Collective Wellness
OUR MISSION OUR PHILOSOPHY
The mission of Foothills Academy is to facilitate learning in persons, primarily youth and children, identified as having a Learning Disability by providing quality educational programs and a supportive environment for families and staff. We recognize that we are interdependent with our global community – by participating in research, public education, in-service and advocacy, through community service.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the spirit of reconciliation, Foothills Academy acknowledges that we live, work, and play on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations).
The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6). We acknowledge the many First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.
Foothills Academy was built around the belief that all students with Learning Disabilities have exceptional potential, and that with the right supports and guidance, they can achieve great success in school, post-secondary, and the workplace. We understand the difficulties and challenges facing students and their families, be it academic, social, emotional/behavioural, or financial. Foothills Academy's community builds upon these foundations with the individuals and families we work with. Much of our success is found in our agency-wide philosophical belief in, and understanding of, Self-Determination Theory, which has three core values. Find Understanding, Build Confidence, and Maximize Potential.
We do this by:
Building strong RELATIONSHIPS with students and clients to really understand each individual's strengths and interests (Finding Understanding)
Ensuring that students and clients feel a sense of COMPETENCE, to develop their confidence and self-belief that they can be the incredible people who they know they really are (Build Confidence)
Providing a sense of AUTONOMY, so that students and clients feel connected to their learning, and have a voice; which allows them the freedom to thrive and maximize their potential (Maximize Potential)
A Message from THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS'
Foothills Academy Society has been on an inspiring 45-year journey of growth, innovation, and impact, driven by our unwavering commitment to supporting individuals with Learning Disabilities and ADHD. This journey has been made possible by the collective passion, expertise, and dedication of our entire community students, families, staff, and supporters who share in our mission. Together, we have solidified our place as a Canadian leader in addressing the academic and socialemotional needs of this population.
As a Designated Special Education Private School (DSEPS) through Alberta Education, Foothills Academy School is uniquely equipped to provide comprehensive support. Our Community Services programs including Amicus Camp & Recreation; Read/Write & Math Intervention; Psychological Services & Programs; and Professional Development & Community Education support our school students, but also extend beyond our school walls, offering unparalleled wrap-around resources for individuals and families. These services embody our commitment to fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and meaningful change for families.
Our theme for the 2023-2024 school year was Collective Wellness, which reflected the importance of nurturing mental and physical well-being for all members of our community By prioritizing self-care and mutual support, we create an environment where students, families, and staff can thrive, grow, and maximize their full potential. We are immensely grateful to the parents, families, professionals, volunteers, board members, donors, and advocates who make our work possible. Your collaboration and belief in our mission fuel the ongoing success and growth of Foothills Academy As we celebrate the milestones of the 2023–2024 year, we look forward to continuing our legacy of empowering individuals with Learning Disabilities and ADHD to flourish in all areas of life.
Karen MacMillan
PhD, R. Psych
Executive Co-Director
Foothills Academy Society
Simon Williams MSEd
Executive Co-Director
Foothills Academy Society
A Message from THE BOARD CHAIR
For 45 years, Foothills Academy Society has been, and continues to be, a leader in providing transformative programs for individuals with Learning Disabilities and ADHD not only in Calgary but across Canada. As we celebrate past achievements and look to the future, this is an inspiring time to be part of the Foothills Academy Society as we embark on another year of growth, innovation, and impact within the Learning Disabilities/ADHD community.
Through the combined efforts of Foothills Academy and the Estelle Siebens Community Services, we are proud to support children, youth, families, young adults, and professionals providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed. Our dedication to refining our educational practices and enhancing our program offerings underscores our commitment to serving the diverse needs of the Learning Disabilities and ADHD population.
The 2023/2024 year marks the first stages of a strategic plan developed by the Board of Governors that is intended to expand the reach of the Foothills Academy Society to more of those seeking to participate in our programs, while ensuring the high quality of the programs that are already profoundly impacting so many lives. We are excited to see just how far this process may take us
It is a privilege to be part of this exceptional organization, and none of our ration of our
Board Chair Foothills Academy Society Kristin Smith
School Program
2023-2024Accomplishments
SCHOOL PROGRAM Highlights
School Principal, Ashley Barber
Foothills Academy is a Designated Special Education Private School (DSEPS) dedicated to supporting students in grades 3-12 with diagnosed Learning Disabilities. Serving nearly 300 students, our full-time program aligns with the Alberta Education Curriculum and focuses on providing personalized interventions to help each student thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in school, postsecondary, and beyond.
