Allyson Cooper, MN, RN, CCSNE currently holds the position of Chair of BN Programs, Labs & Simulation at RRC Polytech. 

Before joining the College, Allyson worked as a nurse in the NICU at Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg for 14 years. Allyson has held positions as the Nurse Educator in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, developer and leader of the ACoRN (Acute Care of at-Risk Newborns) implementation project in Manitoba, Nurse Coordinator for post-graduate medical education, and Nurse Educator for the Internationally Educated Nurses program.  

Allyson holds a master’s degree in nursing with a specialty in nursing education from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Her research interests center around high-fidelity simulation and its application in furthering learning. 

Alison Fyfe-Carlson joined RRC Polytech in 2001 and has taught in the nursing faculty in both clinical and theory positions. 

A committed and compassionate educator, Alison has been an Academic Coordinator in the nursing department since 2018, and has led international and inter-professional education initiatives, and loves to see students succeed. 

In her spare time, Alison enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cross-country skiing and reading. 

Ginelle Giacomin has been an educator for more than 15 years. She recently completed a Doctorate in Social Science, focused on the intersection of Indigeneity, post-secondary education, and parental efficacy. She also holds a Master of Science, specializing in Human Development and Disability Studies, and bachelor’s degrees in Education, Family Social Science, and Arts.  

Ginelle joined the RRC Polytech community in 2013, having taught in the Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Care, and Disability and Community Support programs. She has also worked as a high school home economics teacher, a group home manager, and as a qualitative researcher. 

Ginelle is dedicated to Indigenizing curriculum and supporting the whole learner. Her experience teaching at the Ndinawe Child and Youth Care Certificate Program ignited a passion for transformative holistic post-secondary education which she brings to her new position as Chair of Community Services Programs. 

Tasha Gregory joined RRC Polytechnic in 2010 as a nursing instructor and is grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside an incredibly talented group of individuals in the nursing department. Tasha previously worked as an RN in various pediatric settings and as a motivational speaker in the non-profit sector.  

Tasha holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Queen’s University, a Master of Nursing from Athabasca University, and is currently completing the Teaching for Learning Certificate from RRC Polytech.  

Tasha is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and integrating trauma-informed practices and strengths-focused approaches into the delivery of healthcare and educational standards. She is a lifelong learner and is committed to continued growth and innovation.  

Outside of work, Tasha enjoys time with her family, drinking specialty coffee, and reading about the latest research trends in healthcare and education. 

Sandra Holben joined RRC Polytech 22 years ago and has worked in various roles and programs in the nursing faculty: as an instructor in theory, clinical, lab, as a clinical mentor, and over the past three years as the Nursing Program Manager for the BN – clinical. 

Sandra obtained her BN, RN, ICU and Master’s in Education. She has worked as a practicing nurse in the United States, Manitoba, and Ontario, gaining experience in multiple fields of nursing practice. Her area of interest and focus of study during her master’s program was, and is, on supporting the learning and development of expert practicing nurses transitioning to nurse educators in the BN program. Her goal is to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for RRC Polytech’s diverse student learners. 

During her off time, Sandra enjoys spending time with her family and dogs. 

Ali Khorshidi is an instructor in the Life Sciences Program at RRC Polytech. With Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and a PhD degree in Food Science, Ali has more than 17 years of research, education, and leadership experiences in a variety of roles such as technical advisor, research manager, instructor and adjunct professor in industry, academia, and government organizations. 

Ali has led several multidisciplinary projects in collaboration with multiple industry partners, university departments, and government organizations. Ali is also a member of various scientific communities and has contributed to more than 35 publications, as well as posters and oral presentations at national and international conferences. 

Ali loves working in academic environments and has a passion for contributing to education and the success of the next generations. In their free time, Ali enjoys hanging out with family members and friends. 

Kelsey has held a variety of positions at RRC Polytech for the past 15 years, including instructor in the Child and Youth Care Program, Academic Transformation Project Lead and most recently, Acting Program Manager, Community Services. 

Kelsey is strongly committed to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and working collaboratively to advance Indigenous education as reconciliation. She is committed to cultivating relationships with community, working to provide holistic education and training with a focus on decolonization and Indigenization. Kelsey holds a joint bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies and Sociology from the University of Winnipeg, a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Adult Education from Athabasca University, and will soon complete a Master of Social Work from Wilfred Laurier University. 

Any spare time is spent with her two sports-loving children that keep her on the go. 

Joanna Simmons-Swinden graduated from RRC Polytech in 1992 with a diploma in nursing. She began her career as a pediatric nurse at Health Sciences Centre on the pediatric surgical and burn ward. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing and a Master of Arts degree in Post-Secondary Education. 

In 2001, Joanna was recruited to teach in the Nursing program at RRC Polytech, then was approached to take a role as a student advisor. She played an active role in the transition of the diploma program into the current degree program. In 2014, she became Coordinator of Advising and in 2021, Acting Manager of Academic Operations in the Nursing program.  

Joanna believes the students are our reason for being here, and she works to remove barriers so they can achieve their goals. Thousands of graduates have heard Joanna call their names at the traditional Nursing Pinning ceremony over the years.