Kim Hyatt graduated from the Assiniboine Community College in Brandon, Manitoba with a Business Administration Diploma. Her career has included roles within business and education fields. Kim spent many years working at Robertson College where she filled many roles, including Business Administration and Bookkeeping Instructor, Education Coordinator, and working within the Admissions Department.

Outside of the office, she enjoys working on her small hobby farm with her various birds and beehives. Her goal is to release different species of birds on the land to create a small bird sanctuary to enjoy.

Dustin began his career at RRC Polytech in 2011 as an instructor in the Marine and Powersports program, following 10 years working in the Powersports industry. For the last three years, Dustin has been an Academic Coordinator for Automotive, Heavy Duty, and Marine and Powersports Certificate and Diploma programs.  

Dustin is an RRC Polytech alumni, a Red Seal Motorcycle Technician, and has almost completed his Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education. 

Leading five programs through Course Based Registration, Dustin has built strong relationships across the College and has a deep understanding of College systems and processes. Dustin strives to foster an inclusive environment, where all employees and students feel valued, respected, and supported. 

Outside of work, Dustin enjoys family time with his wife and two daughters, snowmobiling, and BBQ. 

Michael joined RRC Polytech in 2019, as an instructor in the Automotive Technician programs. He then moved into a Coordinator role in the Transportation and Heavy Apprenticeship Trades. 

Michael started as an automotive Red Seal technician, spending 12 years working at a General Motors Dealership where he had plenty of apprentices and students to mentor. 

Michael is a four-time RRC Polytech alumni, graduating from the Automotive Technician Certificate, Automotive Technician Diploma, GM ASEP apprenticeship program, and TFL. He is a lifelong learner that is committed to mentorship while fostering an inclusive and collaborative approach, always looking for new ideas.  

Outside of work Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids. Camping is a summer favourite; fishing and golfing when time allows. Michael also volunteers to coach kids’ soccer and is a Scouts leader for 60^th scout group. 

Pipe welder, robotics programmer, and weld quality technician are a few of the roles that Shylyte Bloodworth has held in the welding industry. After graduating from the Technical Vocational Teacher Education program and completing a Certificate of Adult Education, Shylyte achieved a Bachelor of Education (University of Winnipeg, 2018).  

Shylyte started her RRC Polytech career in 2011 as an instructor, and later completed the Envision Leadership Development program which led to an Academic Coordinator role. She eventually became Program Manager for the Electrical, Mechanical and Manufacturing department.   

As a Red Seal Welder, Shylyte is passionate about sharing how training in the trades can provide many fantastic career opportunities. Outside of work, Shylyte was the inaugural Chair for the Build Together, Women of the Building Trades – Manitoba Chapter, where she is now the Recording Secretary. She is also the past Chair of the Canadian Welding Bureau Association Winnipeg Chapter. 

Aaron J. Brown (he/him/his) has worked at RRC Polytech for five years as an Instructor in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program. He also held the roles of Academic Coordinator for the MET, PET, and ManCAD programs and Program Liaison for the Conestoga Welding Pre-Apprenticeship program. 

Prior to joining RRC Polytech, Aaron spent a decade in the aerospace manufacturing industry with progressive roles as manufacturing engineer, production planner, technical team leader, and industrialization manager. 

Aaron is a Certified Engineering Technologist in the Province of Manitoba. He holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology and a Certificate in Project Management from RRC Polytech as well as a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Aerospace Program Management from the University of Manitoba. 

Outside of work, Aaron is a dedicated lifelong learner, taking evening courses on various topics. He especially enjoys cooking and is a proud graduate of RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts Diploma program. 

Did you know the human heart isn’t the only thing that works with both plumbing and electrical? So does RRC Polytech’s new Chair of the electrical department, Lee Demers.  

As a Red Seal plumber and gasfitter with nearly a decade of experience in various roles at RRC Polytech, Lee has put his skills to work as a Plumbing Instructor, Coordinator of the Piping Trades and Program Manager for the Industry Transportation and Skilled Trades portfolio in Continuing Education.  

