ACE Conference Presenters & Bios

1

K1

Keynote #1 - Sigmund Brouwer

As the bestselling author of dozens of titles, with over 4 million books in print in multiple languages, Sigmund Brouwer writes for both children and adults. Sigmund instils confidence in even the most reluctant young writers and ensures they are having fun and staying excited all the while. He draws upon a diverse range of methods and strategies to help young writers find and refine their unique voices.

2

1a

Hutterite Session - Einleitung - Starting the Meeting 

Peter Hofer from Pine Hill Colony, Martin Stahl from Veteran Colony, and Joseph Hofer from Ridgeland Colony get the meeting started (Einleitung) on behalf of the Hutterite Education Committee with Danny Hofer from Scotford Colony who is the Chairman of the Committee.  These men are the liaisons with Alberta Education and the colonies in Alberta. 

3

1b

James Durbano - Space Science - Astrodome

The AstroDome is a portable planetarium with an inflatable dome and a high-definition digital projection system. Together, these two elements create an amazing and immersive environment for the audience. This mobile planetarium can easily accommodate an entire class of students all at once. Four metres high and six metres across, the AstroDome can hold up to 45 kids in its high-def galaxy. During the 2022 - 2023 school year, the AstroDome Planetarium will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Since 2013, the planetarium has visited almost 160 different schools and more than 36,000 students have stepped inside the AstroDome to learn about the planets, the stars, the Sun, and the Moon.

4

1c

Dr. Trisha Sotropa - Planning and Assessing English Language Arts and Literature in Multi-grade Classrooms - SAPDC 

This session is designed to support teachers implementing the new English Language Arts and Literature curriculum in K-6 multigrade classrooms.  We will explore what is meant by planning with the end in mind.  By using assessment tools such as a Single Point Rubric, teachers can be intentional about planning and assessing in a manner that ensures students will know how they can be successful.

5

1d

Sigmund Brouwer -Story Ninja - Continuation of keynote.  Tips and tricks for writing stories from an author of over 100 children’s and young adult books. (Max 50)

As the bestselling author of dozens of titles, with over 4 million books in print in multiple languages, Sigmund Brouwer writes for both children and adults. Sigmund has shown the ability to instill confidence in even the most reluctant young writers and ensures they are having fun and staying excited all the while. He draws upon a diverse range of methods and strategies to help young writers find and refine their unique voices.

6

1e

Introduction to Building Thinking in Multigrade Math Classrooms SAPDC  Part 1 of double session - Kathy Charchun & Adelee Penner

Who is doing the thinking in your Math classroom?  Join us and experience the first 3 practices of Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms to get all students thinking and learning mathematics.  We will learn & share by doing engaging tasks in visibly random groups on vertical non-permanent surfaces.  These 3 easy-to-implement practices will transform your classroom.

7

1f

Free Time Shopping at vendors & networking with other colony educators

James Valley Book Store from Manitoba is back in Alberta for the first time in 15 years.  Other vendors have also set up in the main gym.  They appreciate your business!

8

1g

Music for the Colony Classroom - Alex Stringam

Music is literacy, connection and a way to express yourself.  In this session we will be looking at some ways for you to have students practice their singing, instruments and musical literacy skills. This is my first time giving a session so I am so excited to have a learning experience as well as share what we are doing here in our MES music classes.  Thank you to all the colony educators who gave me feedback for what types of things I could share at this ACE Conference.

9

2a

Hutterite Session - Jerry Walter

Jerry Walter shares Hutterite History from the Hutterite perspective.   He is from Lomond Colony.

10

2b

Integrating Traditional Indigenous Games into the Colony PE Class - Jerry First Charger

Come and learn the games that the indigenous peoples of North America used to keep their skills up for hunting and war.  These games were also used to help the children prepare for their future responsibilities. The view was to have every young Indigenous youth learn and understand two important factors: First to become a good hunter, this way you can feed yourself, your family and your tribe; Secondly to become a warrior.  This purpose was to protect your tribe’s borders, this way your tribe would be kept safe.  The games help the individual learn the following skills: physical movement, dexterity, balance and strength; intuition, estimation, and mental focus; team building, camaraderie, and unity; and most importantly learning to adapt to their environment.  These games can still be used in today’s life’s situations for the youth, adolescents, and young adults alike to help promote the above skills and most importantly to have fun in life.  Come and learn how you can implement these games with all people.   

