Dustin began his career at RRC Polytech in 2011 as an instructor in the Marine and Powersports program, following 10 years working in the Powersports industry. For the last three years, Dustin has been an Academic Coordinator for Automotive, Heavy Duty, and Marine and Powersports Certificate and Diploma programs.  

Dustin is an RRC Polytech alumni, a Red Seal Motorcycle Technician, and has almost completed his Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education. 

Leading five programs through Course Based Registration, Dustin has built strong relationships across the College and has a deep understanding of College systems and processes. Dustin strives to foster an inclusive environment, where all employees and students feel valued, respected, and supported. 

Outside of work, Dustin enjoys family time with his wife and two daughters, snowmobiling, and BBQ. 

Michael joined RRC Polytech in 2019, as an instructor in the Automotive Technician programs. He then moved into a Coordinator role in the Transportation and Heavy Apprenticeship Trades. 

Michael started as an automotive Red Seal technician, spending 12 years working at a General Motors Dealership where he had plenty of apprentices and students to mentor. 

Michael is a four-time RRC Polytech alumni, graduating from the Automotive Technician Certificate, Automotive Technician Diploma, GM ASEP apprenticeship program, and TFL. He is a lifelong learner that is committed to mentorship while fostering an inclusive and collaborative approach, always looking for new ideas.  

Outside of work Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids. Camping is a summer favourite; fishing and golfing when time allows. Michael also volunteers to coach kids’ soccer and is a Scouts leader for 60^th scout group. 

Pipe welder, robotics programmer, and weld quality technician are a few of the roles that Shylyte Bloodworth has held in the welding industry. After graduating from the Technical Vocational Teacher Education program and completing a Certificate of Adult Education, Shylyte achieved a Bachelor of Education (University of Winnipeg, 2018).  

Shylyte started her RRC Polytech career in 2011 as an instructor, and later completed the Envision Leadership Development program which led to an Academic Coordinator role. She eventually became Program Manager for the Electrical, Mechanical and Manufacturing department.   

As a Red Seal Welder, Shylyte is passionate about sharing how training in the trades can provide many fantastic career opportunities. Outside of work, Shylyte was the inaugural Chair for the Build Together, Women of the Building Trades – Manitoba Chapter, where she is now the Recording Secretary. She is also the past Chair of the Canadian Welding Bureau Association Winnipeg Chapter. 

Aaron J. Brown (he/him/his) has worked at RRC Polytech for five years as an Instructor in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program. He also held the roles of Academic Coordinator for the MET, PET, and ManCAD programs and Program Liaison for the Conestoga Welding Pre-Apprenticeship program. 

Prior to joining RRC Polytech, Aaron spent a decade in the aerospace manufacturing industry with progressive roles as manufacturing engineer, production planner, technical team leader, and industrialization manager. 

Aaron is a Certified Engineering Technologist in the Province of Manitoba. He holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology and a Certificate in Project Management from RRC Polytech as well as a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Aerospace Program Management from the University of Manitoba. 

Outside of work, Aaron is a dedicated lifelong learner, taking evening courses on various topics. He especially enjoys cooking and is a proud graduate of RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts Diploma program. 

Did you know the human heart isn’t the only thing that works with both plumbing and electrical? So does RRC Polytech’s new Chair of the electrical department, Lee Demers.  

As a Red Seal plumber and gasfitter with nearly a decade of experience in various roles at RRC Polytech, Lee has put his skills to work as a Plumbing Instructor, Coordinator of the Piping Trades and Program Manager for the Industry Transportation and Skilled Trades portfolio in Continuing Education.  

Lee has completed his CAE, ENVISION and ENABLE leadership programs and as a lifelong learner, he is currently completing his Project Management certificate.  

In his spare time, Lee enjoys spending time with his daughter, playing guitar in his band, and staying active mountain biking and playing hockey. 

Jayne Geisel first came to work at RRC Polytech in 2007, teaching in the Greenspace Management program. In 2018 she became the Academic Coordinator in Civil Engineering Technology and for the past year she has been Project Lead for Academic Transformation with the Civil Engineering Technology department. Jayne has been an active and engaged member of the College community through her involvement in the RRC Faculty Association, MGEU and as Employee Member on the RRC Polytech Board of Governors.  

Jayne holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba, a Horticulture Diploma from Olds College, and is currently completing a Master of Education from the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, with a focus on academic leadership and EDI.  

Outside of work, Jayne enjoys many fibre arts, is an avid reader, and loves to spend time with her family and pets. 

Nigel Louis is in his 10^th year at RRC Polytech, all with Stevenson Campus – Aviation and Aerospace as the quality assurance manager.  

Prior to working at RRC Polytech, Nigel’s career included over 25 years of aviation experience in engineering, education and maintenance.  

Nigel graduated with an Avionics Maintenance Diploma and is also an RRC Polytech alumni with an Information Technology Diploma for software development.  

