Lethbridge Polytechnic recognizes and celebrates employees whose work inspires others and creates improvements to lifelong learning, service and innovation, and leadership and creating community with the presentation of our annual Employee Excellence Award. This year’s award program included the opportunity to nominate groups and teams for the first time. The individual and group recipients will be recognized at Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Employee Recognition Event on Feb. 27.
Leadership and Creating Community – Excellence
When it comes to people who create a positive culture and sense of community through their day-to-day actions, look no further than Dana Woodward. Not only is he a key member of the Marketing, Communications, Alumni and Engagement team, he is a leader across campus as he works with every department to ensure the Lethbridge Polytechnic branding is clear, consistent and cohesive. Dana has worked at the polytechnic for five years and leads an exceptional team of designers who foster relationships across campus.
Last year Dana took on the challenging task of designing a new logo for the polytechnic, working countless hours to incorporate feedback from hundreds of students, employees, alumni and community partners. In the end he created a beautiful symbol of who, where and what we are as Lethbridge Polytechnic. He also shares his expertise at the polytechnic and beyond. In October 2022, Dana joined former Wider Horizons editor Lisa Kozleski to present at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education at the Conference for Community College Advancement.
“Dana is absolutely the dictionary definition of leadership and creating community,” says one of his colleagues. “His knowledge, willingness to always dive into a vision and his ability to always keep the big picture in mind is unmatched. His ability to be the calm in the storm is a characteristic that only brings credibility, empowerment and the willingness to commit to success from everyone he works with. He leads by example and the polytechnic is a better place with him here.”
When asked to describe Dana, his colleagues summed it up in three words: “meticulous, personable and unflappable.”
Dana has called Lethbridge home since 2010 and in addition to art and design, he loves to spend his time travelling, camping and connecting with friends and family.
Lifelong Learning – Excellence
As a learning experience designer, Donna McLaughlin uses her knowledge and skills to support faculty and student learning while leading and empowering her colleagues.
Donna has worked at Lethbridge Polytechnic in the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Innovation (CTLI) for six years, having worked several contract positions within the centre in addition to teaching English for two summers with the institution’s Explore program. A lifelong learner, Donna is a champion for facilitating learning opportunities for others. She is the facilitator for the Niitsitapi Proficiency microcredential, which supports learning environments to develop cultural competency through focused Indigenous cultural awareness training, and the Diversity in Higher Education course as part of the polytechnic’s Instructor Certification Program. Donna is also the lead host and developer of CTLI’s Teaching and Learning Podcast which boasts 62 episodes over four seasons with more than 7,000 downloads.
“Donna has consistently demonstrated a passion for learning and commitment to personal and professional growth,” says one of her colleagues. “She embodies our team’s values of creating innovative, inclusive and impactful learning experiences for students and faculty. Her enthusiasm inspires our team members and colleagues to pursue similar learning opportunities.”
Since receiving her Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s University in 1991, she has continued to build her knowledge and skills. Donna has a diploma in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Education with great distinction in career and technology studies, a Teaching Second Language certificate, and a Master of Education with a specialization in Indigenous education. However, her passion for learning doesn’t stop at work. She enjoys many activities with her Belgian Malinois, Taboo, with whom she competes in dog agility events around the world.
Leadership and Creating Community – Strong Start
Jeannie Persin embodies the core values of respect, dignity, compassion, integrity and connection, and demonstrates them in everything she does. Although Jeannie has only been at Lethbridge Polytechnic for two years, she has quickly become a vital team member in the Simulation Hub in the Centre for Health and Wellness. This past year Jeannie took on several new roles outside of her job to accomplish international accreditation for the Simulation Hub, including learning and mentoring her team on new systems and taking charge of onboarding and managing the Student Crew, Community Crew and Kids Crew Peer Connection and Leadership volunteer initiative.
“Her methodical organization, creative problem solving and ability to authentically connect with everyone makes her the glue of our team,” says one of her colleagues. “She inspires everyone around her through her boundless creativity, solution-focused mindset and courage to embrace challenges with unwavering optimism. Whether addressing complex situations or supporting everyday tasks, her proactive approach motivates others to strive for excellence.”
After watching a pediatric Blackfoot simulation involving the storytelling of several Blackfoot Confederacy members, Jeannie gleaned from their learning and helped weave their values into her workspace to create a psychologically safe and inclusive environment. Jeannie says this has been “hands down, my favourite job ever,” adding that she loves every minute with her coworkers. She looks forward to the summer when her and her husband will embark on two adventures with their new motorhome. She enjoys painting, gardening and crafts and enjoying all the time spent with her three children and two granddaughters.
