Welcome to The BabyTime Shows

  
2011 Spring BabyTime Speakers

Check out the stage schedule for speaker dates and times.

Tracy_MooreTracy Moore
Born in Toronto and raised in Richmond Hill, Tracy worked her way up the media ladder to her current position as host of CityLine. Her professionalism, work ethic and engaging personality helped her advance from CTV intern to CBC videographer, back-up host and Newsworld anchor. This helped lead to a reporter/anchor position on Toronto1's daily news magazine Toronto Tonight.
In the fall of 2005, Tracy joined Toronto's number one morning show, City TV's Breakfast Television as its live reporter. Within months she was backing up the show's lead anchor in addition to covering live breaking news events.

After eight years in the media business Tracy took a brief break in 2008 to have her first child, Sidney Nicolas. She says, returning after maternity leave to a position like hosting CityLine was an incredible way to re-enter the work force! Two years later she gave birth to Eva Simone. Tracy says being a mommy is hands down her biggest accomplishment to date. She's also been known to say juggling two young children, a husband and a career takes the balancing skills of a tight-rope walker and the juggling skills of an octopus. If she's learned anything it's that most situations can be handled with a healthy dose of laughter.

Dr. Deborah S. Weber
Senior Manager, Child Research and Development for
Fisher-Price

Dr. Deborah Weber is widely regarded as an expert in early childhood development.  She is Senior Manager for the Fisher-Price Child Research Department, which is the toy industry’s most respected Center for research on childhood development and play.  This Center is dedicated to the progression of research and practice, thereby impacting the conception and development of innovative toys and children’s products. 

Dr. Weber holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degree in Early Childhood Development and Elementary Education.  She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree at St. Bonaventure University and her Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

As Senior Manager, she provides consultation to various disciplines responsible for Infant, Toddler, and Preschool product categories, including content of learning toys, books, CD ROMs, videos and DVDs, as well as developmental information, to ensure that new products and positioning are educationally and developmentally sound. 

She has been interviewed by various journalists worldwide, on subjects such as child development and play, electronic learning toys, computer and television peripherals and video programming for children, developing age-appropriate toys and products, and the process of child research as it relates to the product development process.  

Dr. Weber has a strong interest in bridging the gap between research and application.  To that end, her most recent research is in the area of Child and Parent interactions with Electronic Learning toys, which has been applied to baby toys and interface design, in addition to Infant and Toddler media viewing habits.  Dr. Weber has also developed and implemented an Ethnographic Research program, designed to provide Research & Design departments with a better understanding of their consumer’s lifestyle, culture, and needs. 

Dr. Deborah Weber has devoted over 20 years to the study of childhood development, education and parenting trends.  She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Association for Childhood Education International.  Prior to joining Fisher-Price in 1994, Dr. Weber was an Instructor at Canisius College, Niagra University, and the State University of New York at Buffalo.Back to TOP 

 

Ann Douglas

Ann Douglas is the author of numerous books about pregnancy and parenting, including the bestselling titles in The Mother of All Books series: The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, The Mother of All Baby Books, The Mother of All Toddler Books, The Mother of All Parenting Books, and The Mother of All Pregnancy Organizers. The second Canadian edition of The Mother of All Pregnancy Books will be published by Wiley Canada in June.

She writes "The Mother of All Baby Columns" for The Toronto Star and has contributed to a number of anthologies about mothering, including including Shari MacDonald Strong's The Maternal is Political, Andrea Buchanan's It's a Girl, May Friedman and Shana Calixte's Mothering and Blogging: The Radical Act of the Mommy Blog, and Kyra Anderson and Vicki Forman's Gravity Pulls You In.

You can find out more about Ann at www.anndouglas.ca.

Sensational Siblings: Learn how to help your first child to prepare for the arrival of the new baby; and what you can do to encourage healthy sibling relationships and minimize conflict between your children during the baby, toddler, and preschool years and beyond during this fun and interactive workshop. Come prepared to share your own experiences of being a sibling or watching other siblings in action during your own growing up years; and to discuss your worries and concerns about raising more than one child. Parenting author Ann Douglas, mother of four and the oldest of four sisters, has been there, lived through that, and is prepared to share what she's learned through the School of Hard-Earned Wisdom.