11

2c

Dr. Trisha Sotropa - Planning and Assessing English Language Arts and Literature in Multi-grade Classrooms - SAPDC  (REPEAT SESSION)

This session is designed to support teachers implementing the new English Language Arts and Literature curriculum in K-6 multigrade classrooms.  We will explore what is meant by planning with the end in mind.  By using assessment tools such as a Single Point Rubric, teachers can be intentional about planning and assessing in a manner that ensures students will know how they can be successful.

12

2d

Sigmund Brouwer -Story Ninja - Continuation of keynote.  Tips and tricks for writing stories from an author of over 100 children’s and young adult books.

(REPEAT SESSION - max 50) 

As the bestselling author of dozens of titles, with over 4 million books in print in multiple languages, Sigmund Brouwer writes for both children and adults. Sigmund instils confidence in even the most reluctant young writers and ensures they are having fun and staying excited all the while. He draws upon a diverse range of methods and strategies to help young writers find and refine their unique voices.

13

2e

ACE Information Session - Laura-Lee Toews

This breakout session is intended to provide background and a history of our journey to becoming the Alberta Colony Educators Special Interest Group and look at what the future holds.  We will discuss what the purpose of the group is/should be and what is needed to ensure that this group is as effective as possible.  Come and find out how you can make a difference.

14

2f

Introduction to Building Thinking in Multigrade Math Classrooms SAPDC  Part 2 of double session - Kathy Charchun & Adelee Penner

Who is doing the thinking in your Math classroom?  Join us and experience the first 3 practices of Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms to get all students thinking and learning mathematics.  We will learn & share by doing engaging tasks in visibly random groups on vertical non-permanent surfaces.  These 3 easy-to-implement practices will transform your classroom.

15

2g

LET'S WRITE A BOOK - A Fun Formula Writing Class for Younger Students and Reluctant Writers (Shauna Keeler)

This breakout session will explore good literature, identify formula stories, briefly review grammar and punctuation for elementary students, examine examples "published" by students and write and illustrate our own book. Each participant will receive a copy of said book by the end of the conference, if desired.

16

3a

Hutterite Session Teaching at a Colony Pre-School and Kinder Zucht (Children Well-being) Ron Hofer & Hardy Entz

Ron and Hardy delve into the world of colony pre-schools and discuss the importance of Kinder Zucht (children well-being) in the lives of colony children.  Ron Hofer is from Jenner Colony and Hardy Entz is from Starbrite Colony.

17

3b

James Durbano - Space Science - Astrodome - REPEAT Session

The AstroDome is a portable planetarium with an inflatable dome and a high-definition digital projection system. Together, these two elements create an amazing and immersive environment for the audience. This mobile planetarium can easily accommodate an entire class of students all at once. Four metres high and six metres across, the AstroDome can hold up to 45 kids in its high-def galaxy. During the 2022 - 2023 school year, the AstroDome Planetarium will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Since 2013, the planetarium has visited almost 160 different schools and more than 36,000 students have stepped inside the AstroDome to learn about the planets, the stars, the Sun, and the Moon.

18

3c

Free Time Shopping at Vendors & Networkingwith Colony Educators

James Valley Book Store from Manitoba is back in Alberta for the first time in 15 years.  Other vendors have also set up in the main gym.  They appreciate your business!

19

3d

Sigmund Brouwer -Story Ninja - Continuation of keynote.  Tips and tricks for writing stories from an author of over 100 children’s and young adult books.

(REPEAT SESSION - max 50) 

As the bestselling author of dozens of titles, with over 4 million books in print in multiple languages, Sigmund Brouwer writes for both children and adults. Sigmund instils confidence in even the most reluctant young writers and ensures they are having fun and staying excited all the while. He draws upon a diverse range of methods and strategies to help young writers find and refine their unique voices.