Living with Learning Disabilities brings unique challenges for students and their families, so we offer essential support, tailored strategies, and specialized programs to address each student’s academic, social, and emotional needs. Rooted in the principles of Self-Determination Theory, our approach empowers students to Find Understanding, Build Confidence and Maximize Potential.
of teachers reported that students have access to appropriate support and services, reflecting the extremely high level of essential wraparound services at Foothills Academy. 98% *based on data provided in our 23/24 Alberta Education Results Report
100%
Graduation Rate
291
Students enrolled in the 2023-2024 school year
20+
Extracurricularclubs
“Our family will be forever grateful for having the pleasure and privilege of being a part of the Foothills Academy community.
The school is revered and respected due to an abundance of best intentions and smart decisions, but also because the openminded structure respects its staff and students.”
288
Students enrolled in the 2023-2024 school year
Alumni Parent
SCHOOL PROGRAM EVENTS
Over the 2023-2024 school year, we held a variety of educational events that brought the Foothills community together, including:
Hats on for Mental Health
Love of Reading Literacy Week
National Indigenous Day Workshops and Education Sessions
EVENT SPOTLIGHT Makers Market
Students in our combined Sewing and Marketing elective recently hosted their first market, proudly showcasing a range of handmade products they crafted over the semester. Throughout the course, students learned valuable skills in business marketing and inventory building, creating unique items from bucket hats to pillows.
The market was open to the entire Foothills community, with all funds raised going back into the elective to support future supplies and continue growing the program.
Jillian Senek and Rachel Piitz, Junior High teachers
SCHOOL FEATURE
The Sword and the Stone - School Play
“The 2023-2024 school production, Aesop's Fables, was our second major production, post Covid. It featured both new and returning students to the stage from almost every grade at Foothills Academy. Students actively participated in everything from set design, prop building, and acting to make the show a delightful success!
Providing opportunities for students in this capacity is important both as an outlet of creativity and performance experience and we greatly appreciated our incredible community support. Bravo, Foothills family!”
Kathleen Phelan Elementary Vice Principal
ELECTIVE FEATURE
Film Studies
“BlackHouse Cinema's team created an immersive environment where our students could explore storytelling through film, using gear straight from real movie and TV sets. Working with industry professionals also gave them a real-world view of the film industry and sparked new aspirations and dreams. This was an empowering experience for our students!”
Mr.
Derek Cambridge High school teacher
Professionals,
Psychoeducational Assessments were completed
"I just wanted to reach out and THANK YOU and your amazing assessment team for the work you do to complete incredibly detailed, relevant and practical assessments!" Director of Educational Services Company 225
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES & PROGRAMS Overview
Clients receiving bursary Manager, Melanie Reader
The Psychological Services & Programs department provides high-quality, comprehensive psycho-educational assessments, individual and family counselling, and group programs tailored to children, youth, and adults impacted by Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD.
A key Training Center for future psychologists, our department trained 5 graduate students and 10 provisional psychologists in the 2023-2024 year, making it one of the most sought-after training programs in the field.
Our team is dedicated to using evidence-based practices in both psychology and education to guide every service we offer. We aim not only to understand a child’s unique challenges but also to identify their strengths, helping them build confidence and achieve success.
READ/WRITE & MATH INTERVENTION Overview
Manager, Paige McDonald
Our Read/Write & Math Intervention team provides tailored, evidence-based instruction to meet each student’s unique literacy and numeracy needs. Offered in sessions ranging from 60 minutes to 3 hours daily, these programs are designed specifically for students diagnosed with or suspected to have Learning Disabilities who need targeted literacy support.
This year, the Read/Write & Math Intervention team reintroduced their math pilot program aimed at improving numeracy skills and focused on building strong foundations in math.
Published research has confirmed the benefits of Foothills Academy’s Read/Write program. “Significant improvements were found in the areas of nonword decoding, phonological awareness, and spelling following the reading remediation program” (Dick, Kaplan, & Crawford, 2006, p.106). All interventions are delivered one-to-one with an instructor utilizing the Lindamood Bell, Wilson Reading methods, Voyager Sopris and Step Up to Writing.
