Medicine HatPublic School Division

Trustee Biographies

Phone (403) 528-6726
Contact Ms. Catherine Wilson
Fax(403) 529-5339

MEET CATHERINE:

Catherine grew up in Medicine Hat, and proudly calls our community home. She built her educational foundation as a student at Central Park, Connaught, Alexandra and Medicine Hat High School; continuing her post secondary studies at Medicine Hat College. The years she spent in public school had a profound impact on her life and years later her three children Reigh-Ann, Emily, and Josh spent their formative years in the Medicine Hat Public School system.

Catherine is keen to give back to a community that continues to provide her family with an abundance of opportunities. Currently, she sits as a board member for the Medicine Hat Kiwanis Club which focuses on families and children first programs. Catherine values the leadership positions she has held and is excited about the next opportunity to serve local community organizations.

Catherine has always been inspired to participate in her kids’ education, volunteering for many years, and in different roles, on parent council and co-coordinating spirit day lunch programs. Catherine quickly became aware of the power of the parent voice and felt compelled to do more. Catherine credits her father Dr. Roy Wilson for broadening her perspective of educational issues, beyond the classroom to the school, division and provincial levels, and ultimately energizing her fascination to serve the community as a trustee.

In February 2013, Catherine was elected to the Medicine Hat Public Board of Education following in her father’s footsteps who had served on the board for 32 years.  She has served as Vice Chair of the board since 2017. In that role she is extending her passion for education, ensuring that all children have access to the best education with equal opportunities and the right tools to become fulfilled, successful community citizens.

Catherine is grateful for the privilege to provide leadership to our community as a trustee on the Medicine Hat Public Board of Education. She believes that learning is a life long journey and proudly shares that passion through her commitment to the students, families, staff and teachers in our division. 

Rick Massini was born in Medicine Hat and received his early education in Redcliff, attending Margaret Wooding School and then Parkside Junior High School. He completed his secondary education at Crescent Heights High School. Following high school, Rick worked as the Hourly-Rated Payroll Clerk at Northwest Nitro-Chemicals for two years before resuming his post-secondary training at Medicine Hat College and then the University of Alberta. He received a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Alberta and later earned a Master of Business Administration Education Administration from Gonzaga University.

Upon graduation, Rick taught at St. Stephen School in Calgary for eight years prior to returning to Medicine Hat. He taught Mathematics and Science before assuming a Counseling role and later a Vice-Principal position at Medicine Hat High School.

In 1998, Rick assumed the position of Principal at Ross Glen School which was one of the highlights of his career. In 2006, Rick was appointed to the District Office as the Director of Programs and Instruction, where he remained until his retirement.

In addition to his teaching duties, Rick served his professional organization as President of A.T.A Sub-Local #76 for many years and as the Economic Consultant for SE Alberta for ten years.

Rick served on numerous District committees throughout his career; including Chairing the Teacher Supervision and Evaluation Program and as the Project Lead for the Medicine Hat One-to-One Mobile Computer Project.

Rick also served as the Chair of the Medicine Hat Police Commission as well as President of the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede.

Rick is married to Linda and they have a son, Ryan, who is a popular local musician and a daughter, Lori, who is a lawyer in Vancouver.

Deborah Forbes is an artist, post-secondary instructor, community educator, and published writer. Her work has been exhibited across Canada and the USA. Forbes has taught art histories, critical theory, art education, and art for early childhood at Medicine Hat College for 25 years. Forbes’ research interests include the history of contemporary notions of ‘princess,’ and decolonizing art history.   Motto: Get up every day and create meaning.

Carolyn moved to Medicine Hat ("for one year") several years ago to accept a position as an educational Speech Language Pathologist for MHPSD. Since then she has had tremendous opportunities to work with students, staff and families in the school systems in the community. In addition to this, she has taught and developed programs at Medicine Hat College and is currently the Education Coordinator at Medalta Potteries.

Throughout the years, Carolyn has been very involved in the community through such ventures as local theatre, community and church choirs, as well as serving on Boards and committees for charitable organizations and sports associations.
Carolyn and Terry are the proud parents of Meagan and Mark – who are both teachers in the area. Love of teaching and education is a family trait!

Carolyn is very pleased and proud to be part of the MHPSD team and to be serving the students, staff, families and citizens in her new role as Trustee.

Celina is a mom to four beautiful children. They are the foundation on which her life is built giving her the dedication and drive to help others. As such, she served as a City Councillor from 2013-2017 and was involved in the following committees during her tenure:

Celina is currently the Co-Executive Director of the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank; member of the “Council of Champions” for “THRIVE”, Medicine Hat and Area’s Plan to End Poverty and Increase Wellbeing; and Chair of Community Food Connections. She has been committed to working in the not-for-profit sector throughout her career and has been involved at many levels in the plan to end homelessness. Educationally, Celina earned a Youth Care Worker diploma and has vast experience in the areas of poverty reduction, collective impact, and food security. She hopes to bring her passion and vision to MHPSD for the betterment of public education in our community