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Lethbridge Polytechnic celebrates alumni award recipients
Distinguished Alumni • Darryl Jarina
Darryl Jarina (Renewable Resource Management 1999) grew up in Sparwood, B.C., hunting, fishing and exploring the Elk Valley. After graduating from Lethbridge Polytechnic, he earned a bachelor of science degree in zoology from the University of Calgary. Darryl began his career with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development as a wildlife biologist in 2006 before establishing Bear Tracks Environmental later that year. In the past 20 years, his firm has grown to 25 full-time employees, guided by responsible consulting and the long-standing relationships he considers the backbone of success.
Career Virtuoso • David Muryn
David Muryn’s (Business Administration – Accounting 1999) journey from student-athlete to regional leader reflects his dedication, discipline and community commitment. Raised in Medicine Hat, he came to Lethbridge to pursue baseball and academics at the Prairie Baseball Academy and polytechnic. He later earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Wayne State College. Joining MNP in Lethbridge in 2001, David earned his Chartered Accountant designation a few years later, became partner in 2009 and regional managing partner in 2020. He continues coaching youth baseball, mentoring young athletes in the community.
Community Leader • Tristin Mercer
Tristin Mercer (Business Administration – Management 2011) is a community builder, advocate and co-founder of a charitable organization whose work has redefined what support looks like for southern Alberta families facing childhood cancer. After graduating from Lethbridge Polytechnic, Tristin continued her studies at the University of Lethbridge and has spent the past 16 years with ATB Financial. After the tragic loss of her young daughter to a malignant rhabdoid tumour, Tristin, alongside her husband, established Kinley’s Quest Foundation. The organization is dedicated to ending pediatric cancer and empowering affected families through awareness, research funding and compassionate support.
Rising Star • Ivan Djomegni
Ivan Djomegni’s (Computer Information Technology 2019) journey into technology began in Yaoundé, Cameroon with the computers in his mother’s cyber café. After moving to Canada to study at Lethbridge Polytechnic, he transformed curiosity into a career. Ivan began his professional journey as a programmer before steadily advancing into leadership roles focused on cloud architecture and digital transformation. Today, he serves as a cloud solutions architect and senior DevOps engineer. Ivan also mentors students through initiatives including the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program.
Leading innovation in health care
Tyler Tamayose
General Arts and Science 2008
Tyler is the founder and president of Banyan Strategies Inc., a boutique consultancy helping modernize health and life-sciences across Canada.
From his days as a student-athlete, Tyler has carried forward the lessons of adaptability and resilience into a 20-year career in health care. He has worked in a variety of areas, including hospital operations, primary care, digital health, quality improvement, innovation and boardroom strategy.
Through Banyan Strategies Inc., he has helped governments, health systems, universities and startups turn bold ideas into real change, leading one of Canada’s largest clinical information systems through multiple launches, supporting one of Alberta’s busiest hospitals through the pandemic response and mentoring more than 100 health startup founders.
Today, Tyler also serves as a board member and strategic advisor for the Glenrose Hospital Foundation, Health Cities, the Canadian College of Health Leaders and the Canadian Rural Community Wellness Institute, and he has previously supported Special Olympics Alberta and the Canadian Cancer Society.
“Since [my time as a student-athlete], I’ve put my hand up for some of the hardest initiatives, challenges and projects in health care,” he says. “Launching my own consultancy, Banyan Strategies, and being named to Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 are big milestones, but they’re built on lessons I first learned during those formative years at Lethbridge Polytechnic. That’s where I found my footing. And I’m still building from there.”
Building a career in criminal law
Brittany Hnatiuk
Bachelor of Criminal Justice 2021, Correctional Studies 2019
During her undergraduate years, Brittany worked as a full-time legal assistant with Connolly Shurtz Law in Lethbridge, where she gained firsthand experience in the complex world of criminal defence law. Working closely with seasoned defence lawyers, she immersed herself in court proceedings, case preparation and the essential elements of legal advocacy.
Her quest for knowledge led her to enrol in Law School at Bond University, a prestigious Australian University. Despite the global pandemic shifting her studies online, she balanced her educational commitments with a full-time role at Connolly Shurtz Law. Relocating to Australia for her final year, she dedicated herself to part-time work and volunteered extensively in law clinics, gaining invaluable insights into family and civil law. In August 2023, Brittany graduated from the juris doctor program with a class 2 distinction.
Upon her return from Australia, she continued her career at Connolly Shurtz Law, working as a traffic agent before commencing her articles in August 2024. She was called to the bar in September 2025 and is now an associate lawyer at Connolly Shurtz Law, where she practices criminal defence.
