Learning on the Trail @BTPS28
By LJK
Learning on the Trail @BTPS28Apr 15, 2021
Learn About Automotive Instructors
In this episode: Rhae-Ann chats with Jen Lange who is a Journeyman Automotive Service Technician (AST) and who also happens to be our BTPS/Lakeland's Dual Credit Instructor for that trade. Jen chats about many aspects of AST as a career path and speaks about her recent experience as a Lakeland College Dual Credit instructor. Jen and Rhae-Ann dig into the basic requirements to enter the automotive trade as well as the topics the Dual Credit students cover during this first year of apprenticeship. Jen now has a new passion for teaching and speaks about how rewarding it is to be, both a mechanic at Norris Ford garage, and to teach and help Dual Credit high school students turn into confident young adults who are excited to start their own careers in the automotive trade. Listen in and hear the enthusiasm in their conversation for this career choice.
Related Links:
ALIS info: https://tinyurl.com/254c82d3
BTPS Dual Credit Website: https://tinyurl.com/4n8bu3dt
Learn about Artists of Indigenous Art 2023
In this episode Rhae-Ann has a conversation with Dakota Tizzard a grade 10 student, who talks about her amazing Indigenous Art piece created as a response to a project assigned to her Grade 10 virtual Art Class. This is the 2nd year that Rhae-Ann has the privilege to showcase the talents of our BTPS students through their Indigenous Art work. Dakota goes on to share the positive experiences that BTPS provides to (high school) students through virtual class options, such as her Art class, Psychology class and more, and she broadens the conversation to include her plans for her post secondary pursuits in Art History at the University of Calgary. Take a few minutes and listen in...
RELATED LINKS:
ALIS Occupation details: https://tinyurl.com/25apm375
Dakota's artwork and narrative: https://tinyurl.com/3ppcwjnb
Learn about Autism & Entrepreneurship
In this episode, learn how Brian's diagnosis with autism became the inspiration for his father, Ling Huang, to create a unique focus for his IT business (Technology North). While 'Technology North' finds IT solutions for business, industry and the public sector, it also now addresses employment gaps for young adults with autism. Ling's work has climbed to national attention as he is currently in the annual 'Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards' as the nation's most inspiring immigrants. Ling has developed software to help young adults with autism gain meaningful and valued employment. In this interview Ling shares with Rhae-Ann the education journey of Ling's son Brian and through it Ling and his wife recognized that the value of education is in the confidence, not the grades, that students get from the education system. And through 'Technology North', Ling helps students with autism transition from high school as employees performing duties like data management and digitization of documents for employers of all types. Ling is currently expanding into other areas of support for young adults with autism...jump over to his website to read more about his latest work.
Related Links: Website: https://www.technologynorth.net/press
ALIS info: https://tinyurl.com/mrxhnfbz
Learn About Occupational Therapists
In this Episode: Camille Bailey is a registered Occupational Therapist (OT) as well as the owner of Sensory Solutions Inc. and she provides pediatric OT for BTPS. She stops by and chats with Rhae-Ann about many aspects about this career path. They cover topics including how Camille 'stumbled' on this career, some university options for it, a day-in-the-life of an occupational therapist at BTPS and even floor hockey. Rhae-Ann will be including resources and additional information about this career path in our bi-monthly newsletter because it is such an important service in our school division and OTs are in such demand. Also, find additional occupational information at the ALIS link in our show notes below. Now, take a few minutes to listen to the rich conversation in this podcast.
Related Links:
Website: https://www.sensorysolutions.ca/
ALIS info: https://tinyurl.com/3z2s9mv2
Learn about Caterers
In this Episode: Shalene Fetterley shares with us that she knew from an early age she wanted a career in the food industry. She chats with Rhae-Ann about how she strives to be creative with her food and menus as well as innovative with her products like freezer meals. And how important it was for her to stay in the local area of Wainwright, where she was raised, and give back to the community by using her talents. Roll all this up and it results in a very successful and busy local business for Shalene. Take a few minutes to listen in on the discussion that includes Shalene's apprenticeship training at NAIT, her part-time jobs that gave her experience and preparation for a career and finally the launch of her successful catering business in Wainwright that also serves the surrounding area.
