Casey Fellows Speaker Series

Launched in 2018, The Casey Fellows Program for Mental Health and Student Wellbeing brings world-renowned experts in the field of wellbeing to Upper Canada College, and is made possible by the generosity of Matthew Casey ’83.

2025 Casey Fellow Dr. Brendan K. Hartman

Dr. Brendan K. Hartman is a sociologist and consultant specializing in the social-emotional development and wellbeing of boys and men, and how this connects to the wellbeing of all genders. As a consultant and speaker, he partners with schools, organizations, and families across North America to equip educators, parents, and leaders to better support boys and young men navigate gender-related challenges with confidence and care. Dr. Hartman holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Edinburgh and is a sessional instructor at the University of the Fraser Valley.

2025 Casey Fellow Speaker Series: How to Raise Connected Boys in a Disconnected World

Tuesday, Nov. 25 | Weston Hall

Welcome reception | 5:30 p.m.

Main presentation | 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Brendan K. Hartman will be at the College on Tuesday, November 25, to discuss how boys are navigating an unprecedented mix of opportunity, pressure, and confusion fueled by shifting gender norms, widening gender divides, academic stress, and the relentless pull of digital technology and social media. These forces are having profound consequences on boys’ wellbeing, relationships, and futures.

This presentation offers parents and caregivers a research-based, yet practical look at what boys are navigating both above and beneath the surface, with special attention to two critical turning points in their social-emotional development: around ages 5 and 14, when the risk of disconnection is greatest.

Parents will gain insight into how to help boys stay emotionally and relationally connected rather than shutting down or acting out, leaving with concrete tools and a deeper understanding of boys’ unique developmental needs and how to raise resilient, emotionally intelligent young men in a world that doesn’t always make it easy.

We look forward to welcoming you to this fall's Casey Fellows event on Tuesday, Nov. 25!