Branksome Hall

Visiting Speakers
Each year, we welcome speakers from a variety of disciplines and experiences to speak at the school.
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Andrea Palmer CEO of Awake Labs
2025 Green Carpet Speaker
Andrea Palmer is the CEO of Awake Labs, a software company dedicated to supporting people with cognitive disabilities to live more independently and on their own terms. Her work bridges the gap between technology and disability services, ensuring that innovation is guided by the goals, strengths, and voices of the people being supported.
With over a decade of experience in enabling technology, mental health, and person-centered care, Andrea focuses on translating complex ideas into simple, effective tools that fit naturally into daily routines. Her team works closely with service providers to create accessible, empowering technology that helps people live their best lives.
Andrea is committed to equity, inclusion, and designing with—not just for—people with disabilities. Outside of work, she enjoys jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and saying hi to every dog she meets.
Andrea Palmer CEO of Awake Labs
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Dr. Lisa Damour psychologist and best-selling author
2019 Well-Being Speaker and 2025 Rachel Phillips Belash Speaker
Dr. Lisa Damour is the author of three New York Times best sellers: Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, which have been translated into twenty-three languages. She co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and is recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Damour authored the monthly Adolescence column for The New York Times, is a regular contributor to CBS News, and created Untangling 10to20, a digital library of premium content to support teens and those who care for them.
Dr. Damour serves as a Senior Advisor to the Schubert Center for Child Studies at Case Western Reserve University and has written numerous academic papers, chapters, and books related to education and child development. She maintains a clinical practice and also speaks to schools, professional organizations, and corporate groups around the world on the topics of child and adolescent development, family mental health, and adult well-being. Dr. Damour also works with industry leaders on topics related to adolescent mental health and was a consultant to Pixar on the film Inside Out 2.
Dr. Damour graduated with honors from Yale University and worked for the Yale Child Study Center before earning her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Michigan. She has been a fellow at Yale’s Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy and the University of Michigan’s Power Foundation. She and her husband are the proud parents of two daughters.
Dr. Lisa Damour psychologist and best-selling author
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Drew Hayden Taylor novelist and Playwright
Originally from the Curve Lake First Nations, in Central Ontario, Drew has spent the last two decades travelling the world and writing about it from the Aboriginal perspective. An award-winning playwright, author, columnist, film maker and lecturer, he has managed to bridge the gap between cultures by tickling the funny bone.
Drew Hayden Taylor novelist and Playwright
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Dwayne Matthews Future of Education and Work Strategist
Dwayne Matthews is a recognized Future of Education Strategist and Innovation Evangelist with extensive experience guiding leaders on the impact of emerging technologies on education and work. As the founder of TomorrowNow Learning Labs, he develops forward-thinking education models that blend AI and personalized learning to prepare learners for the digital age.
Dwayne’s career highlights include guiding an AI systems integration team to create the world’s first AI-powered reading assessment tool in 2019 before the generative AI inflection point and contributing a section to one of the first books that explored ChatGPT’s role in education and the future of work. Previously, he led innovation efforts at NeuroEdX alongside Dr. Jocelyn Faubert, helping to reconfigure cognitive tools for elite organizations such as the US Air Force to be used in education and work. His experience extends into venture capital and strategic consulting, where he has helped Fortune 500 companies identify, locate, and adopt breakthrough technologies.
Named a Top 22 Educator of 2022, Dwayne has reached millions through his media appearances and online insights, making him one of the most sought-after voices on technology’s evolving role in education and the future of work.
Dwayne Matthews Future of Education and Work Strategist
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Dwayne Morgan Spoken Word Artist and Author
Dwayne Morgan is a two-time Canadian National Poetry Slam Champion. He began his career as a spoken word artist in 1993. In 1994, he founded Up From The Roots entertainment, to promote the positive artistic contributions of African Canadian and urban influenced artists.
Dwayne Morgan Spoken Word Artist and Author
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Heather Wright Deluce'03 News Anchor
Heather is a CTV National News Correspondent who covers a wide range of topics. Prior to joining CTV National News, Ms. Wright spent nearly eight years working in local news at CTV Toronto and CTV in Barrie. She also spent time in Washington, D.C., where she covered the 2010 midterm elections.
Ms. Wright graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science, and she holds a Master's in Journalism from Northwestern University. She is also a Branksome Hall alum, who graduated in 2003.
Heather Wright Deluce'03 News Anchor
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Jake Ernst Psychotherapist and Social Worker
Clinical Director of Straight Up Health in Toronto, Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist, Jake Ernst works with young people experiencing a diverse range of mental health needs. Jake prioritizes relationship building and helping young people find their worth and recognize their strengths. Jake believes that young people are the experts of your own experiences and play an active part of the change process. In his work, he draws on various trauma-focused, attachment-centered, play-based, cognitive and dialectical behavioural modalities. Jake offers a supportive space to explore what is really going on and will help clients find a new way forward.
Jake Ernst Psychotherapist and Social Worker
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