Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Awards And Scholarships
Student Teacher Experience
Timeline
Generic

ROCHELLE WHITFORD

Edmonton

Summary

Rooted in culture, community, and connection, I bring a strengths-based approach that centers inclusion and honors Indigenous knowledge systems. My experience includes early childhood research, community engagement, and Indigenous policy development. I am committed to creating spaces that foster growth, wellness, and resilience through culturally grounded and relationship-focused work.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Research Assistant

Kitaskinaw Education Authority
01.2024 - Current
  • Conducting research on integration of traditional knowledge in early learning
  • Engaging with community members to inform culturally grounded frameworks
  • Supporting the development of land-based and language-rich programming

Consultant

Inspire Group
01.2024 - 12.2025
  • Drafted grant proposals, policy updates, and project correspondence for First Nations
  • Supported Nation-led initiatives through document and funding support
  • Maintained organized records using Monday.com

Project Coordinator

First Nation Data Collection
06.2023 - 04.2024
  • Company Overview: Rural Development Network
  • Co-developed a decolonized data tool based on the 12 dimensions of Indigenous Homelessness
  • Facilitated community engagement and reflective learning rooted in Indigenous teachings
  • Created training materials guided by OCAP principles
  • Rural Development Network

Receptionist & Administrative Assistant

Kipling Realty & Dacro Industries
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • Provided client-facing and administrative support
  • Managed correspondence, scheduling, and file preparation

Education

Bachelor of Education - Aboriginal Teacher Education Program

University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB
06.2025

Associate of Arts - English (Major), Indigenous Studies (Minor)

Camosun College
Victoria, None
06.2022

Skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Multitasking and organization

Certification

  • Language and Revitalization Through the Arts
  • Respect and Inclusion in the Workplace
  • Unconscious Bias in the Workplace
  • Triangulation Method: Observation, Conversation, Product
  • Meeting the Diverse Needs of Learners (Karlene Chorney)
  • Juno Award Musician Workshop (Garth Prince)
  • Wellness in the Classroom

Awards And Scholarships

  • Jason Lang Scholarship, 2024
  • Indigenous Careers Award x2
  • University of Alberta Opportunities Award
  • NIB Trust Award
  • Indspire Award x2

Student Teacher Experience

Final Practicum (AFX) - Student Teacher Dr. Margaret Ann Armour School, Edmonton, AB | Feb - Apr 2024

  • Taught Grade 6 in Math, Health, Science, and Art
  • Taught Math and Health to the 6.3 class, allowing opportunities to revisit and improve lessons for greater clarity and impact
  • Designed and delivered engaging lessons aligned with Alberta curriculum
  • Adapted instruction to meet diverse student needs, including differentiated activities and small group instruction
  • Applied visual tools and student-led activities to support conceptual learning


Initial Practicum (IFX) - Student Teacher Anne Fitzgerald Elementary, Edmonton, AB Mar - Apr 2023

  • Taught Grade 2 Social Studies, Grade 4 Language Arts, Gym, and Land-Based Learning (Grades 1-6)
  • Facilitated daily nature walks as part of land-based learning; created space for reflection and cultural learning
  • Invited back to deliver a full-day lesson on Métis Foundational Knowledge to Grades 4/5/6

Timeline

Research Assistant

Kitaskinaw Education Authority
01.2024 - Current

Consultant

Inspire Group
01.2024 - 12.2025

Project Coordinator

First Nation Data Collection
06.2023 - 04.2024

Receptionist & Administrative Assistant

Kipling Realty & Dacro Industries
01.2013 - 01.2014

Bachelor of Education - Aboriginal Teacher Education Program

University of Alberta

Associate of Arts - English (Major), Indigenous Studies (Minor)

Camosun College
ROCHELLE WHITFORD