20

3e

Math Games Galore - Sheronna-Jo Romerill

Help students retain more developed and strengthened basic math fact skills all year long.  Learn how and what to implement into your day-to-day teaching to further elevate routine numeracy practice.

21

3f

Using Routines to Support the Creation of Assessment Capable Learners in Multigrade Classrooms - Adelee Penner

We can move forward between 50-70% of curricular outcomes through the way we structure routines and formative feedback protocols.  We can use these routines and protocols to build assessment capable learners.  We will spend time considering how we create essential conditions in a colony classroom to support these protocols and routines to support student achievement.

22

3g

Art: Using Colour to Engage Student Curiosity - Jordan Brame  (Max 30)

In this workshop we will examine 2 different assignments that can be done with various tools from crayons and pencil crayons to paint. Each assignment can be scaled to take 1 hour of class time or can be spread out over multiple days. Assignment 1 is a 2 part assignment teaching students how to create a sunset using warm colour theory and then drawing a silhouette over the top of the sunset. Assignment 2 examines the way colours fade in the distance and demonstrates ways to create the effect of perspective using colour and shape.

23

K2

Keynote #2 Todd Ormann - Associate Vice President, Industry Solutions & Partnerships at Olds College and named as one of the Top 50 Agriculture Leaders in Canada.

Sharing Knowledge on how Technology Can Improve Farming in Canada

24

4a

Hutterite Session - Dave Entz - Grammar and Andy Stahl - Writing Program

Dave Entz is from Clover Leaf Colony and will discuss how to teach grammar in the German class (25min).  Andy Stahl is from Veteran Colony and will discuss a writing program (25min).

25

4b

The Big 8 of Math Teaching - Dana Kohlman

This presentation looks at our role as math instructors, especially reflecting on our mindset as we work with students to develop their math understanding.

Mindset, teaching strategies, the importance of clarity, etc., are critical in helping our students understand. Participants must be able to share their own personal experiences and ideas in  breakout groups and reflect on their own practice as they proceed through the session…and must be able to tolerate slightly competitive math games.

26

4c

Ignited Literacy on the Colonies - Part 1 of double session - Miranda McLean

Ignited literacy is a program created by Patti.  The program is designed to spiral over the course of the year so concepts are often reviewed.  In addition the lessons are based on picture books which are relatable to students.  Ignited Literacy is a great Language Arts program that will get your students writing and loving what they write.  Come and see how I have adapted this program for use in our school settings in a K-9 classroom without the use of technology (except for a document camera). 

27

4d

Using Local Libraries to Support Your Colony LA Program - Brandi Roper

Learn how the Stettler Public Library partnered with local Hutterite colony schools to build relationships and spark a love of reading among children.  An initial adventure into unknown territory, this outreach program has been wildly successful in building relationships with local communities and has resulted in increased in-person visits to the library.  This session will focus on lessons learned while establishing and running this outreach program and will look at strategies that have worked to build relationships and expand community participation.

28

4e

Educational Assistants Sharing and Collaboration - Laura-Lee Toews

This breakout session is for all educational assistants in Alberta.   We will look at the ATA guide for colony teachers as it applies to EAs, the ATAs guidelines for educational assistants, and discuss a variety of situations that you, as EAs have encountered.  Come prepared to ask questions, share experiences, and to learn from each other.  It is hoped that each participant will take advantage of this opportunity to share contact information for future mentoring and networking.

29

4f

Beginning Colony Teachers Sharing and Collaboration - Adam Runquist

This session is for all beginning colony teachers who would like to meet each other, collaborate, network and have some question and answer time with someone who has been in their shoes.  Adam will be ready to share tips and tricks of managing a colony class for those who are new to the job.  Come prepared with questions and be ready to participate in this interactive breakout session.

