physical activity, mental health and social connections.
What is the CHANGE Health Clinic?
The CHANGE Health Clinic is a youth-focused team of doctors, educators, psychologists and Community Connectors who support Parkland School Division (PSD) youth ages 11 to 24 years old and their families.
This clinic fosters wellness through the promotion of nutrition, physical activity, mental health and social connection with our community. The clinic team works with schools and the community to address the environmental and behavioural challenges facing youth and families.
A holistic approach reduces the burden on teachers, families and healthcare providers by using proactive, evidence-based practices to protect mental health and foster PSD’s Ultimate Goal: Student Success and Well-being. We know that healthy learners are strong learners and we want our students to thrive in and out of school.
Where is it located?
In schools — Connections for Learning and Memorial Composite High School
Where physicians, psychologists, dietitians, exercise physiologists and Community Connectors work together with staff and students to offer health programming and services.
At the Youth Mental Health Clinic —
offered by WestView Primary Care Network (PCN)
Inside the Queen Street Medical Centre in Spruce Grove on Mondays and Fridays, including a walk-in clinic on Fridays from 9 a.m.–noon.
Within the CHANGE Health Family Program —
offered through Alberta Blue Cross Where families can actively participate in ongoing community-driven healthy living activities.
SUPPORTED BY
Team
Dr. Doug Klein
Physician serving Memorial Composite High SchoolDr. Klein is a professor with the Department of Family Medicine at the University of
Alberta. He is a recognized expert on lifestyle intervention in primary care. He has strong
connections to primary care physicians through his work with Primary Care Networks
in Alberta. He co-founded the MOVE program, a free exercise program for patients in Edmonton and started the CHANGE Adventure Camp for building life skills with children and families. He is passionate about health promotion and the benefits of nature; he can often be found outdoors with his wife and three children.
Dr. Kirsten Puznak
PhysicianI am honoured to be involved in supporting youth in the Parkland School Division. As a family physician, I recognize the importance of using a holistic approach to health promotion and empowering people through education. I am excited to collaborate with students to help them prioritize and optimize their resilience, health and well-being.
Joel Pukalo
Registered PsychologistI am a Registered Psychologist and manage Family Life Psychology with my wife and fellow psychologist Andrea. Family Life specializes in working collaboratively with community partners to provide academic, social, emotional and mental health support for school-aged children. I have experience collaborating with various stakeholders
within the education and health sectors to provide counselling and assessments of
ADHD, emotional behavioural difficulties, parenting supports, family counselling and
learning difficulties/psychoeducational assessment.
Larissa Predy
Registered PsychologistI am the Clinic Director at Little Oaks Psychology in Edmonton. In even the most complex challenges, I tend to see normalcy alongside strategies and support. I specialize in ADHD, learning difficulties, exceptionalities, behaviour problems, parenting concerns and comprehensive psychological assessment. I have worked in hospitals, schools, non profits, universities and private practice over the years; all of which have reinforced the unique value of a multidisciplinary team approach to support services. Being part of a team and community, and helping clients to feel the same, are at the heart of everything
I do.
Caroline Peel
Registered Social Worker & Youth Mental Health Clinic LeadI am a Registered Social Worker and I am the Clinic Lead at the WestView PCN Youth
Mental Health Clinic. I have a passion for working with youth and sharing my knowledge of mental wellness and self care. It takes a village to raise a child; I take pride in being a part of that village for many of the youth in our community.
Felicia Ochs
CHANGE HealthFelicia Ochs is a Treaty 6 settler living in Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada. She is an educator who began teaching high school in Okinawa, Japan in 2002. This experience bridged her passion for public education reform, social justice and community development. Felicia is currently with Achieve Community Together and CHANGE Health Alberta, which focus on the Comprehensive School Health model and community engagement.
Prab Gill
Registered Social Worker & Community Connector Serving Spruce GroveI am a graduate of Parkland School Division and am thankful to be able to return after my post secondary graduation to provide support and navigation to current students. Most of my work experience has been with the youth of Spruce Grove, where I was able to build positive relationships and carry those relationships over into my work as a Community Connector. I understand that reaching out for support can be difficult, especially when you don’t know who to reach out to. Please reach out to me, we will work together to find you the right supports.
Wellness Map
In partnership with PSD, we use a collaborative approach that empowers students and their families through information and resource connections (both in and out of school), ensuring they have access to the best local service and support providers.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Schools offer support through collaborative, responsive teams, with identified staff members (teachers) who serve as Inclusive Education Leads, supporting students, parents and co-workers. Schools also connect students and families to the next step in support, the bridge builders.
BRIDGE BUILDERS
CHANGE Health Clinic: In-school limited service that supports students and their families to connect with the health care system. Focused on nutrition, fitness, mental health, strong relationships and community connections.
Community Connectors: Supporting local youth (ages 11–25) and their families with accessing and navigating community and mental health supports and services. Collaborate with community members, social service agencies and health care.
PSD Family Support Team: Collaborates with community members, social service agencies and
health care to provide ongoing and long-term follow-up with families facing significant challenges.
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Community Partners
Numerous organizations and businesses throughout the Tri-Municipal Region.
Health & Education Professionals
Family physicians and wraparound team
Specialized Healthcare
PCN Youth Mental Health Clinic
WestView Women’s Health Clinic
YOUTH & FAMILY WELLNESS
This is where we strive to be.
It is a place where students feel supported emotionally and physically.
Youth wellness creates ripples that affect everyone in the community. It increases positive connections, happiness, safety, health and well-being for all.