Lee has completed his CAE, ENVISION and ENABLE leadership programs and as a lifelong learner, he is currently completing his Project Management certificate.  

In his spare time, Lee enjoys spending time with his daughter, playing guitar in his band, and staying active mountain biking and playing hockey. 

Jayne Geisel first came to work at RRC Polytech in 2007, teaching in the Greenspace Management program. In 2018 she became the Academic Coordinator in Civil Engineering Technology and for the past year she has been Project Lead for Academic Transformation with the Civil Engineering Technology department. Jayne has been an active and engaged member of the College community through her involvement in the RRC Faculty Association, MGEU and as Employee Member on the RRC Polytech Board of Governors.  

Jayne holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba, a Horticulture Diploma from Olds College, and is currently completing a Master of Education from the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, with a focus on academic leadership and EDI.  

Outside of work, Jayne enjoys many fibre arts, is an avid reader, and loves to spend time with her family and pets. 

Nigel Louis is in his 10^th year at RRC Polytech, all with Stevenson Campus – Aviation and Aerospace as the quality assurance manager.  

Prior to working at RRC Polytech, Nigel’s career included over 25 years of aviation experience in engineering, education and maintenance.  

Nigel graduated with an Avionics Maintenance Diploma and is also an RRC Polytech alumni with an Information Technology Diploma for software development.  

When not working, you’ll find Nigel spending time with his family, enjoying the outdoors and working on his classic car. 

Rob Masi (he/him) is a Red Seal carpenter who worked in both the commercial and residential construction trades before returning to RRC Polytech to teach in the carpentry department in 2014. Affirming his commitment to lifelong learning, Rob has obtained his Certificate in Adult Education and recently completed the Energy Advisor Course. 

In his position as coordinator, Rob drew extensively on his strong relationships with industry to bring in corporate sponsorships to better develop the carpentry and cabinetry programs and enrich student experiences. Rob loves working with other departments to complete projects that give back to the greater College community. He is always looking to maximize program success through partnership, innovation, and collaboration. 

Rob enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. His hobbies include farming, coaching and playing soccer and volunteering in his community. 

Ryan Peters began working at RRC Polytech in 2017, and has worked as an Educational Assistant in Carpentry, Refrigeration, and HVAC, and a fulltime instructor in the Electrical Department. 

Ryan began his career in the electrical field 19 years ago as a Red Seal Construction Electrician. After completing his Red Seal, he returned to RRC Polytech and completed the Technical Vocational Teaching Certificate program.  

He has also worked on various projects around the College, including the Help Desk Project, Harmonization of the Electrical curriculum, and LEARN implementation and online development. Ryan is also the Manitoba representative on the National Technical Committee for Skills Canada (Electrical) and spearheads the provincial competition held here at RRC Polytech.  

Outside of work, Ryan can usually be found on the golf course or at the rink, spending time with his family. 

Patrick Savard has worked in various roles in RRC Polytech’s Piping Trades department since 2013. He began as an instructor in the plumbing apprenticeship training and the plumbing certificate program and became coordinator of Piping Trades in 2019. In 2020, he added the Mechanical Trades to his coordinator role. 

Patrick holds a Red Seal Journeyperson Plumber & Gasfitter certificate from SAIT. Prior to moving to Winnipeg, he owned and operated a plumbing and heating company in Calgary. Patrick has since continued his education at RRC Polytech, having completed his Certificate in Adult Education, the Energy Advisor training, and several other construction safety courses. Patrick is currently the chair for Skills Manitoba and Skills Canada for the Plumbing trade and looks forward to showcasing his trade at the competition in May. 

In his spare time, Patrick enjoys all of life’s adventures with his beautiful wife, three incredible children, and their two beastly dogs.  

Scott started his career in the construction sector in 1987 and attained his Red Seal Endorsement for Carpentry in 1993. He has worked as a carpenter, estimator, project manager and owner, and has refined his leadership skills as a Project Coordinator and Project Manager after transitioning to the residential and commercial millwork/cabinetry industry.   