Related Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verascateringco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VerasCateringCo/
ALIS info: https://bit.ly/42owRmx
Learn about Psychological Illusionists
In this Episode: Savio Joseph took a strong interest in magic from a young age, and slowly developed his skills of mentalism, pickpocketing, sleight of hand, and hypnosis. Savio has an unusual career but it was his dream and he chats with Rhae-Ann about his path and what it took to realize his dream. Savio strives to bring magic to as many people as possible and use it as a medium to create good laughs, intriguing conversations, and lasting memories. To date, he has had lots of success including features in MacLean’s magazine, TEDx, CTV, Breakfast Television, and on stations like Flow 93.5. He has worked with corporations like Remax, CIBC, Electro Federation, and many celebrities and appeared as a finalist on Canada's Got Talent. Spend some time with Rhae-Ann and Savio...
Related Links:
Website: https://www.saviojoseph.com/
Career path info: https://bit.ly/3XGJUh0
Learn about Inspirational Speakers
In this episode: Darci Lang returns to BTPS for a sit-down with Rhae-Ann. Darci received rave reviews from BTPS staff in August as our keynote speaker to help kick-off the new school year. "Canadian bestselling author Darci Lang believes each of us can hold a magnifying glass in front of our lives and choose to either focus it on the negative 10% – those things and people that bother us and drag us down – or we can choose to focus on the 90% in our lives that is positive and beneficial." In this podcast Darci gives us further insight about her message and shares her anticipation for her return visits with our Support Staff in October and BTPS teachers in March and the annual celebration for Women in Leadership, also in March. She will continue her message with what it can mean to our individual growth by focusing on a positive attitude as the foundation of our successes and she wants others to benefit by the stories and experiences she shares. Spend a few minutes with the ladies today...
RELATED LINKS:
Website: https://www.darcilang.com/
Her latest book: https://www.darcilang.com/shop.html
Learn about Project Managers
In this Episode: Rui Teixeira is Senior IT Project Manager at NAIT. He stops by to chat with Rhae-Ann about what is involved with an IT Project Manager career and the path he took to get there. He shares stories about as a high school student and an immigrant he could not speak English, yet by adjusting to his environment and using his skills with computers he overcame obstacles to become a Project Manager, a business owner and now an instructor and Senior Project Manager at NAIT. Share a few minutes with Rui and Rhae-Ann...
RELATED LINKS:
ALIS: https://bit.ly/3Dfedn1
NAIT Project Management Courses: https://bit.ly/3qstTvu
Rui Teixeira PMP Profile: https://bit.ly/3Dmh5OO
Learn about Artists of Symbolic Indigenous Art 2022
Rhae-Ann takes a different angle than her usual podcast format that has a general focus on career paths; in this episode she has a conversation with Amaya Myhovich a high school student, who talks about her Indigenous art piece created as a response to a project in her Art 20 class.
Additional topics they explore allows Amaya to speak her voice with hopes that her artwork sparks conversations regarding 'Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women', residential schools and other struggles that Indigenous people face along with inspirational topics like an appreciation for the Indigenous regalia and celebration of their culture and heritage. In order to support student learning about Indigenous people and the Calls to Action, Amaya encourages others to educate themselves on both Indigenous societal issues and the rich history of their people. Take a few minutes and listen in...
RELATED LINKS:
ALIS Occupation details: https://tinyurl.com/25apm375
CBC Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/yckv7v5e
Amaya's artwork: https://tinyurl.com/498cahuh
Amaya's narrative: https://tinyurl.com/tdecpct5
Learn about Writers
In this Episode: Rhae-Ann talks with author Mindi Kryzanowski. We are so proud of her, not only is Mindi a mom but also a Dewberry School graduate and a published writer!! Inspiration for her writing is from the daily adventures of her young children. She shares with us her memories of how her skills and passion for writing were encouraged and developed by favourite teachers at Dewberry. Mindi also recounts the process she went through to publish her book and the advice that Robert Munsch personally gave her on how to continue to be a successful writer. A bit about her published work; it is titled "Third Winter" and it introduces us to Maggie and Ava who face what seems to be the longest day so far of their young lives, when a snowfall interferes with their excitement for warm weather. Take a few minutes to listen in and laugh with Mindi and Rhae-Ann.
RELATED LINKS:
ALIS Occupation details: https://tinyurl.com/2p8hcx5v
Publisher Profile: https://tinyurl.com/ym63c34p
Gender Awareness
Today our special guest is Matea Herauf. This interview does not follow our typical format where we have a focus on career and post secondary opportunities for high school students. Instead, Matea has an astute and knowledgeable conversation with Rhae-Ann about being a trans woman in the Trades industry. We welcome you and hope you enjoy the casual approach to this special episode.
Learn about Chiropractors
In this Episode: Rhae-Ann chats with Dr Thomas Isaman, a past BTPS graduate and now a chiropractor who, journeyed through a unique post secondary education and leveraged the impacts of COVID to return to his hometown (Wainwright) and open his business, raise his family and give back to the community he loves.
