Lethbridge Polytechnic Alumni

📍 Where are you Wednesday!
During National Nursing Week, we’re proud to spotlight Samantha Savage, a 2019 graduate of the collaborative Nursing Education in Southwestern Alberta (NESA) program between Lethbridge Polytechnic and the University of Lethbridge .

For Sam, the road to becoming a nurse came with more than its fair share of obstacles. In her second year, she suffered a major stroke that nearly changed the course of her future. Despite the severity of the situation, Sam returned to class after missing just four instructional days. Then, in her third year, a serious fall left her with a badly broken foot requiring reconstructive surgery and what loved ones affectionately call “Frankenfoot.” Through recovery and perseverance, Sam fought her way to the finish line and into the nursing career she had always dreamed of.

After completing her NCLEX exam, Sam accepted a charge nurse position in a small northern Alberta hospital, jumping into leadership early in her career and gaining invaluable real-world experience. Sam continued developing her skills, completing her perioperative nursing credential through MacEwan University.

Today, Sam works as a perioperative nurse at Vermilion Health Centre, where she thrives in the ever-changing pace and intensity of the operating room and post-operative recovery care. She loves the challenge of having to think quickly, adapt in the moment and respond calmly in high-pressure situations . Working in a rural community has made the role even more meaningful, allowing her to be part of a close-knit health-care team that makes a direct impact every day.

Looking ahead, Sam hopes to continue her education by pursuing either her Nurse Practitioner designation or becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Outside of work, Sam is a passionate quad racer and manages a mud bogging team called Twisted Sisters. She loves fast vehicles, getting muddy and bringing home trophies along the way.

We’re proud to celebrate alumni like Sam this National Nursing Week and grateful for the compassion, resilience and care nurses bring to our communities every single day.

Where are you Wednesday!

Meet Tannis Bassett, a 2017 graduate of Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Child and Youth Care diploma.

After graduating from the polytechnic, Tannis continued her studies at MacEwan University , earning her bachelor’s in child and youth care in 2021. She says the diploma program at Lethbridge Polytechnic did an incredible job preparing her for her degree and setting a strong foundation for her career in the field.

Over the past decade, Tannis has worked in licensed daycare, out-of-school care, and youth programs in various leadership roles, allowing her to support children, families and communities. Through these experiences, she discovered a passion for creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore, create, and grow into their authentic selves.

Today, Tannis is the program director of Discovery Kids Out of School Care, a brand-new program opening in Calgary. The program is designed to bring a fresh and modern approach to redefining out-of-school care, focusing on creativity, connection, exploration and providing a place where children feel safe to be their true, authentic selves.

Tannis says one of the most exciting parts of her current role is the opportunity to help build an out-of-school program from the ground up. Allowing her to create a space where children can build friendships, explore their interests, and develop confidence through meaningful experiences both inside the program and in the community.

Tannis also enjoys staying connected with the Child and Youth Care program at Lethbridge Polytechnic. She has returned to campus to reconnect with former instructors, including Allen Ledyit, and has been invited back as a guest presenter to the Foundations and Roles of Child and Youth Care course. Tannis shares her experiences in the field and how the knowledge and values from the program continue to guide her practice today.

Where Are You Wednesday! 🎶

Meet Tonya Woolford, a 2006 graduate of Communications Arts – Broadcast Journalism, whose curiosity, creativity and love of connecting people have shaped a diverse, community-focused career.

Tonya jokes that her dream of being paid to listen to music made choosing Broadcast Journalism an easy decision. What truly set the program apart for her was the opportunity for self-guided discovery, where she realized she excelled at putting the right people and pieces together.

While still a student, Tonya spent her summers working as a tourist information and museum interpreter, as well as in promotions and on the street team at Rogers Radio in Lethbridge. She was employed before graduating and stepped into her first radio role as a promotions director.

After several years in radio, Tonya transitioned into the non-profit sector as executive director of the Lethbridge Food Bank, before moving into outside sales in the technology sector with Digitex and most recently Xerox Canada. She credits her natural curiosity and her “unnatural” lack of fear when it comes to trying new things and talking to anyone as key influences on her career path and the relationships she’s built throughout the community.

Tonya is now excited to begin a new chapter at Lethbridge Polytechnic as a development officer, where she continues to believe education is the key to growth.

Outside of work, Tonya is a proud mom whose children are now grown and pursuing their own exciting paths. She’s also a devoted animal lover with two dogs, four chickens and one grandpup named Harry. And after all these years, music remains her first true love.