When not working, you’ll find Nigel spending time with his family, enjoying the outdoors and working on his classic car. 

Rob Masi (he/him) is a Red Seal carpenter who worked in both the commercial and residential construction trades before returning to RRC Polytech to teach in the carpentry department in 2014. Affirming his commitment to lifelong learning, Rob has obtained his Certificate in Adult Education and recently completed the Energy Advisor Course. 

In his position as coordinator, Rob drew extensively on his strong relationships with industry to bring in corporate sponsorships to better develop the carpentry and cabinetry programs and enrich student experiences. Rob loves working with other departments to complete projects that give back to the greater College community. He is always looking to maximize program success through partnership, innovation, and collaboration. 

Rob enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. His hobbies include farming, coaching and playing soccer and volunteering in his community. 

Ryan Peters began working at RRC Polytech in 2017, and has worked as an Educational Assistant in Carpentry, Refrigeration, and HVAC, and a fulltime instructor in the Electrical Department. 

Ryan began his career in the electrical field 19 years ago as a Red Seal Construction Electrician. After completing his Red Seal, he returned to RRC Polytech and completed the Technical Vocational Teaching Certificate program.  

He has also worked on various projects around the College, including the Help Desk Project, Harmonization of the Electrical curriculum, and LEARN implementation and online development. Ryan is also the Manitoba representative on the National Technical Committee for Skills Canada (Electrical) and spearheads the provincial competition held here at RRC Polytech.  

Outside of work, Ryan can usually be found on the golf course or at the rink, spending time with his family. 

Patrick Savard has worked in various roles in RRC Polytech’s Piping Trades department since 2013. He began as an instructor in the plumbing apprenticeship training and the plumbing certificate program and became coordinator of Piping Trades in 2019. In 2020, he added the Mechanical Trades to his coordinator role. 

Patrick holds a Red Seal Journeyperson Plumber & Gasfitter certificate from SAIT. Prior to moving to Winnipeg, he owned and operated a plumbing and heating company in Calgary. Patrick has since continued his education at RRC Polytech, having completed his Certificate in Adult Education, the Energy Advisor training, and several other construction safety courses. Patrick is currently the chair for Skills Manitoba and Skills Canada for the Plumbing trade and looks forward to showcasing his trade at the competition in May. 

In his spare time, Patrick enjoys all of life’s adventures with his beautiful wife, three incredible children, and their two beastly dogs.  

Scott started his career in the construction sector in 1987 and attained his Red Seal Endorsement for Carpentry in 1993. He has worked as a carpenter, estimator, project manager and owner, and has refined his leadership skills as a Project Coordinator and Project Manager after transitioning to the residential and commercial millwork/cabinetry industry.   

Scott joined RRC Polytech as a Carpentry Instructor in 2006. He has led a variety of projects and is most proud of the development and implementation of the College’s learning management software for the Carpentry program. Scott became Program Manager for Construction Trades in 2020. He has been honoured with two Bravo Awards: the Award for Teaching Excellence in 2017, and the Award for Leadership at All Levels in 2022. 

Scott currently sits on the Board for Skills Manitoba as an Educational Representative. Scott enjoys spending time with family and friends at his cottage. He is also an active member of the RRC Polytech Staff Curling League, and enjoys being creative in his home shop, wood turning, chainsaw carving, or whatever grabs his attention. 

Jim joined the College in 1995 as an Instructor in the Automotive Technician program. Since then, he has worked in many of the programs within the Transportation Trades, including nine years providing manufacturer upgrade training to dealership technicians. He also spent two years providing core skills training for the manufacturing industry in Winnipeg. In 2001, Jim was recognized with the Service Excellence Award from RRC Polytech for hosting the North American Council of Automotive Teachers Conference.  

Jim holds a Certificate in Adult Education from Red River College Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ferris State University, and a Master’s in Education (Adult and Post-Secondary) from University of Manitoba.  

Outside of work, Jim enjoys cycling, fishing, and travelling. 

Jody Gillis began his career at RRC Polytech in 2000, developing and teaching computer programming courses in Continuing Education. He began teaching in 2002 in the Computer Analyst/Programmer program, which evolved into the Business Information Technology (BIT) program. 

Highlights of his career at RRC Polytech include his role as Curriculum Lead for the BIT program, chairing the Directions Conference Committee, the Instructor Assignment Taskforce, the Envision program, helping plan the College’s inaugural Inclusion Week, and his involvement with the union and the RRC Faculty Association.  

Jody is an honours graduate of RRC Polytech’s Computer Analyst/Programmer and CAE programs and has his BSc in Applied Computer Science from the University of Winnipeg. He also holds the Master of Trust Management Standards (MTMS) designation and has served on the Civil Service Superannuation Board (CSSB) and associated committees since 2014. 

Outside of work, Jody enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his family. 

Shelly Chlan has worked at RRC Polytech since 2004, first as an Instructor for Applied Computer Education and Business Administration, and for the last several years for Hospitality and Tourism.  