The Couple Connection: You've fed and changed the baby, tossed in a load of laundry, and managed to feed yourself, too. Sounds like a successful day on Planet New Parent. But wait. Something seems to be missing. Oh yeah! Another day has gone by without having any sort of meaningful conversation with your baby's other parent (formerly known as the love of your life). This wasn't what you had in mind when you dreamed about having a baby. Find out how to stay connected with your partner after the birth of your baby or to re-establish that connection if you've fallen out of touch during this challenging time in your life as a couple. Parenting author and mother of four Ann Douglas will share what she's learned from other parents about weathering the relationship highs and lows that can occur after baby makes three.Back to TOP 

 

 Amy Ballon and Danielle Botterell
Mompreneurship – Juggling Business and Family 

Thinking about self-employment to better balance your kids and your career?  Meet the authors of Mom Inc. – How to raise your family and your business without losing your mind or your shirt to learn what mompreneurship is all about and find out if you have what it takes to strike out on your own.  Signed copies of Mom Inc. will be available for sale.Back to TOP 


Caroline David
Marketing & Sales Manager
Five Seasons Comfort/ Electro-Air Canada
Toronto, Ontario

At an early age, Caroline David was diagnosed with anaphylaxis, having life threatening allergies to poultry, eggs, fish, seafood and various nuts.  By the age of four, she began having asthma and allergic reactions to dust, mold, trees, grass and plant pollens.  She often found herself gasping for air, especially if doing any physical activities.  Other reactions included severe itchy and puffy eyes, face, ears and throat, along with hives and eczema.

To combat these symptoms, doctors prescribed puffers and allergy medications.  Daily doses of these drugs came with side effects, which included migraines, pounding chest pains, irritability, weight gain and a heavy feeling at the back of the brain (close to the neck).

Sympathizing with many others with respiratory illnesses, Caroline began dedicating her life to researching indoor air and the effects on human health.  Over the years, Caroline has made hundreds of presentations on Indoor Air Quality – the causes, the effects and the solutions.  She is a firm believer that we are a product of our environment, as we are what we eat, drink and breathe.

Caroline speaks with passion and humor, and offers a wealth of information for new mothers on indoor air quality and how to have a healthier home.  Once we take a good look at our lifestyles, shopping and housekeeping habits, it’s easy to see how we’re on the path to self-destruction.  Join Caroline and learn how to make your home a cleaner, greener place to live.Back to TOP

Sleep, Sex, and Rock & Roll

Are you an exhausted parent? Is sleep your new sex? Learn how much sleep and sex have in common. With a little Rock & Roll, you can meet both your own and your baby's desires for more zzz's. Don't forget to bring dad along -- the sleep/sex connection will make sense to him when this session is done.

Tracey Ruiz is the founder and head consultant of The Sleep Doula. Her experience with more than 1,000 babies and their sleep problems offers exhausted parents the hope and real answers that no book has ever been able to provide. Learn trick from the trenches and different options to fit a variety of parenting styles.

The Tuckered Toddler
Do you have a toddler who thinks sleep is only for the weak? Are you worried about the big transition from crib to bed? Don't know how to deal with the negotiating sleepless stallion. Come learn some helpful tricks to getting your toddler and you the sleep you both need.

Tracey Ruiz is the founder and head consultant of The Sleep Doula. Her experience with more than 1,000 babies and their sleep problems offers exhausted parents the hope and real answers that no book has ever been able to provide. Learn trick from the trenches and different options to fit a variety of parenting styles.Back to TOP
 Can you rescue your family in 60 seconds?
Kavita Chauhan, B.Sc Hlth & Kin, CK

A non‐breathing or choking person can die in 1 minute. Did you know brain damage follows in minutes…before ‘911’ arrives?

This invaluable + interactive workshop with 2HEALTH First Aid is a must! In 60 minutes, you’ll learn:
- when to call 911/ EMS?
- how to rescue a choking adult, child or baby
- why is CPR needed and how do you do it?

2HEALTH’s simple and easy‐to‐understand style will help you to be prepared and confident in an emergency…so you can rescue your family in 60 seconds!

