Staff
Diane David - Administrative Director
Since February 2007, Diane has been responsible for all things administrative at WELCA: accounting, human resources, communications, planning, program registration, purchasing and information technology. Diane has worked for a variety of non-profit organizations including the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, Alberta Advisory Council on Women’s Issues, and the City of Edmonton Management Association. She has her certification in Strategic Management and Planning from the Banff School of Management. In her 30-year career has developed a number of inclusive strategic planning processes for clients such as the City of St. Albert Fire Services and other governmental departments and agencies.
Lynda Tennessen - Program Director
Lynda’s heart still pounds with excitement when the WELCA site set up for a horse show comes into view from Fox Drive! Lynda has been teaching for over 25 years and she enjoys working with all types of students: young, old, adventurous or not so adventurous. Seeing her students start as young children and progress through the ranks from Volunteer, to Teaching Assistant or Barn Staff, to Instructor is the ultimate reward. Lynda is a certified Provincial Instructor through Equine Canada/AEF and carries her own teaching insurance through Capri Insurance. Lynda also teaches in the Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Program and has her CTR1 through CANTRA. Lynda continues to upgrade through lessons, clinics and courses with the top riders and trainers in all disciplines.
Valerie McKay – Head Instructor
Valerie has been teaching at WELCA since the association formed in 1999. She is a certified EC English Level l Coach/Mentor NCCP Level 2 and has completed the Equine Canada Western Rider levels. Valerie is an Equine Canada carded Judge in the Hunter/Jumper disciplines. She has over 30 years of riding experience including training under Val Archer/Jumping, Vicky Argals/Dressage, and Heather Kelm/Western. She is currently competing in Dressage and training under EC Level 3 Dressage Coach Sharon Merkel Beattie. Valerie attends clinics regularly with top international trainers in both disciplines.
Irina Yastrebova – Instructor
Irina, known as Ira, is an Equine Canada Certified English Coach Level 1 and has been teaching private and semi-private lessons at WELCA since 2007. In 2000, Ira moved to Canada from Russia where she was an instructor and dressage competitor. Her focus is on the rider’s seat and its influence on the horse. Ira has trained with Frances Carbonnel and Sandy Howard in the US and Sharon Merkel-Beattie in Canada. Ira teaches at her clients at WELCA on Fridays and alternate Sundays. For more information see her website: balancedrider.com
Kelly Gau – Herd Supervisor
Kelly has been a member of the barn staff team at WELCA since July 2008 and became Herd Supervisor in 2010. She can often be seen on the trails driving with Jasper the miniature donkey.
Judy Robertson – Barn Supervisor
Judy has worked at the Whitemud Equine Centre and its various iterations for 25 years starting in 1986. She is a certified riding instructor in addition to her barn supervisory responsibilities. Judy is an accomplished athlete. She is a member of the Gold Medal Curling Team for the World Deaf Olympics and played for the Canadian Women’s Golf Team at the World Deaf Golf Championships.