Shelly has a BA in Psychology, Certificate in Adult Education, and earned her designation as a Certified Management Accountant (CPA, CMA). Before joining RRC Polytech, Shelly worked in a variety of organizations and has managed several accounting teams. 

Shelly focuses on building positive and safe learning environments. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time with family, and walking in nature. 

Scott joined Red River College Polytechnic in 2001, working as an accounting instructor in the Accounting and Computer Education and Applied Commerce and Management Education (ACME) departments. In 2019, he moved into an academic Coordinator role at NDC, before becoming Program Manager for ACME at EDC in 2021.  

Scott has a Bachelor of Commerce (honours) from the University of Manitoba and a Chartered Professional Accounting designation through CPA Manitoba. He has a Certificate in Adult Education from RRC Polytech. Prior to joining the College, he worked in accounting and finance positions in the banking, transportation and special crops marketing sectors in Winnipeg.  

Scott is a collaborative leader, building on the strengths of teams and identifying areas for growth. Outside of work, Scott loves spending time with family and friends, hiking, and travel.   

Gail started with RRC Polytech in 2004 as an instructor at the Interlake Regional Campus. She has worked with Applied Computer Education since 2012, as an instructor and most recently as program manager. Gail specializes in fostering communication, interpersonal, conflict management, and intercultural skills. She has developed courses in communication, business, and computer technologies.  

As program manager, Gail supports new instructors, oversees course development, and co-leads program renewals. She is dedicated to the creation of high-quality education that serves the needs of students and employers. 

Gail holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree and a Master of Education degree, both from the University of Manitoba. She is a lifelong learner with interests in science, technology, and philosophy. Gail’s interests include travelling, gardening, and cooking. 

Melanie Lee Lockhart taught Public Relations and Communication Management in RRC Polytech’s Creative Communications program for 15 years and was honoured with the RRCSA’s Award for Teaching Excellence. More recently, she led development of and has served as Program Coordinator for the Post-Graduate Diploma in Communication Management.  

Prior to joining RRC Polytech, Melanie was the Director of Corporate Communications at Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (now Bell MTS). She holds a Master’s Degree in English from Carleton University, a Bachelor’s Degree in English from McGill University, and a Certificate in Adult Education from RRC Polytech. 

Thomas Lepp is a highly skilled and experienced instructor in the field of game development and visual effects. He has an extensive background in real-time 3D computer graphics, with more than 20 years of experience.   

Thomas has worked in art direction for various game and film productions and has also worked as a technical director and motion graphics artist. He has contributed to multiple game, film, and television projects.  

Thomas has a deep understanding of game development and a talent for communicating complex concepts to students. He has mentored many aspiring game developers and is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of digital artists, ensuring that they have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. He continues to share his knowledge and expertise with students and fellow game developers alike, inspiring them to create groundbreaking immersive entertainment experiences. 

Jennifer Powell joined RRC Polytech in 2008 as the Coordinator for the Student Connections program, then moved into Student Recruitment and eventually became an instructor in Applied Computer Education (ACE) and Applied Commerce and Management Education (ACME). She has spent the last four years as an Academic Coordinator in the ACME department. Prior to working at RRC Polytech, Jennifer worked in sales and marketing roles in the fields of event marketing, hospitality, and staffing.  

Jennifer holds a master’s degree in Public Administration (MBA stream) from the University of Winnipeg and has recently completed the Teaching for Learning Program and the Envision Leadership Development Program. 

Jennifer enjoys spending time with family and friends (especially her son Jackson), going to concerts, hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and travelling. 

Sandra Turner joins RRC Polytech after having worked in the post-secondary world for nearly a decade for Confederation College in Northwest Ontario; however, her passion for helping learners reach their career and education goals began 15 years ago when she started working in the Literacy and Basic Skills field. After having lived and worked in Northwestern Ontario for the last 16 years, Sandra is returning to her roots in Manitoba. She looks forward to new adventures with RRC Polytech. 

Outside of the office, Sandra can be found digging in the dirt in her vegetable and flower gardens with her two dogs in tow. Animal welfare has been a passion of hers for many years. She has been heavily involved in volunteering for various animal rescue operations in NWO; her home has always been open and welcoming to furry strays and she hopes to continue that important work in Manitoba.

Taras has been with RRC Polytech for 19 years, primarily teaching in the Applied Commerce and Management Education (ACME) department. He was also the Business Administration program renewal coordinator and two-time chair of the College’s Directions Business Conference. 

Prior to his time at the College, Taras worked in various management positions within the television, advertising, and tourism industries. He also served on the boards of Asperger Manitoba and the Manitoba Theatre for Young People. 

Taras holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Manitoba and an MBA in Managerial Leadership from Seattle City University. 

Taras’ interests include emerging trends in course development, course design, classroom technologies and instructional methods.  He is passionate about fostering diversity and inclusion at the College. 

In his personal life, Taras spends time with his family travelling and enjoying theatre, music, and the arts. 

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.