30

4g

Division Colony Principals Sharing and Collaboration - Karl Peterson

This breakout session delves into the ins and outs of being a colony principal in Alberta.  It is intended for principals of more than one colony school within their school division.  We will look at the ATA guide for colony teachers, refer to a document from the Hutterite Education Committee, and discuss a variety of situations and case scenarios that a colony principal may encounter.  Come prepared to ask questions, share experiences, and to learn from each other.  It is hoped that each participant will take advantage of this opportunity to share contact information for future mentoring and networking.

31

5a

Hutterite Session - Technology and Mental Health from the Colony Context

Johnny Hofer delves into the concepts of technology and the impacts on mental health from a colony perspective.  Johnny is from Pine Haven Colony.

32

5b

Mental Health Supports for Colony Schools - Rebecca Webster & Rhonda Halter

For the past three years Prairie Land Colony School, in partnership with AHS and MHCB, has brought intentional and direct mental health education to all nine of its colony school sites. Taking into account the unique culture of our school communities, a dedicated Project REACH worker actively builds student mental health capacity in multiple areas such as stress reduction, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, mindfulness, etc. This session will outline the journey to implementation, program resources, future goals, and what we have learned along the way.  There will be a question and answer period at the end of the session.

33

5c

Ignited Literacy on the Colonies - Part 2 of double session - Miranda McLean

Ignited literacy is a program created by Patti.  The program is designed to spiral over the course of the year so concepts are often reviewed.  In addition the lessons are based on picture books which are relatable to students.  Ignited Literacy is a great Language Arts program that will get your students writing and loving what they write.  Come and see how I have adapted this program for use in our school settings in a K-9 classroom without the use of technology (except for a document camera). 

34

5d

Jumping into Jump Math to support the new Math Curriculum - Barb Nemeth

This workshop will provide background information into the  authorised resource JUMP MATH and make connections between the current  workbooks and the new Math curriculum.  Barb will provide context as to how the Jump Math program is set up, demonstrate the Confidence Building Units, and highlight some  of the main changes for grades 1-6.  Barb will have a sign up sheet available if people  would like to get a copy of her checklists or comparison charts.  There will be time at the  end to ask questions and share insights and/or tips that have been noticed by other  teachers. 

35

5e

Hutterite History for English Teachers - Bill Alston

Join Bill Alston as he takes each participant on a journey of the history of the Anabaptist movement and Hutterite foundational ideas and practices from 1520 to the present time.

36

5f

Fun Art for Colony Classes - “Fun With Leaves” - Kari Bettger  (Max 30)

Fun with leaves - This session will be learning and an opportunity to take away a classroom example. It will focus on shape, line and texture. Fun with leaves will include the following: leaf collage rubbings and learning to create an antique leaf. 

Supplies will be provided.  Come and enjoy learning from a creative art teacher who also has experience teaching in colony schools.  Kari is a grade 10-12 Art Teacher and is excited to be presenting again at this year’s ACE Conference.

37

5g

Kitchen Science - Cherri-Lynn Kohlman

Cherri-Lynn is excited to demonstrate how easy it is to include simple, inexpensive and quick science experiments in science lessons.  The goal is to provide some examples of experiments that take little preparation but go a long way to building student understanding.  This session is designed for teachers hesitant to do experiments in class and for those who may find elementary science a little scary to teach. It is somewhat of a Miss Frizzle approach to science, without the bus.  

38

6a

Hutterite Session - All Hutterite Session Presenters - Q&A

All Hutterite session presenters will be on stage for an open Q&A.  Any questions not answered yet can be addressed to the panel.

39

6b

When Kids Get Into Trouble:  Alternatives to Consider - Dana Kohlman

This session will refresh participants' capacity to deal with the many dimensions of student behavior, through a brief examination of behavior intervention and core philosophy. 

Between videos, discussion and reflection, participants will delve into identifying the core philosophy and attributes of student management. Participants will need to be willing to discuss the vast complexities and personal challenges of managing student behavior. 

40

6c

Integrating Tiny Habits into our Personal and Professional Wellness

Dr. Rick Gilson

In almost an hour together we will look at a few things we might do, some resources particularly around our habits and how we might use Tiny Habits to improve all aspects of our personal and professional wellness. 

