LOFF 2026 SYMPOSIUM

24 to 26 April 2026, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Sudbury

Welcome to LOFF 2026 Symposium

Taking Care of
Caregivers

By taking care of caregivers, we strengthen support, sustainability, and the long-term retention of foster parents who are essential to the well-being of children.

speakers

Event Speakers

Meet our Speakers

Carol St. Clair

President, Eastern Zone, FFA

Carol St. Clair

President, Eastern Zone, FFA

Carol’s curiosity about handwriting began at age seven when she shocked her family by correctly identifying her mother as the real author of a “Santa” note. That early insight foreshadowed a lifelong passion. In high school, she discovered a booklet on graphology and, determined to test its validity, began years of personal research and experimentation. What started as skepticism evolved into a career path. In the mid-1990s, she enrolled in an accredited program and, six years later, earned her designation as a Certified Master Graphologist and Document Examiner. Alongside her graphology career, Carol became a Social Service Worker in the late 1980s, spending 20 years as a front-line Crisis Counsellor and Children’s Worker in the Violence Against Women sector. She also became a foster parent in the early 2000s, a role she continues today. Carol consults with lawyers on trial preparation and disputed wills, provides personal handwriting analyses, and delivers engaging workshops for groups and organizations.

Social Club Drumming Group

From Greater Sudbury

Social Club Drumming Group

From Greater Sudbury

Ashley Ruberto

Individualized Supports Coordinator

Ashley Ruberto

Individualized Supports Coordinator

Ashley Ruberto, BSW, RSW, has served as Individualized Supports Coordinator at Community Living Greater Sudbury since March 2025. A graduate of Laurentian University (2013), she began her career with the organization and remains committed to inclusive, person-centered supports. Presenting on trauma and self-care, Ashley brings experience in behaviour treatment, psychosocial rehabilitation, and trauma-informed practice. She understands the impact trauma has on individuals, caregivers, and families. Passionate about resilience and reflective practice, Ashley equips caregivers with practical self-care strategies so they can provide compassionate, consistent, and healing-centered support.

Kim Rumley

Director of Community Services

Kim Rumley

Director of Community Services

Kim Rumley has served as Director of Community Services at Community Living Greater Sudbury since 2022. A graduate of Cambrian College with certification in Leadership Development, she has built her career in human services, supporting vulnerable individuals with compassion and accountability. Kim is dedicated to person-centered, trauma-informed practice and recognizes the lasting impact of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on development and behaviour. In 2024, she attended the Boston Trauma Conference to deepen her knowledge of trauma research and application. She is passionate about empowering teams and advancing practices that promote resilience, healing, professionalism, and dignity across the sector.

Pamela Patry

Community Services Coordinator

Pamela Patry

Community Services Coordinator

Pamela Patry began volunteering with Community Living Greater Sudbury in 1991 through recreational programming and Special Olympics, an experience that shifted her career from engineering to Developmental Services. A graduate of Cambrian College’s Developmental Services Worker program, she started in residential services as a Direct Support Professional and later became a Caseworker. She advanced to Residential Manager and Community Participation Services Manager before becoming Community Service Coordinator. Pamela now supports the Host Family Program, promoting person-centered, inclusive living environments that foster growth, independence, and meaningful community connection.

Sandi Emdin

TEDx Speaker | Distinguished Toastmaster | Trainer, Speaker & Coach

Sandi Emdin

TEDx Speaker | Distinguished Toastmaster | Trainer, Speaker & Coach

Sandi Emdin has been helping people speak up with confidence and lead with clarity for more than 20 years. As a trainer, speaker, and coach, she works with individuals and teams to strengthen leadership presence, sharpen communication skills, and build the confidence needed to influence with authenticity. Her approach is practical, relatable, and results-focused. A TEDx Speaker known for her talk “3 Small Words,” Sandi explores the powerful connection between mindset and energy, and how subtle shifts can create meaningful change. As a Distinguished Toastmaster, she brings decades of experience in leadership and public speaking development, combining proven strategies with engaging, real-life storytelling. Sandi’s presentations leave audiences with actionable tools they can apply immediately—whether it’s reframing challenges, embracing growth, celebrating small daily wins, or taking the next courageous step toward their goals. Her message is clear: when you shift your mindset, you unlock new possibilities, build momentum, and create lasting impact.

Youth Panel

Youth Panel

Hear directly from former youth in care as they speak candidly about overcoming challenges, celebrating achievements, and redefining what’s possible. This powerful conversation highlights strength, growth, and the importance of lived experience in shaping better systems.

Advocacy Panel

Mike Emond | Nancy Boate | Maggie Lavoie | Rosemarie Sutherland

Advocacy Panel

Mike Emond | Nancy Boate | Maggie Lavoie | Rosemarie Sutherland

Today’s panel brings together a group of experienced advocates dedicated to supporting foster parents navigating the complex and often challenging reality of allegations involving foster children. With backgrounds in child welfare, legal advocacy, and family support, these professionals offer valuable insight, guidance, and compassion. They understand the emotional and procedural impact such situations can have and are committed to ensuring fairness, clarity, and due process. Through their collective expertise, this panel aims to inform, empower, and provide practical strategies to help foster parents respond confidently and protect both their families and the children in their care.