Our Team

Diana White

CARC Director

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Diana White

CARC Director

diana.white@aplc.ca

Diana brings with her a strong educational background, having served as a classroom teacher, school administrator and Director of Learning and Instruction. Her background in leadership, curriculum implementation, assessment, numeracy, inclusion, and facilitating professional learning has equipped her to effectively support educators at all levels. Currently serving as the Director of the Central Alberta Regional Consortium, Diana uses her experience and passion to support teachers, school administrators, and system leaders. Her collaborative approach empowers educators to navigate complex challenges with the goal of inspiring and equipping staff to do their most exceptional work for students.

Nancy Penney

Executive Assistant

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Nancy Penney

Executive Assistant

nancy.penney@aplc.ca

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I have been with the consortia for 16 years, in various capacities, working with 5 different Executive Directors, moving locations 4 times, and navigating 5 different registration systems. I am Alberta born and raised and have lived in Red Deer for 38 years. I have 5 adult children and 5 grandsons all of whom live here in Red Deer.  My favorite times include family, friends, church, gardening and reading.

Areas of Expertise

  • Program Coordinator
  • Registration Coordinator
  • Reporting
  • Booking & Contracting Facilitators
  • Day-to-Day Office Administration
  • Hosting Learning Opportunities
  • Participant Communication
  • Invoice coding and deposits

Chris Zarski

Designer of Professional Learning

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Chris Zarski

Designer of Professional Learning

chris.zarski@aplc.ca

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Chris is supporting Alberta teachers as a Curriculum Implementation Support Consultant with the Central Alberta Regional Consortium. She recently served as the Director of Instruction and Staff Development for the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School Division. Throughout her 40+ year career as a teacher, administrator, Examiner with Alberta Education, author and assessment & pedagogical consultant with McGraw Hill/Nelson Publishing, Chris continues her passion for learning and sharing her experiences. With years of experience and opportunities to amass a variety of resources and approaches to pedagogy and assessment, Chris continues to read and stay up-to-date with the current literature and research. “Deepening our students’ learning begins with us as educators – having a deep understanding of our subject, and a toolbox full of strategies to pull out as needed.” Come join Chris as she helps fill that toolbox and challenges your thinking!

Chris has her Master’s degree from the University of Alberta focused on assessment and professional learning. She loves to learn and believes that all students have the ability to learn at high levels. Chris also believes that teachers have the best profession ever – enlightening new minds and sparking interest in learning! WOW – how great is that!

Areas of Expertise

  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Assessment
  • Learner Engagement
  • Manipulatives to Enhance Learning
  • Foldables to Enhance Learning
  • Inquiry Based Learning
  • Policy and Framework Development
  • Leadership
  • First Nations, Mètis and Inuit

Margaret Savage

Financial Coordinator

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Margaret Savage

Financial Coordinator

carc.accounting@aplc.ca

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Margaret has over 20 years of experience in business management, human resources, marketing and analysis. In September 2020, Margaret joined the CARC team in the role of Financial Coordinator.

Always up for a challenge, Margaret enjoys the ever changing demands of the CARC office and working as part of the team to meet the needs of those the CARC office provides service to.

Areas of Expertise

  • Accounts Receivable
  • Accounts Payable
  • All things Financial

Cathy Coers

Designer of Professional Learning

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Cathy Coers

Designer of Professional Learning

cathy.coers@aplc.ca

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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.