Program Information
Retirement Planning 101- a guide to helping you prepare for a more secure retirement, with Julie Henderson CFP®, CIM®, Assante Capital Management
Session: Sometimes, less is more. Retirement is not one of those times. Your Government Social benefits alone will not provide the income you will need through retirement. During the presentation, Julie Henderson CFP, CIM will provide concrete ways and tips to get started on reaching your retirement income goals! She will also cover what to do if you do not have a retirement plan, different types and benefits of retirement accounts also, the tax implications for distributions and contributions! Don’t retire in financial insecurity. Julie wants to arm you with the right information and knowledge to have a fulfilling retirement!
Bio: For more than 7 years, Julie has been helping individuals and families achieve their financial and lifestyle goals. Working with a network of highly skilled professionals, she is dedicated to providing high-quality advice and integrated wealth management solutions that simplify and enhance the quality of her clients’ lives.
Among the greatest strengths she brings to her client relationships are her knowledge, integrity and commitment to exceptional service. Building on a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wheeling Jesuit University, Julie has earned the Certified Financial Planner designation, recognized internationally as the top professional accreditation. As well, Julie has earned the Chartered Investment Manager Designation, which is the industry standard for discretionary investment and portfolio management services. Julie is securities and life insurance licensed and has an in-depth knowledge of personal income taxes.
Julie enjoys spending her spare time being physically active, traveling and watching sports, especially enjoying the New England Patriots football team.
“Our Women’s Weekend” is presented by Assante Wealth Management.
Night Hike and Laughter Yoga with Jessie Steinberg, Leap Adventures
Sessions:
Jessie will take you through the rolling hills of Dufferin Hylands as she guides the night hike exploring parts of the Bruce Trail system. This session will include activities that will ground you and offer moments of reflection and pause while we soak up the magic of the night sky and the crisp fall air.
Jessie will boldly introduce you to the wondrous world of laughter yoga. This is an opportunity for you to experience connections through play, courage, and curiosity while connecting to your inner power and with others. This workshop will leave you filled with serotonin, open heartedness, and sore cheeks from smiling so much.
Bio: Meet Jessie Steinberg, a force to be reckoned with since she clinched the prestigious Royal Bank of Canada Young Entrepreneur Award in 1996 for her ground-breaking social enterprise, Hugs for LIFE. Fuelled by an unwavering passion for making a positive impact, Jessie's journey over the past two decades has been nothing short of inspiring.
Armed with dual degrees in Environmental Science and Education, Jessie's academic prowess is matched only by her 20 years of dedicated classroom experience, specializing in the transformative power of Outdoor Education. But her commitment to service doesn't stop there. For a decade, Jessie fearlessly served as a volunteer firefighter, embodying the spirit of selflessness and bravery. Today, she is a proud member of Humanity First, an international aid organization for which she serves as the Canadian Head of Logistics.
When she’s not at work, Jessie's artistic soul finds expression through music, as a rhythmic percussionist and didgeridoo player. She is also a mother, dog lover, and champion bodybuilder. She’s happiest when she’s busy and her love language is acts of service, so you may also find her at yoga retreats, teaching laughter or acro-yoga or staying out of the studio altogether to prepare the gourmet food every successful retreat requires. Then again, you may catch her picking up shifts on the local ski hill with her years of experience as a ski and snowboard instructor.
However, it's in the realm of team development where Jessie truly shines. As the visionary founder of Leap Adventures, she's been at the forefront of igniting transformative change in the areas of workplace culture and collaboration for the past two decades. Every workshop, conversation, and call is infused with her trademark authenticity and dedication to skill-building. Her impact is undeniable, earning her the endearing title of "firecracker" countless times over.
Jessie isn't just a coach, leader, or mentor; she's a beacon of inspiration for all who cross her path. With boundless energy and a heart full of compassion, she continues to redefine what it means to lead with purpose and passion.
Hip Hop for *Primetime* Women (All Levels and Abilities - and just for fun!), with Dance Orangeville
Session: Step into the rhythm and embrace the energy in this fun, empowering hip hop class designed specifically for *primetime* women of all fitness levels and abilities! Whether you're a complete beginner or have some dance experience, this class welcomes you to explore the world of hip hop in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Through dynamic routines and accessible movements, you'll boost your confidence, improve coordination, and be active while grooving to the beats. Modifications will be offered to suit all levels, ensuring everyone can move at their own pace and feel great!
Bios: Jonathon Neville has been a theatre and dance artist for 20 years, inspired to grow a world where everyone identifies as an artist and a caregiver. While he loves connecting with an audience, his favorite dancing has no audience - improvised social dance. He is the founder of Dance Orangeville, where he and guest teachers offer classes, events and private lessons in many diverse styles. He splits his time between Toronto and Hockley Valley, where he lives with his wife, son and two dogs.
Michelle Grierson is a high school arts educator, taking students through a thoroughly creative process, producing dance and drama shows for 31 years. Her novel Becoming Leidah was published by Simon & Schuster, and then translated into Croatian and Russian. michellegrierson.com
Radiant at Any Age: Skincare and Beauty Tips, with Hockley Valley Spa
Session: Join us for an empowering and informative session designed specifically for midlife women seeking to enhance their natural beauty and nurture their skin. As our skin changes over time, so do its needs. In this session, we will explore skincare questions and beauty tips tailored to women in their primetime!
