Meet the CLN Provincial Staff
The Community Learning Network's Executive Director, Training Manager, Literacy Specialist, Provincial Staff and Regional Support Staff work together to ensure that each region's training, networking and professional development needs are met.
Lisa Dickner, Executive Director
P: 780-485-4926 Ext. 1
I joined the CLN team in 2009 as a very part-time Regional Resource Network Manager and quickly decided that this was the type of work that fit well with my past experiences, my present interests and gave me room to grow and learn, leading to my current position of Executive Director. I received my Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta in 1992 and completed my Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education in 2006.
My first career was with a small provincial non-profit, followed by five years as a Community Development Officer with the Board Development Program (Government of Alberta). I have also been involved with independent consulting in the areas of Instructional Skills (ISW), board governance, leadership, adult education and training, school council development and working with coaches through the National Coaching Certification Program. While I have lived in several provinces, I think of southern Alberta as my home, even though I have lived in Edmonton for nearly 40 years! I enjoy my time with two delightful young adults, two curious cats and one patient husband. I’m a big fan of traveling, reading and a good belly laugh.
Corrie Rhyasen Erdman,
Training Manager
Training Manager
P: 780-968-3056
I have always loved supporting people to build on their strengths and talents so working in the CALP system is a great fit for me. From my early introduction to adult learning in the 1990s as an ESL tutor at the YWCA in Calgary to my current role as Training Manager with the CLN, I’ve been influenced by the learners I’ve worked with. They’ve taught me the value of learning in relationship with other people and that as adults we have the capacity to direct our own learning. During my time as an adult literacy coordinator, my favourite part of my role was co-creating learning experiences for learners and tutors that were respectful, relevant and empowering. Not surprisingly, these same characteristics of learning fit well for facilitating learning opportunities and mentoring CALP staff in my former role as Regional Support Staff for the West Central CALP region. It’s not surprising because we are all adult learners!
I’ve also had the opportunity to support the CALP system through various roles and projects including training development projects with the CLN, supporting CALPs to engage with their community on literacy and learning needs, and working on projects at Bow Valley College to develop user-friendly literacy practitioner resources such as the Alberta Reading Benchmarks.
Ellen Rodgers, Program Support
(780) 485-4926 ext. 2
I began working at Community Learning Network in 2022 after graduating from the University of Alberta, where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and psychology. I have experience volunteering with Edmonton's disadvantaged youth as well as working with our downtown senior population. After growing up in a rural town of two thousand and transitioning to an Edmonton high school that could easily hold my hometown's population, I've greatly improved my adaptability skills and can relate to those who come from different backgrounds. Today, I am still guided by my passion for community services while aiding in provincial support for the CALP system.
Tanis Harms, PD & Events Specialist
P: 780-882-3388
As a lifelong adult learner, I am always seeking to learn and grow! My previous experiences of teaching and planning events in the Post Secondary context, along with experience as a CALP staff member working with family literacy programs, resulted in a passion to facilitate and develop creative approaches to adult learning and networking. In May 2015, I was pleased to join the Community Learning Network team to support the CALP system in Regional Support Staff and Professional Development Support roles, and now as the PD & Events Specialist.
Being involved in training and planning events, along with developing curriculum, tools and resources to help meet CALP Staff needs, are just some of the highlights of my work. As part of the CLN team, I am so grateful that together we can continue to learn and grow in competence and confidence within the CALP system!
Lori St. Cyr, Indigenous Liaison
P: 780.536.0424
Tansi, Bonjour, Oki, Hello.
Nitisiyihkason Lori St. Cyr. Peavine Metis Settlement ohc iniya. (Hello, I am Lori St. Cyr from Peavine Metis Settlement.)
I am a proud Metis woman from Peavine Metis Settlement in Northern Alberta and a third and fourth-generation member of my community. I am a Kokum, a community helper, a medicine harvester and a land guardian. I was raised to value the importance of family, hard work, harvesting from the land and giving thanks in a good way. Education was at the backbone of my family values, and we were taught that education opens doors for us as Indigenous people. These teachings continue to guide my personal way of being and the work I do when walking with CALPs on their learning journeys.
Since 2017, I have served as the Metis and Indigenous Liaison with the Community Learning Network in building respectful relationships with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples, communities and organizations. I walk alongside practitioners to build their understanding of Indigenous histories, culture and indigenous ways of knowing and being while supporting meaningful conversations and ongoing learning.
I believe reconciliation is built through listening, respect and relationships. My goal is to create welcoming spaces where people feel comfortable asking the hard questions, where we learn together and walk alongside Indigenous people and communities in a good way. It is an honor and a privilege to support CALPs across Alberta as they start or continue their learning journeys. I look forward to connecting and walking with you as you learn and explore Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Hiy Hiy.
Rebecca Still, Literacy Specialist
P: 780-554-6376
I have a passion for adult literacy & learning, having spent over 30 years working in the field. I have been a tutor, adult & family literacy coordinator, facilitator, researcher, provincial board member and curriculum developer. I had the privilige of working on the Creating Learning Partners training manual, and developed a deep understanding of adult learning principles and how we can support adults on their learning journey.
I joined CLN in 2017 as the West Regional Support Staff and loved connecting with CALP staff in my region. In 2021 I moved into the role of Literacy Specialist. This has allowed me to focus on my passion for adult literacy where I promote literacy awareness, lead Strengthening Literacy Practices and support CALP staff in meeting the needs of audlt literacy learners.
Lisa Donald, Financial Coordinator
P: 780-485-4926 Ext. 3
I am the Financial Coordinator for the Community Learning Network. I started working part-time with CLN in September 2014. Before I joined Team CLN, I stayed at home with my children, after having worked for the ATCO group of companies for 8 years in a few different departments. I have really enjoyed learning about and working for a non-profit organization, and I find it very rewarding. My husband and I have three children that keep us very busy running around to all their sporting events.