Meet the SWCSS Team!

Jodi Carmichael

Contact Information:

Email: jodi@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.331.9500

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Jodi earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Lethbridge in 2008, with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education. In 2019 she completed her Master in Educational Leadership. Jodi has taught grades K-9 in a variety of schools/divisions, including building inclusive capacity as her role as a Learning Support Teacher in Lethbridge School Division.

“I believe that student learning is about the whole child and there are so many different elements that need to work together to best support student learning needs. Inclusive learning is not only a mindset but when multidisciplinary parties come to the table to collaborate around appropriate student support, it becomes an action for student wellness. I believe that effective inclusive environments require the expertise of many, the willingness to be creative and innovative, and the adaptability to evolve and improve over time. By collaborating and identifying appropriate supports, an inclusive learning community should provide meaningful involvement and equal access. It is integral to build the capacity of the entire learning community to ensure that all members are equip with strategies to support the diversity of all learners".

Jodi is a proud mom of two incredible daughters and a fur baby. She enjoys all things outdoors: hiking, mountain biking, exploring the mountains and the river bottom. Jodi enjoys dabbling in a variety of activities and can always be found trying something new. She is most 'alive' when when she is dancing!

Dallin Ellingson

Serving: Livingstone Range Schools

Contact Information:

Email: dallin@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 587.370.3843

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Dallin worked with the Edmonton Catholic School District starting in 2018, then began working privately as an FSCD service provider prior to joining the SWCSS team. Dallin enjoys learning and collaborating with school teams and families to help share strategies across environments. Incorporating speech, language, and social strategies into play is something Dallin enjoys doing, as the best way to learn is through play. Dallin is trained in Hanen Learning Language and Loving It and More Than Words programs, which provide additional strategies and support for children that may have more complex communication needs. Outside of the classroom, Dallin enjoys fishing, camping, building, and spending time with his family. 

Jaelyn Belisle

Serving: Horizon Schools

Contact Information:

Email: jaelyn@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.332.1687

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Jaelyn joined SWCSS in August 2020 after working at Children’s Allied Health (AHS) since 2009. She believes communication is connection, and there is nothing more important than connection!  Jaelyn is passionate about collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to help support preschool and school age children in southern Alberta. She believes in a functional communication approach, and loves incorporating literacy and reading into therapy as much as possible! She enjoys finding creative ways to motivate students (and their learning teams and families) to reach their goals. Outside of work, Jaelyn enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children; camping, hiking, golfing, reading and traveling. 

Kaitee Vegter

Serving: Palliser/Westwind Schools 

Contact Information:

Email: kaitee@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.915.8206

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Kaitee comes to the SWCSS team after working in both rural and city schools in Southern Alberta and Montana. She holds her Certificate of Clinician Competence (CCC) through the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) as well as Certification through Speech and Audiology Canada (SAC). Kaitee enjoys supporting students and families from all different backgrounds to aid them with their communication needs. Her main passions in the field include: augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), early language learners, functional communication approaches, and play based learning. She also has experience working with multicultural and multilingual families and students within the schools, focusing on meaningful connections and collaborative approaches to assessment and intervention. In her free time she enjoys hiking, fishing, travelling and crafting!  

Kendra Tait

Serving: Westwind Schools & Calvin Christian School

Contact Information:

Email: kendra@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.915.8328

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Kendra joined the SWCSS team in 2020. Prior to this she completed her SLP training at the University of Alberta in 2015, and subsequently worked with school-aged children at Alberta Health Services. She is passionate about collaborating with school teams and families to help children participate fully and confidently in the activities they love. Communication is key to participation and overall wellness! She has additional training in Childhood Apraxia of Speech through Apraxia-Kids; sharing this knowledge and skillset empowers learning teams and families to provide the tailored support these students need. Outside of work, Kendra keeps busy with her husband and two kiddos playing, biking, walking, swimming, and reading. 

Whitney Baraniuk

Serving: AISCA/Palliser Schools

Contact Information:

Email: whitney@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.915.3976

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Whitney has worked with preschool and school-aged children as a Speech-Language Pathologist since 2011. Since joining the SWCSS team in 2020, she has been inspired by the team's continuous effort to adapt and evolve in order to best support students in the region. Whitney believes that shared learning and collective brainpower are the key to building students' success in everyday activities, conversations and play. The adults with the greatest potential to help are the most important ones in a student’s life: parents, caregivers and learning teams. What makes Whitney most excited about her job, is when a students goals/interests are included to make communication meaningful and fun. Whitney grew up in Lethbridge and is learning to appreciate it as an adult. When not at work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and with her family.  

