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Onbarr 2026 Speakers
Keynote Speaker Day 1: Shon Hart
Talk Title: Stronger Together: Bridging Gaps Between Systems, Staff, and the People We Serve
Impact doesn’t happen in silos, it happens when people, systems, and communities align. This presentation highlights how collaboration across roles, from frontline staff to researchers can transform outcomes for those we serve. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to break down barriers, build trust, and create more connected, responsive systems of care.
Keynote Speaker Day 2: Joe Roberts
Talk Title: From Skid Row to CEO
In this empowering keynote, Joe teaches audiences how to build the resiliency needed to succeed in the face of adversity and change by taking small, attainable steps. Sharing the story of his catastrophic failure and extraordinary success, Joe inspires audiences to see beyond their perceived limitations to overcome life’s challenges and embrace change.
Main speakers
Alex Shadenberg
Alex Schadenberg, Executive Director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, will explore the ethical, social, and policy implications of euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada. His talk will examine how current legislation and cultural attitudes impact vulnerable populations, challenging participants to rethink concepts of care, dignity, and support within social service systems.
Catherine Wiseman-Hakes
Catherine is a speech-language pathologist and clinical neuroscientist whose work focuses on improving outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injury, particularly those intersecting with the justice system and survivors of intimate partner violence. She is the founder of the Compassionate Justice Fund, which advances trauma-informed, equitable approaches within the legal system and supports individuals with brain injuries impacted by it.
Kelly Donovan
Talk Title: The Whistleblower's Gift
When Kelly first spoke up in 2016, she expected police leaders to listen so that policies could improve at her police service. Instead, she has faced a decade of retaliation, even after resigning from the policing. It’s time to shift the way we see disclosures, as the true gift they are. Kelly’s former police service is on track to spend $1M trying to silence her, yet Kelly is positively influencing workplace culture across Canada and beyond.
Evan Carter
Corporate Comedy
Evan Carter is a stand-up comedian who was born, raised, and still lives in Toronto. Evan’s connectivity to his audience is masterfully achieved by his ability to see the comedic world through the eyes of a father, son, and friend. His likes, dislikes, and head scratching moments provide an endless source of fascination and material that he masterfully delivers on stage in front of head nodding and belly laughing audience members.
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More Speakers Coming Soon!
Stay tuned as we continue to announce more speakers who will bring valuable insights, strategies, and inspiration to ONBARR.