Scott joined RRC Polytech as a Carpentry Instructor in 2006. He has led a variety of projects and is most proud of the development and implementation of the College’s learning management software for the Carpentry program. Scott became Program Manager for Construction Trades in 2020. He has been honoured with two Bravo Awards: the Award for Teaching Excellence in 2017, and the Award for Leadership at All Levels in 2022. 

Scott currently sits on the Board for Skills Manitoba as an Educational Representative. Scott enjoys spending time with family and friends at his cottage. He is also an active member of the RRC Polytech Staff Curling League, and enjoys being creative in his home shop, wood turning, chainsaw carving, or whatever grabs his attention. 

Jim joined the College in 1995 as an Instructor in the Automotive Technician program. Since then, he has worked in many of the programs within the Transportation Trades, including nine years providing manufacturer upgrade training to dealership technicians. He also spent two years providing core skills training for the manufacturing industry in Winnipeg. In 2001, Jim was recognized with the Service Excellence Award from RRC Polytech for hosting the North American Council of Automotive Teachers Conference.  

Jim holds a Certificate in Adult Education from Red River College Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ferris State University, and a Master’s in Education (Adult and Post-Secondary) from University of Manitoba.  

Outside of work, Jim enjoys cycling, fishing, and travelling. 

Jody Gillis began his career at RRC Polytech in 2000, developing and teaching computer programming courses in Continuing Education. He began teaching in 2002 in the Computer Analyst/Programmer program, which evolved into the Business Information Technology (BIT) program. 

Highlights of his career at RRC Polytech include his role as Curriculum Lead for the BIT program, chairing the Directions Conference Committee, the Instructor Assignment Taskforce, the Envision program, helping plan the College’s inaugural Inclusion Week, and his involvement with the union and the RRC Faculty Association.  

Jody is an honours graduate of RRC Polytech’s Computer Analyst/Programmer and CAE programs and has his BSc in Applied Computer Science from the University of Winnipeg. He also holds the Master of Trust Management Standards (MTMS) designation and has served on the Civil Service Superannuation Board (CSSB) and associated committees since 2014. 

Outside of work, Jody enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his family. 

Allyson Cooper, MN, RN, CCSNE currently holds the position of Chair of BN Programs, Labs & Simulation at RRC Polytech. 

Before joining the College, Allyson worked as a nurse in the NICU at Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg for 14 years. Allyson has held positions as the Nurse Educator in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, developer and leader of the ACoRN (Acute Care of at-Risk Newborns) implementation project in Manitoba, Nurse Coordinator for post-graduate medical education, and Nurse Educator for the Internationally Educated Nurses program.  

Allyson holds a master’s degree in nursing with a specialty in nursing education from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Her research interests center around high-fidelity simulation and its application in furthering learning. 

Alison Fyfe-Carlson joined RRC Polytech in 2001 and has taught in the nursing faculty in both clinical and theory positions. 

A committed and compassionate educator, Alison has been an Academic Coordinator in the nursing department since 2018, and has led international and inter-professional education initiatives, and loves to see students succeed. 

In her spare time, Alison enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cross-country skiing and reading. 

Ginelle Giacomin has been an educator for more than 15 years. She recently completed a Doctorate in Social Science, focused on the intersection of Indigeneity, post-secondary education, and parental efficacy. She also holds a Master of Science, specializing in Human Development and Disability Studies, and bachelor’s degrees in Education, Family Social Science, and Arts.  

Ginelle joined the RRC Polytech community in 2013, having taught in the Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Care, and Disability and Community Support programs. She has also worked as a high school home economics teacher, a group home manager, and as a qualitative researcher. 

Ginelle is dedicated to Indigenizing curriculum and supporting the whole learner. Her experience teaching at the Ndinawe Child and Youth Care Certificate Program ignited a passion for transformative holistic post-secondary education which she brings to her new position as Chair of Community Services Programs. 