0.6 FTE

Deanna Nelson

Serving: AISCA, Horizon, Lethbridge, Palliser, and Holy Spirit Schools

Contact Information:

Email: deanna@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 587.370.0972 

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Deanna is returning to practice after taking time with her family. She is excited to be working with students in Southern Alberta. Deanna is looking forward to assisting students to be independent, moving and functioning to the best of their ability. Deanna brings an understanding of the physical, social, and educational challenges facing students and their families. By adapting and modifying activities and environments to facilitate improved function and comfort, she is able to be part of the solution to student challenges. 

Erin Stonehocker

Serving: Calvin Christian, Holy Spirit, Lethbridge, Livingstone Range, Piikani, and Westwind Schools

Contact Information:

Email: erins@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.359.3740

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Erin have had been working as a physical therapist for 20 years with the last 17 years working with the pediatric population at home, school and in the community.  She enjoys collaborating with families, teachers and other support services to help children achieve their full potential.  She has a special interest in primary motor reflex integration – believing that gross motor skills are the foundation for more complex skills such as reading, writing and speaking.  When she’s not working she enjoy spending time with her family, playing and watching sports, hiking, travelling and sewing. 

Melissa Spina

Serving: AISCA, Palliser, and Livingstone Schools

Contact Information:

Email: melissa@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 587.370.7631

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Melissa has been practicing in pediatrics for the duration of her career. She has extensive experience working in the home, community, and school settings. Areas of professional development and interest include gross motor development, and the relationship between physical activity and learning. Melissa loves to use a play-based approach to work with kids, putting fun and engagement into motor learning.

Melissa will mostly be supporting students in our more northern regions including some schools in Calgary.

Jocelyn Byl

Serving: Horizon Schools

Contact Information:

Email: jocelyn@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.593.4209

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Jocelyn graduated from the University of Alberta with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has over 10 years of experience working with children of varies ages, diagnoses, and skill levels. Jocelyn has had a life long passion for working with children to support their ability to engage in meaningful occupations. Jocelyn is passionate about collaborating with teachers, support staff, families, and other SWCSS disciplines to maximize a child’s full potential. In her free time, Jocelyn enjoys yoga, hiking, running, biking, and travelling! 

Kathryn Leahy

Serving: AISCA and Holy Spirit schools

Contact Information:

Email: Kathryn@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.593.2539

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Kathryn received her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. She has been working with school-aged children of all ability levels for over 9 years and has a passion about helping students reach their full potential. One of Kathryn's favourite parts about working at SWCSS is collaborating with colleagues, teachers, support staff, and other professionals to help create well-rounded strategies for children to succeed. When she isn’t working, Kathryn enjoys exercising, crafting, playing with her niece and nephew, and spending time with her cat, Griffy! 

Leanne Byl

Serving: Calvin Christian, Palliser, and Piikani Schools

Contact Information:

Email: leanne@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 587.370.0992

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Leanne has been in private practice for the past 15 years working with preschoolers up to grade eight students in Foothills School Division, FSCD (Calgary) and Okotoks Montessori Preschool / Kindergarten.  Rural schools have captured her heart with their genuine interest in supporting students to excel to the best of their ability.  Leanne enjoys the challenge of coming up with unique and creative solutions to meet the needs of her students’ challenges.  She is an avid lifelong learner committed to keeping current on OT topics and research. 

Nathan Grigg

Serving: Livingstone Range Schools

Contact Information:

Email: nathan@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.332.0487

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Nathan graduated from the U of A in December 2022 and came to SWCSS after starting his career working with preschool aged children at Alberta Health Services. He has interest and experience in feeding and picky eating, trauma-informed care, executive function, and self-regulation. As a lifelong enjoyer of learning, Nathan has a strong passion for supporting the staff that make schools work, as well as working to promote positive experiences for every child at school. Nathan enjoys spending personal time growing vegetables, cooking, spending time with family, exercising, disc golfing, and playing video games.

Mateya Dimnik

Serving: AISCA, Palliser, and Westwind Schools

Contact Information:

Email: mateya@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.593.4538

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Mateya graduated from the University of Alberta with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in November 2023. Prior to completing her degree, Mateya worked in mental health and childhood development research for over ten years. Mateya is passionate about collaborating with families, teachers, support staff, and other SWCSS professionals to help students meaningfully engage at school. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, rock climbing, yoga, and aerial circus arts including silks and trapeze. 