41

6d

A Multi-sensory Approach to Reading - Sheronna-Jo Romeril

Actions speak louder than words when it comes to reading.  This session will share very practical ways to incorporate multi-sensory activities into your literacy instruction.  Who knew learning could be so fun!  Come see how you can learn from a colony teacher who is a divisional literacy leader.  

42

6e

Therapy Dogs in a Colony Setting - Miranda McLean

Want your students to learn empathy? Have students who don’t want to read aloud? Students with behavior problems? Therapy dogs can be utilized in your classroom for a variety of purposes. Come learn how I use a therapy dog in my classroom and the benefits thereof.

43

6f

You Can’t Do It All at Once: A Three Year Cycle - Erna Marburg

Teaching in a multigrade setting presents a unique set of challenges on the best of occasions, but when you are the only teacher, students that have the challenges are intensified. This presentation looks at ways to plan - using a three-year cycle for science, social and language arts - clustering topics and projects to maintain interest and facilitate a cross curriculum learning. 

44

6g

Providing Solutions for Hutterite Students  with Irlen Syndrome - Dana Thomas

Dana started her teaching career in 1996, and has taught elementary, junior and senior high school in public, private, and colony schools.  Her current role with Palliser School Division is Learning Support for 17 colony schools. Dana provides support and programming for children with specialized needs; working closely with teachers, educational assistants, parents, colony communities, therapists, and medical teams.

As part of her professional development, Dana has become a Certified Irlen Screener to identify and provide solutions for children and families suffering with Irlen Syndrome. This work will be the topic of discussion during this module.

45

K3

Final Keynote - Dan Duncan - ADHD INSIDE OUT - Zoom workshop.  Dan’s assistant will be here to answer questions live.  Come learn from an expert on all things ADHD.  See Dan’s Bio for more information.

Bill Alston

B.Ed.

Bill Alston taught on colonies for 38 years in the Cardston and Westwind School Divisions.  He also worked for Alberta Education Assessment Division creating tests and training PAT markers for 21 years.  He worked on the K-9 Science Expert Curriculum Rewrite Committee from 2015-2019.  He has 2 degrees from the Univ. of Lethbridge and attended over 40 PD conferences in his career.  He was a member of the first colony conference committee and has been conference chairman 4 times - including helping with this conference.  Bill retired in 2020.  He and his wife Susan have lived in Magrath for 45 years and they have 4 children and 13 grandkids.

Kari Bettger

B.Ed.

Kari is a high school Art teacher in the Westwind School Division.  She is also a former colony teacher.  At our last conference, Kari had so many participants show up to her class, that we had to turn people away.  If you attend her breakout session, you won’t be disappointed.  Kari was born in BC but raised in Southern Alberta.  She attended the Fine Arts/ Education program at the Uof L and graduated from there in 2012. “I have always loved art and learned so much from my grandmother as a child and an adult. I love collage and mixed media art.  My favorite part of teaching is seeing students be successful and artistic when they didn't think they could.”

Jordan Brame M.Ed.

Jordan Brame has taught in the Westwind School Division for 10 years.  His current assignment includes teaching Art, Leadership and PE.  He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art Education from Brigham Young University and a Masters Degree in Education and Technology from Walden University.  Outside of the classroom, Jordan spends as much time he can with his wife and kids. Together they love riding horses, camping, hiking, waterskiing, snow skiing, hunting and youth sports.

Sigmund Brouwer

Sigmund has won the American Christy Book of the Year and the Arthur Ellis Award for best young-adult mystery in Canada, as well as being a finalist twice in the prestigious TD Children's Literature Awards. Over the last two decades, he has presented his Story Ninja Literacy Show to more than a million students across North America.

Over the last few years, he has honed the virtual teaching experience through hundreds of live on-line classes and presentations, and has served as a writing consultant for dozens upon dozens of classrooms through his role as writer-in-residence for school boards across Canada.

Kathy Charchun

M.Ed.