Tasha Gregory joined RRC Polytechnic in 2010 as a nursing instructor and is grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside an incredibly talented group of individuals in the nursing department. Tasha previously worked as an RN in various pediatric settings and as a motivational speaker in the non-profit sector.  

Tasha holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Queen’s University, a Master of Nursing from Athabasca University, and is currently completing the Teaching for Learning Certificate from RRC Polytech.  

Tasha is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and integrating trauma-informed practices and strengths-focused approaches into the delivery of healthcare and educational standards. She is a lifelong learner and is committed to continued growth and innovation.  

Outside of work, Tasha enjoys time with her family, drinking specialty coffee, and reading about the latest research trends in healthcare and education. 

Sandra Holben joined RRC Polytech 22 years ago and has worked in various roles and programs in the nursing faculty: as an instructor in theory, clinical, lab, as a clinical mentor, and over the past three years as the Nursing Program Manager for the BN – clinical. 

Sandra obtained her BN, RN, ICU and Master’s in Education. She has worked as a practicing nurse in the United States, Manitoba, and Ontario, gaining experience in multiple fields of nursing practice. Her area of interest and focus of study during her master’s program was, and is, on supporting the learning and development of expert practicing nurses transitioning to nurse educators in the BN program. Her goal is to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for RRC Polytech’s diverse student learners. 

During her off time, Sandra enjoys spending time with her family and dogs. 

Ali Khorshidi is an instructor in the Life Sciences Program at RRC Polytech. With Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and a PhD degree in Food Science, Ali has more than 17 years of research, education, and leadership experiences in a variety of roles such as technical advisor, research manager, instructor and adjunct professor in industry, academia, and government organizations. 

Ali has led several multidisciplinary projects in collaboration with multiple industry partners, university departments, and government organizations. Ali is also a member of various scientific communities and has contributed to more than 35 publications, as well as posters and oral presentations at national and international conferences. 

Ali loves working in academic environments and has a passion for contributing to education and the success of the next generations. In their free time, Ali enjoys hanging out with family members and friends. 

Kelsey has held a variety of positions at RRC Polytech for the past 15 years, including instructor in the Child and Youth Care Program, Academic Transformation Project Lead and most recently, Acting Program Manager, Community Services. 

Kelsey is strongly committed to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and working collaboratively to advance Indigenous education as reconciliation. She is committed to cultivating relationships with community, working to provide holistic education and training with a focus on decolonization and Indigenization. Kelsey holds a joint bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies and Sociology from the University of Winnipeg, a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Adult Education from Athabasca University, and will soon complete a Master of Social Work from Wilfred Laurier University. 

Any spare time is spent with her two sports-loving children that keep her on the go. 

Joanna Simmons-Swinden graduated from RRC Polytech in 1992 with a diploma in nursing. She began her career as a pediatric nurse at Health Sciences Centre on the pediatric surgical and burn ward. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing and a Master of Arts degree in Post-Secondary Education. 

In 2001, Joanna was recruited to teach in the Nursing program at RRC Polytech, then was approached to take a role as a student advisor. She played an active role in the transition of the diploma program into the current degree program. In 2014, she became Coordinator of Advising and in 2021, Acting Manager of Academic Operations in the Nursing program.  

Joanna believes the students are our reason for being here, and she works to remove barriers so they can achieve their goals. Thousands of graduates have heard Joanna call their names at the traditional Nursing Pinning ceremony over the years. 

Pauline Black joined RRC Polytech in 2017 with 20 years of experience teaching English as an Additional Language. She cares deeply for students and is a teacher at heart! She has held a number of positions and roles at the Language Training Centre, including Instructor, Academic Coordinator, and Project Coordinator for Material Handling 4.0. She has been in a Program Manager role for Language Programming of Stage 2 and Stage 1, Regional and Rural, and Childcare for Newcomer Children Programming.  

Pauline enjoys the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of preparing English Language students for the Manitoba workforce and academic study. She is committed to creating meaningful pathways for students into the province’s workforce.  

When she is not working, you will often find her spending time with her family (she has five teenagers!), at a soccer game, bicycling, hiking or skiing.