Brittany’s former instructors, Dr. Ibrahim Turay, Gord Ryall and Aaron Eyjolfson all attended her bar call ceremony.
2025
Grace Dingreville
Medical Device Reprocessing
Grace is orientating as a surgical processor at Lethbridge’s Chinook Regional Hospital. She says she is “so excited for this career and the journey it’ll take me on!”
Ashley Ford
Educational Assistant
Ashley got a job with Edmonton Public Schools. She says, “I know I have worked extremely hard to get to this point in time, but I am so happy to be done with homework!”
Devina Nagewadia
Interior Design Technology
Devina says, “Currently I’m working as an architectural technician, but I’m hoping to continue gaining knowledge in the interior design industry through ongoing e-learning and practical experience. I also hope to gain further knowledge on sustainable practices to help better the world of design for both humans and the environment.”
Alyssa Sinclair
Renewable Resource Management
Alyssa is working for the Government of Alberta in the Environment and Protected Areas department.
Brock Strate
Digital Communications and Media
Brock says, “I became a freelance photographer in the automotive industry. I take photos at racing events, car meets and for private interests.” See Brock’s photos at www.thebrocklens.pixieset.com.
2024
Melissa Duggan
General Arts and Science, Child and Youth Care 2023
Melissa says she is “working at a groundbreaking online school that puts mental wellness at the forefront of learning – Ignite Centre for E-Learning.”
Kariza Manychief
Business Administration – Management
Kariza shared her journey as an entrepreneur on Episode 56 of the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast late last year. The founder of Night Owl Games spoke about the power of creating educational resources for language revitalization and cultural preservation. She also explored the richness of Blackfoot culture, the importance of building strong support networks and her vision for the future of language-based games. Visit www.powwowpitch.org to listen to the episode.
Gavin McKinnon
Renewable Resource Management
Gavin is the director and tour leader at Meadowlark Birding Tours in Calgary. He recently published a new guidebook, A Field Guide to the Birds of Alberta, which can be purchased through the Meadowlark Birding Tours website.
2023
Janell Lewis
Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice – Policing 2021
Janell is a full-time non-presiding justice of the peace/senior judicial clerk in the Alberta Court of Justice Criminal Division. She says, “the program I took at Lethbridge Polytechnic, formerly Lethbridge College, set me up to be very successful in my career. I highly recommend taking the Justice Studies program.”
2022
Cassy Schultz
Criminal Justice – Policing
Cassy is working for the Ministry of Social Services in Saskatchewan and is enrolled in the master of public administration program at the University of Saskatchewan.
2021
Ashley Bodell
Culinary Careers
Ashley is working the early morning shift in the cafeteria at Southland Trailers in Lethbridge.
Cole Filatoff
Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Correctional Studies 2014
Cole is a correctional peace officer with the Calgary Youth Attendance Centre. He assists with surveillance of youth on probation orders and helps youth complete their community service hours. He is also a community peace officer with Alberta Health Services, specifically helping adults reintegrate into the community after being in psychiatry hospital units.
2020
Brianna Fowlow
Criminal Justice – Policing
After graduation, Brianna completed her bachelor of arts degree in justice studies at Royal Roads University, earning the President’s Scholar Award in 2022. She spent four years supporting specialized federal Royal Canadian Mounted Police files, volunteered with Foothills Victim Services and even took time to travel through Europe.
Now, she is pursuing her juris doctor at the University of Alberta while volunteering with the Women’s Law Forum Sexual Assault Awareness Committee and Student Legal Services (Criminal and Emergency Protection Order divisions) as she continues to learn, serve and advocate for her community.
Brianna says the polytechnic’s Criminal Justice program gave her the confidence and foundation she needed to pursue her goals in law.
“I always felt supported by faculty and classmates who genuinely cared about my success,” she says. “This program shaped both my career path and who I am today.”
Brianna also stays connected to the next generation of polytechnic Criminal Justice students as a project mentor.
2019
Lucas Barsi
Criminal Justice – Policing
After graduation, Lucas completed his bachelor of arts degree in justice studies at Royal Roads University, where he was recognized as a President’s Scholar. He then received the Law Foundation of Nova Scotia scholarship to attend the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, where he earned his juris doctor and worked as a research assistant with professors Robert Currie and Dr. Stephen Coughlan on criminal and international law.
Lucas is studying at Leiden University in the Netherlands, completing an advanced master of laws degree in public international law with an international criminal law specialization. He also continues to pursue his passion for research, working with Dr. Cecily Rose as a research assistant.
