Learning Opportunities

Chris Zarski has been an educator for over 40 years, and has served as a teacher, principal, supervisor and director and Examiner for Alberta Education. Currently is serving as a Curriculum Implementation Consultant with CARC on secondment from her role as the Director of Instruction and Staff Development for STAR Catholic Schools. Chris has led numerous district wide initiatives, provided over 600 professional learning sessions, and co-authored/consulted on 18 mathematics resources. She is actively involved with the pedagogy of deeper learning, authentic assessment designs enhancing curriculum delivery and the integration of FNMI resources into all curriculums. Chris loves to learn and believes that all students have the ability to learn at high levels. She also believes that teachers have the best profession ever – enlightening new minds and sparking interest in learning! 

Chris Zarski has been an educator for over 40 years, and has served as a teacher, principal, supervisor and director and Examiner for Alberta Education. Currently is serving as a Curriculum Implementation Consultant with CARC on secondment from her role as the Director of Instruction and Staff Development for STAR Catholic Schools. Chris has led numerous district wide initiatives, provided... Read more »

Jackie spent the past 24 years working alongside teachers as a math consultant and instructional coach, always starting with relationships first. She believes real change happens when there’s trust, collaboration, and a shared belief that all students can learn. Her work is rooted in real classrooms—she’s often in schools observing lessons, modeling alongside teachers, and helping make math feel doable and meaningful for everyone. Jackie is especially curious about how concrete materials are used (and sometimes misused), how visual and spatial reasoning supports number sense, and how the right question at the right time can shift thinking. Her sessions are practical, down-to-earth, and shaped by what’s actually happening in classrooms.

Jackie spent the past 24 years working alongside teachers as a math consultant and instructional coach, always starting with relationships first. She believes real change happens when there’s trust, collaboration, and a shared belief that all students can learn. Her work is rooted in real classrooms—she’s often in schools observing lessons, modeling alongside teachers, and... Read more »

Jess Oracheski is currently a classroom teacher, teaching junior high science in Buffalo Trail Public Schools since 2010. She has a zest for life, and always tries to infuse fun into her classroom. She has a passion for incorporating technology into her daily lessons, making her courses paperfree for almost 10 years. When she isn't teaching or consulting, she is spending time with her 3 boys on a farm she shares with her husband.

Jess Oracheski is currently a classroom teacher, teaching junior high science in Buffalo Trail Public Schools since 2010. She has a zest for life, and always tries to infuse fun into her classroom. She has a passion for incorporating technology into her daily lessons, making her courses paperfree for almost 10 years. When she isn't teaching or consulting, she is spending time with... Read more »

Cheryl Babin is a Designer of Professional Learning with the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia based in Calgary.  With a M.Ed. specializing in Curriculum, Teaching & Learning, Cheryl has taught in public, international and independent schools. She has held many roles including classroom and lead teacher, experiential learning coordinator, instructional coach, International Baccalaureate coordinator and workshop leader, and a university sessional instructor for pre-service teachers. Cheryl currently designs and facilitates professional learning opportunities for teachers and instructional leaders. Specific areas of interest and experience include making learning meaningful through engaging learning designs that evoke critical thinking, develop conceptual understanding, involve students in the assessment process, and foster the development of international-mindedness and compassion.

Cheryl Babin is a Designer of Professional Learning with the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia based in Calgary.  With a M.Ed. specializing in Curriculum, Teaching & Learning, Cheryl has taught in public, international and independent schools. She has held many roles including classroom and lead teacher, experiential learning coordinator, instructional coach,... Read more »

Andrew Walmsley recently retired after 37 years teaching elementary and middle school.  For much of that time he was his school’s math lead teacher and was a member of many divisional numeracy teams. He is a creative, and effective educator with extensive experience in elementary classroom pedagogy, professional development, and collaborative team leadership.  Well-versed in diverse educational environments, he is a student-centered math instructor, academic facilitator, and motivational coach dedicated to fostering engagement and success.

With strong skills in curriculum development Andrew applies a growth mindset and innovative strategies to consistently achieve learning objectives. He has a strong background in analyzing data to drive student success.  He firmly believes that the best numeracy programs create mathematical thinkers, instead of mimickers.  

