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Joining the Group
Entering the van der Vlis family as the 5th child. Meeting my four sisters and one older brother. -
The final addition
Addition of Nikale Dawn to the family; making me a proud big sister. -
School Journey Begins
Kindergarten - the start of my lifelong learning journey. -
The best birthday present - Marty
For my fourteenth birthday, I received my first ever young horse. Marty has walked through many life stages with me; from teenage years, to grad, to my wedding day. Having trained Marty from the beginning and through various life experiences, my passion and interest in Equine Therapeutic Riding programs was ignited. A venture I am hoping to pursue in my future. -
Becoming an Aunty
My first nephew entered the world on June 15, 2011 and I received the title of "Aunty Dee". Being an aunt has contributed to my identity immensely and is a characteristic I value greatly. With each addition of a new niece or nephew, the pride I carry in holding that title increases as well. -
High School Graduation
An end and a beginning. I received my High School Diploma from St. Paul's Academy Okotoks, Alberta in June of 2014.
Grad photos, of course, with my horse Marty. -
Moved to Jasper, Alberta
In the summer of 2015 I made the decision to move to the beautiful mountains in Jasper, Alberta and became a trail guide at Jasper Riding Stables. This opportunity enhanced my love for equines and allowed for the further development of my inter and intra personal skills as I guided horseback riding tours through the spectacular mountain scenery visiting with people from across the globe. -
College Career
I started my Bachelor of Education degree at Red Deer College the Fall I completed my Summer position in Jasper. From the start of my college career, I had high hopes and personal goals to be accepted into the Middle Years Collaborative Program. My focus was on attaining my degree through this collaborative program. -
Miss Ponoka Stampede
In my second term of college, I ran for the title of Miss Ponoka Stampede and successfully won. The following year I spent traveling across Alberta as an ambassador for rodeo and the community of Ponoka. This title led to competing at the Miss Rodeo Canada competition in November of 2016; through this experience I participated in public speaking, personal interviews, and various community events held at the Canadian Finals Rodeo. It is a life experience I will forever cherish. -
Middle Years Collaborative Program - Acceptance
I was honoured and extremely excited to be offered admission into the Middle Years Program at Red Deer College in collaboration with the University of Alberta. -
EDFX Practicum
I completed my first practicum in the third year of my education journey. I taught Grade 4 at Penhold Elementary and it is an experience that will forever hold a significant place in my career. Although I had volunteered in classrooms before and taught in other settings, I will always remember the 2018 "4H" class as the students who taught me, encouraged me, and affirmed my career choice. -
Middle Years Collaborative Program - Class of 2020
Another end and beginning. Starting my career as a teacher!!
