Lethbridge Polytechnic Alumni

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✨ Where are you Wednesday!

Jessica Melsted (Fish and Wildlife Technology 2014, Renewable Resource Management 2013) has turned her passion for wildlife and conservation into a career that has taken her across Western Canada. Today, she works with Black Fly Environmental LTD., building on a diverse background that includes roles withCows and Fish, the Delta Waterfowl Foundation, the Government of Alberta and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Jessica discovered the Renewable Resource Management and Fish and Wildlife Technology) programs after exploring conservation careers in high school. She credits supportive instructors and valuable hands-on experiences, including work at the polytechnic’s former Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, with helping launch her career.

One lesson she carries forward is the importance of building relationships. "The environmental field is quite small,” says Melsted, “so chances are, many of the students you learn with, you'll run into again down the road as a professional."

What Jessica enjoys most about her work is the opportunity to visit remote places few people ever get to see and to work alongside passionate people who have become lifelong friends. Outside of work, she's an avid birder who volunteers with bird monitoring programs and guided tours. She also enjoys photography, reading, knitting, bowling and spending time with her many pets.

Where are you Wednesday!

Laly Zamudio has built a career centred on connection, inclusion and helping others find support when they need it most. A 2016 graduate of the Therapeutic Recreation – Gerontology (TRG) program, she continued her education in public health at the University of Lethbridge before gaining experience in long-term care, mental health and substance use, community outreach, disability services and victim services.

Today, Laly is a case worker specializing in health care with the John Howard Society Okanagan and Kootenay in Kelowna, B.C. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to supporting people from all walks of life through client-centred care and advocacy.

Laly says she was drawn to the TRG program because of her belief in the importance of leisure, community and finding purpose through meaningful connections. Looking back, she credits the program's supportive instructors, particularly Kathie Ervin and Jan Anton, and the personalized learning environment that played a significant role in both her professional and personal growth.

What she enjoys most about her work is the opportunity to connect with people, hear their stories and celebrate the small victories that can make a big difference. For Laly, the most rewarding part of her role continues to be the face-to-face interactions that help build trust and create positive change.

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, spending time at the beach, attending q***r community events and making memories with friends, family and her wife.

Where are you Wednesday!

For Quinn Campbell, returning to Lethbridge Polytechnic feels like coming home. A 2007 graduate of the Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism program, she recently stepped into the role of events and engagement co-ordinator on the External Engagement team. From Pride Parade to Whoop-Up Days and future campus-hosted events, Quinn is already helping strengthen connections between the polytechnic and the wider community.

Quinn’s journey began on campus in the Audio-Visual department before she launched into a nearly 20-year career in broadcasting. She spent much of that time with Global News Lethbridge, working as an editor, videographer, producer, reporter and anchor. She also co-hosted a local morning radio show. Quinn credits her time at Lethbridge Polytechnic with building the storytelling, communication and adaptability skills that carried her through a dynamic career in media.

Now back on campus, Quinn says she’s seen firsthand how the polytechnic continues to evolve through upgraded spaces, modernized programs and strong ties to industry. She notes many alumni have gone on to become leaders and business owners in the community, which speaks to the lasting impact of a polytechnic education, and she finds it especially meaningful to connect with those alumni and help strengthen those same community relationships.

Quinn says she is excited to bring fresh ideas to her role and help champion the polytechnic, its students and its story. Outside of work, she has a passion for farming and ranching, something that often surprises those who remember her from her broadcasting days.

Her journey is another reminder that the foundation built at Lethbridge Polytechnic can lead to diverse, rewarding careers.

In recognition of National Culinary Arts Month, we're shining a spotlight on Chef Amara Goodsell, a Lethbridge Polytechnic alumna, instructor and mentor who is helping shape the next generation of culinary professionals.

After graduating from our Culinary Careers program in 2006, Chef Goodsell built an impressive career spanning catering, fine dining, institutional kitchens, food distribution and private chef work. Today, she brings that real-world experience back to the classroom, where she helps students develop not only their culinary skills, but also the confidence, professionalism and adaptability they will need throughout their careers.

"The best part of my current role is the opportunity to shape the next generation of culinary professionals. I enjoy helping students build strong technical skills while also developing professionalism, confidence and adaptability."

In the latest issue of Wider Horizons, Chef Goodsell shares her story, along with one of her family's favourite recipes: honey soy butter glazed salmon.

