Did You Know that Right from the Start...
- Promotes positive mental health in your child’s class
- Runs pro-social clubs
- Supports positive school culture by creating whole-school events
- And supports staff with social-emotional programming.
Common Topics We Support
- School Reluctance
- Strengthening School-Community Connections
- Professional Referrals
- Anxiety
- Healthy Relationship Building
- Social Skills Development
- Parenting Workshops
- Managing Emotions
- Friendship Challenges
- Self Esteem
- Positive Behaviour Management
We are here for you as well as your child. Feel free to drop into our office to brainstorm a situation or to simply connect.
Our Team
Eileen McCabe is the Program Manager for Right From the Start. Her education includes two Early Childhood Education diplomas and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development. Eileen has a passion for working with children and building a strong and healthy foundation for our youth. Eileen loves to spend time outside being active with her son and feels incredibly blessed to live in such a beautiful and supportive community.
eileen.mccabe@crps.ca
Michelle is a success coach at Banff Elementary School with a deep passion for working with children and youth. Inspired by her own mentors, she pursued a B.Ed. and believes every child grows at their own pace—like seeds needing different conditions to thrive. She recognizes that mental health plays a key role in a child’s growth and is committed to supporting the emotional well-being of every student. Michelle values building meaningful connections with students, peers, and the community. In her free time, she enjoys the gym, the outdoors, and evening hikes with loved ones. She's thrilled to be joining the BES team!
michelle.masniak@crps.ca
Deren Alward, with a Bachelor of Education, is the Success Coach and Wellness Mentor at Lawrence Grassi Middle School. He has the privilege of going into classrooms to discuss pertinent social/emotional issues with students and staff. He finds assisting with their health and wellness to be incredibly gratifying. Working closely with school staff and community partners, Deren supports families and small groups of students to navigate the world of middle school. His personal mental health is enhanced by being physically active, and is supported by his friends and community.
deren.alward@crps.ca
Kat Wiebe works at Banff Elementary School, putting her B.Ed to good use in her universal classroom presentations on mental health and wellness. Dovetailing AB curriculum and best practices for positive mental health, Kat supports the social/emotional development of all students at BES. Kat looks for quiet moments in her day, and she loves to laugh with her family and friends.
kathleen.wiebe@crps.ca
Contact Us
To reach us, contact your child’s school:
Elizabeth Rummel Alpenglow Lawrence Grassi Banff Elementary
Emergency Resources
In case of a crisis or emergency, the following community supports are available:
Mental Health Walk-in Clinics (Open 2-9 pm daily)
This is a free walk-in counselling service available to everyone (including Canadians and non-Canadians alike).
- Banff Mineral Springs Hospital | 305 Lynx St
- Canmore General Hospital | 1100 Hospital Place
Distress Line (24 hours): 1 (888) 787 2880
Alberta Mental Health Help Line (24 hours): 1 (877) 303 2642
Alberta Health Services Intake: (Counselling Supports in the Bow Valley): 1-877-652-4700
Suicide Prevention: 1 (800) 784 2433
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line (24 hours): 1 (855) 242 3310
Bow Valley Victim Services: (403) 760 0197; www.
Addiction Services: 1 (866) 332 2322
Banff YWCA Women's Emergency Shelter: 403-760-3200 9am-5pm (Monday to Thursday) 9am-8pm (Friday & Saturday) and 403-762-3560 after hours: http://ywcabanff.ca/
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868
Crisis Services Canada (a great resource for adults/caregivers): http://www.