Percy Jackson’s Quest: ADHD, Dyslexia, and Building Inclusive Classrooms
Join Dr. Sterling Sparshu, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, for an engaging workshop exploring how ADHD and SLDs (Specific Learning Disorders) are portrayed in the Percy Jackson series. Through this lens, we will:
- Examine how ADHD and dyslexia are represented in the books and their connection to real-world experiences.
- Explore how Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, uses storytelling to challenge stigma and reshape the narrative around neurodivergence.
- Discuss strategies to create inclusive classrooms that recognize and empower students with ADHD and learning differences.
- This session is perfect for educators, parents, and professionals looking to gain deeper insights into the LD/ADHD world while making learning environments more supportive and strengths-based.
Katarina Darwent-Daignault is an educator at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, working in a specialized setting with students in grades 5 to 7 who face complex mental health challenges. A passionate advocate for mental health literacy, she strives to build understanding and resilience in students who often feel marginalized within their classroom and school communities. Katarina is deeply committed to creating safe, inclusive learning environments where each child feels valued and celebrated, fostering their self-efficacy to empower them as learners and beyond. She collaborates closely with teachers and other professionals across school districts to recognize and nurture each child’s unique gifts and talents, ultimately helping school communities better understand and support their diverse learners. Through her work, Katarina strives to inspire meaningful change for both her students and colleagues, promoting a culture of empathy, inclusion, and empowerment.
Dr. Sparshu is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist practicing in Calgary, Alberta. He has worked in both public and private settings including residential care, day treatment, inpatient/hospital care, and outpatient clinics. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor with the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary.
Dr. Sparshu is committed to the integration of evidence-based biological, psychological, and social interventions to promote health and well-being. Through his involvement in mental health literacy programs and collaborative mental health care, he seeks to empower those impacted by mental illness and promote prevention and early intervention.