Kavita Chauhan, B.Sc Hlth & Kin, CK

Kavita created 2HEALTH, with the trademark '60‐seconds' rescue. Thousands of families, healthcare professionals and employees are more prepared and rescue‐confident with 2HEALTH's unique and preventative‐focused first aid
coaching. 2HEALTH is proud to be a Red Cross Training Partner since 1992.

2HEALTH's compelling and practical workshops teach invaluable rescue skills and emergency preparation strategies.

2HEALTH's Safety + Wellthy workshops are enriched by Kavita's Kinesiology, Fitness and Child Car Seat Technician experience. Her previous training as a lifeguard and nanny also fuels her passion to inspire and educate!

Kavita is thrilled to return to Babytime as a presenter!Back to TOP                                                          



Everything you wanted to know about exercise and nutrition during pregnancy – Part 1

Samantha Montpetit-Huynh, CPTN-CPT, PFS, NWS, TTDR, RAB Core, will discuss the benefits and risks of exercising during pregnancy. What exercises are considered safe and what to avoid. Myths and trimester by trimester guidelines will also be reviewed.

Christine Hanlan, RHN, NNCP, will discuss what every pregnancy needs in regards to supporting a healthy growing fetus through proper nutrition. What foods to avoid and how to minimize nausea, constipation and control a healthy weight gain.

Everything you wanted to know about exercise and nutrition during the postpartum period – Part 2

Samantha Montpetit-Huynh, CPTN-CPT, PFS, NWS, TTDR, RAB Core, will discuss when it is safe to resume exercise after delivery. What exercises to avoid and what to watch out for. Are you doing too much too soon? She will also review what the real cause of the Mummy Tummy is and what you can do about it.

Christine Hanlan, RHN, NNCP, will discuss proper nutrition for breastfeeding mothers. How to incorporate good eating habits for a sleep deprived mom and how this can help to increase energy levels and promote safe weight loss in a realistic time frame.Back to TOP




Pregnant? Learn how to help get breastfeeding off to a good start. Already breastfeeding? Hear tips on avoiding difficulties and overcoming challenges. Find out how La Leche League Canada fits into your breastfeeding support network.  La Leche League is a charitable, volunteer-run organization that provides mother-to-mother support and breastfeeding information.Back to TOP

 Bill Tkach, Heritage Education Funds

Bill worked in the insurance industry with Canada Life for almost a decade before joining Heritage Education Funds Inc. as Manager, Sales Support.  He has tackled a variety of assignments on behalf of Heritage and is now Associate Vice President, Sales.

Established in 1965, Heritage Education Funds Inc. is one of the oldest registered Scholarship Plan Dealers in Canada, registered to distribute Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs), with over $1.8 billion in assets under management.  RESPs are designed to encourage parents, grandparents, other family members and friends to save for the future post-secondary education of Canadian children. 

To help make saving easier, the Federal government provides an incentive in the form of the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)*, which matches 20% of annual contributions to an RESP, up to $500 per year, with a lifetime maximum grant of $7,200.  Heritage RESPs are invested with safety and competitive returns in mind so that the money will be there when your child is ready to realize their dream of a college or university education.  
* Certain conditions apply.  Lower income families may be eligible for additional incentives.
Heritage Education Funds RESPs are offered by Prospectus only. Back to TOP

 

Fitness Doula is an EPI-NO Canada company that was founded by Kim Vopni in 2004 after the birth of her first son.  Having used a pelvic floor wellness product that helped her get through birth in one piece and maintain healthy core function, Kim made it her mission to help educate others on the importance of pelvic floor health in pregnancy and beyond.

Her experience and credentials has allowed her to create a true niche dealing with deep core function and pelvic floor health for pregnant and new moms.  Kim holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario and a Post Graduate Diploma in Health and Fitness from Simon Fraser University.  She is a Certified Personal Trainer, a Pre/Post Natal Fitness Consultant and a trained Postpartum Doula, which has many clients now referring to her as ‘The Fitness Doula’.