Service and Innovation – Excellence
Karla Dinesen is an experienced nurse who has excelled as an instructor as she teaches and mentors future nurses. She is continually seeking ways to be innovative in adapting theory and lab experience to reflect her students’ future workplaces. Karla has worked at Lethbridge Polytechnic since 2010 and throughout that time has taught theory classes, conducted nursing lab sessions and supervised students during their clinical practice in several hospital units.
Karla was integral in developing pediatric scenarios for the Simulation Hub and consistently brings technology into the learning environment to enhance student learning. She has developed support videos that assist students preparing for clinicals and has volunteered to be the virtual reality (VR) representative for the Practical Nurse program, helping to incorporate a more patient-focused approach. Whether it’s through her development of new processes that streamline course management or her work in reducing barriers for students by integrating resources, Karla has proven to be an invaluable asset to her team.
“Karla’s innovative spirit is most evident in her continuous efforts to enhance our program’s use of technology and content delivery,” says one of her colleagues. “She consistently looks for new ways to engage students through creative assignments that not only foster learning but also inspire curiosity and excitement. Her ability to adapt and implement cutting-edge tools has significantly improved the learning experience for our students, making education more interactive and accessible.”
Her colleagues describe Karla as a trusted friend and mentor with an infectious warm and nurturing personality. Karla spends her free time in her vegetable garden, cooking and canning food, and spending time with her family and friends along with her dog, horses and cats.
Lifelong Learning - Excellence
Robyn Marriott is a natural mentor who lifts others without the need for recognition or acknowledgement. Robyn began teaching on the Lethbridge Polytechnic campus in the early 2000s as a NAIT instructor with the Emergency Medical Technician program and was at the forefront of building the institution’s own Primary Care Paramedic program. Robyn has been teaching for Lethbridge Polytechnic since 2024 and jumped right into the tremendous undertaking of the accreditation process for this program.
Robyn’s commitment to learning is evident by her two bachelor's degrees, Advanced Care Paramedic designation and Emergency Medical Technician certificate. She has a goal to complete her master’s degree in the next few years. Robyn dove into the Alberta College of Paramedics’ vision for the new proposed curriculum development and has spent hours researching and understanding the licensing exams and licensing bodies in depth.
“Robyn’s career exemplifies excellence, innovation and dedication, making her an outstanding candidate for this honour,” says one of her colleagues. “Her innovation in teaching and mentorship have left a lasting impact on her students and peers and her continuous pursuit of knowledge is evident.”
Her colleagues add that one of Robyn’s greatest strengths is her ability to mentor and encourage others. She has dedicated her life to serving the public as a paramedic and through educating and inspiring many generations of students. Whenever she gets the chance, Robyn spends her free time horseback riding and hiking.
Leadership and Creating Community - Excellence
Ryan Robinson has a remarkable ability to inspire those around him through his exceptional vision, creativity and commitment to quality. He plays a pivotal role in supporting the professional development of others at Lethbridge Polytechnic by creating a comprehensive library of high-quality videos that enhance faculty training across multiple programs in the Centre for Health and Wellness. Ryan has worked at Lethbridge Polytechnic for 15 years and throughout that time has embodied what it means to be an ambassador of the institution through his dedication, efficiency, kindness and sense of humour.
Ryan’s work in creating simulation videos not only supported the successful accreditation of the Primary Care Paramedic program, but it also earned him praise from the International Society of Simulation in Healthcare accreditation team who highlighted his work as one of the four institutional strengths in their report.
“Ryan’s work exemplifies respect and compassion, specifically in capturing scenarios that highlight diversity, equity and inclusion,” say his colleagues. “These recordings provided a platform to honour the lived experiences of our diverse participants and were instrumental in helping accreditors and viewers understand the importance of equity and inclusion in our programs.”
His colleagues say his ability to make others feel at ease in front of a camera has a profound impact on the quality of videos he’s produced, which have laid a strong foundation for future accreditations across multiple programs in the Centre for Health and Wellness. Ryan says most of his time off campus is spent driving his children to various sporting activities, reading mystery novels and creating a collection of GIFs and memes.
Service and Innovation – Strong Start
Ashley Cesar, chair, Allied Health
Tanner Epp, instructor, Primary Care Paramedic
Deb Brandon, instructor, Primary Care Paramedic
Robyn Marriott, chair and instructor, Primary Care Paramedic program
Martina Van Pelt, instructor, Simulation Hub
Laura Epp, program assistant, Centre for Health and Wellness
Frederick Manaloto, simulation specialist
Deanna Gonnelly, associate dean, Centre for Health and Wellness
Deb Bardock, dean, Centre for Health and Wellness
The tremendous amount of work to plan, negotiate, build and achieve accreditation for Lethbridge Polytechnic’s own Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program could not have been accomplished without the contributions and teamwork of these individuals in the Centre for Health and Wellness.