Kathy Charchun is currently a Learning Facilitator with the Southern Alberta Professional Development Consortium.  She has been an educator for 30 years serving as a teacher, principal and K-12 Divisional Numeracy Lead.  In these roles, she has facilitated professional learning sessions on a variety of teaching and learning topics including mathematics, instructional leadership and goal setting and planning for school improvement.  Kathy is passionate about promoting highly effective teacher practice, believes in the power of collaboration and is committed to success for all students within an inclusive environment.

Dan Duncan

Dan Duncan:  As an adult diagnosed with ADHD, a father of someone with ADHD, an ADHD Coach/Consultant, and Academic Strategist; I designed the ADHD Inside Out Framework to inform, support, and equip individuals with ADHD, as well as their friends & family, and fellow professionals working with those affected by ADHD.  Along with my own experience with this disorder, my wife and I raised two boys - one with ADHD and one without. This experience provided a hands-on perspective of the contrasting paths to maturity between children with and without this disorder - from birth through to young adults. Although parental challenges are different for every child, ADHD always adds dimensions that require specific attention - and intention - from parents. For my wife and I, the experience of raising each of our sons was personally fulfilling. ADHD Coach/Consultant & Academic Strategist

James Durbano

James Durbano travels to many schools throughout the course of the school year.  He is a dad, husband, and astronomy specialist involved in Education and Public Outreach Programs.  He is the owner and operator of an AstroDome portable planetarium.  In 1992 he took his first ever digital image after attaching a special camera to the 8” refracting telescope located atop the Physics Building at the University of Toronto.  James lives in the Foothills of Southern Alberta, between the Rocky Mountains and the Prairies.  He has been keeping an eye on the sky for over 30 years and has had the great privilege of personally sharing the wonders of the universe with more than 50,000 people.

Jerry First Charger

Jerry First Charger is a Family School Liaison Counselor with the Westwind School Division.  He is also a professional hoop dancer, a First Nations singer and flute player, and an ‘Old School B Boy from the 80’s’ who loves to entertain.  He strongly believes that any time you can get kids involved in something that makes them excited, it can be used as a tool and as a preventative measure.  He tries to be inclusive and multicultural in his approach to working with students.  Jerry lives with his wife and family in Raymond, AB.

Rick Gilson

Ed.D.

SAPDC Executive Director, Dr. Rick Gilson started teaching in 1985 and has taught Grades 9-12 English & Socials as well as K&E levels through 30-1.  Rick has also taught Computers, CALM, and the International Baccalaureate Course, Theory of Knowledge.  

In addition to teaching Rick has had the opportunity to coach over 60 different football teams and a couple of handfuls of volleyball and basketball teams.  On the Administration side 7 years as a vice-principal, 8 years a principal of a school that ranged in population from 1200 – 1500 students, and 6 years in central office, the last five with Westwind.  

Currently in his fourth year with the Southern Alberta Professional Development Consortium (SAPDC) one of seven regional offices of the Alberta Regional Professional Consortia (ARPDC).  Rick has been happily married for over 40 years – 6 children “because we didn’t want seven.”  

Rhonda Halter

Rhonda Halter has been working in education since 2002.  She has spent 18 years as an Education assistant, 6 of those on both Dariusleut and the Lehrerleut colonies.  Joining Project Reach in August 2021, Rhonda spends her days traveling to 8 different Hutterian Brethren communities, making space for mental health awareness, capacity building, and whole school wellness.  In her spare time Rhonda enjoys all things outdoors, spending time with her husband, children, and grandson, and volunteering with OSISS.  Rhonda believes she can bring a unique lens to the importance of emotional health and the benefits of building capacity in students, teachers and communities as a whole.  Rhonda and her husband live in Hanna, Alberta.

Shauna Keeler

Shauna Keeler has worked in the education sector for 28 years and is currently an EA at Spring Valley Colony School.  She is a reading specialist with an emphasis on phonetics.  Shauna is proficient in the Animated Literacy Program and has worked (with the approval and encouragement of the program founder) to expand AL from a K-3 to K-9 program, focusing on oral and writing expression.  Her education includes a special needs certificate and 3 years of early childhood education from BYU; along with many professional development courses in Literacy and Numeracy.  Shauna enjoys writing children's books and poetry, photography, painting and being in nature.  She resides in Raymond, Alberta with her husband.