“This program is fantastic. I would recommend it to anyone who has a child who is struggling with reading and writing or who just needs a bit more attention than they will get in their regular classroom.“
537
AMICUS CAMPS & RECREATION Overview
Manager, Luke McKinnon
Amicus programs support students in grades 3–12 who have diagnosed or suspected Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD. With a focus on social skills, independence, and building friendships, these programs help youth develop essential life skills.
Based on the Social Thinking Methodology, Amicus offers evidence-based integrative social skill programs - through both direct social skill instruction and individualized social coaching. Programs range from weekly recreation-based programs to our multi-week backcountry leadership programs. No matter which program a participant chooses, an essential component of all Amicus programs is the development of positive social skills. 84
“Our child was so excited to go everyday, he made actual friendships and seems like a happier more confident version of himself. Your team is terrific and you’re all making a real difference in our lives.”
We were also excited to have run our S.T.A.R. program for ages 18-23 for a second year in a row, with high enrollment numbers.
S.T.A.R. is designed to empower participants to tackle adulthood with confidence by teaching essential life skills, fostering independence, and providing meaningful volunteer opportunities.
Youth enrolled in Overnight Camp
Youth in Camp Amicus Programs
Total youth enrolled across all Amicus programs
Youth in Amicus Recreation Programs
Youth enrolled in Day Camp
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY EDUCATION Overview
Manager, Bani Puri
The Professional Development & Community Education department brings knowledge, expertise, and practical strategies to our wide range of workshops and courses both in person and online. Continually evolving to reflect current research and to meet the needs of our community, this department offers a wide range of content to engage professionals in appealing, meaningful, and practical learning opportunities. We launched two new online courses: Target ADHD 1. Road to Post Secondary for Neurodiverse Students 2.
93%
93% of course participants found that the workshop content was easy to follow.
1300+
90%
90% of course participants felt that they would be able to apply the information that they learned.
950+ Course participants
350+ Workshop participants
“I appreciated the flexibility of the presentation and how it was catered to the audience's level of understanding. Everything was new and explained well. I particularly enjoyed the handouts and that this workshop was a safe space to learn in. ”
Workshop Participant
COMMUNITY & FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Our 2023-2024 year was full of community & fundraising events, including:
Marathon After Party
Calgary Marathon #StrideForGreatness Campaign
14th Annual Gordon Hoffman Charity Golf Classic
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Hoffman Golf
The 14th Annual Gordon Hoffman Charity Golf Classic was a tremendous success, supporting Foothills Academy Society. The sold-out event featured over 200 golfers, 40+ sponsors, and dozens of dedicated volunteers.
Thanks to the incredible efforts of our golf committee and community supporters, it was a truly memorable day. And our deepest thanks to Mr. Gordon Hoffman for his unwavering support for the work we do at Foothills Academy!
Financial Information
FINANCIAL Information
FINANCIAL Information
We want to thank all of our donors and volunteers for their generous contributions to support our bursary fund, events, and ongoing programming development. This support ensures that children with Learning Disabilities can access the specialized programs to help them reach their true potential.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT Makwa7
With a donation of $1,500, Makwa7 has established the Read/Write & Math Intervention programs bursary, dedicated to helping students develop essential literacy and numeracy skills.
This annual bursary reduces financial barriers for families, ensuring more children and youth can access the program intervention they need to thrive. Makwa7’s commitment to fostering education and empowerment will create lasting positive change for students in our community.
THANK YOU, MAKWA7, FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
The Learning Disabilities and ADHD Network is a collaborative of a broad group of organizations and individuals, which is operated through Foothills Academy Society.
The Calgary Region Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network fosters collaborative action toward more effective and coordinated responses to meet the needs of people with Learning Disabilities (LD) & Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Visit www.ldadhdnetwork.ca to learn more and access resources.
“ThebestthingaboutAmicusis howeasilyIbondedwiththecounsellors.”
-AmicusCamper
“Foothills is a game changer. The kids still have their struggles, but everyone is working to help the kids open doors for themselves. The kids in turn start to realize their potential.”
- School Parent
“This is the first place my child has felt accepted and supported.”
- School Parent
