The work of school leaders has always been complex, but at this moment, change seems to be everywhere. New policies (cell phones, mandatory assessments), forest fires, COVID-19, flooding, new curricula, declining rates of funding, artificial intelligence, and an influx of students to Alberta has intensified the work of both teachers and school leaders. How can school leaders even find time to think about compassionate leadership? This interactive presentation will explore what compassion is (and what it is not) and how compassion can be leveraged by school leaders to help create positive cultures and routines within schools.

Dr. Lisa Everitt has dedicated her career to the field of education, commencing with working as a teacher in both the North West Territories and in Parkland School Division. Since 2006, she has served as an executive staff officer with the Alberta Teachers Association. Throughout her tenure, Lisa has navigated various roles within the Association, honing her skills and expertise in critical areas such as labour relations, employee benefits plans, educational research, and advocating for women in leadership roles. Beyond her professional pursuits, Lisa has a keen interest in the arts. In her downtime, she finds solace in artistic endeavors, balancing the rigors of her work with the creative outlets that bring her joy. Lisa's commitment to a well-rounded lifestyle is evident in her dedication to family, her regular visits to the gym, and her love for immersing herself in the tranquility of nature.

For more information on the Council for School Leadership, visit our website.

This episode features a presentation from our LeadMeet 2025 in Edmonton. Krista Mulder, the principal at McNally High School, speaks about leading with vision.
This session is full of actionable tips that any school leader can use to get through hard times and good time in schools.
To learn more about the ATA Council for School Leadership, visit our website.

This episode features a presentation from our LeadMeet 2025 in Edmonton. Kim Backs, the principal at Jasper Place High School, speaks about her work in building a positive culture in schools.
This session is full of actionable tips that any school leader can use to improve the culture in their school.
To learn more about the ATA Council for School Leadership, visit our website.

Dr. Lindsay Avramovic is Principal of St. Francis of Assisi Academy and the new President of the Council for School Leadership. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association of Principals.

Dr. Avramovic started her career teaching elementary grades in Canmore with Christ the Redeemer Schools, advancing through roles as Vice Principal, Director of Catholic Education, and Vice Principal at a K-9 school in De Winton. Her leadership has focused on faith formation, curriculum development, and advocating for Catholic education.

Committed to lifelong learning, she earned a Master's in Administration and Educational Leadership from the University of New Brunswick and recently completed her Doctorate in Education at Western University, specializing in educational leadership and K-12 systems.

Dr. Avramovic is actively involved with the Alberta Teachers’ Association, serving on several committees and boards, reflecting her dedication to school leadership and education advocacy.

Visit the uLead website for more information on upcoming conferences.

Visit the Council for School Leadership website.

In this episode we speak with Michelle Nieviadomy, who will be closing uLead 2025.
Michelle Nieviadomy is the iskwew (woman in Cree) behind Iskwew Health, blending over 15 years of wellness industry experience with her passion for fitness and community building. As a goal-driven facilitator, public speaker, fitness instructor, and wellness advocate, Michelle’s work is guided by key principles:

• LOVE: Promoting self-love as the core message of Iskwew Health.

• HUMILITY: Lifelong learning to expand her wellness knowledge.

• RESPECT: Embracing every individual’s story.

• TRUTH: A belief in belonging within the Creator’s world.

• COURAGE: Honoring those who show up for themselves.

• HONESTY: Standing in truth and helping others do the same.

• WISDOM: Creating space for collective wisdom through Indigenous teachings.

Iskwew Health is the realization of Michelle’s dream to foster holistic well-being and community connection.

For more information on uLead, visit the conference website.
For more information on CSL, visit the CSL website.

This episode features Eliza Reid previewing her Keynote and Breakout session at uLead 2025.

Eliza Reid is a bestselling author who also served as First Lady of Iceland from 2016 to July, 2024. Born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, Eliza relocated to Iceland in 2003. As the Co-Founder of the esteemed Iceland Writers Retreat, she has advocated for Icelandic writers and literary heritage, notably through her acclaimed debut book, Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They are Changing the World. Her second book, a mystery novel called Death on the Island, will be published in late April, 2025.

Eliza's multifaceted career spans editorial roles at Icelandair’s in-flight magazine and Iceland Review, alongside frequent commentary on Icelandic affairs for foreign media. She is a sought-after keynote speaker on the international stage. In 2017, Eliza was named a UN Special Ambassador for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals. As first lady, she also served as patron of numerous organizations. Passionate about inclusion, belonging, and equality, she has wielded her influence through poignant op-eds and a compelling TEDx talk. Eliza Reid and her husband have four children together.

uLead Conference Website
ATA Council for School Leadership Website

In this episode, we present a breakout session from uLead 2024 with Jethro Ulrich. Jethro shares his story of being a sixties scoop survivor and his experiences as an indigenous student, teacher, researcher, and leader in an educational context. "The Stories We Share: An Indigenous Experience in Education" is the culmination of Jethro's graduate research that explores systemic racism in our Canadian education system and the colonial practices that continue to marginalize our indigenous students and their families.
Jethro is a teacher and current Assistant Principal with Edmonton Catholic Schools. He recently completed his Master's degree in Educational Leadership at Concordia University of Edmonton. The focus of his research is the decolonization of education through engagement and relationship building with indigenous families, elders, and their communities within the Edmonton Catholic School division. Jethro's graduate work was nominated for the Governor General's Award for Academic Excellence.
For more information on the work of the Council for School Leadership, please visit our website.
To register for the upcoming uLead conference, visit the uLead website.

In this episode we give you a preview of one of the Keynote speakers at uLead 2025, Dr. Judi Newman.
Dr. Judi Newman, founder and director of The Academy of Organisational Neuroscience Australia, holds a PhD in Organizational Neuroscience and is a leading Australian expert in social cognitive neuroscience. With a unique blend of experience in education, psychology, and neuroscience, Dr. Newman draws on her background as a former high school principal and executive coach to provide actionable insights into human motivation, learning, and influence. Her work focuses on enhancing leadership attributes, optimizing brain-based learning, training leaders in neuroscience-driven coaching, and helping organizations refine decision-making and build high-performing teams.
For more information on uLead or to register, visit ulead.ca