Meet the Social Work Team
Our Social Work team brings together Indigenous leadership, student support, community learning coordination, and teaching expertise to guide learners through culturally grounded social work education.
Shirley Hunter
MSW, RSW
Chair, Social Work Department
Nehiyaw iskwew from Whitefish Lake First Nation #128. Shirley is a unique changemaker from the community, proud mother and grandmother, and a dedicated helper, educator, and leader. She is grounded in Indigenous knowledge, systems guided by the standards of our protocols and teachings. She draws from the wisdom of our ancestors with post-secondary education.
Leadership and Program Support
Dr. Lauri Gilchrist
MSW, PhD
Program Integrity Advisor
A professor, wellness therapist, and social work leader in social work education. Dr. Lauri is a practitioner of social work, wellness and life balance. She has taught in post-secondary settings for many years and provides mentoring and guidance. She demonstrates her commitment to supporting and strengthening families and building healthy futures through education, contributing to the continued excellence.
Jennifer (Jen) Grabski
Learning Strategist
Jennifer supports students in developing effective study skills, time management, and academic planning. She provides guidance on time management, organization, and academic planning. Jennifer is passionate about accessibility and works to support students with learning disabilities, ADHD and Autism. She works one-on-one with students to build confidence and independence.
Community Learning and Student Support
Venessa Wright
MSW, RSW
Community Learning Coordinator & Instructor
Venessa is the daughter of Jeremiah parents who migrated to England and later settled in Alberta. She is a widow, mother, grandmother, and a dedicated instructor supporting diploma students since 2016. She completed her Diploma of Social Work at Red Deer College, along with completing her undergraduate degree and honours degree at University of Calgary. Teaching SOWK 107.
Jessica Cardinal
MSW, RSW
Community Learning Coordinator
Jessica Cardinal is a Cree/Metis woman from Enoch Cree Nation, located near Edmonton. She is a passionate learner and has been grounded in community and has a Master's in Indigenous Social Work and is a Registered Social Worker. She currently works as a Community Learning Coordinator supporting ISWK 330 course. Teaching Winter & Spring 2026 with an emphasis on Indigenous ways of knowing, community, and relational practice.
Teaching Team and Sessional Instructors
Megan Morin
MSW, RSW
Sessional Instructor
Megan brings 8 years of experience in mental health social work and is currently working as a Clinical Counselor and practicum instructor supporting children, youth, and families. I am a mother, grandmother and I bring lived-based experience on my paththul side, my father was an Englishman from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the man who raised me from Frog Lake Nation. Teaching SOWK 107 Community Learning Seminar.
Dale Arcand-Morin
MSW, RSW
Teaching Team / Seminar Instructor
Dale Arcand-Morin is a Nehiyaw iskwew from Iskatahaaw (Stoney Nakota Sioux Nation) and is a registered social worker with a Master's degree. Currently works as a Mental Health Counselor, Clinical Counselor and practicum instructor in the process of becoming a Clinical Social Worker. Her work in governance, language, and education reflects a deep commitment to advocacy and engaged in public policy ensuring our pedagogy are beside. Teaching community learning seminar for IBSW cohort.
Dr. Diana Steinhauer
Newest Sessional Instructor
Dr. Diana Steinhauer is Nehiyaw/Cree - Treaty 6 Territory. She has 30+ years of experience in governance, language, and education and brings her experience across all areas. Her work in governance, language, and education reflects a deep commitment to advocacy and engaged in public policy, ensuring our pedagogy are beside her in this teaching journey. Guided by NIAB Wisdom-Based Responsibilities for Social Work Education.
Questions about the program?
Contact the Social Work team for information about our programs, admissions, and how we can support your learning goals.
Contact the Social Work Team