FIFSW “Alumni Thrive Series” — Winter 2026
January 21 @ 6:00 pm - February 24 @ 6:00 pm
We’re excited to invite FIFSW Alumni to register for the complimentary “Alumni Thrive Series” — a set of in-person sessions created exclusively for our alumni community. These interactive gatherings will focus on promoting self-care and professional sustainability for social work professionals and creating opportunities to reconnect with peers and build new connections.
Join us in January and February 2026 for meaningful conversations, practical strategies, and a chance to strengthen the bonds that make our alumni network thrive.
All sessions will take place at the Main Activity Hall in Koffler House located at 569 Spadina Crescent in Toronto. (Koffler House is located on the north-east portion of Spadina Crescent, north of Russell Street and south of Willcocks Street).
Register for sessions in the FIFSW Alumni Thrive Series
About the sessions
Therapeutic Yoga
Wednesday, January 21 @ 6:00 pm
Led by Julia Gibran, FIFSW Alumna, MSW Class of 2018, this class is designed to support wellbeing and reduce stress. It will explore simple seated and standing poses to release tension and help soothe burnout. It will also practice calming breathwork and light tapping techniques to support the nervous system and cultivate a sense of levity, clarity, and calm.
Meditation
Wednesday, January 28 @ 6:00 pm
Led by Dr. Ramona Alaggia, Associate Dean, Research & Professor, FIFSW. This guided meditation session is designed to improve mental clarity and emotional balance.
Flow
Wednesday, February 4 @ 6:00 pm
Wednesday, February 11 @ 6:00 pm
Led by Arafat Opar, fitness and Pilates expert, specializing in core stabilization, body coordination and flexibility, this class is a gentle fusion of continuous rhythmic movement and breath designed to restore balance, enhance flexibility and improve coordination.
Mindful Meditation
Tuesday, February 24 @ 6:00 pm
Led by Dr. Ellen Katz, Professor Emerita, FIFSW, this session introduces relational mindfulness theory and skills for clinicians and clients. Emphasizing the therapeutic relationship and nervous system regulation, it highlights how clinicians can use mindfulness to calm themselves and teach clients to regulate mind, body, and heart. The session explores sensations, emotions, feelings, and thoughts—the four foundations of mindfulness—in relational practice.
Transit options
Public Transit (TTC) Directions: Closest subway stops are Spadina station on the Bloor line, and Queen’s Park station on the University line. Walk south on the east side of Spadina Avenue from Spadina subway station, or Take the College streetcar west from Queen’s Park station, exit at Spadina Avenue, and walk north on the east side of Spadina Avenue.
Parking Options (Pay parking can be found nearby at CAMH)
– east side of Spadina Ave., just north of College St.
– entrance can only be accessed from Spadina Ave. northbound, north of College St.
– this is an indoor lot – not recommended for tall vehicles such as SUVs. At street parking the parking meters allow maximum 3-hour parking.