Patricia Culleton-Koebel is a life-long learner, passionate about education and committed to student success. 

Patricia joined the College in 2017 and has taken on the roles of Instructor, Academic Coordinator and most recently, Acting Program Manager for Math, Science and Communication. 

Patricia brings more than 15 years of experience in adult education. Throughout her time at RRC Polytech, Patricia has built collaborative relationships across programs, supporting process and system changes for course-based registration and academic conversion. Prior to joining RRC Polytech, she was an English as an Additional Language Instructor for a Business Management Institute in China and for a private language institute in South Korea. 

Outside of work, Patricia spends time learning and completing DIY projects, baking bread, gardening unique vegetables with her kids, exploring Manitoba, and spending time with her family. 

Carleigh Friesen (she/her) came to RRC Polytech in 2015, and brings enthusiasm for learning, collaboration, and overcoming challenges along with a range of experiences from Instructor at the Language Training Centre, Manager of the Academic Success Centre, and most recently as Organizational Development Consultant for the ENABLE and ENVISION programs. Prior to joining RRC Polytech, Carleigh was an English language instructor at the University of Manitoba and internationally in Mexico and Costa Rica.   

Carleigh’s hobbies include learning Spanish, reading, cross-country skiing, traveling, and hiking with her wife and one of their two cats. 

Rebecca Molly Hiebert values innovation and collaboration, and uses her passion for research, science, and language to explore new ways of fostering an inclusive and student-focused environment at the college. 

With experience in student supports, Rebecca has worked in the Academic Success Centre as an Academic Support Specialist, Writing & Communication Centre Lead, and Acting Manager. She also has experience as an instructor and with course and program development in a number of departments at the College. 

In her free time, Rebecca likes to play disc golf, read voraciously, go camping, and enjoy music with her family. 

Danny Hutchinson came to RRC Polytech in 2010 as an instructor in the Related Math and Science Department.  He is a Red Seal-endorsed Machinist who has worked in many different sectors within Canada, the US, and Australia. 

Danny has a keen interest in Building Science and hosted a podcast on the subject!  When not at the College, he can be found at the Teulon-Rockwood Fire Hall where he serves as a Captain, or working beside his wife and kids setting up their miniature Highland cattle farm. 

Linda Manimtim has worked in newcomer settlement and language training since 2002 as an instructor, curriculum developer, and instructional designer. 

Prior to joining the Language Training Centre at RRC Polytech in 2019, she worked at post-secondary institutions and language training centres in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and in England. She has a Bachelor of Education from McGill and a Master of Education from the University of Alberta. 

Linda enjoys tinkering with technology, watching cartoons with her children, playing board games with her husband, and making a mess in the kitchen. 

Norlan Page has worked at RRC Polytech since 2010, as a Student Integration Coordinator, International Student Support Coordinator, and most recently Acting Program Manager in the Intensive English for International Students program. He has also served as a steward and executive member of MGEU Local 73.

Norlan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Certificate in TESOL from Providence University College, and a Master of Business Administration degree with a focus on Leadership for the Common Good from Canadian Mennonite University. He has also completed the Envision Leadership Development program at RRC Polytech.  

Prior to joining RRC Polytech, Norlan taught English for 10 years in Canada, China and South Korea, where he co-founded and managed a successful private language school.  

Away from the College, Norlan enjoys cooking for his family, cheering on the Jets and Bombers, and getting out on a lake in a canoe. 

Kirill Serafimovich has been working at RRC Polytech since 2017, first as an ESL Instructor and then as an Academic Coordinator for the LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) program at the Language Training Centre.  

Kirill holds a TESL Certificate, a Master’s in Education and Linguistics and a Master’s in Economics.  

In his personal and professional life, Kirill values integrity, honesty, humility, initiative, and critical thinking. 

In his spare time, Kirill enjoys curling, rollerblading, biking, playing tennis, listening to podcasts, exploring Canada and the world. 