Prepare To Push

Join The Fitness Doula, Kim Vopni as she discusses tips and techniques on how to prepare your body for childbirth.  Learn what muscles to strengthen to help push your baby out, find out how to avoid episiotomy and tearing and take home valuable tips that your childbirth class won’t teach you on how to get your pre-baby form AND function back.Back to TOP 

 


Nicole Nifo is a Registered Massage Therapist and Founder of Fully Alive Wellness Centre. She has extensive training in Pregnancy Massage and has worked closely with high risk pregnant women at the Women’s College Hospital in Toronto. After becoming certified to work with infants and children, Nicole created the BabyLove Infant Massage class. Recently, Nicole has started to practice as a Birth Doula (DONA).  Her goal as a Therapist is to ensure that top quality care is given to mom and baby and to educate families on the many benefits of loving touch.

The Power of Touch
Join Nicole as she discusses the power of touch during the three stages of childbearing: Pregnancy, Labour and Post Pardum. 

Positive touch during pregnancy can help a woman bond more to her unborn baby, feel more confident in her changing body and empower her to be in charge of her prenatal health. 

Learn some helpful techniques that your birth partner can do to help make your Labour less intense. Find out how to prevent common post pardum injuries and how to treat them when they flare up.  Nicole will also talk about the importance and benefits of Infant Massage.To Learn more about Nicole visit http://www.fullyalivecentre.com  Back to TOP

Fitness Doula is an EPI-NO Canada company that was founded by Kim Vopni in 2004 after the birth of her first son.  Having used a pelvic floor wellness product that helped her get through birth in one piece and maintain healthy core function, Kim made it her mission to help educate others on the importance of pelvic floor health in pregnancy and beyond.

Her experience and credentials has allowed her to create a true niche dealing with deep core function and pelvic floor health for pregnant and new moms.  Kim holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario and a Post Graduate Diploma in Health and Fitness from Simon Fraser University.  She is a Certified Personal Trainer, a Pre/Post Natal Fitness Consultant and a trained Postpartum Doula, which has many clients now referring to her as ‘The Fitness Doula’.

Prepare To Push

Join The Fitness Doula, Kim Vopni as she discusses tips and techniques on how to prepare your body for childbirth.  Learn what muscles to strengthen to help push your baby out, find out how to avoid episiotomy and tearing and take home valuable tips that your childbirth class won’t teach you on how to get your pre-baby form AND function back.

 

 

Safe Sleep For Your Baby

Yolanda has been sharing her story of personal tragedy to educate others on the importance of following safe sleep practices when caring for an infant since 2004. Her powerful and passionate message has captured the attention of Health and Childcare Workers and has reached thousands living across the GTA. Yolanda's passion to reduce infant deaths and save other parents from living with the grief she experiences each day is a message no parent or childcare provider forgets. She has gained the admiration and respect of healthcare professionals across the province and is recognized as an expert in the field of infant safe sleep.

Yolanda delivers workshops and presentations addressing SIDS and Safe Sleep for infants She targets new and expectant mothers, childcare providers, educators such as public health and hospital staff as well she is providing training to all Catholic Children's Aid Society staff and foster parents for Toronto district. She has travelled to Barrie to deliver workshops as well as to Minnet to deliver a presentation to health care professionals at their conference. She has been on TV-CP24, the Dr. Karl Show with the Chief Coroner of Ontario Dr. Lauwers to educate viewers and listeners about safe sleep. Yolanda is involved with the RNAO Focus Group to create Guidelines for all nurses across Ontario on the topic of safe sleep, she speaks at the Toronto Baby Show and other community events. Her contribution in educating her community on the lifesaving message of safe sleep for infants has been extraordinary and invaluable to the lives she has touched.

Learn of the current safe sleep practices recommended by Health Canada, The Canadian Paediatric Society and the Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths. Get information on which products are not recommended for babies sleep, and what is safe. A must attend for everyone caring for infants or educating others on safe sleep practices.Back to TOP

 

Meet Officer Robert Meerburg and his K9 Companion Cody for valuable safety tips to keep your children safe around dogs. Robert & Cody are full time safety officers from Toronto Animal Services that deliver the message on Dog Bite Prevention.  Don't miss your opportunity to learn the safety basics and meet K9 Cody.Back to TOP
 

Speaker information will be updated regularlyBack to TOP