Articles

CESLM Board of Directors

Acting President - Drinda Wilson, B.Ed, Dip. TESOL, M.A. (in progress) is a Facilitator at Columbia College and an Instructor at the Calgary International Learning Centre.  Drinda started ESL program at Central United Church in partnership with Rockepointe Church.  She also volunteers in the CCIS host program. 

Director - Dr. Adriana Fishta-Bejko is an Associate Professor of Education at Ambrose University College.  She was born in Albania and received her early education there. Dr. Bejko obtained her Doctor Of Education in Education Contexts from the University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, her Master of Arts in Leadership and Multicultural Education from Point Loma Nazarene University in Point Loma, San Diego, her Bachelor of Education in English as a Second Language/Foreign Language and Bachelor of Arts in English Language Literature both from Tirana State University in Albania.  She has worked at the University of Calgary, Trinity Western University, Point Loma Nazarene University.  Her work as an educator in three continents and numerous countries has resulted in her appreciation for and expertise in linguistics and identity formation of language learners in general and newcomers to Canada in particular.  

Director - Dale Fisher began her teaching career in Toronto, teaching high school history. In 1982 she moved to Calgary and became involved with St. James Church. There she was inspired to consider ESL.  For 14 years she taught at Chinook Learning Centre working with young adults (19-24 years) and adults in the LINC program. After 18 years of teaching, I retired from the LINC program, but continue to work with immigrants at our St. James ESL group.  For Dale, ESL is an essential Church outreach. “God has sent the mission field to us, and He has sent people who want to learn our language and our culture," she explains.  "We have this wonderful opportunity to make friends and to present the Gospel by word and acts of friendship.”  

Director - Madeline Johnson, B.Ed., TESOL Diploma (Prairie Graduate School.) founded the Agape Language Centre and directed it from 1997 – 2008.  The vision for founding CESLM came from the passion of Jesus in John 17:21 & 23, and in answer to an ESL student’s question regarding competing churches.  She retired from serving as CESLM’s President and volunteer Executive Director in 2008.  Madeline’s teaching career and 8 years in administration at SAIT ran concurrently with her involvement with her husband’s ministry as a pastor and a representative for World Vision.

Mel Johnson - Director Raised on a cattle and grain farm, then working heavy equipment on road and dam construction acquainted Mel with the common labourer in society.  Serving 21 years as pastor of three congregations in AB & SK sensitized Mel to a wide spectrum of human need.  From 1984 to 2002 Mel was the as area manager for World Vision Canada (Southern AB and the East Kootenays of BC) where he "spoke up for the poor and needy.”  Now Mel sees the ministry to newcomers as obedience to the Lord’s command to love your [new] neighbour.  He sees it as a special opportunity for churches to find a fulfilling experience for their many volunteers.  The joy of giving is a message Mel loves to share.

Rhonda Mcnallie - Director  Recently retired from a career in the insurance industry, Rhonda has also worked extensively in retail sales. She holds a Bachelor of General Studies Degree from Athabasca University. She has also completed CMA courses in Accounting, Organizational Behavior and Economics and holds a Certificate of Tax Accounting. Rhonda currently serves in various volunteer roles at the Bearspaw and Bowridge sites of RockPointe Church in addition to being a caregiver to her mother and serving her own family. She is passionate about serving the Lord and is delighted to use her gifts to serve CESLM.

Staff Members

Community Liason Coordinator - Myra Brown, M.A. (Canadian Theological Seminary), B.R.E. (Prairie Bible College), Dip of Applied Arts in Journalism Administration (S.A.I.T.), ACE TESOL Certificate (M.R.U.), TESL Canada accredited, Standard One. From 1979 until 2007 Myra worked for Global Ministries (Christian & Missionary Alliance) in Africa, where, besides being primary caregiver for two daughters, was involved in literature production and leadership development.  For the final 10 years in Africa, Myra and her husband Ron were Regional Developers for Africa, taking member care and administrative oversight for all GM workers.  The Browns lived in 5 countries and learned 2 languages; Myra says these experiences have enriched her ability to empathize with Calgary's newcomers.

Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Colleen Klatt is a marketing professional with a heart for God's people and His Kingdom.  She has been involved in communications and ministry for the past 8 years.  Her work has included front line youth ministry, account management with Hendrick and Associates Marketing Services (where she worked with clients such as Tim Hortons, Suncor and Canadian North), and communication projects for her church.  She holds a degree in Communications from Trinity Western University and is a graduate of the CAAP marketing program.

Administrative Coordinator - Beverley J. Chambers, M.Ed. (U of C), B.A. & B.Ed. (U of A), is an ATESL Accredited Instructor with 25 years of experience in the design and delivery of adult education programs including: Intercultural Training, Communication Skills, Employment Bridging for Immigrant Professionals, Workplace English, and Adult ESL.  Past employment: YWCA of Calgary, Calgary Board of Education and The Presbytery of Calgary-MacLeod. Bev and her family lived in Norway for three years, where she learned basic Norwegian. A special interest in the development of intercultural awareness, intercultural appreciation and cross-cultural communication strategies has grown out of her experience.