Monica has made many meaningful contributions at RRC Polytech, working with the School of Indigenous Education and Indigenous Student Supports over the past 10 years. She began as an Indigenous Liaison Advisor and has served as acting Program Manager and acting ACCESS Pathways Manager.  

Monica holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Winnipeg, a Certificate in Real Property Assessment from UBC and is Alumni, with a certificate in Business and Administrative Studies. She has completed many leadership development training courses through ENABLE and is one of RRC Polytech’s Culture Champions and Diversity Champions. 

Monica is passionate about eliminating barriers and sustaining a strong student-centred approach for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people in education.  She believes in working together as one, with one heart/mind. In her free time, Monica enjoys camping, concerts, staying active, painting, and spending time with family and friends. 

Saleh Saffari moved to Canada from Iran in 2012, after having taught English as a foreign language for 10 years and obtaining his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature. He received his TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certificate from the University of Manitoba and got his first job in Canada at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT), while also teaching in different programs at the University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg and working for CanTest and IELTS as a speaking examiner. 

Saleh joined RRC Polytech in 2015, working at the Language Training Centre as an instructor, PBLA Lead Teacher, and Curriculum Group Leader. He started studying for his Ph.D. in Education at the U of M in 2021 and is currently preparing to write his thesis proposal. 

Saleh has a passion for learning about Indigenous cultures and languages and looks forward to contributing to this community in his new role.

Amber Klein graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in economics. Since completing her undergraduate degree, she has taken on a variety of administrative and financial roles, most recently with the Louis Riel Institute. Throughout her career, Amber has chosen roles with non-profit organizations in hopes to give back to the community.

Outside office hours, Amber enjoys trying new foods and planning her next vacation. Amber is interested in her culture and heritage as a Métis citizen. She can also be found attending Métis events around the city.

Amber is thrilled to join the College, assisting the Dean’s office and faculty with the supports needed to ensure success.

As an administrative professional with experience managing business functions and providing support to executives and clients, Mercy Alalade has developed a strong skillset in optimizing efficiency and productivity. Her background includes a range of roles, including Finance/Office Administrator at Daytona Homes, Project Coordinator and Safety Officer at a construction organization, Office Assistant at Parsons Plumbing & Heating Ltd, and Volunteer Office Assistant at Health Sciences Centre.

Mercy is a graduate of the University of Manitoba, where she earned an Advanced Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies and Management. Additionally, she has certifications as a Safety Auditor under CSAM.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading and spending time with family.

RRC Polytech is pleased to share we have completed the competitive selection process for the position of Assistant to the Dean, School of Health Sciences & Community Services.

Please join us in welcoming Mary Northover-Ramey as the new Assistant to the Dean, School of Health Sciences & Community Services.

Mary is an administrative professional with 18 years of experience, having as the Administrative Assistant in the Community Services Department in the School of Health Sciences & Community Services for the past 10 years. Mary has diplomas in General Arts and Sciences and Advertising from Sheridan College, and an Executive Assistant Certificate from George Brown College.

Mary is a dedicated community member who volunteers in various capacities, supporting many College initiatives such as the BRAVO Awards Committee, the Early Childhood Education Awards Committee, and Convocation.

Mary places a high value on building relationships, learning, and taking on new challenges in her work. She enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and works well under pressure.

Tom Grant, Associate Dean, Business, Hospitality, and Culinary Arts 

Tom Grant has worked in the Manitoba college system for almost 40 years as an instructor and administrator. He joined RRC Polytech 28 years ago and has cultivated professional relationships throughout the College, as well as in government, industry, and community partners. 

In his current role as the Chair of Transportation & Heavy Apprenticeship Trades, Tom has developed important relationships within the transportation, logistic, and supply chain sectors, all of which play a critical role in supporting the apprenticeship and applied education programs in his portfolio.  

Tom holds a Bachelor of Science in Educational Technology, Summa Cum Laude. He represents RRC Polytech on numerous committees and was recently presented with the RRC Polytech’s Safety Champion Bravo Award for his dedication to creating a safe and healthy workplace. 

