Sylvia Erikson - Equine Director Horses have always been a part of Sylvia’s life.  Having grown up on a farm that raised and worked draft horses, her education in equine care and physiology started early.  Over the years, she has developed volumes of memories and experiences from her involvement with horses.  Following her formal education, Sylvia had the opportunity to:
* Ride with international competitors
* Teach at Grant MacEwan Continuing Education
* Work as an Equine Clinician and Judge
* Train horses to Regional, National and International Championships
* Train horses for movies and on the stage
Numerous former students are now coaches and trainers themselves. Before taking on the role at WELCA in 2006, Sylvia worked with many not-for-profit organizations including Little Bits, Elves Special Needs Society, and Public Schools.  She has also had successful careers in surveying & drafting and real estate.   Sylvia is coordinating the Redevelopment Steering Committee and its various consultants in addition to her responsibilities for the day to day management of Whitemud’s facilities and horse herd.

Diane David - Administrative Director Diane is the Administrative Director of the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre. Diane joined the Management Team at Whitemud Equine in February 2007. She is primarily responsible for managing the administrative aspects of the operation including: accounting, human resources, communications, planning, program registration, purchasing, and information technology. Diane has worked for a variety of non-profit organizations including the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, Alberta Advisory Council on Women’s Issues, and the City of Edmonton Management Association. She has her certification in Strategic Management and Planning from the Banff School of Management and in her 30-year career has developed a number of inclusive strategic planning processes for clients such as the City of St. Albert Fire Services and other governmental departments & agencies.

Lynda Tennessen - Program Director Lynda’s heart still pounds with excitement when the WELCA site set up for a horse show comes into view from Fox Drive. Luckily, her days are filled with many rewarding experiences. The fascination and awe on the faces of children and adults who have never even seen a real horse, let alone touch, or RIDE one. The pride, confidence and happiness that fill hearts and minds as students learn how to handle, care for and ride these majestic creatures. Lynda enjoys all types of students: Young, old, adventurous or not so adventurous. The ones who have had bad experiences in the past. Adults whose brains remember but bodies don’t. Seeing her students start as young children and progress through the ranks from Volunteer, to Teaching Assistant or Barn Staff, to Instructor is the ultimate reward. She has been teaching for over 25 years: 3 years with SJ Swales; 10 years with Gorsline Stables; 2 years at Tyndall Stables; and, for the past 13 years at Whitemud Equine. She is a certified Provincial Instructor through Equine Canada/AEF and carries her own teaching insurance through Capri Insurance. Lynda also teaches in the Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Program and has her CTR1 through CANTRA. Lynda continues to upgrade through lessons, clinics and courses with the top riders and trainers in all disciplines.

Valerie McKay – Head Instructor Valerie McKay has been teaching at the WEC since 1999, the year the Association formed.  Valerie is a certified EC English Level l Coach/Mentor NCCP Level 2 and has completed the Equine Canada Western Rider levels.  She is an Equine Canada carded Judge in the Hunter/Jumper disciplines. She has over 30 years of riding experience including training under Val Archer/Jumping, Vicky Argals/Dressage, and Heather Kelm/Western.  She is currently competing in Dressage and training under EC Level 3 Dressage Coach Sharon Merkel Beattie.  Valerie attends clinics regularly with top International trainers in both disciplines.

Irina Yastrebova - Instructor Irina is an Equine Canada Certified English Coach Level 1 and has been teaching private and semi-private lessons at Whitemud Equine since 2007. In 2000, Ira, as she is known here, moved to Canada from Russia where she was an instructor and dressage competitor. Her focus is on the rider’s seat and its influence on the horse. Ira has trained with Frances Carbonnel, Sandy Howard in the US and Sharon Merkel-Beattie in Canada. Ira teaches at her clients at Whitemud on Wednesdays and alternate Sundays. For more information see her website: www.balancedrider.com

Kelly Gau – Barn Staff Kelly has been a member of the barn staff team of the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre since July 2008. She can often be seen on the trails driving with Jasper the miniature donkey.

Kelsey Collins, Lauren MacMartin, Kate Swiniarski - Barn Staff Kelsey, Lauren and Kate are also members of the barn staff team of the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre

Frances Wallace, Sarah Pletts, Stacy Verschuren and Kate Swiniarski – Teaching Assistants Frances, Sarah, Stacy and Kate are members of the teaching staff team of the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre