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Instructor Profiles

Adamjee, Atiya

Atiya's passion for leading Lunchroom Programs ignited early on in her career. Her collective experience garnered from various school-based roles such as assisting with students in classrooms, leading and implementing a successful lunchroom program in a school of 480 students; eventually earned her the role as Lead Administrative E in a school. Read more about Atiya . . .

Amery, Erica

Dr. Erica Amery is an advocate and an expert in intercultural education and developing, promoting, and sustaining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives so everyone can thrive in their professional and personal lives. Read more about Erica . . .

Belanger, Carla

Carla Belanger has embraced a variety of roles in her career as an educator. She worked as a high school English teacher and was both an editor and consultant for a variety of educational publishing companies in Canada. Read more about Carla . . .

Bellamy, Barbara

Barbara has worked in the records management, reproduction and reprographics field since the late 1980s. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and earned the Certified Records Manager (CRM) designation in 2009. This designation is rapidly becoming a mandatory requirement in many senior records management roles. Read more about Barbara . . .

Bhala, Thabani

Thabani joined the Chinook Learning Services team in 2013. He is a versatile Microsoft Applications facilitator with extensive training and consulting experience with various project management teams in and around Calgary. Read more about Thabani . . .

Bishop, Amber

Amber, born and raised in Calgary. She received her undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, from Mount Royal University. She then graduated from the University of Calgary with a combined JD/MBA degree in 2020 and called to the bar in 2022. Read more about Amber . . .

Boisvert, Kalee

Kalee Boisvert is passionate about financial literacy. Over the past few years, she has worked diligently to increase her confidence and knowledge of the financial industry by completing an MBA in Finance with the Haskayne School of Business and the CFA Level II program. Read more about Kalee . . .

Bose, Karen

Karen Bose has worked in a variety of roles and settings during her 24 years as an educator. She has taught many different grade levels in elementary schools in the Calgary Board of Education. This has led Karen to pursue graduate level work in Teaching English as a Second Language, and positions in the Calgary Board of Education as an ELL Specialist, Assistant Principal, System Assistant Principal for English Language Learning and Principal. Read more about Karen . . .

Breeze, John

John is a successful business owner. He grew his own Business Services franchise to become the #2 operation in Canada, with one of the lowest staff turnover rates and a reputation for exceptional customer service. Read more about John . . .

Carlson, Joy

Joy Carlson has been an instructor at Chinook Learning Services since 1999. She teaches proofreading to the general public and to Corporate Training clients at their worksites and offices. Joy brings 30+ years of experience in the training industry to her teaching. Read more about Joy . . .

Carr, Philip

With over 20 years’ experience in database management, geoscience, GIS, and business analysis, Philip provides expertise and sound, well-received instruction on MS Office. He enjoys creating customized course materials and curriculums to match participant requirements and provides practical, real-world approaches to the learning and application of new computer skills. Read more about Philip . . .

Carter, Val

Val’s experience in training and development spans the public, private and non-profit sectors. As a consultant and coach, she has partnered with clients from a variety of organizations and industries, with a key focus on personal and interpersonal skills for business results. Read more about Val . . .

Chadwick, Dasa

Dasa Chadwick is a leadership and learning professional with over 20 years of experience in management and adult education roles. As the owner of Leverage Point Learning, Dasa has worked with government and corporate sector organizations on learning strategies and organizational effectiveness initiatives. Past projects include facilitating team building, goal setting, and vision and values workshops, the development and delivery of customized learning and leadership development programs, and the creation of training curriculums. Read more about Dasa . . .

Christie, Russel

Russel is a dedicated Microsoft Office Specialist and computer skills instructor who has enjoyed a variety of roles since the beginning of his training career. Russel is comfortable instructing a wide range of students from beginners, who have never used a computer, to professionals looking to enhance and fine tune their skills. Read more about Russel . . .

Clark, Steve

Steve Clark is currently the Learning Leader of Career Technology Foundations (CTF) for CBe-learn’s online junior high program and teaches CTF to Grades 7, 8, and 9. Previously, Steve worked as a Specialist in the CBE’s Teaching & Learning with Technology team and helped lead many of the initiatives during the pandemic. Read more about Steve . . .

Clendining, Warren

Warren Clendining has been offering web design, technical writing and editing services as a consultant since 1994. He has provided web design, writing and editing services to oil and gas companies, software development companies, engineering firms, divisions of the Alberta Government, the City of Calgary, residential construction service companies and non-profit organizations. Read more about Warren . . .

Cutler, Herky

Herky Cutler wants people and organizations to break through barriers that exist in their lives in order to move forward and improve their individual and collective performance. He is an organizational consultant, professional speaker, corporate trainer, and author. Read more about Herky . . .

Craciunescu, Viorica

Viorica has been an ethics instructor with Chinook Learning Services since 2012. She holds a PhD in Philosophy and has studied in four countries. During her extensive teaching career, Viorica has taught a wide variety of courses to learners with a broad range of needs, knowledge, and cultural backgrounds.
Read more about Viorica . . .

