Serving as a Yellowknife Catholic Schools Trustee
Catholic education is a unique partnership between the school, home and parish. Together, these partners seek to develop a student's whole person by integrating academic excellence permeated by faith. Catholic education exists and will continue to do so because its central focus is service learning in faith and community. Within that partnership, excellence in Catholic education is achieved through the personal involvement of all members of the community, whether it be as voters or elected trustees.
Tina Schauerte
Board Chair
Tina Schauerte - YCS Trustee 2015 to present. Tina was born in St. John’s, NF and lived there until her family moved to Yellowknife, NT in 1981. Tina attended Yellowknife St. Patrick’s School from grade 1 until graduation in 1993. Tina went on to receive a Degree in Kinesiology and returned to Yellowknife. For 22 years Tina has made a career with the Canadian Forces in Morale and Welfare Services. Tina and her husband Gary have been blessed with two children Matthew, 19, in his 1st year of University at UBC and Katie, 21 who is attending her 4th year of University at SFU in Vancouver, BC. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the YCS district and am thrilled to serve this year as the YCS Board Chair. YCS is a very important part of my life and I believe in the Catholic school system and what it offers our community."
Susan Waddell
Vice Chair
Susan Waddell - YCS Trustee 2019 to present. Susan was born and raised in southern Alberta. She has called Yellowknife home for the last 23 years, experiencing many different work opportunities. Susan spent many years assisting in religious education at St. Patrick’s Parish as well as the Rosary Apostolate in Weledeh Catholic School. Susan and her husband Rob have three children, Logan, Parker and Caelan, who attended Yellowknife Catholic Schools. “I became a Catholic school trustee because I feel strongly about the impact faith has in the lives of children and youth, and the option to choose Catholic education in our community is important.”
Christine Lewandowski
Trustee
Christine Lewandowski - YCS Trustee 2021-present. Christine has lived in the North for 18 years and calls Yellowknife home. She grew up in Mississauga, Ontario, and originally came to the North for a summer, but this quickly turned into a long-term commitment after falling in love with the land and people here. She has worked in leadership roles in Industry (Mining), here in the North, and has spent the majority of her career as an Educator, originally as a high school teacher, then as a College Instructor, and more recently as a Consultant with her own business. She celebrates being a lifelong learner and is incredibly passionate about education and advocating for children and educators. Christine and her husband Sam (Shannon), live an active life here in Yellowknife with their two children and their dog Oona. Their children both attend ESJS, the same school their dad went to growing up. As a family, they enjoy spending time outdoors, cooking together, and participating in community events. “As a trustee, I am here to listen, to support children, staff, and families, to ask difficult questions, to celebrate the incredible successes of staff and students, and to advocate for meaningful change. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Yellowknife Catholic Schools Community and for being able to work with our Superintendent and Board.”
Alex Mulooki
Trustee
In February 2013, Alex made the significant decision to relocate from Uganda to Canada with his family of five- his wife, two daughters, and a son—as a skilled worker. Their journey began in Newmarket, Ontario, where they initially settled. In 2015, Alex and his family moved to Yellowknife, a place that has since become their cherished home. In Yellowknife, Alex proudly raised his three children, who attended Weledeh Elementary School and St. Patrick High School. Today, all three are pursuing higher education, with the eldest having graduated with a degree in accounting in June 2024. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Alex brings a wealth of expertise in financial management, public sector accounting, internal audit, and the implementation of financial and change management reforms. His career spans several roles in the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), including positions in Finance and Infrastructure as an Internal Auditor, Comptroller, Manager of Federal Relations, and Manager of Finance and Administration. Currently, Alex serves as the Manager of Finance and Procurement Services with the Legislative Assembly. Beyond his professional achievements, Alex has developed a deep understanding of the social fabric of the North through his volunteer work with Side Door Ministries and the Salvation Army Men’s Shelter. His dedication to the community is as strong as his professional commitments. An internationally qualified Certified Public Accountant (CPAK), Alex holds a master's degree in business administration and several other professional designations in auditing and investigations. He is honoured to serve on the Board of Yellowknife Catholic Schools and is committed to fulfilling his duties with dedication and responsibility throughout his tenure.
Steven Voytilla
Trustee
Steven Voytilla - Trustee since 2012; Finance Committee Chair since 2013. Steven was born in Inuvik and lived there until his family moved to Yellowknife in 1981. He is a member of the Gwich’in Land Claim, and proud to bring that perspective to his role as a YCS Trustee. Steven attended St. Patrick's (prior to the creation of Weledeh) from grade 4 until he graduated, so YCS is particularly important to him as it had an enormous impact on his life. He is currently the Director of Aboriginal Consultation and Aboriginal Relations for the Government of the NWT. His wife and Steven are proud to have their children attending YCS schools. Quality education is a vital part of a child’s development and he has been proud of the work he has been able to do in his role as a YCS Trustee these many years and look forward to continuing to work in making YCS schools even better.
Gerri Whiteford
Trustee
Gerri Whiteford - YCS Trustee 2022-present. Gerri is originally from Toronto and moved north more than a decade ago. First to Nunavut and then to Yellowknife where she realized a sense of belonging and community. As a Registered Nurse and Social Worker in the Northwest Territories, Gerri is very active in the community and volunteers with many community agencies. Having 3 grown children has taught Gerri education is a key foundation for success in all dimensions of life and health. “The learning process from the very start is vital to many aspects of health that will last a lifetime. I look forward to the honour of contributing and forwarding education rooted in the values of the Catholic faith as a YCS Trustee.”
Melanie Williams
Trustee
Melanie Williams - YCS Trustee 2021 - present. Melanie, originally from Newfoundland, completed her Degree in Chemical Engineering in 2004. After graduating she accepted a position that offered extensive field work in the Arctic region. While working across the Arctic, Melanie felt a connection to the North and came to realize that this was where she was supposed to be. A job opportunity presented itself and Melanie jumped at the chance to move to Yellowknife and plant her roots. Melanie loves the outdoors and enjoys showing her children what the North has to offer. Melanie's children both attend Weledeh.