-informed leadership and care and has published on this, as well as trained and delivered presentations to thousands of staff and leaders across Ontario and Canada.

Katharine Moody, B.A., D.S.W.

--- Committee Co-Chairs/Event Hosts & Program Manager Supporter

Katharine Moody has worked at CPRI initially as a Community Behaviour Consultant, additionally in their Applied Research and Education department, and currently as the Program Lead of CPRI’s Education and Learning Services team.

Dr. Clare Mitchell, M.D., F.R.C.P.C.

--- Clinical Presentations Lead

Dr. Clare Mitchell is an Associate Professor at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University in London, Ontario. She is the Head of the Division of Developmental Paediatrics. She is an active teacher in undergraduate medical education and in the postgraduate paediatric residency training program in London. In her community practice and at the Thames Valley Children’s Centre, Dr. Mitchell completes developmental and behavioural assessments of children and adolescents. Dr. Mitchell works with the London and Waterloo Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinics. Other specific interests include Tourette Syndrome, global health, and the effects of early environmental factors on developmental outcomes.

Dr. Morgan Kleiber, Ph.D.

--- Research Co-Lead

--- Research Lightning Talks Moderator

--- Graphics Design Member

Dr. Morgan Kleiber is an independent consultant and learning facilitator with a background in basic and translational research. She holds a PhD from Western University, where her doctoral work examined how prenatal alcohol exposure affects gene regulation and neurodevelopment associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). As a CIHR-funded postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, San Diego, she researched genetic contributions to Autism Spectrum Disorder with a focus on behaviour. With over a decade of experience across research, education, and program delivery, she designs and delivers workshops, learning programs, and conferences for healthcare, education, and community audiences, with a focus on mental health, neurodevelopment, and well-being. Known for translating complex ideas into practical insight, Morgan creates psychologically-safe spaces that encourage reflection, growth, and collaboration. Based in London, Ontario, she works flexibly across projects and volunteers with Canadian Mental Health and Addiction Services – Thames Valley, supporting initiatives that promote inclusion, learning, and community engagement.

Melissa Moore, S.S.W.

--- Research Co-Lead

Melissa Moore provides ongoing assessment, advocacy, and consultation to her clients, colleagues, and community partners. She has a strong interest in neurodevelopmental “invisible” disabilities and is aware of the challenges many face due to a lack of diagnosis and/or the limited understanding of those in support positions in their lives. She is responsible for the coordination and case management of all NavOn Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) assessments and assists with capacity building efforts in surrounding communities. She continually advocates for access to assessment and community support and is passionate about lessening the stigma attached to prenatal alcohol exposure when 50% of pregnancies are unplanned and alcohol consumption is a social norm. Despite this, many mothers feel judged, which prevents them from seeking services and interventions for their children that would contribute to an improved quality of life. She continues to expand her knowledge base and has received training in many areas, including human trafficking, youth violence, trauma informed care, resiliency, TAPP-C (arson prevention), sexual behaviour, culture and diversity, and risk needs responsivity. Prior to her move to her full time NavOn role, she was the lead CCM on all Youth Justice (Section 34) assessments for Indigenous youth, youth presenting with sexual behaviour charges, and newcomer youth.

Angela Geddes, Clinical Social Worker, C.Y.W., B.A. Psych., M.S.W., R.S.W., Y.T.T.

--- Living Experience / Families Presentations Lead

Angela Geddes is a Social Worker with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals in a variety of settings. She is currently in private practice providing education, advocacy, and direct support for individuals and families experiencing complex issues, including the impact of PAE/FASD. Angela is also an active member of the FASD ONE Diagnostic Action Group and involves herself in many different projects aimed at building a more inclusive service delivery system. She has recently authored a book titled, “A Complicated & Beautiful Brain: A Guide to Understanding the Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) and what Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Looks Like Across the Lifespan.”

Judy Wright, B.A., D.S.W.

--- Living Experience / Families Presentations Member

Judy Wright is a Manager at Children’s Services – Community Services Coordination Network, covering London/Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Huron, and Perth. She is also a Manager of FASD Service Coordination, Coordinated Service Planning, and Wraparound.

Amy Burrows

--- Living Experience / Families Presentations Member

--- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Member

Amy Burrows has over 18-years of experience with Lambton County Developmental Services, supporting people with a wide range of developmental needs. She currently sits on the Sarnia–Lambton FASD Network Committee. Her work is guided by a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and by the belief that the voices of people with living experience are essential to meaningful and effective decision-making. She brings a collaborative, person-centred perspective to committee work and offers valuable thoughtful discussions that support inclusive and responsive practices.

Mel Morris

--- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lead

--- Graphics Design Member

Mel Morris is an FASD and Neurodiversity Supports Coordinator whose work focuses on expanding access to diverse, community-based supports for individuals and families. She is committed to equity, inclusion, and fostering relationships that strengthen how services respond to living experience. Mel previously served as Chair of the Truth & Reconciliation Sub-Committee at Pathways Health Centre for Children, where she worked collaboratively to centre the voices and guidance of local Knowledge Keepers from the Sarnia–Lambton area. This work supported meaningful actions toward truth and reconciliation that were grounded in community relationships and accountability. In her current role with Kettle & Stony Point Health Services, Mel provides ongoing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training to colleagues, with an emphasis on cultural humility, inclusive practice, and understanding systemic barriers faced by community members. Across all her work, she prioritizes creating safe, respectful, and inclusive spaces—adapting communication, using inclusive language, and approaching each interaction with care and intention.

Previous Editions

Explore the 2024 edition of the FASD Conference by discovering past presenters, ePosters, and Artwork.

FASD

To inquire about the archived FASD Conference events from 2020 – 2023, please email cpri.educate@ontario.ca
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