This year's Conference is about
Growing Forward in Well-being!
Join us for a transformative two-day conference designed specifically
for Christian schools, educators, teachers, and staff!
ONTARIO CONFERENCE
— Markham, ON —
November 6-7, 2025
Focusing on well-being is crucial for growth in all aspects of our lives. When we prioritize our spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being, we become more effective, resilient, and fruitful in our ministries.
At the Flourishing Together Conference, you'll discover practical strategies and best practices for cultivating well-being in your personal and professional life.
At the Flourishing Together Conference, you'll discover practical strategies and best practices for cultivating well-being in your personal and professional life.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
• Three tracks: (1) Marketing & Fundraising, (2) Flourishing in Well-being, and (3) Bus Tour
• Practical & interactive learning labs and breakouts
• Practical & interactive learning labs and breakouts
• Inspiring speakers, worship, testimonies, & workshops
• Networking opportunities
• A special Gala reception with an Awards Night celebration, plus entertainment by Comedy in Motion's Bob Cates!
track #1:
growing forward in marketing & fundraising
Calling all Christian leaders of non-profits, ministries, or Christian private schools looking to “Grow Forward” in their mission! This is a unique opportunity to learn from practitioners, colleagues, and experts in the field of marketing and fundraising?
This unique session is open to all ministries, and is designed to equip you with the knowledge and resources necessary for success in fundraising and marketing. Our expert speakers will cover topics such as:
- Donor Development & Retention
- Social Campaigns
- Crowdfunding/Peer-to-Peer
- Online Giving
- Text-to-Give
- Event Fundraising & Tools
- Virtual Events
- Digital Marketing
- Branding
- Social Media , AI & More
track #2:
flourishing in well-being
Participate in a full morning seminar to help you grow as an educator. Dr. Derrick Mueller will lead you in an interactive session called “Cultivating a Life of Purpose.” Unlock the true potential of your team, school, church, or group as you explore and reflect on a model that encompasses eight key concepts essential for personal and spiritual growth.
Through group discussions and meaningful reflections, you’ll be encouraged to apply these concepts daily, empowering you to pursue your passions and live authentically within the school community.
Afternoon session - After lunch, speaker Emily Pigott will lead you in focusing on the students’ well-being and explore the impact of Christian education and teacher influence on students.
Afternoon session - After lunch, speaker Emily Pigott will lead you in focusing on the students’ well-being and explore the impact of Christian education and teacher influence on students.
track #3:
bus tour option
Embark on a group tour (8:30am - 1pm) to explore and engage with Christian schools. An enriching experience giving you insight into how other schools are impacting lives.
Participants in the bus tour can then choose which of the afternoon sessions they would like to join.
Participants in the bus tour can then choose which of the afternoon sessions they would like to join.
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
DR. CHRIS MATTATALL
A teacher, administrator and leader in education for more than 30 years, Chris is the University of Lethbridge Board of Governor’s Teaching Chair (2023-2025) and teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in the Faculty of Education. He speaks nationally and internationally on topics related to the Science of Learning, how the brain learns and develops, motivation and engagement, and teaching and learning strategies that help to direct student attention, strengthen memory and build self-regulation.
A teacher, administrator and leader in education for more than 30 years, Chris is the University of Lethbridge Board of Governor’s Teaching Chair (2023-2025) and teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in the Faculty of Education. He speaks nationally and internationally on topics related to the Science of Learning, how the brain learns and develops, motivation and engagement, and teaching and learning strategies that help to direct student attention, strengthen memory and build self-regulation.
Chris also conducts three parent workshops series in communities across Western Canada: "What Every Parent Wishes Someone Had Told Them About How Their Child’s Brain Learns," "Tik Tok: It’s Time to Talk About Screen Time, and Our Children’s Minds" and "Brains, and Understanding the Teenage Brain." His website, GoodTeaching.ca is a repository of recommended strategies, practice guides, books, and articles for classroom teachers.
EMILY PIGOTT
With over 26 years of experience in Christian education, Emily Pigott serves as the Director of Student Leadership & Learning at ACSI. Passionate about guiding school leaders, educators, and students worldwide, she believes today’s generation has the God-given potential to impact culture for Jesus. Emily is committed to equipping educators and student leaders with strategies that resonate with today’s youth, inspiring them to own their education, leadership journey, and future for God’s glory.
Emily has traveled globally to train and equip others in biblical leadership, character development, and transformative education. She holds a Master of Education from Southeastern University and co-authored The School of Leadership Curriculum. Married to Gene for over 31 years, Emily is a proud mother of two sons, Joshua and Jacob. She continues to inspire Christian educators to make an eternal impact, one student at a time.
BRETT ULLMAN
Brett travels North America speaking to teens, young adults, leaders, and parents on topics including parenting, mental health, media, marriage, and men. His seminars engage and challenge attendees to try and connect our ancient faith with our modern culture we live in. Participants are inspired to reflect on what we know, what we believe and how our faith ought to serve as the lens through which we view and engage tough conversations in our society today. Brett was a teacher with the Toronto District School Board for ten years before moving into speaking full-time back in 2005.
Brett has a Master’s degree in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton Graduate School in Chicago and is also a graduate of the Arrow Leadership Program. Brett completed his Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and currently does counselling part-time as a registered psychotherapist.
More about Brett
More about Brett
DR. JANE SINDEN
A wife, mother, and grandmother, Jane has also been a professor at Redeemer University for 20 years. Her doctoral research is in the area of emotion education in sport and exercise. However, over the years her research and experience have extended beyond sport and exercise into teacher education and therapeutic settings.
