unfolding PANS PANDAS | reshaping BRAIN+BODY health
2025 Canadian Conference dedicated to reshaping the understanding and treatment of PANS and PANDAS.
Join us on Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30, 2025, for a two-day, medically accredited conference, hosted both in-person at the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre and virtually.
Attention Physicians: This event is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and approved by the University of Calgary Office of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development. Participants may claim a maximum of 13 hours (credits are automatically calculated).
This inaugural national conference brings together leading experts from Canada and beyond to explore the physiological and psychological complexities of Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).
While primarily geared toward child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals, the event also warmly welcomes patients, families, educators, therapists, researchers, and allied health professionals.
Through thoughtfully curated presentations and discussions, this event aims to bridge critical gaps in diagnosis, understanding, and treatment—advancing care and improving outcomes for those impacted by these life-altering conditions.
This program was developed by The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary and co-developed by Inflamed Brain Alliance, and was planned to achieve scientific integrity, objectivity, and balance.
Conference Goals
This conference aims to unite health professionals, patients, families, and advocates to drive change and create hope through education, collaboration, and innovation.
Speakers
We are honored to welcome an esteemed group of speakers to the 2025 Inflamed Brain Alliance PANS PANDAS Conference. Each brings invaluable expertise and insight, spanning medical research, therapeutic innovations, and personal advocacy to provide a holistic perspective on PANS PANDAS. Together, our speakers will inspire, educate, and empower attendees, sharing the latest advancements and offering guidance to reshape the future of care for those affected by these disorders. Thank you to each speaker for your dedication to making a difference.
Thursday, May 29, 2025 – Speakers
Susan Swedo, MD
Former Chief of Pediatrics & Developmental Neuroscience at the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); retired from NIMH; Scientist Emeritus at the National Institutes of Health (NIH); pioneering researcher who coined the concepts of PANDAS and PANS
Wendy Edwards, MD, FRCPC
Consultant pediatrician and pioneer in PANS/PANDAS treatment in Ontario since 2011; recently semi-retired and former Chief of Pediatrics at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
Ayla Wilson, ND
Naturopathic Doctor and founder of High Five Family Health in Vancouver, BC, with over 14 years of experience specializing in treating pediatric neuroinflammatory conditions, including PANS/PANDAS
Nina Gudeon, MD, FRCPC
Pediatric psychiatrist and founder of Calgary’s Village Health & Wellness, specializing in PANS/PANDAS, advancing neuropsychiatric care through clinical practice and education
Tim Ubhi, MRCP, FRCPCH
Consultant Pediatrician in London, England specializing in PANS/PANDAS, leading groundbreaking research, treating 1,400+ patients, and founding Europe’s first PANS clinic and the Children’s e-Hospital
Alexa Bagnell, MD, FRCPC
Chief of Psychiatry at IWK Health and Professor & Head, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Friday, May 30, 2025 – Speakers
Jennifer Frankovich, MD, MS
Clinical Professor, Pediatrics – Allergy, Immunology, Rheumatology; Co-Director, Stanford Children’s Immune Behavioral Health Clinic; Director, Stanford Immune Behavioral Health Research Program, Stanford University School of Medicine
Paul Arnold, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Director, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education; Professor, Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
Scott Antoine, DO, FACEP, ABOIM, IFMCP
Co-Founder and Lead Physician at The Center for Fully Functional Health in Carmel, Indiana; author of The Comprehensive Physicians’ Guide to the Management of PANS and PANDAS
Sheilah Gauch, LICSW, MEd
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker; Principal and Clinical Director of Dearborn Academy, Greater Boston, Massachusetts; Co-founder of the National Alliance for PANS/PANDAS Action (NAPPA)
Valerie Taylor, MD, PhD, ICD.D
Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Calgary; Departmental Science Advisor for Health Canada; CEO of Taylored Biotherapeutics
Experts Panel Discussion
Susan Swedo, Wendy Edwards, Tim Ubhi, Alexa Bagnell, Jennifer Frankovich, Paul Arnold, Valerie Taylor
Learning Objectives
- Identify the evolving diagnostic criteria and key symptoms of Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) to improve early recognition and accurate diagnosis.
- Evaluate the physiological and psychological complexities of post-infection inflammation in PANS PANDAS and explore evidence-based, alternative, and integrative treatment approaches for comprehensive care.
- Enhance collaboration among healthcare providers, educators, and families by fostering empathy, understanding, and effective communication, ultimately improving patient outcomes and support for individuals affected by PANS PANDAS.
