Services | Barbara Lorraine Laing

Professional Development, Consulting, and Keynote Speaking

With a PhD in Education, and over 25 years of experience in community arts and education, I provide speaking engagements, teaching, and consulting services for educational organizations, schools, businesses, creative professionals, health and wellness practitioners, faith-based groups, and arts organizations. As an Ontario Certified Teacher, my work brings together storytelling, creative reflection, contemplation, and the inner life to support meaningful learning, communication, and connection. I offer keynote presentations, workshops, and professional development for groups, as well as one-to-one consultation. Sessions are thoughtfully designed, informed by educational research, and can be adapted to meet the needs of each organization. They can range from one hour to multi-day trainings depending on your needs.

a public speaking podium in a brightly lit classroom with flowers in a vase nearby and a

Workshops and Professional Development

Interactive sessions that provide practical strategies, reflective practices, and creative tools tailored to the goals of your group or organization.

Keynotes
Inspiring, thought-provoking presentations that invite reflection, spark conversation, and offer fresh perspectives on learning, creativity, communication, and the inner life.

Consulting
Thoughtful, collaborative support for individuals and organizations seeking to bring greater creativity, reflection, and meaningful connection into their work, including the development of learning environments, programs, and practices that honour the whole person.

Sample Professional Learning Topics:

Creativity and Care in Leadership
Explore how caring creatively for ourselves, each other, and our working/learning spaces can deepen engagement, enjoyment, and understanding in educational and professional settings.
Audience: Educators, schools, post-secondary institutions, and organizations focused on leadership development

The Poet's Teapot: Research-Informed Practice
Learn how to enhance school or workplace learning using practical storytelling, writing, nature, and arts-based strategies that support diverse learners, thoughtful leadership, and personal & professional development.
Audience: Educators, professionals, creative practitioners, and health & wellness organizations interested in communication and reflective practice

Presence, Ritual, and Spiritual Life in Learning and Work
Discover how moments of (individually-defined) spiritual encounter can foster meaning, connection, and authentic learning in schools, workplaces, and community settings when noticed, welcomed, and attended to.
Audience: Faith-based groups, schools, wellness practitioners, retreat communities, and organizations interested in holistic approaches to learning and leadership

Drama for Introverts: Presence, Confidence, and Communication
Gentle drama-based strategies help participants strengthen presence, public speaking, creativity, and connection without pressure to perform beyond their comfort level.
Audience: Educators, students, professionals, leaders, and groups seeking supportive approaches to communication and confidence-building

Selected Keynote Topics:

Teaching and Learning as a Whole Person
A keynote on learning communities that honour reflection, identity, meaning, and the full humanity of participants.

Storytelling, Reflection, and the Inner Life
An exploration of how story shapes learning, leadership, and personal transformation.

Presence, Ritual, and Meaning in Education and Work
A keynote on the role of listening, gratitude, creativity, and spiritual practice in more human-centred learning and workplace cultures.

Creativity, Courage, and Communication
A reflection on how writing, drama, and storytelling can deepen confidence, expression, and connection in unexpected ways.

Quietly Creative: Expression Without Performance or Icebreakers
A fresh approach to drama, communication, and public presence that honours quiet strengths and individual comfort levels.

Learning Through Spiritual Encounters
A creative and lively research talk that explores how adults learn through self-identified spiritual encounters (e.g., dreams, synchronicity, answered prayers, miracles, experiences in the natural world). This talk combines academic research and storytelling to explore how these moments can be recognized as valuable and valid sources of learning.

Interested in booking? Want more information?

Education and Professional Writing Services

Do you need experienced support writing a training manual or teacher's guide? Need someone to help you generate ideas and write your arts-based business plan? I provide assistance to organizations and individuals who wish to develop written content related to teaching, learning, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Examples Include:

teacher's guides and educational materials for K to post-secondary/adult learning
curriculum writing and review across subject areas and fields of expertise
creating training manuals for workplace learning
creative business plan consultation and writing
educational research to support a project or initiative at your organization

Have an idea that you're not sure fits into the above categories? Feel free to reach out to discuss your needs!

Academic Teaching

Here are some of the different courses I have recently taught at Queen's University and St. Lawrence College. Community members who are interested in taking a course with me can check out Picnic & Pencil for my public workshop offerings in person and online.

Queen's University

Internationally Trained
Teacher Education Program

St. Lawerence College

Film Studies

St. Lawerence College

Acting for Real Life

I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the class and look forward to applying all that I have learned from you over these last few weeks. Thank you for being so genuine and creating a warm environment to learn in... grateful for time spent in your class.

Teacher Candidate, Queen's University

I wanted to thank you for this amazing opportunity! Thank you for teaching this course. I wouldn't want any other teacher but you to teach this course.

Student, Acting for Real Life, St. Lawrence College

Past Course Offerings

St. Lawrence College

GENE 45: Media and the Arts, SLC
GENE 179: Digital Citizenship

Queen's University

CONT 806: The Learning Environment
CONT820: Use and Knowledge of Assistive Technologies
CONT816: Teaching Students with Communication Needs
PROF 507: Transitions and Pathways
PROF 210: Self as Learner (ITEP)
GDE/PME 832: The Connected Classroom
GDE/PME 833: Supporting Innovative Thinking
CURR 391: Drama (PJ)
CURR 355: Language & Literacy
PPROF 508 Teaching Grades 7&8
EDST 285: Teaching and Learning Outside of Schools
PROF 505: Meeting the Needs of All Learners
PROF 410: Theory & Professional Practice
PROF/PRAC 190: Theory & Professional Practice

Research Interests

My research interests revolve around how adults learn through (self-identified) spiritual encounters. I also specialize in arts education, and teacher training.

About Me

Barbara Lorraine Laing

Research Talks

Research made accessible. I am available to speak to groups, classes, workplaces, special interest and wellness groups, etc. on topics related to best practices in teaching and learning, creativity, arts education, and how to embrace/welcome spirituality into schools and workplaces. Reach out for more information on how to book a research talk.

Barbara Lorraine Laing