Proficient in both classroom and online technologies, Andrew excels in working independently and as part of a dynamic teaching team, ensuring impactful and meaningful learning experiences for all students.

Andrew Walmsley recently retired after 37 years teaching elementary and middle school.  For much of that time he was his school’s math lead teacher and was a member of many divisional numeracy teams. He is a creative, and effective educator with extensive experience in elementary classroom pedagogy, professional development, and collaborative team leadership.  Well-versed in... Read more »

Ted has over thirty years of experience in education across Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta, serving as teacher, principal, superintendent, and instructional leader. His expertise includes learning for transfer, conceptual learning, and the instruction of thinking skills, with subject strengths in K–6 Science and K–9 Social Studies. Trained in Control Theory and Restitution–Self Discipline, he has extensive experience supporting positive classroom management and student behaviour. For more than fifteen years, Ted has also worked with gifted and twice-exceptional learners, developing approaches that challenge and support diverse needs. He is passionate about helping educators refine practices that enrich student learning.

Ted has over thirty years of experience in education across Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta, serving as teacher, principal, superintendent, and instructional leader. His expertise includes learning for transfer, conceptual learning, and the instruction of thinking skills, with subject strengths in K–6 Science and K–9 Social Studies. Trained in Control Theory and... Read more »

Dr. Kathy Salmon, began Aspire Education Consulting in 2023 upon her retirement as a school principal from the Calgary Board of Education where she served for 23 years. Her roles included principal at 4 schools, assistant principal at 3 schools, System Assistant Principal Corporate Partnerships, ESL specialist, ESL Learning Leader and teacher. She was also seconded twice to Alberta Education as an ESL Curriculum Manager where she was a co-writer of the EAL proficiency Benchmarks 1.0 and 2.0 and produced many resources on the Supporting English Language Learners Website. In her consultancy work she has supported the Canadian International School (CIS )Phnom Penh, Cambodia, The International School Macao; Britannia International School Guang Zhou, China; CIS Guang Zhou, China; CIS Foshan, China; Canadian Rockies School Division; Grasslands School Division; Christ the Redeemer School Division; and the Alberta Professional Learning Consortia. She has a hands-on approach to supporting school leadership in creating the human architecture and protocols to support effective learning environments for diverse learners. She supports teachers with EAL, literacy, and embedding oracy into content area learning. Her doctoral dissertation was titled Effective Teaching Practices for English as an Additional Language Learners in Alberta, Canada.

Dr. Kathy Salmon, began Aspire Education Consulting in 2023 upon her retirement as a school principal from the Calgary Board of Education where she served for 23 years. Her roles included principal at 4 schools, assistant principal at 3 schools, System Assistant Principal Corporate Partnerships, ESL specialist, ESL Learning Leader and teacher. She was also seconded twice to Alberta Education... Read more »

Tammy Leslie has been an educator for over 30 years. She spent 23 years teaching in Grades 1 through 6 and the past 8 years as an Elementary Math Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. As a consultant, Tammy had multiple opportunities to work with many individuals both within and outside the division; including consultants, administrators, teachers and students to provide ongoing support and guidance in developing and deepening best math practices in inclusive communities. 

Tammy is passionate about math and numeracy. Her goal, as a Learning Facilitator with ERLC,  is to support educators in their continued efforts to understand and address the need for impactful strategies in math and numeracy. She believes in a collaborative approach model with teachers as leaders, where we can work ON practice, IN practice. She aims to co-construct meaningful professional learning to guide instruction and maximize student learning.

Tammy Leslie has been an educator for over 30 years. She spent 23 years teaching in Grades 1 through 6 and the past 8 years as an Elementary Math Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. As a consultant, Tammy had multiple opportunities to work with many individuals both within and outside the division; including consultants, administrators, teachers and students to provide ongoing... Read more »