Cherri-Lynn

Kohlman

My name is Cherri-Lynn Kohlman.  I have been a classroom teacher for over 20 years.  I have taught in three different provinces from ECS to grade nine in both small schools with multi-grade classes and large schools. I began my career as a literary specialist in a K-3 classroom in an isolated northern BC community and currently work as a Student Support Teacher and K&E STEM teacher at the Brooks Junior High School.  Having been raised by a highschool science teacher, science has always been a part of life for me, regardless of what I teach.

Dana Kohlman

M.Ed.

My name is Dana Kohlman: I have been teaching and leading in schools for over 20 years. As a principal and teacher I know the complexity of the business. Leading learning to guide colleagues to greater clarity of mind and higher capacity is a passion. I am part of the ATA's Administrative Instructors Corps, I am Grasslands' Division Colony Principal and am a classroom teacher. And, after years of working in schools, I look  forward to working with colleagues on their journey in learning.

Erna Marburg

B.Ed.

Erna Marburg has been teaching for more than 30 years.  Her teaching experiences include behavioural programs, teaching on Reserves and on a Kibbutz as well as in traditional classroom settings.  She has a B.Ed from the University of Alberta with a major in Elementary Education and a double minor in Biology and Special Education.  For the last 7 years she has been teaching at Ferrybank Colony. When not teaching she is cooking, quilting, riding horses and running around visiting family and friends.  She has been involved in community theatre both on stage and behind the scenes, and is the proud mum of two amazing daughters.

Miranda McLean

B.Sc., B.Ed.

Miranda McLean has taught on colonies for 13 years in the Rocky View and Prairie Land School Divisions.  She has worked extensively on planning and integrating many curricular objectives into units taught with K-9 students.  Miranda believes it is possible to extend and scaffold material to reach all students.  She has a B.Sc in Psychology and B.Ed in with a specialty in Early Childhood Education.  Miranda lives on her family's farm west of Acme, Ab with her husband and son. 

Barb Nemeth

B.A., B.Sc., B.Ed.

Barb Nemeth has been working in the education sector for 16 years and is currently the  Colony Teacher at Gold Spring Colony School in Horizon School Division.  She has a  B.A.B.Sc degree from the University of Lethbridge and a B.Ed. degree from the  University of Calgary.  She spent 10 years working for Calgary Catholic School Division, in  multiple schools and in a variety of grades.  In 2010, Barb participated in a UofC/CSSD  pilot program using JUMP MATH to raise math scores in high risk/low math performing  schools.  Barb spent time this summer creating checklists for her fellow Horizon Colony  Colleagues, and deep diving into the Math curriculum.  When not working at the colony  school, Barb enjoys reading, or traveling to see family.  Barb is currently living in Lethbridge and spends weekends in Calgary with her younger two adult children. 

Todd Ormann

B.A., M.Sc.

Todd Ormann has a BA in Economics from the University of Lethbridge and an MSc in Agricultural Economics from the University of Guelph.  He was honored as one of the Top 50 Leaders in Agriculture in Canada.  

As the Associate VP, Industry Solutions & Partnerships at Olds College, Todd provides critical leadership in the engagement of external partners, customers, sponsors and supporters with a focus on generating value- added services, investments and earned revenue through continuing education and corporate training, applied research, technology demonstration and validation, sponsorships, and philanthropic partnerships.

Adelee Penner

M.Ed.

Adelee Penner started her career in Manitoba and moved to Alberta in 2005.  Her career has evolved over the years through working in several jurisdictions in both the private and public system and from working for Alberta Education supporting school services in Field Services.  Adelee is a passionate lifelong learner.  Using the provocation from Seth Godin, “When was the last time you did something for the first time,” Adelee works with others to create a culture for learning that is comfortable taking risks, trying new things and considering alternate perspectives.

