Tom Grant, Associate Dean, Business, Hospitality, and Culinary Arts 

Tom Grant has worked in the Manitoba college system for almost 40 years as an instructor and administrator. He joined RRC Polytech 28 years ago and has cultivated professional relationships throughout the College, as well as in government, industry, and community partners. 

In his current role as the Chair of Transportation & Heavy Apprenticeship Trades, Tom has developed important relationships within the transportation, logistic, and supply chain sectors, all of which play a critical role in supporting the apprenticeship and applied education programs in his portfolio.  

Tom holds a Bachelor of Science in Educational Technology, Summa Cum Laude. He represents RRC Polytech on numerous committees and was recently presented with the RRC Polytech’s Safety Champion Bravo Award for his dedication to creating a safe and healthy workplace. 

Tom is a compassionate leader who encourages collaboration among staff and is always looking for opportunities to learn and share knowledge with those around him. 

Karen Kabel, Associate Dean, Creative Arts & Applied Computer Education 

Karen Kabel came to RRC Polytech as an Information Security program instructor in 2018. Karen previously worked at Great West Life (now Canada Life) where she led teams that provided critical IT security services to all seven of Canada Life’s companies across Canada and throughout parts of Europe. Prior to GWL, Karen spent 15 years as an information technology security consultant. 

As Chair of Applied Computer Education, Karen has worked with her team to expand their IT program portfolio to include several new programs. In partnership with the School of Indigenous Education, Karen helped co-create a new Indigenous IT Pathway program. She led the development of three new diploma programs including Data Science and Machine Learning, IT Operations and Application Development & Delivery. 

Karen is a caring leader, focused on using teamwork to find improvements, funding opportunities and innovative ways to deliver academics to a new generation of learners.

Brad Peters, Associate Dean, Programming 

Brad Peters has worked in various educational roles at RRC Polytech since 2011, most recently as a Program Manager in the School of Continuing Education, managing the academic, human resource, and financial management duties of the Applied Arts and Skilled Trades portfolios.  

Throughout his time at the College, Brad has gained deep knowledge of College systems and processes across various functions, departments and Schools, building lasting relationships with amazing faculty, staff and leaders, as well as a diverse group of industry partners. 

Brad completed the Certificate of Adult Education with honours and is a strong supporter of lifelong learning. His continued learning includes additional ENABLE workshops and Project Management courses.  

In his spare time, Brad enjoys staying active by playing golf and hockey, coaching minor sports, volunteering on various boards, and most of all, spending time with his wife, three children and their three dogs at their Lester Beach cabin. 

Steve Lawrence, Associate Dean, Regional Campuses & Adult Learning Centres 

Steve Lawrence holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba, a certificate in Adult Education from RRC Polytech and a Master of Arts in Education from Central Michigan University and has recently attained his Blue Belt in Innovation Engineering. 

Steve has worked at RRC Polytech for the past 29 years. His current position is Acting Dean School of Continuing Education, and past positions include Program Manager IT and Professional Studies in the School of Continuing Education, ACE Project Space Coordinator, and Program Manager for Business and Applied Arts. 

Steve is a certified accreditor for Business Technology Management programs across Canada. He recently completed accreditation visits to Concordia and Acadia Universities. He has 14 years’ industry experience as a programmer, business analyst and requirements gathering analyst. 

On a personal level, Steve has coached and assisted in hockey, volleyball and soccer for over 15 years. He is a Level 2 NCCP nationally certified coach. 

Anna Janik-Kelly, Associate Dean, English Language Learning and Newcomer Initiatives 

Anna Janik-Kelly is RRC Polytech’s incoming Associate Dean of English Language Learning and Newcomer Initiatives.  

Throughout her career, Anna has been passionate about language learning. Since coming to Canada in 2007, she has been working to help newcomers to Manitoba in their settlement journey as a teacher, language assessor, researcher and manager of research. 

Outside of work, Anna enjoys time with her family, cooking, discussing world events or hiking. She also enjoys music, rollerblading, paddle boarding, reading and camping. 

Lauren Phillips, Associate Dean, Education, Global Access and Academic Advancement 

Lauren Phillips is RRC Polytech’s incoming Associate Dean of Education, Global Access and Academic Advancement. 

