Local 54 is led by a committed group of educators working together to support our members and strengthen Catholic education in Edmonton. The team is made up of Table Officers, Executive Officers, and Staff—each playing vital roles in achieving our goals.
Table Officers
Amber Nicholson
Amber Nicholson
Amber helped her younger brother through his elementary education, which led her to become a teacher in 2004. She has taught elementary, French immersion, ESL, and FSL, has served as a learning coach and as assistant principal, and has taught in Japan, Australia and Burundi. Amber’s involvement in the local executive as Member at Large, Social Justice Liaison, and Teacher Welfare Chair highlights her dedication to educational leadership and advocacy. Her passion for supporting teachers and promoting publicly funded Catholic education is evident. As Local President, she is well-positioned to be a proactive and influential advocate for all teachers
Nicole Gatner
Nicole Gatner
Nicole has had a passion for teaching since childhood, but she officially began her classroom journey in January 2015. She quickly stepped into leadership roles, starting as a CSR in 2017, and has since served in various capacities, including Member Services Liaison and Vice President. When Nicole isn’t dedicated to her work at school or advocating for teachers locally, she can be found traveling with her family or relaxing with a book and her puppy in her lap.
Owen Holloway
Owen Holloway
Owen joined ECSD in the spring of 2016 after completing his After Degree in Education. He also holds a B.A. in Drama and Psychology, a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership and Mentoring, and is excited to complete his Master of Education this summer.
Owen has previously served our Local as the Political Engagement Officer and supported the Provincial Association by serving on the School Leaders’ Issues and Concerns Committee. He is an aspiring school leader and a dedicated advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and their lived experiences.
Ron Zacharko
Ron Zacharko
After a positive experience as a camp counsellor, Ron realized the opportunity to focus on education as a career and became a teacher in 1987. He has since taught and been an administrator in elementary, junior high, and senior high. He loves working with colleagues who together support the local’s outstanding teachers.
Executive Officers
James Kriese
James Kriese
Lori Arksey
Lori Arksey
Cathy Broek
Cathy Broek
Caitlyn Sly
Caitlyn Sly
Nadine Kahanyshyn
Nadine Kahanyshyn
I am in my 31st year of teaching with Edmonton Catholic Schools. For most of this time, I have taught at Cardinal Collins Catholic Academic Centre (formerly Fresh Start), an outreach high school within our division’s School of Alternative Education. Currently, I am teaching youth in treatment at AHS. Working with youth in outreach has been so incredibly rewarding and fulfilling for me. In terms of my Local 54 involvement, I have been a school council representative for 12 years, including one year when I acted as the CSJ Field Experiences Rep. This year, I begin my new role as DEHR Executive Liaison. I am very excited and honoured to be working with this amazing team to serve our teacher-colleagues.
Susan André
Susan André
Susan André has been a teacher with Edmonton Catholic Schools since January 2014, bringing extensive experience across Divisions 1, 2, and 3. Her involvement with the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is notable, having served as a CSR since 2020, the Division 2 Representative for Teacher Welfare from 2020 to 2024, and currently representing Edmonton Catholic at the Annual Representative Assembly since 2023. Susan has actively participated in numerous conferences, including the Summer Conference and several Collective Bargaining Conferences, where she earned her Level 1 bargaining certification. At school, she is passionate about coaching, leading her teams to city championships in both soccer and basketball. When not at school, Susan can be found spending time with her family and her beloved dog, Luna. Susan is dedicated, hardworking, and honored to serve as your Governance Liaison for the 2024-26 term.
Staff
Lisa Reeves
Lisa Reeves
After 32 years of being a teacher and a counsellor for Edmonton Catholic Schools, Lisa is excited to be working with Edmonton Catholic Teachers’ Local 54 and carrying out the great work done by the Local as the new Executive Officer. Her role is to direct the business affairs and programming offered by the Local, advocate for teachers in our division, assist in interpreting the collective agreement and oversee Local programs and committees.
Lisa is proud that Edmonton Catholic Teachers’ Local 54 supports the fantastic work done by teachers in our division and feels that celebrating those successes and advocating for her colleagues is truly rewarding work. She now looks forward to assisting the teachers of Edmonton Catholic School and doing her best for Catholic Education.
Allison Schmitz
Allison Schmitz
Organizational Chart
View our organizational chart made up of the Executive and Committees.