Lethbridge Polytechnic Alumni

✨ 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.

We're proud to celebrate two outstanding members of the Lethbridge Polytechnic community who have been named to the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce Top 40 Under 40 list.

👏 Taylor Bourret
A proud Lethbridge Polytechnic alum (Business Administration – Accounting 2018), Taylor has built her career around creating meaningful connections and memorable experiences. From serving as vice-president of finance and operations for the Lethbridge Polytechnic Students' Association - LPSA during her studies to her current role as campaign manager, External Engagement, she has consistently demonstrated leadership, creativity and a deep commitment to community. Taylor also serves on the board of the YWCA Lethbridge & District, helping advance initiatives that support and empower others across our region.

👏 Greg Gibos
As head coach of the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks men's volleyball team and an instructor in the Centre for Business, Arts and Sciences, he has made a lasting impression both in the classroom and on the court. Since taking over the men's volleyball program in 2016, he has helped build one of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference's most competitive teams, including the program's first national top three ranking, while fostering a culture centred on leadership, community and student success. With a background in education, positive psychology and coaching, Greg is dedicated to helping students and student-athletes reach their full potential.

Congratulations, Taylor, and Greg, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for all you do for our community!

And heartfelt congratulations to the following Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni who were also named to the list!
• Kirby Bartz (Fashion Design and Merchandising 2008)
• Joshua Day Chief (Environmental Restoration and Assessment 2013)
• Billy Friesen (Child and Youth Care 2016)
• Mitch Lawson (Communication Arts – Advertising and Public Relations 2013)
• Audrey Leavitt (Nursing 2007)
• Tristin Mercer (Business Administration – Management 2011)
• Joanne Setla (Early Childhood Education 2009)
• Bradley Wynder (Nursing 2018)

Not every student gets the chance to attend a cabinet meeting on Parliament Hill and meet Canada's Prime Minister.

Thanks to the Troy Reeb Internship, Digital Communications and Media new grad, Patience Omeruo, is doing exactly that.

During her two-week internship with Global News and Corus Entertainment in Ottawa and Toronto, Patience has been gaining invaluable experience in Canada's media industry while creating memories and connections that will last a lifetime.

We're so proud of Patience and grateful to Troy Reeb (Broadcast Journalism 1988, Honorary Degree 2019), Global News and Corus Entertainment for making opportunities like this possible.

Photo credit: Justin Adjokatcher, Global News

📍 Where Are You Wednesday!

Meet Chelsey Voeller, a 2011 graduate of the Multimedia Production program who has built a career combining creativity, entrepreneurship and adventure.

Chelsey is the co-owner of Peak Adventure Canada, a digital media company she launched with her partner, Ben, in 2020. Together, they create media focused on outdoor adventure and tourism, drawing on their experience in whitewater paddling, rock climbing and backcountry travel to capture unique stories and landscapes. Since launching the business, they have worked on everything from adventure tourism content to specialized rescue training materials, while also balancing careers as guides, swiftwater rescue instructors, remote medics and volunteer firefighters.

Chelsey's path to multimedia wasn't a straight line. After studying kinesiology and business, she moved to Mexico to help a friend open a sports bar. There, she found herself designing logos and menus and discovered a passion for creative digital work. That experience led her to the Multimedia Production program at Lethbridge Polytechnic, which she enjoyed so much that she later returned as an instructional assistant for five years.

Looking back, Chelsey credits the program with teaching her critical thinking, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills that she still uses every day. While software has changed dramatically since 2011, she says the underlying principles of design, organization and adaptability remain essential to her work.

What Chelsey loves most about the industry is its diversity. "There is always something new to learn," she says. "It's creative, fun and bright, just like the people who tend to work in it."

Outside of work, Chelsey's hobbies often overlap with her career. She enjoys rafting, kayaking, snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking and canyoning. Check out her recent documentary chronicling an adventurous 23-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon here -> youtu.be/cSEIs62VnP8?si=scKp12RpD4W0h8Q0

📍 Where Are You Wednesday!