Lauren is passionate about adult education, active research and learning science, bringing over 10 years’ experience at the College as Chair of Math, Science, and Communication and as former manager of the Academic Success Centre and Assessment Services. Prior to joining RRC Polytech, Lauren was a program coordinator with the provincial government, an associate producer with CBC TV and Radio and a corporate communication instructor in Japan. 

Outside of work, Lauren loves reading, biking and podcasts. When pushed, she’s been known to ski and jog (very slowly) with her family and mischievous dog. 

Lesley McGuirk, Associate Dean, Nursing 

Lesley McGuirk has worked at RRC Polytech since 2005, first as an instructor in the Medical Radiologic Technology (MRT) program and then as the Academic Coordinator for the MRT and MRI programs. She has been the Chair of Allied Health Sciences for the past six years.  

Lesley holds a Certificate in Adult Education, a diploma in Medical Radiologic Technology, a Bachelor of Science Degree, a Master’s in Education (Adult and Post-Secondary) and has completed the Envision Leadership Development program at RRC Polytech.  

Lesley focuses on building equity, diversity and inclusion into programming and threading Indigenous knowledge into Allied Health programming. She is the Board Secretary of the Canadian Association of Allied Health Programs, a member of the Accreditation Decision Committee and is a program surveyor for Equal Accreditation Services Canada.   

Lesley is an avid reader who enjoys cross-country skiing, time at the lake and is actively involved with her kids’ sports activities. 

Dr. Ruth Lindsey-Armstrong, Associate Dean, Health and Community Services 

Dr. Ruth Lindsey-Armstrong joined the College in 2008 as an Early Childhood Education instructor. Ruth has since taken on the roles of Academic Coordinator and Chair of Community Services. Ruth is an Early Childhood Educator III (RRC 1986), has a BA in Developmental Studies (U of W 2007), a Master of Arts & Integrated Studies, with a specialization in Adult Education (AU 2012) and has completed a Doctor of Distance Education, focusing on academic leadership (AU 2022).  

Ruth has developed a series of micro-credentials for mentorship and coaching. Ruth is also a member of the Public Policy Committee for the Manitoba Child Care Association and is a former staff representative on the RRC Polytech Board of Governors.  

In her spare time, Ruth has been studying Spanish at Université de Saint-Boniface, enjoys time at the family cottage and cooking foods from Central America and south Asian countries. 

Tracy Brant, Associate Dean, School of Indigenous Education 

Tracy has worked at the College for 22 years in a variety of roles including Aboriginal Admissions Officer, Aboriginal Centre Coordinator, acting Director Aboriginal Student Support & Community Services, Access Pathway Manager and Chair Aboriginal Education and Access Programs.  

Tracy has a thorough understanding of the supports and services available for Indigenous students at the College, and she is committed to student success. Her hard work, dedication and tenacity to pursue her education goals have led her to many rewarding work opportunities over the years.  

Tracy shares great compassion and wisdom in her work to support student success.   

As a Métis woman, Tracy is very proud of her heritage and believes strongly in the value of education and mentorship.  

Guy Poirier, Associate Dean, Construction 

Guy Poirier began his career at RRC Polytech in 2009 as an Instructor in Carpentry, leading to a Coordinator role, to the Chair, Construction Trades. Guy is very proud to have helped shape RRC Polytech’s Skilled Trades and Technology Centre. 

Before RRC Polytech, Guy worked in construction for 10 years with companies such as PCL, Westland and Stuart Olson. He also had a six-year career in the aviation sector. 

Guy is a two-time RRC Polytech alumni and has a Red Seal in carpentry, Certificate in Adult Education and over 30 years of seminars, mentorship, coaching, gold seal certification and many safety courses in his toolbox. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor in Adult Education.   

Guy focuses on building positive and inclusive community cultures, championing employee engagement and leading with a strong code of values and ethics. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with his family camping in Riding Mountain National Park. 

Mark Blackner, Associate Dean, Transportation and Manufacturing 

Mark Blackner has worked at RRC Polytech for more than 23 years, beginning as an instructor and holding corporate trainer and coordinator positions before moving into his most current role as Chair of the Electrical, Mechanical and Manufacturing department. 

Mark leads his team with integrity and fosters an inclusive and collaborative approach to the projects and partnerships within his unit. He strives for a respectful culture where individuals are encouraged and supported to bring forward new ideas or different ways of doing things.  

Recently, his team led learners through the Conestoga welding program, which provided skills training for underrepresented Manitobans.  

Outside of work, Mark enjoys golf, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his grandchildren and family.