Lethbridge Polytechnic Alumni

📍Where are you Wednesday

Nash Epp (Child and Youth Care 2023) is a child and youth care professional, advocate and community leader whose work is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience. Having grown up in care, he says he was inspired to pursue a career in child and youth care after receiving support from mentors who recognized his potential and helped him navigate significant challenges as a young person. That experience continues to shape his approach to supporting youth, families and vulnerable populations.

Over the course of his career, Nash has worked in youth employment services, homelessness prevention, crisis intervention and community outreach. He began his professional journey with Wood’s Homes in Lethbridge, supporting young people transitioning from care through employment and life-skills programs, while also contributing to youth advocacy and mental health initiatives. He later served as a housing case manager with the Lethbridge Housing Authority, providing intensive case management and support to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Today, Nash serves as manager of Child and Youth Programs at the YMCA of Lethbridge, where he provides leadership, mentorship and guidance to child and youth care practitioners working on the front lines. Passionate about helping others discover their strengths, he is committed to creating opportunities for growth, connection and belonging while empowering both young people and the professionals who serve them. He encourages aspiring professionals to stay connected to their "why," believing that purpose, resilience and a willingness to grow are at the heart of meaningful work with children and youth.

Outside of work, Nash enjoys spending time with his partner and their two golden retrievers, Mater and McQueen, and pursuing creative outlets through writing and music.

🥤 COCA-COLA GIVEAWAY! 🥤

What's your best Lethbridge tip?

Whether you've lived here your whole life or you're brand new to the city, we want to hear it! Where do you go for the best food, a great walk or a quiet study spot? All hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems are welcome!

Share your best Lethbridge tip in the comments for a chance to win a Coca-Cola prize pack, including a mini fridge, speaker and $50 Superstore gift card!

The winner will be selected at random and contacted by us on Sept. 4.

Tourism Lethbridge City of Lethbridge- City Hall

Where are you Wednesday? 🎓

Today, we're highlighting soon-to-be alum Jody-Ann Smikle! She recently completed her practicum with our Alumni and External Engagement office as part of her Digital Communications and Media diploma, gaining hands-on experience in marketing, communications and alumni engagement.

Originally from Jamaica, Jody-Ann moved to Canada in 2024 to continue her academic and professional journey. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Marketing from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and came to Lethbridge Polytechnic with several years of experience in marketing, communications, client relations and community engagement.

Before studying in Canada, Jody-Ann built a diverse professional background through roles in financial services and volunteer leadership. She coordinated events and financial literacy initiatives for young people through VM Financial Education to Empower and served as Vice President Public Relations for Victoria Mutual Toastmasters, leading marketing and public relations efforts.

During her time at Lethbridge Polytechnic, Jody-Ann strengthened her skills in content creation, social media, storytelling, writing, photography, videography, marketing strategy and audience engagement. Her accomplishments include receiving the prestigious Troy Reeb Internship with Corus Entertainment.

Known for her creativity, strategic thinking and passion for meaningful storytelling, Jody-Ann is excited to begin her career in marketing and communications.

Congratulations, Jody-Ann, on completing your practicum and all you've accomplished along the way! We can't wait to see what's next. 🎉

It's a great time to be a Kodiak 🐻 If you haven't logged in to Alumni Perks recently (or ever), now is the time! Ener the Canada's luckiest alumni contest for a chance to win $5000!

Login to Alumni Perks here 👉 https://bit.ly/3ULho0m

Alumni Perks The Leth Poly Perks program highlights discounts, special offers, and resources available to alumni — helping you save, engage, and experience more of what Leth Poly Perks has to offer.

✨ Where are you Wednesday!

Jessica Melsted (Fish and Wildlife Technology 2014, Renewable Resource Management 2013) has turned her passion for wildlife and conservation into a career that has taken her across Western Canada. Today, she works with Black Fly Environmental LTD., building on a diverse background that includes roles withCows and Fish, the Delta Waterfowl Foundation, the Government of Alberta and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Jessica discovered the Renewable Resource Management and Fish and Wildlife Technology) programs after exploring conservation careers in high school. She credits supportive instructors and valuable hands-on experiences, including work at the polytechnic’s former Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, with helping launch her career.

One lesson she carries forward is the importance of building relationships. "The environmental field is quite small,” says Melsted, “so chances are, many of the students you learn with, you'll run into again down the road as a professional."