Ulana Soletsky has been facilitating professional learning sessions in mathematics and numeracy for the Edmonton office of the Consortium since 2006. Prior to this, she dedicated 26 years to teaching mathematics at the Junior High level before transitioning to roles as a math and numeracy consultant for Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools and ERLC. An educator since 1979, Ulana has engaged with students from Kindergarten through grade 9 and has also acted as a First Steps in Math Facilitator for Pearson Publishers, concentrating on the Number, Operation Sense, and Measurement strands. Additionally, she has collaborated with Pearson Publishers to provide professional development for the new math resource “Mathology” and the “Math Progressions K-9,” of which she was an active reviewer during its development. Currently, Ulana is involved in overseeing the creation of the Math Assessment for grades 1 to 9 in partnership with Elk Island Catholic Schools. As a math educator, her objective has always been to ensure that all students comprehend and value the mathematics they study; that they can read, write, explore, and communicate mathematical concepts with assurance; and that they can apply mathematics in their daily lives. Her primary focus lies in supporting the new curriculum, planning for staff development, and enhancing school improvement initiatives. She advocates for a cooperative, student-centered classroom as the most effective environment for learning.

Ulana Soletsky has been facilitating professional learning sessions in mathematics and numeracy for the Edmonton office of the Consortium since 2006. Prior to this, she dedicated 26 years to teaching mathematics at the Junior High level before transitioning to roles as a math and numeracy consultant for Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools and ERLC. An educator since 1979, Ulana has... Read more »

Adelee Penner is a highly sought-after consulting professional who has demonstrated her ability to realize system improvement and change disruption. She brings her practical experience working with teachers, school-based and district leaders to her project consultation/work. She has been an educator and leader in school authorities in both Manitoba and Alberta. Adelee also has experience as an Assistant Superintendent of Schools. She has worked for Manitoba Agriculture as well as for Alberta Education, which provided her with the opportunity to innovate, create and problem-solve at a provincial level. In addition to consulting, Adelee is a Lecturer in the Education Faculty at the University of Alberta. Adelee is able to create remarkable outcomes through her unshakable optimism.

She enjoys working alongside leaders as she believes we have the ability to shape an innovative future together. Adelee’s strengths lie in her ability to inspire and motivate people to achieve meaningful improvement, see possibilities and create opportunities; she is a systems thinker, and her ability to craft meaningful processes through which remarkable outcomes are possible. Through her visionary leadership and ability to analyze and assess multiple data sources, she is able to coach teams into actioning their potential. As an IAP2 certified trainer, Adelee enjoys working with organizations to inspire new ways to engage with their stakeholders and consider their communication strategies. Adelee inspires others to be their best while focusing on goals the system is working towards. She is a disruptor who challenges thinking and makes you realize you can shift/refine your practice for your well-being, practice, and stakeholders.

Adelee Penner is a highly sought-after consulting professional who has demonstrated her ability to realize system improvement and change disruption. She brings her practical experience working with teachers, school-based and district leaders to her project consultation/work. She has been an educator and leader in school authorities in both Manitoba and Alberta. Adelee also has experience as an... Read more »

Betty Morris has been a math educator for over 40 years.  Her various roles included classroom teacher, district math consultant, math exam manager/new initiatives for Alberta Education, and sessional instructor at Concordia University in Edmonton.  

Betty's interest in supporting teachers and students in their understanding of mathematics and instilling in them the confidence and passion that she has for mathematics, continues as she provides professional learning to districts and schools, working with both teachers and students.  A priority for her is helping all stakeholders to understand and work with the new math curriculum.  

Betty Morris has been a math educator for over 40 years.  Her various roles included classroom teacher, district math consultant, math exam manager/new initiatives for Alberta Education, and sessional instructor at Concordia University in Edmonton.  

Betty's interest in supporting teachers and students in their understanding of mathematics and... Read more »

Angela Dearing has worked for Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools for 24 years spending 15 years in the classroom followed by the past 9 years working as a division Educational Technologist. In this current role she supports administration, teachers and support staff in using technology to transform education. Passionate about education and technology Angela provides 1-1 staff training, small and large group PD sessions, in-class demonstrations and Coding camps to 11 sites across the division as well as working closely with IT on new initiatives and training. She has a passion for curriculum and technology and enjoys helping teachers level up their teaching through tech.

Angela Dearing has worked for Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools for 24 years spending 15 years in the classroom followed by the past 9 years working as a division Educational Technologist. In this current role she supports administration, teachers and support staff in using technology to transform education. Passionate about education and technology Angela provides 1-1 staff training, small... Read more »

After 39 years of full-time work in education, Rick is currently supporting the work as one of our consultant team members. Rick has experience teaching English and Social Studies (9-12 academic and non-academic streams) with some Computers, CALM, and a touch of IB Theory of Knowledge folded in for fun. Experienced in Educational leadership as a High School Administrator (14 years, the last nine as Principal) with six years at Central office, the last five as Assistant Superintendent before spending six years as the Director at SAPDC supporting professional learning.