Whether you’re looking to refresh your beauty regimen or embrace the aging process gracefully, this session offers practical insights and actionable tips to help you glow from the inside out. Discover how to look and feel your best at any age!
Navigating Your Health Needs: Empowerment Through Knowledge, with Dr. Leslie Beyers
Session: This session is dedicated to addressing the unique health challenges and opportunities faced by prime-time women. As women transition through this critical period, they often experience a range of physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that can significantly impact their overall well-being. This session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these changes and offer practical strategies to enhance health and quality of life during mid-life.
Key Topics Covered:
• Hormonal Health: Understanding the impact of perimenopause and menopause on the body, including symptoms management and hormone replacement therapy options.
• Bone and Joint Health: Exploring strategies to maintain bone density, prevent osteoporosis, and manage joint pain and stiffness.
• Cardiovascular Health: Identifying risk factors for heart disease in mid-life women and discussing prevention and management strategies.
• Mental and Emotional Well-being: Addressing the psychological impacts of mid-life, including anxiety, depression, and stress management techniques.
• Sexual Health: Discussing changes in sexual health and intimacy, and strategies for maintaining a healthy sexual relationship during mid-life.
• Lifestyle and Nutrition: Offering guidance on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications to support overall health and vitality.
Bio: Dr. Leslie Beyers completed her medical degree and family medicine residency at the University of Toronto as well as her Masters in Education at OISE. Having always had an interest in women’s health, she began her career at Women’s College Hospital where she had an obstetrical practice as a primary care physician. She currently is a lecturer with the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto and practices in North Toronto as a community family physician associated with Sunnybrook.
Leslie has three daughters aged 27, 25, and 22. In the city, she spends her time practicing yoga, walking the city trails and finding new brunch spots. She is happiest when she is hiking, canoeing or swimming at the cottage.
Inhale Gratitude, Exhale Clarity: Your Next Step Awaits, with Gwen Merrick
Session: As part of Our Women’s Weekend, we’ll gather for a one-hour SOMA Breath session centered on gratitude. With a blend of music, breathwork, and visualization, you’ll reconnect with moments of deep gratitude and channel that energy to attract more of what you want—whether it’s in your career, personal life, or another area where you’re seeking clarity.
This practice is designed to reduce stress, sharpen your focus, and amplify your positive energy, leaving you feeling empowered, peaceful, and ready to move forward with joy and purpose.
Come ready to breathe deeply, feel inspired, and take your next step with clarity and confidence!
Bio: Gwen Merrick, RP, Reg. CASLPO is also a SOMA Breath instructor who knows firsthand how powerful breathwork can be. After experiencing how it brought clarity, calm, and confidence into her own life, she felt inspired to share it with her psychotherapy and voice therapy clients. Gwen offers SOMA Breath, to help her clients tap into the power of their breath—whether they’re healing emotionally, going through life changes, or working on their vocal strength and communication. Breathwork not only helps manage stress and emotions, but it also boosts energy, improves focus, enhances vocal power, and builds resilience, giving clients the tools they need for lasting, positive change.
When she’s not working, Gwen loves learning, laughing with friends, and reconnecting with her breath—whether she’s running, dancing, or “womanifesting” her next goal! A lifelong animal lover and dedicated vegan, she dreams of retiring to an animal sanctuary one day, where she can spend her days breathing deeply and hanging out with her furry friends. In everything she does, Gwen hopes everyone who crosses her path feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged.
From Surviving to Thriving: Embracing Life's Changes with Elissa Lansdell, Rockstar Communications
Session: In today’s fast-paced world, women often encounter significant life transitions that can be both exciting and daunting. This workshop, led by leadership coach and energy healing practitioner Elissa Lansdell, is designed to empower women to thrive during these transformative experiences.
Participants will delve into the importance of mindset, learning to identify and reprogram limiting beliefs that may impede their progress. With practical tools and insights, attendees will cultivate a growth mindset that fosters resilience and possibility.
Elissa will present a structured framework to guide women before, during, and after major life changes. This roadmap will help participants align their actions with their personal values, promoting clarity and confidence.
Central to this workshop are the “3 C’s”: curiosity, courage, and compassion. Through engaging activities, participants will nurture curiosity to explore new perspectives, embrace courage to step outside their comfort zones, and practice compassion to foster self-kindness during challenging times.
Join us for a transformative experience that celebrates the power of women supporting women as we navigate life's transitions with grace and intention.
Bio: A seasoned communications pro who strikes that right balance between warm and cool, Elissa Lansdell delivers keynotes, coaching and instructional programs with passion, care, and a sharp wit. Drawing on her extensive background in media and broadcasting, Elissa has developed a powerful presence and honed a compelling style of engagement in each of her programs. She deftly combines this set of skills to help her clients persuade and inspire in their rapidly changing work environments. Elissa launched Rockstar Communications in 2020 with a view to revealing every client’s inner Rockstar.
Elissa is also certified in The Emotion Code, an energy healing modality, and believes that the more personal growth we seek, the more professional gains we’ll see.
Elissa has made it her mission to move us from hustle culture to human connection.
