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.
Trent G. – Vice President
I am a Correctional Educator with CSC in Saskatchewan, and have been since 2011. I think correctional education is important for helping with recidivism rates and giving those incarcerated something positive in their life they can be proud of.
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 student in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta, specializing in adult education. 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.
Kathryn V. – Treasurer
Discovering Choices – Administrative Secretary – Alberta I work with high school age students in an outreach program in Calgary. Education is the key to so much for these young adults. The diploma is the goal, and along the way they learn about their community, themselves, and how much they can and have to contribute. Every day we work with students we see that education is freedom.
Ashley O. – Secretary
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!
Courtney B. – Communications
My name is Courtney and I have been a Correction Educator in Southern Alberta since 2017. I am serving my second term with the ACEA and look forward to the expansion of the board this year to include many members from outside of Alberta. I currently teach two Personal Development courses and my previous role was as a Career and Employment Consultant with the Government of Alberta. I have a passion for teaching and believe that correctional education provides a unique opportunity for students to make valuable use of their time. It also allows them to participate in classes they may not have had the opportunity to do so otherwise. I feel it makes an impact on their future plans, as well as gives a self-esteem boost for those who previously had negative experiences with school. I always strive to provide a safe, positive atmosphere for my students to come to.
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.
Elizabeth W.
I am Elizabeth W. and I have been working in Correctional Education in excess of 5 years. Beginning as a Literacy Outreach Facilitator for Calgary John Howard Society at Calgary Correctional Centre facilitating clients in Math and English Literacy and also ESL. I delivered Employment Preparation classes as well as 1:1 literacy learning at Fresh Start and Simon House Addiction Recovery Centres. I am now a Contract Facilitator with Mount Royal University teaching at both the Women’s Annex and Calgary Remand Centre. I deliver Effective Communication and Life Skills Programs to both men and women. I see such importance of education in the most vulnerable clients in our community today. There can never be enough education in the Correctional system. I have the privilege of being able to teach in this environment and work with people that have heart and intelligence in their commitment to learning. I feel blessed, and see this as the ultimate time in my teaching career.
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.
Karen J.
Boozoo, Tansi. My name is Karen J. My role as Correctional Educator at Stony Mountain in Manitoba allows me to work with men gaining knowledge and working towards their grade 12 completion. I am also honoured to support post secondary opportunities such as the Walls to Bridges program as well as a grassroots Indigenous Language group. By gaining these skills and credentials, our students leave with more options for employment and higher education, which in turn gives them more power to make better choices. I appreciate the chance to support my students and help them see and believe in their own potential to become better fathers, family role models, and community members. As a Metis women, I am also on my journey along side many of these men, to learn and practice the beautiful Indigenous languages and culture, and celebrating the movement towards reconciliation. Miigwetch!
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.
Nicholas P.
Olivia S.
I have worked in post-secondary/adult education with Mount Royal University for the last 16 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
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.