Erin Peterson

Teacher for the Blind/Visually Impaired (TVI)

Contact Information:

Email: erin@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.330.6768

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Since 2016, Erin’s role with the team is supporting children/youth that have vision loss.  She has a diverse background that she brings to the team.  Erin started her career as a rehab assistant, taught on a Hutterite colony, and served as a Learning Support Teacher.  She earned her Masters of Special Education (Vision) through University of Northern Colorado.  Erin is currently working on her CVI endorsement to assist her students that have cortical vision impairment. 

Marian Selk

Visually Impaired Assistant (VIA)

Contact Information:

Email: marian@swcss.ca

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Marian starting working for Palliser School Division in 2001 as an Educational Assistant. The role has given her the opportunity to work with students with various abilities. 

Marian comes to us in the role of Teacher Assistant for the Blind and Visually Impaired. She has spent 20 years of her career supporing students who are blind, have lovision, and/or have complex learning needs. She completed specialized training throughout her career in braille transcription and tactile graphics production to provide access to the visual information presenting to students in the everyday classroom. 

Through Marian's training and experience she has offered explicit instruction to her students in the reading and interpretation of tactile graphics and braille. She is excited to share her vast knowledge and experience in supporting students with visual impairments and who may be complex learners.

Pauline Peddle

dDeaf and Hard of Hearing (dDHH) Teacher Strategist

Contact Information:

Email: pauline@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 587.220.3537

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Pauline is our dDeaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher who previously taught at Westminster Elementary School and Coalhurst Elementary.  She has an extensive background in literacy and inclusion.  Pauline has completed Special Education (dDeaf and Hard of Hearing) studies through University of Northern Colorado.  She looks forward to working with learning teams and families to support the academic and social needs of students with hearing loss, in particular helping these students advocate for their hearing and listening needs.  Pauline works in collaboration with the school team to help them understand the importance of consistent use of hearing assistive technoloy, to support instructional strategies and curriculum access, and to develop hearing-related goals for their IPP/ISP.  Pauline typically works Mondays through Thursdays.

Mitchell Harris

Educational Audiologist

Contact Information:

Email: mitchell@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 587.370.0989

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Mitchell is our Educational Audiologist. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Lethbridge and his Masters of Science in Audiology from the University of British Columbia. He has been working at a hearing clinic in Lethbridge evaluating and treating hearing loss for the last 4 years. Mitchell is very excited to work with students, their families, and school support teams to better meet their listening needs. Away from work, he likes bike rides and exploring with his family and often has a renovation project on the go. 

Colton Hok

Contact Information:

Email: colton@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.795.6984

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Prior to joining the SWCSS team, Colton worked with Children’s Services as a Child and Youth Care Counselor at Sifton Campus Based Treatment Centre for over 6 years. Colton has training and experience working with youth and families with traumatic backgrounds, developmental disabilities, addictions, and difficulties with emotional regulation. He has helped facilitate an equine assisted learning program, and is a certified BrainWise™ Trainer and Instructor to teach youth critical thinking and emotional regulation skills. Colton enjoys collaborating with families, teachers, psychologists, cultural supports, medical professionals, and community supports to

figure out the best ways to support families. As well, he has become a mental health advocate for youth, families, his coworkers, and takes a therapeutic approach to his practice. In Colton’s free time he enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting, skiing, basketball, and watching hockey games (Go Oilers!). 

Elizabeth Noad

Contact Information:

Email: elizabeth@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.795.8583

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Elizabeth recently completed a Bachelor of Social Work degree at The University of Calgary and is a registered Social Worker. She works from a person-centered, trauma-informed approach to care that has been shaped by her diverse experiences within the Human Services field. During her undergraduate degree, she was able to work with families in collaboration with Children’s Services, with the goal of reunification. She was also able to participate in a project-based role that involved delivering programming about stress and resilience to front-line staff members at long-term care facilities. Elizabeth is looking forward to bringing her experience and passion for providing high-quality care into her role of connecting students and their families to mental health resources. In her free time, she enjoys reading, travelling, and spending time with friends and family. 

Kara-lyn Fredrickson

Contact Information:

Email: kara-lyn@swcss.ca

Call/Text: 403.915.2817

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Kara-lyn joins SWCSS after working in the Lethbridge community for over six years in various roles focusing on mental health. Most recently, Kara-lyn has been working as an Addiction Counsellor for Alberta Health Services. Kara-lyn graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelors of Health Sciences and then went on to finish her Master’s of Education from the University of Calgary. Kara-lyn values expanding her knowledge and is working towards a Master of Social Work Degree. Working from a trauma-informed and person-centered perspective, Kara-lyn is passionate about supporting children, youth, and families from all backgrounds in a collaborative and supportive way.