A recent conversation with Dr. Aliaa Dakroury left my neurons firing in all directions, trying to forge the synaptic connections that would allow my brain to process the contributions of this exuberant dynamo of a woman.

It was twilight, when we long to draw the curtains and lull ourselves into an evening peace but two minutes into the conversation my heart was pumping with the same adrenalin that pulsed through her veins as she proclaimed the need for Muslim women in Canada to be visible and audible ambassadors of their faith.

Dr. Dakroury cannot be said to be tentative in her opinions. To her credit, she has passionately held convictions on the myriad roles that Muslim women should play in North America, or anywhere, for that matter.

Sensitivity training for care workers and providers was one of the issues raised at the third annual Conference on Spirituality and Aging on Feb. 23.

The one-day event organized by the Council on Aging of Ottawa at Saint Paul University also tackled topics of mental health, support and relief for care workers and family members, discrimination, and spiritual wellbeing.