Greg Goodwin graduated from Lethbridge Polytechnic in 2012 with a diploma in Business Administration before earning a bachelor of management degree from the University of Lethbridge. He later completed a graduate certificate in enrollment management through Bay Path University.

Originally from the small northern Ontario town of Atikokan, Greg grew up spending summers at the lake and winters on a snowmobile. Raised by a hardworking single mother who was deeply involved in the community, he learned early the importance of connection, compassion and giving back.

As the first in his family to pursue post-secondary education, Greg faced plenty of uncertainty, but the experience opened doors he never expected. While studying at the polytechnic, he participated in international exchanges and internships that challenged him to step outside his comfort zone and see education from a new perspective.

“My international experiences changed everything for me,” says Greg. “It made me realize how many opportunities exist that students, especially first-generation learners or people from small towns, may not even realize are possible.”

An internship with Student Affairs and International Services sparked Greg’s interest in higher education and student support. Working closely with students adjusting to unfamiliar environments helped him recognize the value of creating spaces where students feel supported, confident and connected.

Today, Greg works as the alumni engagement co-ordinator at Lethbridge Polytechnic, where he enjoys building meaningful relationships and supporting student and alumni success.

“Sometimes the little things you do can have the biggest impact on someone,” says Greg. “That’s what motivates me most.”

Outside of work, Greg and his partner enjoy travelling, live music and community events.

Where are you Wednesday!

Meet Sarah Vriend, a 2022 Bachelor of Ecosystem Management graduate.

Growing up hunting and fishing, Sarah always had a passion for conservation. Her Indigenous background also provided exposure to skills like mushroom and berry foraging from a very young age. Sara’s interest in plants, animals and protecting the ecosystems where they live made choosing the Bachelor of Ecosystem Management program an easy choice.

Today, Sarah works as a biologist at the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) in Lethbridge and is working toward her professional agrologist membership. She was always told that becoming a biologist was a near-impossible goal to achieve, but Sarah is proof that hard work and determination can accomplish any goal.

“If you put the hard work in school and do the exhausting, but fun summer jobs, you can get where you want to be,” says Sarah.

Sarah’s main role at the ACA is providing rangeland health assessments, a path she would have never chosen if not for a rangeland management course she took at the polytechnic.

Contributing to conservation at the plant community level is one of the aspects she enjoys most in her role.

“By surveying range health, I can help landowners plan to effectively graze their pastures while allowing the wildlife species that use their land to flourish,” says Sarah. “Learning to work with the land and not against it can have very positive and rewarding results.”

In addition to assessing rangelands and contributing to the conservation of native grasslands, Sarah also conducts wildlife surveys. This includes surveys for species at risk in southern Alberta, like the greater short-horned lizard, prairie rattlesnake and burrowing owl.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband and their two sons, who tag along on all their adventures, whether it is fishing, hunting or hiking. She also enjoys cooking, baking and canning, especially when it involves things her family has either grown or harvested themselves.

📍 Where are you Wednesday!
During National Nursing Week, we’re proud to spotlight Samantha Savage, a 2019 graduate of the collaborative Nursing Education in Southwestern Alberta (NESA) program between Lethbridge Polytechnic and the University of Lethbridge .

For Sam, the road to becoming a nurse came with more than its fair share of obstacles. In her second year, she suffered a major stroke that nearly changed the course of her future. Despite the severity of the situation, Sam returned to class after missing just four instructional days. Then, in her third year, a serious fall left her with a badly broken foot requiring reconstructive surgery and what loved ones affectionately call “Frankenfoot.” Through recovery and perseverance, Sam fought her way to the finish line and into the nursing career she had always dreamed of.

After completing her NCLEX exam, Sam accepted a charge nurse position in a small northern Alberta hospital, jumping into leadership early in her career and gaining invaluable real-world experience. Sam continued developing her skills, completing her perioperative nursing credential through MacEwan University.