Conference Sponsors & Exhibitors
Platinum
Gold
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Bronze
Exhibitors
FAQ
The official poster for our inaugural national conference, “Unfolding PANS PANDAS: Reshaping BRAIN+BODY Health,” is available below.
How You Can Help…
Please assist us in spreading the word by sharing this poster within your networks, especially with healthcare professionals.
- Download the 8.5×11 (letter) or 8.5×14 (legal) poster (PDF) from our conference page and print it in colour.
- Drop off copies at your doctor’s office, healthcare centres, and schools.
- Post it in your workplace and community centres.
- Email or text it as an attachment to colleagues and friends.
Let’s work together to ensure this information reaches as many people as possible!
The Inflamed Brain Alliance is committed to shedding light on the complexities of PANS and PANDAS, fostering understanding, and guiding families along their paths to healing. Our upcoming unfolding PANS PANDAS: reshaping BODY+BRAIN health conference embodies this mission, symbolized by the origami crane—a powerful Japanese emblem of hope, resilience, and transformation.
The creation of an origami crane begins with a simple, flat sheet of paper. Through a series of calculated folds, this everyday material is transformed into an elegant bird, embodying both beauty and strength. This process mirrors the journey of those affected by PANS and PANDAS. Though the path is greatly challenging, each fold brings progress, growth, and the emergence of newfound strength and understanding.
By embracing the paper crane as the symbol of our Unfolding PANS PANDAS conference, we honor the resilience of our community. We recognize the courage it takes to navigate the uncertainties of these conditions and the collective effort required to support one another. Just as the folds of an origami crane come together to form a unified whole, our conference brings together diverse perspectives, knowledge, and experiences to foster a comprehensive approach to PANS and PANDAS.
We invite you to join us in this journey of unfolding PANS PANDAS—of uncovering the layers of knowledge, support, and hope. Only together can we fully transform challenges into opportunities, isolation into community, and uncertainty into clarity. Let the paper crane inspire us to persist, to hope, and to collectively unlock the potential within ourselves and our community to bring about the change that’s so critically needed.
Join the 1000 Cranes Campaign!
As we approach the Unfolding PANS PANDAS Conference on May 29-30, 2025, we invite Canadians to participate in the 1000 Cranes Campaign—a collective endeavor to fold 1,000 origami cranes within one month.
Why Cranes?
In Japanese tradition, folding 1,000 origami cranes, known as senbazuru, symbolizes hope, healing, and community. For our conference, these cranes will represent the strength and unity of families and individuals affected by PANS PANDAS.
How to Participate (Open to Canadian Residents):
- Pledge to Fold: Commit to folding 25 cranes by emailing 1000cranes@inflamedbrain.org.
- Receive Materials: We’ll send you origami paper and a prepaid return envelope.
- Fold & Return: Complete your cranes and mail them back to us.
Gather your family, friends, colleagues, or classmates and fold together—all ages are welcome!
Your Impact:
Your folded cranes will be displayed at the conference, serving as a powerful symbol of our collective support. Additionally, all participants will be entered into a prize draw as a token of our appreciation.
Sign Up Now: 1000cranes@inflamedbrain.org
Thank you for joining us in this meaningful initiative. Together, we can embody hope and healing, one fold at a time.
Conveniently located between Calgary International Airport and the city center, in the heart of Calgary’s Northeast business community, the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre is your home away from home. Stay just minutes from the Trans-Canada highway, within walking distance of two shopping centers, a variety of dining and entertainment destinations and the nearby light rail transit system. BWP is located in close proximity to the Calgary Zoo, TELUS Spark Science Centre and the Calgary Stampede.
- Check in starts at 3:00 PM and check out is at 11:00 AM.
- Registered guests receive free complimentary parking.
- Airport shuttle is available from Calgary International Airport and runs every half hour. Reservations are required. Please contact the front desk at 403-248-8888 in advance to schedule your travel time. Fees: $5.00 per person each way.
- BWP welcomes pets and allow a maximum of two pets per room for an additional fee of $20.00 CDN per pet per night. Only standard two queen bedded rooms are pet friendly. Both cats and dogs are allowed, but pets must be crated if left in the room unattended. Treats and waste bags are available at the front desk. There is a grassy pet relief area on the property.
- Onsite restaurant: The Barrington’s restaurant and lounge operates daily from 6:30 AM – 10 PM.
- The hotel features an indoor swimming pool as well as a fitness centre.
- The conference is fully residential, with accommodation, dining, and sessions conveniently hosted at the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre. To reserve your guestroom for the duration of the conference, please refer to the Booking Information PDF. A limited block of rooms is available at a special group rate of $129 per night (+ Taxes & Fees: 15.54%), which is valid until Sunday, April 27, 2025. Book early to secure your stay!