Karen De Leon Ortega
Child and Youth Care
Karen is working at Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association as the people and program co-ordinator.
Amanda Roth
Practical Nurse
Amanda is living in Cold Lake, Alta. and works in the rural hospital at full scope within medical-surgical, emergency room, endoscopy and day surgery. She also works for a not-forprofit organization recovery program for individuals recovering from substances, specializing in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and substance use while pregnant.
2017
Ryley O’Connor
Civil Engineering Technology
Ryley was named one of Rock to Road magazine’s Top 10 under 40 winners for 2025. The list celebrates individuals who are making waves across the aggregates and roadbuilding industry. Ryley, from Whitehorse, Yukon, began working for Castle Rock Enterprise (CRE) as a teenager during summer breaks – a business his father and grandfather founded in 1995. Ryley told Rock to Road, “Construction has always been a big part of our family. My dad inspired me to pursue this path. I grew up watching the work ethic, pride and dedication it takes to build something lasting, and I knew early on that I wanted to be part ofit.” Ryley is currently the CRE quarry and land treatment facility manager.
2016
Caylee Vogel
Business Administration – General Business, Exercise Science 2014
Caylee is a sessional instructor at Lethbridge Polytechnic and manager of the Be Fit for Life Centre on campus.
Meagan Williams
Digital Communications and Media
Meagan tells the Alumni office: “Since graduating in 2016, I’ve had the privilege of working for some fantastic organizations like TSN, CTV (Bell Media) and the University of Lethbridge. Ultimately, public service was where I found my passion, and I’ve now been working for the City of Lethbridge for the past seven-plus years. I love getting to work for the community my family and I call home. Getting the opportunity to earn the trust, respect and confidence of my friends, family and neighbours every day is the biggest privilege and one I take great pride in.”
2015
Alyssa Borix
Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism, Communication Arts – Advertising and Public Relations 2013
Over the past decade, Alyssa has built a career in communications and event management, and she is currently working at Red Deer Polytechnic as a communications and events specialist. Her role focuses on planning and delivering major institutional events, developing clear and audience-focused communications and supporting cross-campus initiatives. Alyssa has also expanded into strategic marketing work and project management, which she says has helped her take on more complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
Anthony Eagles
Conservation Enforcement, Natural Resource Compliance 2014
After graduation, Anthony was hired by the B.C. Conservation Officer Service. He has served nine years with the agency.
2014
Melissa Turner
Communication Arts – Print Journalism
Melissa is currently the director of Community Relations for the Town of Coalhurst. Covering corporate communications, media relations, event planning and council meetings, she enjoys every aspect of municipal work, especially getting to know community members and volunteers.
2013
Tarryn Forai
Welder Apprentice
The welder and metal artist was featured in the fall 2025 issue of WELD Magazine – the leading Canadian technical welding magazine in the industry. The profile article entitled “Where Steel Meets Soul: Tarryn Forai’s Journey in Metal Art” highlights her path from a childhood shaped equally by artists and tradespeople to her career today as a Red Seal welder and metal artist based in the Crowsnest Pass.
2012
Kirsten McLevin
Business Administration – Accounting
Kirsten began her accounting career in 2016 when she joined OK Tire in Edmonton as an accounts payable administrator. She says working within a three-store operation introduced her to inter-company accounting and sparked a passion for solving complex financial challenges. In 2019, she joined Taurus Projects Group in Fort Saskatchewan as an accounting administrator, and she was promoted to financial controller in 2023. Following Taurus Group’s acquisition by an American company, the Bartlett Group, in 2025, Kirsten was named senior accounting manager of Bartlett Group Canada.
Jurrai Nadeau
Criminal Justice – Policing
Jurrai says, “I work with the Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Correction, Policing and Public Safety. I am a team lead in the Community Corrections office in Prince Albert, Sask. within the Custody, Supervision and Rehabilitation Division.”
2010
Blair Livingston
Environmental Assessment and Restoration
Blair worked as an environmental consultant for 10 years in Alberta and is now an environmental advisor for The Miller Group in Ontario.
2008
Collin Smith
Computer Information Technology
Collin is working for Parks Canada as the IT system administrator for Waterton Lakes National Park.
