A specialist council of the Alberta Teacher's Association
COUNCIL EXECUTIVE
KELLY HUCK
President
Kelly is the president of the Council for Inclusive Education. Kelly has been working with the Council for several years and is the former editor of the councils’ newsletter, “Inside Inclusion.” Along with Nancy Grigg at the University of Lethbridge she co-founded the council’s first journal, “The Inclusive Educator Journal.” Kelly works as an assistant principal for Rocky View Schools and is a former learning support teacher. She is involved in inclusive education initiatives within her school district and teaches an online inclusive education course at the University of Lethbridge. Kelly is passionate about inclusion and providing inclusive professional development opportunities and strategies for teachers working collaboratively with our executive, ATA officers, and inclusive leaders across the province.
MYKA PIEKENBROCK
Secretary
Myka Piekenbrock is the Secretary of the Council for Inclusive Education and the founder of the Canadian Rockies Regional Council for Inclusive Education in Canmore, Alberta. Myka has been working with the Council since 2001 when she began as the secretary of the Calgary Regional Council. Myka has a Masters in Applied Psychology, Bachelor of Education and Honours Bachelor of Science. Since 2001, Myka has had 8 years of teaching at the Calgary Board of Education and 9 years with the Canadian Rockies Public School (CRPS), and has taught courses at both the University of Calgary and Bow Valley College in Calgary. Myka co-authored the To Behave or Not to Behave resource and workshop as well as was one of the writing team of the BOATS document. As a learning support teacher in the CRPS board, Myka currently works with students with diverse learning needs.
RHONDA KELLY
Treasurer
Rhonda is the Treasurer for the Council for Inclusive Education. She had been involved with the CIE for a number of years and in the past has served as the President and Treasurer for the Northwest Regional. Rhonda has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with a minor in Accounting as well as a Bachelor of Education degree. She is passionate about Inclusive Education and providing professional development opportunities to help Educators create Inclusive environments.
MICHELLE DOW
Past-President
Michelle Dow has been involved with the Council for Inclusive Education for several years first as secretary then president of the Calgary regional. Michelle received her doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of Calgary in 2017 for which she spent four years researching inclusive education. She is a learning leader of a specialized program. Michelle is passionate about inclusive education and strongly believes that when stakeholders come together, learning opportunities increase and students are better able to reach their fullest potential.
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NICOLE BELANGER
Webmaster
Nicole is an advocate for meaningful inclusion and enjoys working with fellow teachers, educational staff, and caregivers to provide the best educational experience possible for all students. Nicole is currently teaching in a specialized program for students with learning disabilities. She has previous experience in Grades 1-6 in French and English. Although her tech skills can always be improved, she wants to give back to the council that has helped shape her as a teacher. With an extensive background working with children and adults with diverse needs, she understands the value of a council like the CIE.
Darci has been involved with the CIE since 2001 in a number of different roles including a number of years as Calgary Regional President, Conference Director, and Newsletter Editor. Darci presently works as a Behaviour Mental Health Strategist to support schools, teachers and administrators with our most challenging students. Darci is one of the co-authors of BOATS (Behaviour Observation Assessment Teaching Strategies) document, Supporting Positive Behaviours in Alberta Schools, and To Behave or Not to Behave. She continues to honor the work and collaboration with the CIE Council to support Alberta Educators.
Newsletter Editor
JANIS BEKAR
Canadian Rockies Regional President
Janis is the president of the Canadian Rockies Regional of the CIE. She has been involved with the CIE since 2005. Janis values the collaboration, research, ongoing learning and flexibility required to support environments that demonstrate universal acceptance and promote a sense of belonging for all learners. She is a learning support teacher with Canadian Rockies Public Schools who values public education. She is honored to work alongside these council members to highlight responsive research, practical strategies and a supportive network to teachers across Alberta.
JENNIFER LACOURSE
Central Alberta Regional President
Jennifer Lacourse is the Central Alberta Regional President for the Council for Inclusive Education. She has been involved with the CIE since 2018. Jennifer is an Inclusive Education Teacher at the high school level with Red Deer Public Schools. Jennifer delivers specialized program for her students ensuring that they are prepared for life outside of high school.
TIANNA MELNYK
Calgary Regional Co-President
Tianna Melnyk is Calgary Regional Co-President of the Council for Inclusive Education. She has been an educator with the Calgary Board of Education for the last 16 years, working in elementary and secondary school. She is currently an Assistant Principal. Tianna has
contributed her leadership to other professional organizations as a member of boards including sitting as Chair of Open Arms Patient Advocacy, President of the Calgary chapter of Alberta ASCD and as the President of Alberta ASCD.
ARLENE FOLEY
President - Elect and Northwest Regional President
Arlene has been an active member of the Council for Inclusive Education for many years. This is her first year in the role of President and is looking forward to supporting teachers in her region. She is passionate about inclusive education and obtained her graduate degree in Inclusion and Universal Design as a result. Arlene currently works as a Learning Support Teacher for Grande Prairie School Division and has completed action research on fostering a sense of belonging in middle school students who are on the autism spectrum. For the past eight years Arlene’s teaching role has been focused on supporting students with diverse learning needs.
CAROL KNOTT
CHRIS MATTATALL
University Liaison
Dr. Chris Mattatall is an Associate Professor of inclusive education and educational psychology at the University of Lethbridge. Dr. Mattatall’s research has helped teachers use collaborative consultation for the purpose of designing differentiated teaching interventions for students with diverse learning needs.
GREGORY FERRIS
Southwest Regional President