Karen Smith

 

Karen Smith (she/her)

Position: English Language Centre Manager

I am the manager of the English Language Centre. I have worked in English Language education for over 30 years. My first teaching job was when I was living in Hong Kong and working as a certified travel agent as my business internship. I fell in love with English Language teaching and went back to Hawaii to complete a degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. Since then, I have worked all over the world and have been a manager for over 20 years. I miss working directly with students, but help students by hiring and supporting great staff and teachers. I have an open door policy on my office - students and staff are always welcome to stop in for a visit or to express concerns or ideas.

 

Quentin Boehr

 

Quentin Boehr (he/him)

Position: Academic Coordinator

I enjoy working with our incredibly talented group of instructors who provide quality education and care to our students. I am passionate about providing our students with the best English education experience possible. There is nothing better than watching our instructors and staff help our students succeed in the classroom and outside of it.

 

Tammy Carmichael (she/her)

Position: Program Assistant

Hi there! I have an administrative background in government and non-profit and am looking forward to the challenge of working at the College. I am excited to join the staff and faculty of LCC to support students as they work towards their goals and fulfilling their dreams.

 

Aiko Kostersky (she/her)

Position: Program Assistant

I handle various tasks, ranging from administration to media marketing, as well as assisting students in becoming familiar with our systems while offering support in any needed areas.
Since the majority of our learning content is online based, one of my crucial roles is to help students enhance their digital literacy. 

Having lived in four different countries and studied two foreign languages, I truly understand the challenges and struggles that newcomers may encounter. It is an honor to be part of this excellent program and assist students in achieving their goal of learning English.

Herb Claxton

 

Herbert Claxton (he/him)

Position: Instructor

Learning a new language helps us to express ourselves in new ways, make new friends, and build up our community. I’m proud to be part of the team of the English Language Centre that supports students as they pursue their language learning goals and chart a path for their future.

 

Andrew Derksen (he/him)

Position: Instructor

I'm a proud girl dad and word nerd. When teaching English language learners, I try to create a safe and trusting environment where learners can share experiences and take ownership of their learning process. In turn, I'm grateful to learn from the richly diverse students who each share parts of their unique experiences.

 

Amanda Fontaine (she/her)

Position: Instructor

Hello! My name is Amanda, and I am excited to be joining the wonderful community of instructors and learners at the ELC. As an instructor, I strive to ensure that the classroom is a safe, welcoming and adaptable environment for learners to work towards their language goals.

Susanne Gonsalvez

Susanna Gonsalvez (she/her)

Position: Instructor

Hello! I am Susanna. I am proud to be part of this incredible team where students are the heart of all teaching and learning. Our greatest happiness is to see all our students succeed and settle well in Canada. In your journey, our role is to care, support and help you attain your goals in the classroom and in your community.

Andrew Kereliuk

 

Andrew Kereliuk (he/him)

Position: Instructor

Hello! My name is Andrew Kereliuk. My pedagogy, when it comes to teaching, is creating a safe, caring, and supportive environment for my students. By achieving this, students can then flourish and focus on developing their skills and abilities in the English language.

 

 

Anastasiia Troian  (she/her)

Position: Instructor

Hi! I’m Anastasiia. I’m so honoured to be part of students’ learning journey and help them cope with language challenges. It requires extreme courage and strength to move to a new country and get used to a new culture. That’s why my primary goal is to create a welcoming environment for students to thrive in learning English and succeed in their new life in Canada. 

 

Mary Koehn (she/her)

Position: Instructor

I am excited to join the supportive team here at Lethbridge College. With a strong belief in respect, inclusivity, relationship-building, and engagement, I strive to create a rewarding learning experience for my students. Seeing students learn and grow together as they reach their educational goals is the best part of teaching!

 

 

Jördis Weilandt (she/her)

Position: Instructor

Oki, kitsiksimatsimohpowa! I happily greet you all. I am an East German woman (she/ her) residing in Sikoohkotooki who loves to teach (about) plants and languages. Being a language learner myself (currently Blackfoot and French), I think I can relate to the joys and challenges learning can present. If you are my student, you know that I take a human approach to get know and support you in the best ways I can. My teaching is informed by principles of social justice and equal access/opportunities for all.

 

 

Alison Kroeker

Position: Student Registration and Withdrawal Specialist

Greetings! I'm Alison and I am thrilled to join the team at the ELC. I come with a background of assisting newcomers to Canada in navigating education and career pathways and am eager to be part of the student’s educational journey here. I am honoured to be a part of a team that offers support to the students on their English language learning journey, ensuring a rich and supportive experience for all.

 

 

Mohammad Saleh Aldabak

Position: LINC Educational Assistant

Hello, I’m Mohammad. Through my travels to many countries and learning some foreign languages, I have gained many skills, such as dealing with diverse populations and building new relationships quickly. So, I am proud to pass on some of what I have learned to my fellow students in-person and virtually through my position as a LINC Evening Course Assistant. I, also, facilitate computer training skills to those who might face difficulties navigating technology in their studies.
 

 

 

Olga Klymenko

Position: Instructor

Teaching English has been my passion for almost 30 years. As an English instructor in Ukraine, Sweden, Spain, and the Seychelles, I have always wondered at the interplay of skills and experiences coming with learning English as an additional language. Now, having joined the most professional and dedicated team at ELC, I am amazed to see how language instruction contributes to the positive experience of living in a new country, accommodating the needs and challenges of the newcomers in Canada.  Just grateful and happy to be part of this process.  

 

 

Razel Ventura

Position: Instructor

Hi! I'm Razel, a lifelong learner. Having lived in four countries, I have worked with learners from diverse levels, cultures, and backgrounds. I am always open to new experiences and approaches to learning. As an educator, I am dedicated to meeting my students at their current level. I strive to empower them to take charge of their own learning. I am happy to be part of the Lethbridge College English Language Center where our team is committed to helping students achieve their learning goals.
 

 

 

Tara Harding

Position: Instructor

I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the English Language Centre team at Lethbridge College. Working as an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor has enriched my life as I have interacted with individuals from all parts of the world. As I learn more about my students and their needs, I am able to better understand my role and responsibility as a facilitator of the ESL classroom. I am proud to say that I work diligently to help create a classroom for my students that includes a supportive and encouraging environment where we all work towards the common goal of being successful in improving our English skills.