2006
Tonya Woolford
Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism
Tonya’s post-graduation career began in local radio, where she worked for several years before moving into the non-profit sector as executive director of the Lethbridge Food Bank and later, outside sales with Digitex and Xerox Canada. In January, she joined Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Marketing, Communications and External Engagement team as a development officer. Tonya says she is excited for her new chapter at the polytechnic and credits her natural curiosity and “unnatural lack of fear of trying new things and talking to anyone” for shaping her career path and relationships in the community. She has two grown children (and one grand pup named Harry), as well as two dogs and four chickens of her own.
2005
Joe McFarland
Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism
Joe was named the recipient of the 2025 Bob Elliott Media Recognition Award by Baseball Canada in December, which recognizes outstanding contributions to Canadian baseball storytelling. Through Alberta Dugout Stories and AlbertaDugout Stories: The Podcast – platforms he co-founded with business partner Ian Wilson – Joe has built a reputation for in-depth, grassroots coverage of the game across Alberta and Western Canada. In announcing the award, Baseball Canada praised Joe’s ability to shine a spotlight on players, teams and communities often underrepresented in mainstream sports media, with stories spanning amateur leagues, collegiate baseball, the Western Canadian Baseball League and the province’s growing female baseball scene.
2003
Barry Gergel
Computer Information Technology
Barry is a senior product manager at Curtiss-Wright | Farris Engineering Services, which develops engineering software related to pressure relief systems. He has been with the company since 2012.
Ryan Tunall
Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism
Ryan is co-owner and operator of the Burki Tunall Real Estate Team at INITIA Real Estate. He is also the community development co-ordinator at United Way Lethbridge & South Western Alberta.
James Witbeck
Nursing
James shared this update with our Alumni office: “I am still an RN over 22 years later and have worked for all of my career in southern Alberta. I work at the Chinook Primary Care Network here in Lethbridge. Primary care is the largest part of our health-care system and as our health-care system undergoes some significant changes, we hope this is more recognized and supported. Five of six people in my family are alumni from [Lethbridge Polytechnic] – myself, two nurses, a master’s student at the [University of Lethbridge] in neuroscience and a graphic designer. I’m quite a proud papa.”
2001
Shannon Koller
Office Administration
Shannon says, “I have the best days ever working with Grade 6, 7 and 8 students at Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School!”
1998
Sharon Lawson
Information Specialist
After graduation, Sharon spent 11 years in the Advancement Office at [Lethbridge Polytechnic], supporting the fundraising group, before making the move over to the University of Lethbridge. She has been in the Dean’s Office in the Faculty of Health Sciences ever since and is looking forward to retiring in the next year or two.
1989
Wanda Luchia
Recreation Management
Wanda says she is “happily retired” from the City of Calgary’s Parks and Recreation department.
Mark Miyanaga
Agricultural Technology – General Agriculture
Mark says he continues to work on the farm with his two cousins. They grow processing potatoes, sweet corn and grains. He is also a public member of the Irrigation Council of Alberta.
1988
Dawn Sugimoto
Communication Arts
Dawn shared this update with the Alumni team: “I retired from Lethbridge Polytechnic after nearly eight years on the Marketing, Communications and Web Services team. I had a great career, including 20 years at the Lethbridge Herald where I served as managing editor, communications for a K-12 school system, and then coming full circle to Lethbridge Polytechnic, where I wrapped up my time as Communications manager. At every stop, I worked with great people and had a lot of laughs. My days as a full-time employee are over but I’m still likely to find other projects. I serve as president of the Lethbridge and District Japanese Garden Society and volunteer at the Lethbridge and District Humane Society. There is always something to do!”
1984
Maureen Buday
Rehabilitation Services
Maureen says, “After graduating from LCC, I worked as an educational assistant for 20 years in the Prairie Rose School Division. While working, I obtained a degree through Athabasca University. I then continued my education at Medicine Hat College and received an education degree (U of A). Presently, I teach in the Prairie Rose School Division.”
1967
Terry Grover
Merchandise Administration
In the second year of his program, Terry says he landed an evening and weekend job with local radio station 1090 CHEC AM, which also operated 100.9 FM. He also completed 90 hours of work experience at the Lethbridge Herald.
He shares with the Alumni office, “Someone at the Herald gave me an official-looking press card sticker which I proudly stuck to the lower left of my car front window. I was always in a hurry to make class and the card worked well enough, allowing me to use visitor parking. Then a commissionaire saw me park, leave the car and run up the back stairs to a second-floor classroom, and as they say, the jig was up.”
Terry worked at two other radio and TV stations before moving into telecom in 1974. That career took him to SAIT, NAIT and Athabasca University in addition to workplaces across Canada and in 37 U.S. states. He also got married, raised a family of three and retired in 2002.
