Did You Know that Right from the Start...
- Promotes positive mental health in your child’s class
- Runs pro-social clubs
- Supports positive school culture by creating whole-school events
- And supports staff with social-emotional programming.
Common Topics We Support
- School Reluctance
- Strengthening School-Community Connections
- Professional Referrals
- Anxiety
- Healthy Relationship Building
- Social Skills Development
- Parenting Workshops
- Managing Emotions
- Friendship Challenges
- Self Esteem
- Positive Behaviour Management
We are here for you as well as your child. Feel free to drop into our office to brainstorm a situation or to simply connect.
Our Team
Eileen McCabe is the Program Manager for Right From the Start. Her education includes two Early Childhood Education diplomas and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development. Eileen has a passion for working with children and building a strong and healthy foundation for our youth. Eileen loves to spend time outside being active with her son and feels incredibly blessed to live in such a beautiful and supportive community.eileen.mccabe@crps.ca
Megan Jenniex is a Success Coach at Banff Elementary School. Megan earned her Bachelor in Criminal Justice before spending time working in youth mental health and joining the Right from the Start team. Megan is as eager to learn from the students, staff and families at BES as she is to work with them. Megan enjoys building strong relationships and connections with students, and being creative in her universal delivery to classes. Megan supports her own mental health by spending time outside rock climbing or hiking, practicing mindfulness, and spending time with family and friends.
megan.jenniex@crps.ca
Deren Alward, with a Bachelor of Education, is the Success Coach and Wellness Mentor at Lawrence Grassi Middle School. He has the privilege of going into classrooms to discuss pertinent social/emotional issues with students and staff. He finds assisting with their health and wellness to be incredibly gratifying. Working closely with school staff and community partners, Deren supports families and small groups of students to navigate the world of middle school. His personal mental health is enhanced by being physically active, and is supported by his friends and community.
deren.alward@crps.ca
Adrienne Lawlor is a Success Coach at Lawrence Grassi Middle School (LGMS). Adrienne is an Occupational Therapist (OT) by profession, graduating from McGill University in 1991 and working in Bow Valley schools since 2001. Combining her interests and passions for children, neuroscience, expressive arts, nature and wellness, Adrienne is excited to join the Right From The Start (RFTS) team. Adrienne is also a parent to two young adults who have attended CRPS schools. Fulfilling multiple roles within the community, including volunteer and facilitator at ArtsPlace, Adrienne is a lifelong learner, integrating various perspectives and resources into her professional life, ultimately supporting inclusive and positive learning environments for all students. Adrienne's "bucket" is filled through time in nature, dancing, art-making and sustaining connections with others.
Kat Wiebe works at Banff Elementary School, putting her B.Ed to good use in her universal classroom presentations on mental health and wellness. Dovetailing AB curriculum and best practices for positive mental health, Kat supports the social/emotional development of all students at BES. Kat looks for quiet moments in her day, and she loves to laugh with her family and friends.
kathleen.wiebe@crps.ca
Contact Us
To reach us, contact your child’s school:
Elizabeth Rummel Alpenglow Lawrence Grassi Banff Elementary
Emergency Resources
In case of a crisis or emergency, the following community supports are available:
Mental Health Walk-in Clinics (Open 2-9 pm daily)
This is a free walk-in counselling service available to everyone (including Canadians and non-Canadians alike).
- Banff Mineral Springs Hospital | 305 Lynx St
- Canmore General Hospital | 1100 Hospital Place
Distress Line (24 hours): 1 (888) 787 2880
Alberta Mental Health Help Line (24 hours): 1 (877) 303 2642
Alberta Health Services Intake: (Counselling Supports in the Bow Valley): 1-877-652-4700
Suicide Prevention: 1 (800) 784 2433
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line (24 hours): 1 (855) 242 3310
Bow Valley Victim Services: (403) 760 0197; www.
Addiction Services: 1 (866) 332 2322
Banff YWCA Women's Emergency Shelter: 403-760-3200 9am-5pm (Monday to Thursday) 9am-8pm (Friday & Saturday) and 403-762-3560 after hours: http://ywcabanff.ca/
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868
Crisis Services Canada (a great resource for adults/caregivers): http://www.