RELATED LINKS:
ALIS Occupation details: https://bit.ly/3NQtVqT
Evolve: https://evolvewainwright.com/about-us/
Learn about WIL with Cindy Escott
In this episode we continue to honour Women in Leadership through a visit with Cindy Escott who was recently named the new Superintendent of Evergreen Catholic School Division, commencing Aug 1, 2022 and whose current role is as Deputy Superintendent. Cindy talks about her background and about the women and men who influenced her through her career and through a variety of leadership positions. Cindy also shares four fundamentals for leadership; calm, gratitude, opportunities and the 'How' will you lead using these three fundamental attributes a leader must have. Remember to recognize the "International Women's Day" on 08-03-2022 and enjoy this conversation about leadership with Rhae-Ann and Cindy.
Learn about WIL with Cheryl Sheldon
In this episode Rhae-Ann welcomes Cheryl Sheldon as a fellow CASS WIL Committee member and an Education Consultant with the Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council. Cheryl is from the Swan River First Nation Community. Throughout her career, Cheryl has challenged herself every step of the way and has advanced into various leadership roles. She started with a dream to become a teacher and once achieved, it sparked her passion to take the lead on cultural and language resource development for Alberta Education. She eventually got her Masters of Education. She shares with us her time, background, experiences and advice on how she now finds ways to support and advocate for other women as they journey through the barriers that still exist for them. This episode is also in honour of "International Women's Day" (08-03-2022). Enjoy the your time spent with Cheryl and Rhae-Ann...
Learn about WIL with Dr Alice Wainwright-Stewart
In this episode Rhae-Ann chats with Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, President & CEO of Lakeland College who shares her thoughts about Women in Leadership (WIL). Dr Wainwright-Stewart also shares her background, her current work and passion around Lakeland College programs and her vision for Lakeland graduates along with the college itself. This episode is also in honour of "International Women's Day" (08-03-2022). Take a moment to listen in on this great conversation.
Learn about Beauty Entrepreneurs
In this episode we are introduced to Gretzie Parth, a 25 year old, who started her beauty career at 18 as a make-up artist and then did freelance work offering beauty services to bridal parties, graduates and others. She moved to the next level in the beauty industry when she opened the salon "GP MAKEUP The Beauty Haus" in St. Albert and she launched her product "G CLASS Lashes". She also partnered with a friend and started "Glam Artistry Inc." and specializes in bridal makeup. They offer a certified makeup program Glam Class Pro which teaches people what they need to know to move from a make-up artist to a beauty entrepreneur with the skills to sustain a successful business as a Beauty Retailer and Salon owner. Listen in to the great conversation with Rhae-Ann and Gretzie.
RELATED LINKS:
GP Makeup Website: https://gpmakeupinc.com/
Instagram: @GPMAKEUP
Glam Artistry Inc. Website: https://www.glamartistryinc.com/
Makeup Artistry Program-Glam Class Pro: https://www.glamclasspro.com/
ALIS Occupation details: https://bit.ly/3IigsGp
Learn about Aquatic Toxicologists
In this Episode: Dr Danielle Philibert, Aquatic Toxicologist with the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, chats with Rhae-Ann about her passion for the aquatic work that she does. And how circumstances took her from an interest in Veterinarian Medicine at the University of Alberta to her amazing research job in Eastern Canada, she feels her education and her career journey has been a privilege. Due to economic and cultural impacts, the majority of her work is with lobsters, cod and Atlantic coast marine life. She is excited to share through this podcast, aspects of her work and her life with our students at BTPS.
RELATED LINKS:
Huntsman website: https://www.huntsmanmarine.ca/
Published Paper: https://bit.ly/3D2J3eL
ALIS Occupation details: https://bit.ly/3CXiTdj
Learn about Robin's Story
In this Episode: Robin Nielson's child attends one of our BTPS schools. Robin sent a heartfelt letter to be shared, that acknowledges the work teachers are doing in the classroom in response to the recent discovery of remains of 215 children found buried on the grounds at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. She talks about when her mother was part of the The Sixties Scoop and speaks about how that trauma made its way down the generations in many indigenous families. However, she is encouraged about the future and believes that the conversations of today in our classrooms are having an impact.