Karl Peterson M.Ed.

Karl Peterson has worked in the education sector for over 20 years and is currently in his 7th year as the Division Colony Principal of 19 colony schools in the Westwind School Division.  For the past three years he has served as the chair of the Alberta Colony Educators Special Interest Group of the ATA.  He has a B.Ed. in Geography from Brigham Young University, an Education Degree from Simon Fraser University and an M. Ed in Leadership from Gonzaga.  When not working with colony teachers and students, Karl enjoys gardening, spending time at the family cabin and exploring nearby Waterton Park.  He resides in Magrath, Alberta with his wife and their youngest two children.

Sheronna-Jo Romerill

Sheronna-Jo Romerill ​ is a Westwind teacher at Wolf Creek Colony School.  She is also a division literacy leader and spends many hours on curriculum implementation collaboration groups.  Sheronna-Jo is passionate about the topic and you will leave her session wanting more!  Come see how you can improve your colony teaching experience by participating in one or both of her workshops.  When not teaching, Sheronna-Jo and her family enjoy spending time on the family ranch near Raymond, AB.

Brandi Roper

Brandi Roper​ is the Outreach Program Coordinator for the Stettler Public Library. A valued member of the Stettler Public Library team since 2012, Brandi has a passion for outreach and is instrumental in getting previously underserved communities excited about literacy.

Adam Runquist

B.A., B.Ed.

Adam Runquist is the 4th of 5 children raised on the BC Coast, but with strong family roots in southern Alberta.  His education includes a BA in History and a B.Ed. both from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.  He taught in Saskatoon before moving to Alberta and has taught in both Horizon and Westwind School divisions at three different colony schools.  He is currently working at East Cardston Colony.  He has been a member of ACE SIG for about 5 years.   He and his wife, Lara have three sons and they currently reside in Raymond, AB.  In his free time, Adam enjoys basketball and spending time with his family

Trisha Sotropa

Ed.D.

Dr. Trisha Sotropa is currently a Learning Facilitator with the Southern Alberta Professional Development Consortium.  During her career as an educator, she has been involved in leading literacy projects, facilitating social justice initiatives with students and coordinating cooperative planning.  During her doctoral studies, Trishia investigated leading through a change process and engaging students and their families.  She has a deep love of learning and is always looking for ways to co-construct knowledge with colleagues.

Alex Stringam

B.A., B.Ed.

Alex Stringam has been teaching with the Westwind School Division for 5 years and the last 3 years here at Magrath Elementary School. She has taught music lessons for over 15 years to a variety of different age groups. Alex has a BA with a major in music and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge. Alex has a passion for teaching children music and helping them gain new skills in music literacy. Alex is also involved with a community choir. She also has a passion for  accompanying singers and primary groups. 

Dana Thomas B.A., B.Ed.

Dana Thomas resides in Lethbridge, Alberta, with her husband and two children. Dana started her teaching career in 1996, and has taught elementary, junior and senior high school in public, private, and colony schools. Her current role with Palliser School Division is Learning Support for 17 colony schools. Dana provides support and programming for children with specialized needs; working closely with teachers, educational assistants, parents, colony communities, therapists, and medical teams.

Laura-Lee Toews

B.Ed.

Laura-Lee Toews has worked on colonies for 30 years and has held many different roles over the years including:  classroom assistant, special needs assistant, as well as the classroom teacher.  She is currently teaching at the Fairview Colony School near Crossfield.  She is passionate about creating a format in which colony teachers are able to access support and have a more prominent presence with the ATA.

Becky Webster

M.Ed.

Becky Webster has been the Principal of Prairie Land School Division’s nine colony schools for seven years, and has taught in colony schools for thirteen years. She has a Masters of Education in Leadership and Teaching English as an Additional Language. Becky’s focus is to create new and innovative classroom opportunities for colony students and staff, while honoring the unique colony culture. She has been an active committee member with ACE for the last four years, and in her off hours loves reading, traveling and spending time with her husband and two active teenagers.