Tom is a compassionate leader who encourages collaboration among staff and is always looking for opportunities to learn and share knowledge with those around him. 

Karen Kabel, Associate Dean, Creative Arts & Applied Computer Education 

Karen Kabel came to RRC Polytech as an Information Security program instructor in 2018. Karen previously worked at Great West Life (now Canada Life) where she led teams that provided critical IT security services to all seven of Canada Life’s companies across Canada and throughout parts of Europe. Prior to GWL, Karen spent 15 years as an information technology security consultant. 

As Chair of Applied Computer Education, Karen has worked with her team to expand their IT program portfolio to include several new programs. In partnership with the School of Indigenous Education, Karen helped co-create a new Indigenous IT Pathway program. She led the development of three new diploma programs including Data Science and Machine Learning, IT Operations and Application Development & Delivery. 

Karen is a caring leader, focused on using teamwork to find improvements, funding opportunities and innovative ways to deliver academics to a new generation of learners.

Brad Peters, Associate Dean, Programming 

Brad Peters has worked in various educational roles at RRC Polytech since 2011, most recently as a Program Manager in the School of Continuing Education, managing the academic, human resource, and financial management duties of the Applied Arts and Skilled Trades portfolios.  

Throughout his time at the College, Brad has gained deep knowledge of College systems and processes across various functions, departments and Schools, building lasting relationships with amazing faculty, staff and leaders, as well as a diverse group of industry partners. 

Brad completed the Certificate of Adult Education with honours and is a strong supporter of lifelong learning. His continued learning includes additional ENABLE workshops and Project Management courses.  

In his spare time, Brad enjoys staying active by playing golf and hockey, coaching minor sports, volunteering on various boards, and most of all, spending time with his wife, three children and their three dogs at their Lester Beach cabin. 

Steve Lawrence, Associate Dean, Regional Campuses & Adult Learning Centres 

Steve Lawrence holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba, a certificate in Adult Education from RRC Polytech and a Master of Arts in Education from Central Michigan University and has recently attained his Blue Belt in Innovation Engineering. 

Steve has worked at RRC Polytech for the past 29 years. His current position is Acting Dean School of Continuing Education, and past positions include Program Manager IT and Professional Studies in the School of Continuing Education, ACE Project Space Coordinator, and Program Manager for Business and Applied Arts. 

Steve is a certified accreditor for Business Technology Management programs across Canada. He recently completed accreditation visits to Concordia and Acadia Universities. He has 14 years’ industry experience as a programmer, business analyst and requirements gathering analyst. 

On a personal level, Steve has coached and assisted in hockey, volleyball and soccer for over 15 years. He is a Level 2 NCCP nationally certified coach. 

Anna Janik-Kelly, Associate Dean, English Language Learning and Newcomer Initiatives 

Anna Janik-Kelly is RRC Polytech’s incoming Associate Dean of English Language Learning and Newcomer Initiatives.  

Throughout her career, Anna has been passionate about language learning. Since coming to Canada in 2007, she has been working to help newcomers to Manitoba in their settlement journey as a teacher, language assessor, researcher and manager of research. 

Outside of work, Anna enjoys time with her family, cooking, discussing world events or hiking. She also enjoys music, rollerblading, paddle boarding, reading and camping. 

Lauren Phillips, Associate Dean, Education, Global Access and Academic Advancement 

Lauren Phillips is RRC Polytech’s incoming Associate Dean of Education, Global Access and Academic Advancement. 

Lauren is passionate about adult education, active research and learning science, bringing over 10 years’ experience at the College as Chair of Math, Science, and Communication and as former manager of the Academic Success Centre and Assessment Services. Prior to joining RRC Polytech, Lauren was a program coordinator with the provincial government, an associate producer with CBC TV and Radio and a corporate communication instructor in Japan. 

Outside of work, Lauren loves reading, biking and podcasts. When pushed, she’s been known to ski and jog (very slowly) with her family and mischievous dog. 