Robyn Marriott spearheaded the curriculum development and ensured the staffing model aligned with best practice and evidence-informed education delivery alongside Tanner Epp, who showcased the institution’s readiness to support a PCP program while conducting a comprehensive assessment of program capacity, supply inventory and evergreening plans to sustain long-term program delivery.
Martina Van Pelt developed simulation-based curriculum components, ensuring practical scenarios accurately integrated real-world practise scenarios. Frederick Manaloto led tthe effort to create a detailed long-term plan for program supplies, managing inventory to ensure sufficient resources were available to implement and sustain the program.
Deanna Gonnelly and Deb Bardock offered high-level strategic leadership throughout the process of transitioning to an independently operated PCP program. Deanna worked closely with approval bodies to ensure compliance and played a critical role in budget development, while Deb presented program plans to senior leadership and partners and liaised with approval bodies to ensure budgeting and staffing models aligned with institutional priorities and operational needs.
Deb Brandon established connections with partners for practicum placements and played an instrumental role in curriculum planning. Laura Epp provided administrative support throughout the process, keeping the team connected with fluid communication and finding creative ways to connect with new instructors. Ashley Cesar facilitated the program delivery of the program during the polytechnic’s collaboration with NAIT and acted as a liaison to ensure the program met provincial standards while addressing student and operational needs.
“This program is paramount to serving our community in a deep and meaningful way,” reads the nomination letter for this team. “This program has demonstrated it is powerful and committed to building a reputation that attracts high-quality students who will lead and transform our education and health care in ways we have not yet imagined.”
Leadership and Creating Community - Excellence
Tanner Marcer, events and communications co-ordinator, Lethbridge Polytechnic Students’ Association
Silvana Campus, integrated support specialist, Accessibility Services
Donna McLaughlin, learning experience designer, Centre for Teaching, Learning and Innovation
Dawn Sugimoto, Communications manager, Marketing, Comms, Alumni and Engagement
The Government of Alberta officially recognized February as Black History Month in 2017 and the Black History Month committee was formed at the polytechnic around the same time. Tanner Marcer, Silvana Campus, Donna McLaughlin and Dawn Sugimoto have all played a vital role in promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.
Tanner played a key role in establishing the committee and under his leadership the group has encouraged and motivated students of African descent to learn about the importance of Black History Month and participate in the planning and executing events to commemorate the month on campus. Dawn joined the committee in 2018 and has dedicated time to informing the polytechnic community about the planned events and keeps ideas organized right from the early stages of brainstorming.
Silvana joined the committee in 2021 and has made significant contributions in planning the celebration, including a variety of organizing and administrative tasks. Donna has had an impact by providing a platform for faculty and students of African descent to share their experiences on the Teaching and Learning Podcast.
“These members have consistently demonstrated great respect towards employees and students of African descent and given a platform for the increasingly diverse learning community at Lethbridge Polytechnic,” reads the nomination letter for the committee. “Through their work they have elevated the educational experience at the polytechnic and have significantly contributed to the broader discourse on diversity and inclusion in academia.”
Service and Innovation – Excellence
Marketing, Communications, Alumni and Engagement
Information Technology Services
The Information Technology Services (ITS) and Marketing, Communications, Alumni and Engagement (MCAE) teams have displayed outstanding enthusiasm, flexibility and creativity during the transition from Lethbridge College to Lethbridge Polytechnic. Despite having a short timeline, these teams approached the challenge with a positive and proactive attitude. For example, they co-ordinated a campus-wide rebranding initiative within a few short weeks, working seamlessly across departments to develop creative solutions that ensured the brand’s integrity was maintained and launched effectively.
For ITS, the number of critical components for a digital changeover was a significant task that required strong communication and collaboration with external parties who would need time to execute their internal processes. The team went above and beyond to ensure all students and employees continued to have access to the systems they needed. The ITS team worked tirelessly to update the back-end systems and ensure all student and employee portals, email addresses and network infrastructure reflected the new name and brand.
The MCAE team ensured the success of the transition to Lethbridge Polytechnic along with the design and launch of the new logo. The team engaged our internal and external community to create a logo that would exemplify this next chapter in the polytechnic’s history. The team took care to communicate our story and evolution as an institution and the story we tell to describe our logo is something this team should be very proud of.
The work of these teams not only involved rebranding but also integrating that new identity into the academic environment, which was crucial to maintaining the continuity of the polytechnic’s programs. Their ability to adapt and meet the needs of our academic community on such short notice speaks to their resourcefulness and innovation.