Read the full story and get the recipe here: lethpolytech.ca/wider-horizons/spring-2026/honey-soy-butter-glazed-salmon

For Meaghan Heller, Lethbridge Polytechnic wasn’t just a place to study; it was where she found her purpose.

After previously working as a recruiter at the polytechnic, Meaghan made the decision to enrol in the Bachelor of Nursing – After Degree program. Joking about how she “recruited herself,” she completed her program in October 2022. With a background in public health and a desire for a new challenge, Meaghan says the program’s condensed two-year format, experienced instructors and smaller class sizes made it the perfect fit. She even balanced life as a student- athlete, playing for the Kodiaks women’s soccer team which proves, as she puts it, “you’re never too old to chase new goals.”

Completing the program during the COVID-19 pandemic pushed Meaghan in ways she didn’t expect. She says it strengthened her resilience and time- management skills while reinforcing the importance of teamwork and adaptability. From simulation labs to clinical learning, the program provided a strong foundation in critical thinking, patient care and collaboration. These are all skills she now relies on every day in her role as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Chinook Regional Hospital.

For Meaghan, nursing is more than clinical care; it’s about being there for patients and families during their most vulnerable moments. She says she values the opportunity to provide compassion, education and reassurance, while working alongside a supportive team she considers her second family. She also enjoys giving back to the next generation of nurses by mentoring polytechnic students on her unit.

Life outside of work is just as full. As a new mom, Meaghan stays busy with her growing family, while still making time for soccer, futsal and the outdoors with her dogs, Leo and Lily.

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1. Like this post and follow Lethbridge Polytechnic Alumni
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3. Update your info and let us know what you’ve been up to!

Update your info here 👉 https://lethpolytech.tfaforms.net/37

Have a great summer, Kodiaks! 😎

*Contest ends July 17. Winner will be contacted directly.*

Where are you Wednesday!

Not every career path is a straight line. Trevor Deering’s experience at Lethbridge Polytechnic shows just how powerful finding the right fit can be.

Initially enrolled in Exercise Science, Trevor says he quickly realized it wasn’t where he saw his future. A conversation with (now retired) Agriculture Sciences instructor Edith Olson encouraged him to lean into his earlier farming experience and try a few agriculture classes. It wasn’t long before Trevor could see how he could make a meaningful difference in his community through agriculture.

Trevor’s time at Lethbridge Polytechnic reinforced that trying something new can open unexpected doors. He says the support of his instructors and the program’s hands-on, real-world approach helped him discover his passion while building strong skills in research, critical thinking and applied problem-solving; skills he still uses every day. After graduating from the polytechnic’s Agriculture Technology – Plant and Soil Science program in 2013, he earned a master’s degree in agricultural studies from the University of Lethbridge.

Today, Trevor works at Farming Smarter, where he has grown from an intern in 2019 to a leader of the Commercial Innovation team. He leads research projects that test crop practices, nutrients and products, delivering practical, unbiased data that helps farmers make better decisions and improve yields. He says what he enjoys most is seeing the real-world impact of that work, supporting farmers and contributing to an industry that strengthens communities across southern Alberta.

Outside of work, Trevor is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, hiking, boating and camping. He and his wife, Davita, have been married since 2020 and are raising their young son, Benjamin.

✨ Where are you Wednesday ✨
Meet Kristen Ainscough, a 2021 graduate of the Therapeutic Recreation diploma program who went on to complete her bachelor’s degree at the University of Lethbridge. Today, she is the Client Services Director at Ability Resource Association and is preparing for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
Kristen’s path to therapeutic recreation began with one simple question: how could she make a difference in people’s lives through fun and meaningful moments? When she discovered therapeutic recreation, the answer clicked. “For me, it’s supporting others in joy, purpose and impactful moments in an intentional way, and helping people rediscover what makes life meaningful.”
Looking back at her time at Lethbridge Polytechnic, one lesson has always stuck: “It’s never too late to start over, especially when you know it’s the right move for you.”
Outside of work, Kristen is always chasing moments of wonder — from traveling, exploring nature and watching wildlife to painting, playing piano, resistance training, and even competitive pistol shooting. But most of all, she treasures time with friends and family.
“Therapeutic recreation is the best because it turns something simple and accessible into a powerful tool for well-being. Every person is unique with their own needs, yet there’s always a form of recreation that can spark joy, purpose or connection in ways that truly matter.”
We are proud to celebrate Kristen’s journey and the passion she brings to helping others live fuller, more connected lives.