What Jessica enjoys most about her work is the opportunity to visit remote places few people ever get to see and to work alongside passionate people who have become lifelong friends. Outside of work, she's an avid birder who volunteers with bird monitoring programs and guided tours. She also enjoys photography, reading, knitting, bowling and spending time with her many pets.

What happens when your instructor is still actively serving in law enforcement?

School of Justice Studies instructor Paolo Magliocco brings more than a decade of front-line policing experience into the classroom while continuing to serve with the Lethbridge Police Service.

Since joining the service in 2012, Paolo has worked in patrol operations, Economic Crimes, Violent Crimes and Public Order Units, and now serves as a patrol sergeant. That ongoing work allows him to provide students with real-time insight into the ever-evolving policing profession.

Paolo says seeing former students succeed in the field is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.

Read more in the latest edition of Wider Horizons ->
lethpolytech.ca/wider-horizons/spring-2026/instructors-industry

Where are you Wednesday!

Meet James Walshe, a 2014 graduate of the Civil Engineering Technology program at Lethbridge Polytechnic.

After beginning his studies in an engineering degree program, James decided to look for something more applied and career-focused. He credits the polytechnic’s diploma program with giving him the real-world experience and confidence he needed to step directly into the industry.

For James, applied learning made all the difference. The program emphasized practical skills from day one; something he says remains central to his career today. Whether it’s drafting, technical design or complex calculations, he relies on what he learned at the polytechnic every single day. That strong foundation helped James launch a decade-long career at Associated Engineering before he moved into his current role with MPE, a division of Englobe, in 2025.

What keeps James motivated more than a decade into his career is the variety civil engineering offers. With so many disciplines to explore, he says he’s constantly learning, growing and taking on new challenges.

Outside the office, James enjoys travelling as much as possible, along with concerts, time with friends, walking his dog and staying connected to his community.

Where are you Wednesday!

Laly Zamudio has built a career centred on connection, inclusion and helping others find support when they need it most. A 2016 graduate of the Therapeutic Recreation – Gerontology (TRG) program, she continued her education in public health at the University of Lethbridge before gaining experience in long-term care, mental health and substance use, community outreach, disability services and victim services.

Today, Laly is a case worker specializing in health care with the John Howard Society Okanagan and Kootenay in Kelowna, B.C. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to supporting people from all walks of life through client-centred care and advocacy.

Laly says she was drawn to the TRG program because of her belief in the importance of leisure, community and finding purpose through meaningful connections. Looking back, she credits the program's supportive instructors, particularly Kathie Ervin and Jan Anton, and the personalized learning environment that played a significant role in both her professional and personal growth.

What she enjoys most about her work is the opportunity to connect with people, hear their stories and celebrate the small victories that can make a big difference. For Laly, the most rewarding part of her role continues to be the face-to-face interactions that help build trust and create positive change.

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, spending time at the beach, attending q***r community events and making memories with friends, family and her wife.

Where are you Wednesday!

For Quinn Campbell, returning to Lethbridge Polytechnic feels like coming home. A 2007 graduate of the Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism program, she recently stepped into the role of events and engagement co-ordinator on the External Engagement team. From Pride Parade to Whoop-Up Days and future campus-hosted events, Quinn is already helping strengthen connections between the polytechnic and the wider community.

Quinn’s journey began on campus in the Audio-Visual department before she launched into a nearly 20-year career in broadcasting. She spent much of that time with Global News Lethbridge, working as an editor, videographer, producer, reporter and anchor. She also co-hosted a local morning radio show. Quinn credits her time at Lethbridge Polytechnic with building the storytelling, communication and adaptability skills that carried her through a dynamic career in media.

Now back on campus, Quinn says she’s seen firsthand how the polytechnic continues to evolve through upgraded spaces, modernized programs and strong ties to industry. She notes many alumni have gone on to become leaders and business owners in the community, which speaks to the lasting impact of a polytechnic education, and she finds it especially meaningful to connect with those alumni and help strengthen those same community relationships.

Quinn says she is excited to bring fresh ideas to her role and help champion the polytechnic, its students and its story. Outside of work, she has a passion for farming and ranching, something that often surprises those who remember her from her broadcasting days.

Her journey is another reminder that the foundation built at Lethbridge Polytechnic can lead to diverse, rewarding careers.