Speakers

Speakers during 2025-2026

Dan Hathway

Nov. 17, 2025 –

Dan Hathway, Adult Program coordinator for the Literacy Society of North Okanagan, and Maddy (a volunteer with the Society) provided a very informative presentation on AI. This included defining and explaining some of the jargon, and providing a brief history of the evolution of AI. Dan covered some of the use of AI in daily life, such as that of a personal assistant, a research and analytical tool from hobbies to cooking to mechanical issues and to health, with a smart watch being used as an example of the latter. Maddy demonstrated live examples of such use through queries to ChatGPT. Information was also presented on some of the privacy issues that flow from its use as well as the fake and misformation posts, podcasts and ads that AI systems have been and can be used to create. The advice regarding the latter is (1) nothing is urgent; (2) if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, (3) Stop; (4) Verify; and (5) Remember you are in control.

https://literacysociety.ca

Ms Turner (M.Ed.Psych, RPC) has extensive experience working with individuals presenting with a wide range of issues in various settings. She is licensed in BC with the Canadian Professional Counselling Association (CPCA).

cherylturnertherapy.com/expressive-art-therapy.com

Cheryl Turner

October 20, 2025 – Cheryl Turner of Expressive Arts Therapy explained how engaging in artistic endeavours helps in the process of healing from trauma, depression, anxiety, or other emotional health concerns. To quote Cheryl, “In EXA, we access information from our subconscious mind and the powerful healing role of our imagination, our intuitive mind and our body awareness. It is about building consciousness through art and expressing yourself without judgment and criticism. Cheryl brought some gentle, non-threatening activities to see how art making can be a relaxing tool for calming, for self exploration and for playful fun. It is even good for your brain!” No art experience was necessary and attendees were encouraged to leave their inner critics at home!

Mikaela Cannon

Sept 15, 2025 –

Author and naturalist Mikaela Cannon’s invited us to, “Enhance your sense of self-sufficiency while increasing food security, protecting habitat, and connecting with the land.” Her presentation indeed took us down this road as we learned about local wild plants and their uses as Mikaela provided tips on how to identify plants, what to be wary of, and what to consider in the food preparation. She brought some plant samples for the participants to examine and to bring to life the aspects of the plants of which she was speaking. The discussions were both entertaining and informative, with Mikaela generously anwering our many questions.

https://www.forestfables.ca/

Cindy Masters

May 26, 2025 – Cindy Masters, the Executive Director of Okanagan Village Housing Society spoke about the work of the Okanagan Village Housing Society. This Society is a registered charity whose mandate is to develop a permanent inventory of managed, safe and comfortable rental housing at below market rate for the “forgotten population” of lower income workers, families, pensioners, and people with diverse abilities who are in need of help along their way to becoming or remaining long-term contributing citizens.” Cindy drew our attention to the housing already in the inventory of the Society and plans for the future. She also provided information on the process of obtaining all of the approvals necessary to permit such housing to be built.

More information regarding the Society can be found at https://okvillage.ca/.