Current Board Members
Christina P. Ed.D. – President
I am an adult learning specialist, experienced educator, adult learning researcher, and proven leader in educational administration. I have been working in correctional education since 1999. My professional experience includes various non-profit organizations and over 24 years in postsecondary education. My broad area of research explores the effects of transformational learning and self-perception in adults as they adapt to and adopt change later in life. I am currently researching the impact of technology-assisted literacy and language learning in incarcerated adults and the effects of policing and crime prevention education programs on youth.
Cynthia C. – Vice President
Hi! I’m Cynthia and I have been a correctional educator for 1 year now at the Willow Cree Healing Lodge in Duck Lake Saskatchewan. Over the years I have taken on various roles at different security levels with Correctional Services Canada but my passion for teaching always brings me back to the classroom. I have taught in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan on reserve and off reserve. I have always been interested in working with individuals that have intellectual disabilities, which led me to study and work as a behavioural specialist. While working full-time I earned my IABA certification from the United States. While working in this field of study for over 10 years I travelled all over Saskatchewan training both governmental and nongovernmental agencies how to work with these individuals in a non-restrictive approach. I’ve found that the experiences I have and the training I have received has given me the tools I need to work with the individuals that I now serve, and it gives me the hope that I can see even one person that I work with succeed.
Nicole P. – Immediate Past President
I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies at MacEwan University, and a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. My research focus is on the role of education and learning in the criminal justice system. I have over a decade of experience working in Canadian prison education programs as a teacher and administrator.
Olivia S. – Treasurer
I have worked in post-secondary/adult education with Mount Royal University for the last 17 years and transitioned into teaching in correctional education at the end of 2020. I currently teach an Employment Preparation course at the Calgary Correctional Centre in Calgary, Alberta. I believe that employment education is important because having meaningful work helps create an integral part of our identity.
Ashley O. – Conference Chair
My name is Dr. Ashley O. and I am the Dean, Student Success at Northern Lakes College in Slave Lake, Alberta. In the past, I’ve also served as a correctional educator and program Chair, overseeing correctional education. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many adult students within the correctional environment and I’ve been amazed at what they’ve taught me throughout this process. We are all on a unique journey, however, we share a common human condition. Helping students to (re)build their confidence in education and learning, see their potential, and experience success, becomes the pillars that drive change. In 2021 I completed my doctoral research which highlighted care in correctional education, from an educator’s perspective. Although I have moved out of the correctional education classroom, my dedication to the field and to those who commit to making a difference each day for their students within centres across the province has not wavered. It is with great excitement and ambition that I serve on the ACEA Board for the upcoming year!
Kristi S. – Communications
Hi! I’m Kristi and I have worked in adult education with Mount Royal University since 2008. In 2020, I started in correctional education. I teach foundational math and literacy courses at Calgary Correctional Centre (SAIT) and the Women’s Annex (MRU). I believe strongly in the power of education to change lives, and I take pride in helping incarcerated individuals gain the confidence and skills necessary to be successful on the outside. This is my first year on the ACEA, and I look forward to getting to know more people and expanding my knowledge around inmate education.
Representatives
Anna D.
Hello! My name is Anna D. and I am currently on a term contract with NorQuest through their Correctional Department: Faculty of Skills and Foundational Learning at Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Center. Before NorQuest, I was working as a correctional officer at Edmonton Remand Center. I am originally from Saskatchewan where I worked as a high school teacher from 2016 – 2020. The day I decided to get my Education degree was the day I decided I wanted to teach in corrections. I believe that giving clients an opportunity to learn while incarcerated is vital to their success when they transition back into the community. Even if the programs are “mandatory” for release, everyone taking a program will learn something. Most problems in the world can be solved with education. You don’t know, what you don’t know. My goal is to decrease the amount of clients we see re-offend due to the educational opportunities they took part in while incarcerated. As you can see, I am very passionate towards correctional education. With all the different entities within corrections, working with others towards similar goals is important. I am very excited to be apart of the ACEA!
Crystal L.
My name is Crystal L. and I am a Correctional Educator with the Correctional Service of Canada in Alberta. I teach incarcerated adults and help them work towards graduating high school and upgrading for post secondary programs. I have experience teaching men, women, and youth all across Canada. I believe that education is the key to a better future, and that is especially true for students within corrections. Many of my students experienced challenges that prevented them from completing their education, but they now recognize the importance and value of education. Their motivation and eagerness is contagious, and continually reminds me of the importance of providing learning opportunities within corrections.
Jay L.
My name is J, and while I am fairly new to the carceral education setting, I have quickly become passionate about it. I strongly believe in correctional education because any individual who wishes to further their education should be afforded opportunities to do so. Correctional students may have been unable to complete school prior to incarceration for a variety of reasons, thus providing educational courses while incarcerated can be an opportunity to complete educational goals that otherwise may be unobtainable. Correctional education is not only tied to lower recidivism rates and increased employment opportunities, but student’s success can increase student’s self-esteem, prepare them for life post-release, increase their understanding of topics such as addiction and family violence, and can give them hope for their future.
Lori G.
I have worked with the EJHS since 2016 in various roles, primarily supporting offenders on conditional release. I currently work in Edmonton, Alberta; as a Program Facilitator with the Edmonton John Howard Society (EJHS). I facilitate our Creating Awareness program which includes 5 different workshops: Communication, Financial Literacy, Employment Preparation, Stress Management, and Pre-Release Planning. Our program is offered at the Edmonton Remand Centre for participants who are currently incarcerated there. One of the core values of the EJHS is “we believe in the potential of all human beings and in their capacity for growth and change.” This is a value that guides my professional practice and approach. This value also ties into the core principals and guiding values of the ACEA. I support and encourage correctional education, as it provides an opportunity for folks to access an opportunity for personal growth. Correctional education is unique and essential for those who utilize it. This form of education allows for an opportunity for its participants to learn about their own strengths and abilities, while also preparing them for their reintegration and success in the community.
Roberta P.
My name is Roberta P. from British Columbia, and I have a long ESL & LINC Teaching background. I feel it has been my main duty to help the people in my environment feel comfortable to express themselves, understand their lives and be understood. This is what my family, friends and teachers have done for me: fostered my learning, boosted my esteem and made me feel wanted and welcome. Now I am the Educational Consultant in Canada for New Readers Press, the publishing division of the not-for-profit Pro Literacy, which advocates for adult literacy, globally. We supply books & resources to guide learning in English, Math, High school Equivalency, Digital Literacy, Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness. I have been passionate about corrections education for as long as I can remember and my commitment to supporting it deepens as I learn more about the beauty and talent that comes out of someone when they are welcomed, encouraged, educated, elevated and given proper roots.
Jill M.