Register Now!
A little nervous about needles? Let’s be honest – most of us are. But having to give your child an injection often comes with a new level of nervousness and, often, anxiety.
By equipping yourself with education, tools, and resources you can make the injection experience easier for both you and your child and ensure that medication is delivered on time!
We’re really excited for the speaker line-up who will be discussing all things ‘Injections’ including:
• Medications that are typically administered via injection or infusion, injection location
• What happens when this medication is prescribed/what are the next steps?
• Principles of making the experience less anxiety-inducing, needle pain vs. needle phobia, an overview of tools/strategies (CBT, hypnotherapy) and other distraction techniques
• Hear from a parent and patient duo as they share their injection routine and experience with us
Cassie + Friends is here to empower you and your family to confidently thrive alongside pediatric rheumatic disease – we look forward to seeing you at the session!
In the meantime, check out our Injection Support Resource page for more information.
Dr. Nicole Johnson, Pediatric Rheumatologist at Alberta Children’s Hospital
Dr. Nicole Johnson is a clinical pediatric rheumatologist practicing at Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary, Alberta Canada since 2004 and a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Calgary. Dr. Johnson received her university education at Canadian Institutions including McGill, McMaster, Queen’s and the University of Toronto. Dr. Johnson has been an advocate for community awareness for children with rheumatic diseases. She has volunteered her time to many media appearances to highlight childhood arthritis. In addition, she has a special interest in the subject of transitioning young adults with chronic rheumatic illnesses to adult health care systems. She has contributed to medical education both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She also participates in Canadian and international clinical research of childhood rheumatic diseases.
Lynne Broderick (she/her), Pediatric Rheumatology Nurse
Lynne graduated from The Royal Liverpool Teaching Hospital College located in the United Kingdom in 1981. She began working at the IWK Health Centre as a Registered Nurse in 1990 in the Pediatric Medicine Unit and has been part of the Rheumatology Team since 2007. As a pediatric nurse, Lynne works with families to navigate the injection experience and will be joining to share information about what can be expected once an injectable medication is prescribed.
Dr. Katie Birnie (she/her), Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Katie Birnie is a Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at the University of Calgary where she leads the Partnering For Pain program. She is the Assistant Scientific Director of Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP), a national knowledge mobilization network, and provides clinical care at Alberta Children’s Hospital.
Colleen Castonguay (she/her)
Caden Castonguay (she/her)
Colleen, her husband, Lance and their two children, Cole and Caden live in the Lower Mainland. Caden was diagnosed with JIA 11 years ago, when she was 3 years old. They have attended the annual Cassie + Friends Family Days regularly. Caden has developed some creative coping strategies and a tool kit that has helped her manage difficult moments with her treatment. The Castonguay’s are an active family spending as much time as possible outdoors, biking, paddling and with their puppy Nahanni.