RELATED LINKS:
Robin's Letter read aloud: https://bit.ly/2Sl84Rg
Learn about Kevin's Story
In this Episode: Kevin John kindly gives us a glimpse into his reconciliation journey. He is the youngest in a family of eight and collectively his family has hundreds of years experience of being indigenous and raised in rural Alberta. He reflects on how his schooling and his career has been preparing him for his current work through 'They Build Bridges'. He shares with the students and staff of BTPS (and all listeners) little known facts and challenges that indigenous people have both currently and historically. Tune in and spend some time with Kevin and Rhae-Ann.
RELATED LINKS:
Senator Murray Sinclair response: https://bit.ly/3gJ3JjZ
21 You May Not Know About the Indian Act: https://amzn.to/3wN3sCo
Inconvenient Indian; Thomas King: https://amzn.to/3gQHLvP
Clearing the Plains; James Daschuk: https://amzn.to/3gKXSLh
Learn about Motivational Speakers
In this Episode: Sam Demma is 21 years old, a keynote speaker, a youth coach and an entrepreneur. Sam shares his stories and if you listen closely you find he has met almost every hurdle in his life with a perspective that helped him turn that hurdle into a positive opportunity, bringing happiness and success. His biggest dream is to inspire and provide strategies for people to find their own successes through becoming change makers. Listen in and imagine finding opportunities in your own world!
RELATED LINKS:
Website: https://samdemma.com/
TEDxYouth: https://bit.ly/3fFVPrb
Podcast Photo: https://bit.ly/2ReebpM
Learn about CAO's
In this Episode: Wes Laporte, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Village of Edgerton, discusses with Rhae-Ann how the local school and students are a major focus for their local government. He gives many tips on how students can get involved through summer jobs and the school's Work Experience program to make an impact on government decisions. Wes shares his personal path to CAO, how he manages the affairs of the municipal government for Edgerton and some projects he has been a part of for the village including aggressive tax incentives like $1 residential lots for families and a three year tax program for business in order to attract family and business to their fabulous community. Welcome and listen in...
RELATED LINKS:
ALIS Occupation details: https://bit.ly/3eC19v3
Village Bio Page: https://bit.ly/3zRgW4v
Univ. of Alberta program (Certified Local Government Manager): https://bit.ly/2RtclBy
Learn about Mayors
In this Episode: Caroline McAuley, the current Mayor for the town of Vermilion, speaks about the events in her life that led her to the Mayor's office. We hear about her education, her career as a dietician and her time spent as a town councilor all of which add to the positive changes she is proud to bring to her community including supporting 30 new businesses, securing a McDonald's franchise, expanding broadband capacity for every user in the area and more... listen in.
RELATED LINKS:
Bio page: https://bit.ly/3v4lkrt
Learn about System Analysts
In this Episode: we spend time with Derek Holte who is a System Analyst with BTPS. He talks to Rhae-Ann about how events in his life kept pointing him toward a career in technology. He has broad experiences including work in the oil-patch and ranching but he says that for him, working with technology is fun and he is doing something he has enjoyed since he was a kid... taking apart and putting together computers and systems.
RELATED LINKS:
Derek's Staff Bio: https://bit.ly/39HmnrV
NAIT Program: https://bit.ly/3o8nBz7
ALIS Occupation details: https://bit.ly/3vY3Flf
Learn about Researchers
In this Episode: Nick Yarmey, who grew up in Wainwright and is now a Researcher with the University of Lethbridge, talks about how researchers use data to connect human practices with negative and positive events, and how communities use this knowledge to make decisions. Environmental Science is at the root of his work. He also shares essential job hunting tips that will help to get your resume picked by those computers that move resumes to the top of the pile. Tune in.
RELATED LINKS:
Ask Nick Anything: https://bit.ly/32rEQSc
ALIS Occupation details: https://bit.ly/2OXkFbv
Learn about Firefighters
In this Episode: We chat with Darren Grosky, a firefighter with the Wainwright Fire Department. Firefighting is a team sport with strong team spirit!! Darren is proud to be a part of Wainwright's 'fire family' and proud to serve the community and he encourages students to become part of such an extraordinary calling. Focus on solid training and continuous upgrading is key for firefighters to do their job and help people through their worst day. Darren invites students to tour the fire hall and visit with first responders to see if this is a path they might want to pursue.
RELATED LINK:
Podcast Photo: https://tinyurl.com/mz3t6zek
ALIS Occupation details: https://bit.ly/3gf6eLf
Learn about Agrologists
In this Episode: Jessenta Woloshyn, Agonomist (Agologist) drops by and chats with Rhae-Ann about where her interest in agronomy started, how she pursued training through Lakeland College and now that she has her dream job, she feels lucky to have had rich and amazing experiences along the way.