After 39 years of full-time work in education, Rick is currently supporting the work as one of our consultant team members. Rick has experience teaching English and Social Studies (9-12 academic and non-academic streams) with some Computers, CALM, and a touch of IB Theory of Knowledge folded in for fun. Experienced in Educational leadership as a High School Administrator (14 years, the last... Read more »

Tansi, Wapastim N’Sihkasoon. Hello, my name is White Horse, my colonized name is Jason Bigcharles.  I am a father of 7 and grandfather of 17. I am proudly Metis from the Metis settlement of East Prairie. I have lived on the East Prairie Metis Settlement my whole life thus far. I have been a teacher for 20+ years and taught various grade levels before moving into educational leadership for the past 13 years.  Although I am Metis, my family is deeply rooted in Cree cultural practice and spiritualism. We continue to maintain a very high subsistence lifestyle, carrying on those traditions. Currently I am an Independent Education Consultant specializing in FNMI content and curriculum.

I have specialized experience in administering Culture-Based-Learning Camps and cultural teachings to students of all ages which focus on traditional Land-Based teachings of the Woodland Cree Peoples and Metis both traditional and contemporary while infusing curriculum into lessons. I am a powwow dancer, storyteller, hunter, trapper and medicinal plant gatherer and knowledge keeper. Most of my time, aside from work, is spent on the land hunting, trapping, gathering medicinal plants, passing on teachings and visiting elders. Along with being dedicated to my traditions and spiritualism, I am also dedicated to lifelong learning and the belief that learning never stops. 

K’ninaskomitin (I am grateful, and my spirit is lifted by you)

Tansi, Wapastim N’Sihkasoon. Hello, my name is White Horse, my colonized name is Jason Bigcharles.  I am a father of 7 and grandfather of 17. I am proudly Metis from the Metis settlement of East Prairie. I have lived on the East Prairie Metis Settlement my whole life thus far. I have been a teacher for 20+ years and taught various grade levels before moving into educational... Read more »

Kim is currently a consultant with the Northwest Regional Learning Consortium. Previously, Kim was a teacher, principal, and researcher in north western Alberta. Her work and research evolved into a focus on building educational equity. She spent many years involved in diversity leadership training which is now merging with an anti-racism focus. Additionally, Kim had a unique experience as the protegé of a Cree Elder for ten years. As a principal, Kim was able to put what she learned into practice with favourable results in student achievement. She learned first hand the complexities involved in building educational equity which led her to her current path with infusing Indigenous ways of knowing and being into new curriculum, as well as doing a deeper exploration into decolonization and anti-racism work.  Kim continues to live in the High Prairie area. Her great passions include her family and the outdoors.

Kim is currently a consultant with the Northwest Regional Learning Consortium. Previously, Kim was a teacher, principal, and researcher in north western Alberta. Her work and research evolved into a focus on building educational equity. She spent many years involved in diversity leadership training which is now merging with an anti-racism focus. Additionally, Kim had a unique experience as the... Read more »

Cathy brings with her the experiences of: being a classroom teacher for over 20 years, taking on leadership roles within her school division that included administrative experiences, providing learning supports through being a learning coach, a math curriculum implementation lead, and an AISI leader, as well as providing professional development experiences as a Designer of Professional Learning with the Consortium since 2016. Her work has focused on the areas of literacy, mathematics, assessment, instructional practices and design. She looks for opportunities to work toward building the best possible learning environments.

Cathy earned her Master's Degree in the Science of Education focusing on the Art and Science of Teaching. In 2018, she became a certified Independent Lynn Erickson and Lois Lanning Concept-Based Curriculum & Instruction Presenter and Trainer.

Cathy brings with her the experiences of: being a classroom teacher for over 20 years, taking on leadership roles within her school division that included administrative experiences, providing learning supports through being a learning coach, a math curriculum implementation lead, and an AISI leader, as well as providing professional development experiences as a Designer of Professional... Read more »