Kelly Vaselenak, administrative assistant, Field Experiences, Faculty of Education

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Coaldale, along with four brothers and one sister. I graduated from Kate Andrews High School and then chose to follow the career path that my mom took, which led me to SAIT where I completed the Secretarial Arts Program. Upon completion of the program, I accepted a term position with the Coaldale Police Department, then moved to Camrose to work for the police department, moved back to Coaldale, then worked for the City of Lethbridge before my journey led me to the University of Lethbridge, where I began working as a Clerk Typist in Human Resources in September 1986.

What has your career path at ULethbridge been like?
I enjoyed my time in HR, which gave me the opportunity to meet many ULethbridge faculty and staff. I worked in HR for four years before transferring to the Faculty of Education in October 1990, where I worked in the Language Arts Centre. A few years later, I transferred to the Field Experiences office where I continue to work as an administrative assistant. This position allowed me to meet many students and put myself in their shoes to help serve them better.

As the administrative assistant in the Field Experiences office of the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education, I work to ensure the faculty’s education students have a positive experience during their practicum placements. I enjoy assisting students as they prepare to venture into a real-world teaching experience.

My responsibilities include arranging practicum placements for pre-education students registered in the Education 2500 program. The practicum provides students the opportunity to explore the nature of teaching as they consider teaching as a career. In addition, I assist Professional Semester I and Professional Semester II students travelling to rural communities by providing forms and guidelines pertaining to carpools and expense claims, and assisting with living accommodations. I manage practicum-related travel expense claims for both students and faculty, and also practicum recognition for teachers and administrators. I especially enjoy that my position puts me in contact with teachers, school administrators, school division administrators, and members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association.

What's the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is being of assistance to others, especially the students in our faculty. When I am at work, I also enjoy spending time with my ULethbridge family. I absolutely love what I do and the people I work with. I do enjoy the students a lot and always look forward to their visits to our office!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I am married and have one daughter and two sons. My family also includes a dog and a cat. In my free time I enjoy walking the dogs, doing yard work, and enjoying my view from the deck, in the warmer months, of course.

Growing up, I was a member of the Brownies and Girl Guides and I played floor hockey and basketball, in addition to playing the piano and flute (the Armstrong flute still sits in my closet). In my teen years, my favourite sport was golf. I was an avid golfer up until the children arrived. I have travelled little, as I enjoy all that Alberta has to offer (including many hockey rinks), but I have managed to visit California, Ontario, Mexico and annual trips to Fairmont, B.C.

Photo by Rob Olson.