Den Boer, Courtney

Courtney is an ambitious finance professional with over 8 years of experience in functional accounting roles and senior financial accounting positions. She has been involved with monthly forecasting, yearly budgeting, internal/external audits, policy compliance, training and full cycle accounting. Read more about Courtney . . .

Desautels, Janet

Janet Desautels (LL.B, B.A. Philosophy, B.A. Sociology) is a successful entrepreneur and adult educator with many years of experience and practice in communication and interpersonal skills. Janet acquired extensive corporate leadership experience in the insurance industry in Calgary. Read more about Janet . . .

DeWolfe, Steven

Steven has instructed with Chinook Learning Services since 2012, primarily focussed on the Microsoft Office Suite. He enjoys helping individuals build core computing skills; in particular, basic computing skills. His approach involves both compassion and patience for students who may be struggling. Steven is well known and admired for his willingness to ‘walk the extra mile’ alongside his students while they overcome existing barriers to learning. Read more about Steven . . .

Dickson, Dawn

Dawn Dickson began her career as a teacher and then moved into the school library. The library is her happy place. She has been working in libraries at the Calgary Board of Education since 2009 in both elementary and middle school environments. Read more about Dawn . . .

Donovan, Mark

Mark Donovan is a Chartered Mediator and mediates for the Provincial Court in Calgary and Fort McMurray. Mark is an experienced instructor of communication, mediation and negotiation classes for Mount Royal University and the ADR Institute of Alberta. Read more about Mark . . .

Duman, Dayna

Dayna Duman has enjoyed a variety of roles in her first 18 years of her career as an educator. She has taught a range of age levels and subject areas. These experiences have supported Dayna in leadership roles at the school, area and system level within the Calgary Board of Education. She has also fulfilled the role of Professional Learning Director (South) for the ATA ESL Specialist Council. Read more about Dayna . . .

Goerlitz, Tara-Lee

Tara-Lee became certified as an Emergenetics provider in 2014 when it was first introduced in Canada and received her Advanced Certification in 2015. "I was looking to add a science-based assessment to my toolbox. Emergenetics immediately caught my attention and I haven’t looked back!" Read more about Tara-Lee . . .

Gross, David

David has extensive expertise developing and delivering customized training for corporate clients and post-secondary institutions in Canada, the U.S., Japan and China. Read more about David . . .

Hasan, Murtaza ul

Murtaza is a Business Intelligence Specialist with over 10 years demonstrated experience solving business problems by converting data into visual, useable information. Currently employed at the University of Calgary as a Business Intelligence Specialist, he has developed training materials and trained staff and other learners to use Power BI. Read more about Murtaza . . .

Kolodnicki, Michael

Michael Kolodnicki is an Investment Advisor and Portfolio Manager with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. His experience includes roles as an Investment Executive with TD Waterhouse, an Investment Executive with Scotia McLeod, and a Senior Manager with the international commercial insurance carrier, RSA. Read more about Michael . . .

Labbé, Michele

Michele received her Records and Information Management (RIM) Certificate from Chinook Learning Services in 2002. She has over 25 years of experience working in information and records management for the federal government. Read more about Michele . . .

Lee, Bruce

Bruce is a strategist, speaker, productivity coach and MC. His passion is working with individuals and organizations to enhance their leadership and individual productivity. Read more about Bruce . . .

Malcolm, Carolyn

Over 20 years ago, Carolyn Malcolm decided to take a break from working as an Occupational Therapist and spent time volunteering at her children's school. It was there that she spotted a notice recruiting staff for a braille transcription course taught by two CBE teachers. Read more about Carolyn . . .

Meadows, Heather

Heather Meadows is a soft skills coach and tele-management specialist who has been involved in the communication industry for over 30 years. Her career began as a telephone operator with Telus. Heather’s varied experience includes customer sales, customer service, program development and training in current communication technologies. Read more about Heather . . .

Mohamed, Shamin

Shamin has been facilitating training for Microsoft Office Suite at Chinook Learning Services, post secondary institutions, and private corporations for over 25 years. She has a passion for learning and imparts her knowledge in an interactive, organized, and detail-oriented manner. In addition, she is skilled at balancing time management with her students’ needs to progress through coursework at a reasonable pace. Read more about Shamin . . .

Morison, Trina

In 2014, Trina went back to school and fell in love with teaching Project Management theory and practical courses. She enjoys blending her fun, comedic style with her lessons, keeping classes interactive and engaging. In the fall of 2014, she was asked to judge the PMI-SAC Project of the Year in the IT Project category and has never looked back. Read more about Trina . . .

Muscoby, Starrlyn

With over 16 years experience in computer software and business soft skills training, Starrlyn provides expertise and sound, well-received instruction on MS Office, the Adobe Suite and Corel. Read more about Starrlyn . . .