- In-Person Single Ticket:
- Early Bird: $375.00 (+ Eventbrite Fee: CA$25.71)
- Regular: $425.00 (+ Eventbrite Fee: CA$28.96)
- Virtual Ticket:
- Early Bird: $150.00 (+ Eventbrite Fee: CA$11.08)
- Regular: $200.00 (+ Eventbrite Fee: CA$12.71)
- Early Bird in-person registration has been extended until
February 28March 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM (MT). - Regular registration rates will take effect on March 3, 2025, at 12:00 AM (MT).
- In-Person Group Registration (2+ Attendees): $360.00 per person (+ Eventbrite Fee: CA$24.73)
- Group registration is available for the entire registration period.
The ticket price provides access to the complete two-day conference experience and a dinner reception, including:
Day 1
- 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM: Five (5) 1-hour sessions, each followed by a Q&A, an interactive panel discussion, and includes breakfast, lunch, and refreshments during breaks.
- 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Dinner reception featuring a seated meal, live music, 1-hour interactive panel discussion, and an origami crane folding activity & networking.
Day 2
- 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM: Five (5) 1-hour sessions, each followed by a Q&A, an interactive panel discussion, and includes breakfast, lunch, and refreshments during break
Medical Accreditation
This event is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and approved by the University of Calgary Office of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development. Participants may claim a maximum of 13 hours (credits are automatically calculated).
Additional Benefits
- Networking opportunities with leading experts, clinicians, and advocates.
- A comprehensive conference package, including conference program.
- Access to exhibitor booths showcasing resources.
- Recordings of complete two-day conference sessions
- The Networking Dinner on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 5:30–8:30 PM, offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed and collaborative setting. The evening begins with a delicious plated dinner, live music, fostering casual conversations and relationship-building. From 6:30–7:30 PM, join engaging round table discussions designed to inspire and share insights from two vital groups in the PANS PANDAS community—parent advocates and expert speakers. These discussions will give us valuable insight into the lived experiences of families and the challenges in clinical care, and educational support. This is a chance to listen, reflect, and collaborate on ways to drive meaningful change. To close the evening, participate in an origami crane-folding activity, symbolizing hope, resilience, and unity in the journey of supporting those impacted by PANS PANDAS. This dinner promises to blend connection, inspiration, and creativity for an unforgettable experience.
The ticket price provides access to the complete two-day conference experience, including:
Day 1
- 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM: Five (5) 1-hour sessions, each followed by a Q&A; 1-hour interactive panel discussion.
Day 2
- 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM: Five (5) 1-hour sessions, each followed by a Q&A; 1-hour interactive panel discussion.
Additional Benefits
- Digital conference program.
- Recordings of complete two-day conference sessions
Your Zoom Webinar link will be emailed to you one week before the conference, and a follow-up reminder will be sent 24-48 hours before the event.
- In-person registration closes on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM (MT).
- Click on The Weather Network here.
- Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo: Explore diverse wildlife exhibits and learn about conservation efforts at one of Canada’s top zoos.
- TELUS Spark Science Centre: Engage with interactive exhibits and enjoy educational experiences suitable for all ages.
- Calgary Tower: Soaring tower with panoramic views from a glass-floored observation deck & a revolving restaurant.
- Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre: Five floors of interactive exhibits, artifacts, instruments, and music memorabilia.
- The Hangar Flight Museum: Discover aviation history through a collection of aircraft and related artifacts.
For a comprehensive list of attractions & events, please visit Tourism Calgary.
- Kirsten Popowich, Conference Manager – kirsten@inflamedbrain.org
If you are unable to attend the conference, you can request a refund through Eventbrite up to 30 days before the event (deadline: April 28). Refunds for single-ticket orders will be automatically processed (typically 10 business days), while refund requests for multi-ticket or group purchases will require manual review and approval. Eventbrite charges a non-refundable fee for every ticket sold. Attendees will get a refund for the cost of their ticket minus the ticketing fee.
Follow these steps to request a refund directly from your Eventbrite account:
- Log in to Eventbrite
Use the email address associated with your ticket purchase. Eventbrite automatically creates an account with this email. - Go to Tickets
Navigate to your ticket order. - Request a Refund
- Locate the order you’d like refunded and select Request a refund.
- Fill in the required details and submit your request.
- Await a Response
The organizer will respond to your request within five business days. - Contact the Organizer
If the Request a refund option is unavailable or if you have questions about your refund’s status, select Contact the organizer for further assistance.
For any additional questions, feel free to reach out to our Conference Manager – kirsten@inflamedbrain.org directly.