Jane's passion for understanding emotion started over 30 years ago when she was training as a national team rower. She pursued a PhD in Education to better understand why she (and other athletes) developed unhealthy methods of dealing with their stressful emotions and trained irrespective of these unhealthy methods. She openly shares her experience battling an eating disorder and other self destructive behaviours and disregarding her health for the purpose of achieving high performance in sport. She regularly shares her testimony to others about her difficult upbringing and how she was led to surrender her life to Jesus. Jane hopes her story can bring others to know the healing power and love of Christ.
In addition, Jane is presently pursuing a Masters in Biblical Counselling at Westminster Theological Seminary, to better equip her to teach and counsel others through a biblical perspective.
DR. DAVID BALIK
Currently serving as Vice President, North America for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), when Dr. Balik joined ACSI in 2015 he was hired to be the Southeast Regional Director. He was later assigned additional responsibilities as Senior Director, Eastern Division before being appointed Vice President in 2019.
Prior to joining ACSI, David served as a Police officer, Teacher, Coach, and in executive leadership capacities including Principal and Superintendent with Christian schools in both Canada and the United States. Most recently, he served as Dean of Faculty & Academic Affairs at Briarwood Christian Schools in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Balik holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English & Science from Cornerstone University (Michigan), a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Brock University (Ontario), and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University (North Carolina). He is a regularly featured guest speaker, consultant and trainer at various conferences and schools all over the world.
JOSES WONG
As a Mental Health Education Specialist, Joses has a passion for equipping Christian schools, churches, and organizations with the knowledge and skills to support mental well-being within their communities. Since 2017, he has facilitated workshops on behalf of various mental health hospitals and organizations, including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Reconnect Community Services, and Homewood Health. However, his heart truly lies in serving faith-based communities, where he has facilitated for organizations such as North Toronto Chinese Baptist Church, East Toronto Chinese Baptist Church, and Scott Mission.
KAREN DANIELS
Coming to teaching and administration later in life after a career in business, finance, and marketing, Karen has worked in both the public and independent school systems. Her newest adventure is working with ACSIWC as the Director of Field Operations. Karen facilitates a network of support for school leadership and boards. Karen works with schools to build the best foundation of learning through sound business, academic, and relational practices.
DR. DERRICK MUELLER
Having assumed the role of Executive Director at the ACSIEC in July 2024, Derrick is deeply driven by a sense of calling and a passion for God, which guide his purpose and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. As a public speaker, he generously shares his insights and expertise with diverse audiences, inspiring and uplifting all those who have the privilege of listening to him. In addition to his roles as a speaker and writer, Derrick is devoted to empowering others through training, workshops, and coaching. He also provides spiritual guidance as a pastor and has positively influenced the lives of many.
Family is at the core of Derrick’s values, and his experiences as a father and grandfather have undoubtedly shaped his compassionate and empathetic approach to leadership, faith, and personal growth. Derrick infuses his work with passion, integrity, and determination, bringing fresh perspectives to every endeavour he undertakes. Furthermore, his consulting services have supported individuals, organizations, and churches in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals. Derrick’s versatility and profound impact make him a true inspiration, bringing light and positivity to the lives of those around him.
ENTERTAINER
BOB CATES
Now a professional comedy juggling and variety entertainer living in Cambridge, ON, Bob could never have imagined he would one day be making a living on stage, having grown up on a pig farm near Forest, ON. He’s been in show business full time since 1995, shortly after he won the Canadian Juggling Championships. In high school, he was inspired by a juggling classmate and taught himself to juggle with tennis balls. He practiced hard, learning advanced juggling, unicycling, balancing skills and performance techniques.
His passion for performing and the art of juggling continued to develop during his 5 years of post-secondary education, earning a diploma from the Baptist Leadership Education Centre in Toronto, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University. After university. Bob began performing full time at fairs, festivals, private events, and on cruise ships. Most performances are now are for corporate, association, and gala special events, as well as at church and ministry events.
new! - complimentary evening gala
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, connection, and fun! We’re thrilled to introduce the Evening Gala, a special celebration of the achievements and contributions of our Christian education members.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Awards Night: Honouring the outstanding achievements of our members in their schools, Christian education, and the association.
Reception with Multi-Food Stations: Enjoy a variety of delicious food while fellowshipping and connecting with other attendees.
Entertainment: Be amazed by the talents of international performer Bob Cates, who combines comedy, juggling, and his passion for Christ to inspire and entertain.
Date: November 6, 2025
Time: 5:30pm-8:30am
Price: Complimentary to conference registrants.
Extra tickets available for $30
ontario conference info
Dates: November 6-7, 2025
Time: Both days: 9am-11:30am / 1:30pm-4pm
Location:
Peoples Christian Academy
245 Renfrew Dr
Markham, ON
Price for 2 days:
• $199 (before Oct 1st)
• $229 (after Oct 1st)
• Bus Tour option: additional $39
* Day 1 is a bonus day for ACSIEC members who have registered for the conference
Markham Hotel Recommendations:
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Markham
- Toronto Marriott Markham
- Monte Carlo Inns Markham
- Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Markham
EXHIBITOR INFORMATION
Are you a business or individual eager to showcase your products to a dynamic and engaged audience?
Our upcoming conference offers the perfect platform to connect with industry leaders, potential clients, and fellow innovators. By sharing your products at this event, you’ll have the unique opportunity to demonstrate your offerings, receive valuable feedback, and expand your network.
Whether you’re launching something new or looking to increase brand visibility, participating as an exhibitor will help you reach your goals and make a lasting impression. Don’t miss this chance to put your products in the spotlight—reserve your space today!