Parsons, Robin

Robin Parsons is a Certified Professional Facilitator (CPF) and Certified (ToPTM) Facilitator (CTF), who genuinely believes that the world is a better place when participative dialogue happens. She has made it her mission to help groups think clearly so that they can make decisions through the design and facilitation of great dialogue. Read more about Robin . . .

Plesz, Karl

Karl has been providing training for more than 30 years, teaching productivity applications, computer diagnostics, use of various Internet resources, effective listening, and improvisation. His audience has covered the spectrum from absolute beginners to engineers and management. Read more about Karl . . .

Price, Drew

Drew Price taught junior high school in Calgary for 10 years and then began working in training and education. In 1981, he founded his own company, Drew Price Seminars. Drew has taught internationally in 12 countries, including the U.S., Mexico, England, Europe, and the Middle East. Read more about Drew . . .

Readwin, Darlene

Darlene has been a corporate trainer for more than 20 years, developing and customizing courses for the corporate sector as well as for most of Calgary's post-secondary institutions. Read more about Darlene . . .

Reeh, Doug

Doug Reeh has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Accounting and has been a Chartered Accountant since 1982. Doug has a diversified background.  He served in many capacities at the Canada Revenue Agency prior to retiring after 30 years. Read more about Doug . . .

Roberts, Garth

Garth Roberts, Certified Speaking Professional, is an independent thought leader who inspires workshop participants to recogniz e blocks and identify opportunities for growth. Garth’s specialty lies in training participants in the art of simple and effective methods of leading, planning, communicating, and follow-up. Read more about Garth . . .

Sanford, Jennifer

Jennifer Sanford is a writer, communicator, crisis manager, and facilitator. She helps organizations to strengthen their leadership, bolster their strategic planning, critical thinking, and collective strengths, grow their communications abilities, and improve resiliency and self-efficacy. Read more about Jennifer . . .

Saxby, David

David Saxby is a professional speaker, consultant, business coach and sales and marketing strategist. He has gained a reputation as a catalyst to breakthrough strategies for clients across the globe. Read more about David . . .

Shantz-Keresztes, Linda

Linda Shantz-Keresztes holds both a Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Education (Curriculum and Instruction, School Libraries) from the University of Calgary. During Linda’s 30 years of teaching with the Calgary Board of Education, she has been a classroom teacher, teacher-librarian, district school library specialist, Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) teacher-librarian consultant and teacher/ instructor with Chinook Learning Services. Read more about Linda . . .

Sheppard, Tamara

As a corporate training professional, Tamara creates and presents content and activities to help clients reach their learning and development goals. She offers safe, structured, purposeful learning environments that allow participants opportunities to apply new skills, get immediate feedback, share experience, gain knowledge and optimize their time. Read more about Tamara . . .

Silovs, Jim

Jim Silovs earned his B.P.E., J.D., and B.Ed. from the University of Calgary and his LL.M from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. Since 2003, Jim has instructed a variety of law, insurance, management and governance courses for private industry, the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and the Bissett School of Business and the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension at Mount Royal University. Read more about Jim . . .

Stanwick, Annette

Annette brings an extensive background in public speaking. Over the years, she has spoken to thousands of audiences across Canada, the US and Africa. As a speaker, author, facilitator and coach with decades of experience as a health care executive, her speaking has inspired professional associations, leaders, university students, women’s groups, men, faith groups, business groups, community organizations, prison inmates and those in recovery from addiction. Read more about Annette . . .

Toombs, Nancy

Nancy brings decades of diverse communications experience in broadcast journalism and public relations to clients. As a radio and television journalist, anchor and producer Nancy has been behind the microphone and in-front of the camera conducting interviews and producing stories at high speed that compete for attention.
Read more about Nancy . . .

Toews, Helen

Helen Toews has thoroughly enjoyed teaching Business English with Chinook Learning for the last 25 years. Grammar is one of Helen’s passions, and she feels very fortunate to be able to pursue that passion. She has also been teaching a variety of business courses at various business colleges for more than 12 years.
Read more about Helen . . .

Toews, Tom

Tom practised law at a small firm in Southeast Calgary for more than 25 years. The bulk of his practice focussed on Corporate and Commercial Law, and Real Estate Law. Tom holds three degrees from the University of Calgary At the start of his legal career Tom taught part-time in the Business Accounting Program at SAIT.
Read more about Tom . . .

Vouri, Julie

Julie Vouri, an instructor with over 25 years of experience, knows not all people learn the same way. In her workshops, Julie combines the theoretical and practical, science and common sense, and presentations and hands-on applications to engage all learners. Read more about Julie . . .

Wutzke, Ruthanne

Ruthanne has been a practicing human resources professional providing coaching and guidance to business leaders and HR teams for over 15 years in the energy, manufacturing, post secondary and financial sectors. Read more about Ruthanne . . .