RELATED LINKS:
Podcast photo: https://bit.ly/3e4UKXR
ALIS Occupation details: https://bit.ly/3mZ41VI
General info about agrologists: https://www.albertaagrologists.ca/
Learn about Professional Dancers
In this Episode: Graeme Kitagawa, a Professional Dancer based in Vancouver, talks about his amazing life's journey from Brooks Alberta to the television sets of Nickelodeon and Riverdale as well as his stage performances in the Music Man and Singing in the Rain. He tells us about the best and worst jobs he has had along the way. He shares what his goal is for the future. And just for good measure, he has great advice for other aspiring dancers on how to secure their financial future if they choose to follow their dream. Check out this podcast's related links to view Graeme's work.
RELATED LINKS:
Graeme's DANCE DEMO REEL: https://youtu.be/J7Ztpe289Fg
POST-SECONDARY DANCE TRAINING:
https://harbourdance.com/intensive-training-program
https://www.sourcedancecompany.com/
NEWSIES PERFORMANCE: https://fb.watch/4MqcDHbhY_/
FILM AND TV APPEARANCES:
Freaky Friday Musical remake (Disney +); 2 numbers in (Oh Biology and Go)
Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist; Sn.1 Ep.2 & 7, Sn.2 Ep. 11,
Riverdale; Season 4 Ep. 17
DC's Legends of Tomorrow; Sn.6 Ep.3 (June 2021)
Learn about Custodian Supervisors
In this Episode: Jennifer Schneider, Custodian Supervisor at BTPS highlights her essential work. The responsibility of being a front-line worker during COVID and the pride she has in her BTPS custodial team is at the center of this interview. Students get tips on how to look for and apply for temporary or full-time positions in this rewarding line of work. Tune in.
RELATED LINKS:
Jennifer's Staff Bio: https://bit.ly/3b8Dymx
ALIS Occupation details: https://bit.ly/2OVVmqf
Learn about News Reporters
In this Episode: Shelby Clarke of PTLN drops by to chat with Rhae-Ann about all it takes to be a News Reporter. Shelby shares stories about the demands and rewards she has experienced so far from her start as part of her High School news team to her anchor chair with Prime Time Local News in Lloydminster.
RELATED LINKS:
ALIS Occupation details: https://bit.ly/2QtcNPs
Zoom Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f20x9-xMeo
News Anchor Mar 25/2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glh2CObfCNk
First-responder Awareness Report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPL-vveZoY0&t=2s
Learn about Principals
In this Episode: Becky West, Principal, is asked "What do you want most for women of tomorrow?" Becky feels that women lead differently than men. She quotes, "I want every little girl that is told she is bossy instead should be told they have great leadership skills!" I hope for equity of opportunity and reward for the women of tomorrow and their unique leadership skills need to be valued. If we encourage and value the skills of women and men the same way, it will be better for not just women but the world of tomorrow.
RELATED LINKS: School Staff Page https://bit.ly/3dhqE4a
Learn about our Innovation Coach
In this episode: Heather Rentz, Innovation Coach, is asked 'How can women best support each other?' She guides us by saying, "We as women, should engage in authentic conversations. And if you see a woman who is not being heard, be the person to lift her up to support her voice." She shares a quote that has guided her, "Surround yourself with women who would mention your name in a roomful of opportunities."
RELATED LINKS: BTPS Staff page https://bit.ly/3wXBp3o
Learn about our Transportation Director
In this Episode: Chrysti Mannix, our Transportation Director is asked "How do you strive for, achieve and maintain balance in your life?" Chrysti considers BTPS as part of her family. And to help balance the stresses on the job she makes sure to include fun in her life. And that caring about people is important to her. It is also rewarding for her to dedicate time to and support her own children in their lives so they become important people in our community.
RELATED LINKS: BTPS Staff page https://bit.ly/3tjmjmR
Learn about our Deputy Superintendent
In this Episode: Michelle Webb speaks about International Women's Day and shares that her "great-grandmother was 11yrs on the first official gathering in 1911". That celebration inspired women across the world to advocate for all types of equality. Michelle states that "from challenge comes change so let's choose to challenge inequities and collectively we can help create an inclusive world."
Related links:
BTPS Staff Bio https://bit.ly/3sdo7fT
Learn about our Board Chair
In this Episode: Lanie Parr, our BTPS Board Chair shares thoughts and advice with our students about women leaders in the workplace; "Women bring so much talent to the workplace but are undervalued.... Advice for our young woman... be intentional and your dreams will become your reality."
Related Links:
The BTPS Board https://bit.ly/2ONNrv7