Today, Sam works as a perioperative nurse at Vermilion Health Centre, where she thrives in the ever-changing pace and intensity of the operating room and post-operative recovery care. She loves the challenge of having to think quickly, adapt in the moment and respond calmly in high-pressure situations . Working in a rural community has made the role even more meaningful, allowing her to be part of a close-knit health-care team that makes a direct impact every day.

Looking ahead, Sam hopes to continue her education by pursuing either her Nurse Practitioner designation or becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Outside of work, Sam is a passionate quad racer and manages a mud bogging team called Twisted Sisters. She loves fast vehicles, getting muddy and bringing home trophies along the way.

We’re proud to celebrate alumni like Sam this National Nursing Week and grateful for the compassion, resilience and care nurses bring to our communities every single day.

Where are you Wednesday!

Meet Tannis Bassett, a 2017 graduate of Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Child and Youth Care diploma.

After graduating from the polytechnic, Tannis continued her studies at MacEwan University , earning her bachelor’s in child and youth care in 2021. She says the diploma program at Lethbridge Polytechnic did an incredible job preparing her for her degree and setting a strong foundation for her career in the field.

Over the past decade, Tannis has worked in licensed daycare, out-of-school care, and youth programs in various leadership roles, allowing her to support children, families and communities. Through these experiences, she discovered a passion for creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore, create, and grow into their authentic selves.

Today, Tannis is the program director of Discovery Kids Out of School Care, a brand-new program opening in Calgary. The program is designed to bring a fresh and modern approach to redefining out-of-school care, focusing on creativity, connection, exploration and providing a place where children feel safe to be their true, authentic selves.

Tannis says one of the most exciting parts of her current role is the opportunity to help build an out-of-school program from the ground up. Allowing her to create a space where children can build friendships, explore their interests, and develop confidence through meaningful experiences both inside the program and in the community.

Tannis also enjoys staying connected with the Child and Youth Care program at Lethbridge Polytechnic. She has returned to campus to reconnect with former instructors, including Allen Ledyit, and has been invited back as a guest presenter to the Foundations and Roles of Child and Youth Care course. Tannis shares her experiences in the field and how the knowledge and values from the program continue to guide her practice today.

📍 Where are you Wednesday!

Meet Eric Pollard, a 2018 Renewable Resource Management and 2020 Bachelor of Ecosystem Management graduate.

From weekly labs and three weeks of fieldwork every semester to wildlife identification and report writing, Eric says the amount of hands-on experience gained was what attracted him to the polytechnic. His biggest takeaway, however, was the people Eric met. He says he is still very close with many of his instructors and classmates.

After graduating, Eric went on to complete a master of science at the University of New Brunswick, studying spatial distributions of a seabirds on the east coast of Québec. Currently, Eric works for Seabridge Gold Inc. as a lead field biologist and coordinator, a role he says provides fulfillment in doing what he can to better the natural world.

“I use the skills I learned at Lethbridge Polytechnic every day,” says Eric. “As a professional biologist, it is important for me to properly identify wildlife species and recognize their behaviour, traits and habitat usage. I also write reports and memos daily for clients and supervisors. Another skill I learned at school.”
Outside of work, Eric spends a lot of time outdoors enjoying a variety of activities, including hiking, cycling, birdwatching, rock climbing and hunting. He also enjoys travelling, from experiencing different cultures and their foods to, of course, viewing the flora and fauna found elsewhere in the world.

📍 Where Are You Wednesday
Meet Cassidy Langridge, a 2020 graduate of our Digital Communications and Media program.
Cassidy is now a Digital Branding Specialist with 1st Choice Savings and Credit Union, blending creativity with strategy every day through storytelling, design and digital content.
From video production and photography to social media and communications, her versatile skill set allows her to take projects from concept to launch. Cassidy credits her hands-on experience at Lethbridge Polytechnic, working with real clients on real projects, for helping her build a strong portfolio and transition confidently into her career.
“Looking back, my time at the polytechnic marked the beginning of an exciting professional journey. It gave me not only technical skills, but also confidence, professionalism and collaboration skills that shape how I work today.”
Outside of work, you’ll find Cassidy reading mystery novels, gaming, building LEGO and adding to her ever-growing plant collection.