Lesley McGuirk, Associate Dean, Nursing 

Lesley McGuirk has worked at RRC Polytech since 2005, first as an instructor in the Medical Radiologic Technology (MRT) program and then as the Academic Coordinator for the MRT and MRI programs. She has been the Chair of Allied Health Sciences for the past six years.  

Lesley holds a Certificate in Adult Education, a diploma in Medical Radiologic Technology, a Bachelor of Science Degree, a Master’s in Education (Adult and Post-Secondary) and has completed the Envision Leadership Development program at RRC Polytech.  

Lesley focuses on building equity, diversity and inclusion into programming and threading Indigenous knowledge into Allied Health programming. She is the Board Secretary of the Canadian Association of Allied Health Programs, a member of the Accreditation Decision Committee and is a program surveyor for Equal Accreditation Services Canada.   

Lesley is an avid reader who enjoys cross-country skiing, time at the lake and is actively involved with her kids’ sports activities. 

Dr. Ruth Lindsey-Armstrong, Associate Dean, Health and Community Services 

Dr. Ruth Lindsey-Armstrong joined the College in 2008 as an Early Childhood Education instructor. Ruth has since taken on the roles of Academic Coordinator and Chair of Community Services. Ruth is an Early Childhood Educator III (RRC 1986), has a BA in Developmental Studies (U of W 2007), a Master of Arts & Integrated Studies, with a specialization in Adult Education (AU 2012) and has completed a Doctor of Distance Education, focusing on academic leadership (AU 2022).  

Ruth has developed a series of micro-credentials for mentorship and coaching. Ruth is also a member of the Public Policy Committee for the Manitoba Child Care Association and is a former staff representative on the RRC Polytech Board of Governors.  

In her spare time, Ruth has been studying Spanish at Université de Saint-Boniface, enjoys time at the family cottage and cooking foods from Central America and south Asian countries. 

Tracy Brant, Associate Dean, School of Indigenous Education 

Tracy has worked at the College for 22 years in a variety of roles including Aboriginal Admissions Officer, Aboriginal Centre Coordinator, acting Director Aboriginal Student Support & Community Services, Access Pathway Manager and Chair Aboriginal Education and Access Programs.  

Tracy has a thorough understanding of the supports and services available for Indigenous students at the College, and she is committed to student success. Her hard work, dedication and tenacity to pursue her education goals have led her to many rewarding work opportunities over the years.  

Tracy shares great compassion and wisdom in her work to support student success.   

As a Métis woman, Tracy is very proud of her heritage and believes strongly in the value of education and mentorship.  

Guy Poirier, Associate Dean, Construction 

Guy Poirier began his career at RRC Polytech in 2009 as an Instructor in Carpentry, leading to a Coordinator role, to the Chair, Construction Trades. Guy is very proud to have helped shape RRC Polytech’s Skilled Trades and Technology Centre. 

Before RRC Polytech, Guy worked in construction for 10 years with companies such as PCL, Westland and Stuart Olson. He also had a six-year career in the aviation sector. 

Guy is a two-time RRC Polytech alumni and has a Red Seal in carpentry, Certificate in Adult Education and over 30 years of seminars, mentorship, coaching, gold seal certification and many safety courses in his toolbox. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor in Adult Education.   

Guy focuses on building positive and inclusive community cultures, championing employee engagement and leading with a strong code of values and ethics. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with his family camping in Riding Mountain National Park. 

Mark Blackner, Associate Dean, Transportation and Manufacturing 

Mark Blackner has worked at RRC Polytech for more than 23 years, beginning as an instructor and holding corporate trainer and coordinator positions before moving into his most current role as Chair of the Electrical, Mechanical and Manufacturing department. 

Mark leads his team with integrity and fosters an inclusive and collaborative approach to the projects and partnerships within his unit. He strives for a respectful culture where individuals are encouraged and supported to bring forward new ideas or different ways of doing things.  

Recently, his team led learners through the Conestoga welding program, which provided skills training for underrepresented Manitobans.  

Outside of work, Mark enjoys golf, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his grandchildren and family.