Meet the Team

Committed to our students and their brilliant futures.

Join our team

School Leadership

Dean Lindquist
Superintendent

Dr. Dean Lindquist joined the Thrive School team in July 2023. In addition to his enthusiasm for student empowerment and community engagement, Dean brings extensive leadership and teaching experience in public, separate and charter schools. In addition to his most recent position as Superintendent for New Horizons Charter School, he served in Superintendent roles for SD 71 (Comox Valley) and Grande Yellowhead Public Schools, as well as Associate/Deputy Superintendent for the Aspen View Regional School Division. Earlier in his career, Dean also held positions as a Principal and as a classroom teacher in schools across central Alberta. Rounding out his experience, Dean has taught graduate-level courses at the University of Calgary and served as Assistant Deputy Minister (Program and System Support) for Alberta Education. Dean is an avid sports fan and spends time cheering on his favourite teams. He also enjoys immersing himself in professional and academic literature to stay up to date on the latest developments in education and related areas.

Donna Rankin-Anderson
Principal

Donna Rankin-Anderson joined the Thrive School team in February 2023. An experienced educator and instructional leader, Donna is strongly committed to shaping a vision of success for all students and serving as a dedicated advocate for students and families. In her nearly 20 years in the Edmonton separate school system, she has brought her passion for connection and positive school environments to her roles as a Principal, Assistant Principal, Learning Coach and classroom teacher. In addition to her expertise in school operations and data-driven instructional practices, she is the kind of educator who will remember the name of each student’s pet. Donna earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and has completed graduate-level courses in education policy. When she is not out running on the Edmonton river valley pathways, you can find her enjoying time with her husband and son, likely cheering on her son at the hockey rink or basketball court.

Danielle Bothwell
Assistant Principal & Intervention

With more than two decades of experience in education, Danielle has been dedicated to supporting student success since 2001. Throughout her career, she has taught and worked with students from early learning through junior high, developing a deep understanding of the academic, social, and emotional needs of learners at every stage of their educational journey. Danielle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology as well as an After Degree in Education, both from the University of Alberta. Her educational background, combined with extensive classroom and leadership experience, has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to support students, staff, and families in meaningful and impactful ways. Passionate about working with children, Danielle believes that strong relationships are at the heart of a successful school community. Her strengths in leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills have helped her build collaborative and inclusive learning environments where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their best. As both Assistant Principal and Intervention teacher, Danielle is committed to fostering a positive school culture that promotes growth, belonging, and excellence. Her vision is to work alongside staff to build a strong, caring, and high-performing team dedicated to serving our community of students and families. Through collaboration, respect, and a shared commitment to student success, she strives to create opportunities for every learner to thrive. In addition to having the opportunity to work alongside Donna, Dean and Michael, Danielle is excited to partner with students, families, and staff as together they continue to build a vibrant and welcoming school community where all members feel connected, supported, and inspired to succeed. When she is not working, you can find Danielle spending time with family, friends, watching hockey or travelling.

Teachers

Shannon Coulombe

Kindergarten/Music

Shannon is an experienced teacher who has a passion for teaching literacy, art and music. She has taught grades 3 through 6 as well as preschool. She owned and operated a preschool for 7 years and has experience in school administration. Her Bachelor of Education degree has a special focus in early childhood education. She lives in Beaumont with her 3 children and enjoys reading and being active, healthy and creative!

scoulombe@thriveschool.ca

Rebekah Ramsey-Stel

Grade 1 Teacher

Rebekah was born in England and moved to Canada with her family at the age of 14. She graduated from The King's University in Edmonton with a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology and English, as well as an after degree in Education. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive, engaging learning environment where every student feels valued, encouraged, and empowered to succeed. Outside of teaching, Rebekah enjoys exploring Edmonton's beautiful river valley trails with her husband and young daughter, as well as visiting her family abroad whenever possible.

rramsey-Stel@Thriveschool.ca

Kristen Robb

Grade 4 Teacher

Kristin Robb was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, and she holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education from the University of Alberta. Kristin is an engaging elementary education teacher with experience in classrooms across both Canada and New Zealand. She has a strong passion for children’s growth and development. After moving to New Zealand in 2019 and returning to Canada in 2024, she is excited to continue fostering student learning and motivation. Outside of teaching, Kristin loves spending time outdoors with her husband, Matt, and their 2-year-old daughter.

KRobb@Thriveschool.ca

Courtney Rolfe

Grade 5 Teacher

Courtney enters her 8th year of teaching very excited to be a part of the Thrive team! She grew up in northern Saskatchewan and graduated from the University of Alberta with her Bachelor of Secondary Education. She is patient, empathetic and passionate about building positive relationships with students. Her teaching experience ranges from grade 5 all the way up to 30-level courses! When not in the classroom, Courtney enjoys playing sports (golf, curling, volleyball and slo-pitch), fishing back home in Saskatchewan, watching football (go Raiders!), and reading.

crolfe@thriveschool.ca

Liz Skjerven

Grade 3 Teacher

Elizabeth Skjerven (sure-ven) lives in Spruce Grove with her husband and 3 kids. She grew up in the area but moved to Edson for her first teaching job in 2007. They moved back in 2012 before teaching at Thrive Elementary, she was teaching Grade 3 French Immersion in Stony Plain. In her spare time, she loves to craft all sorts of things! She knits, crochets, quilts, sews and cross stitches.

eskjerven@thriveschool.ca

Lauren Soltys

Grade 2 Teacher

As a recent graduate from the University of Alberta, earning her a bachelor in Elementary Education with distinction, Lauren is very excited to start her journey in the field of education. She is passionate and determined in creating a safe, positive, and welcoming learning environment that is inclusive for all learners, and will ensure their academic success. She is most looking forward to building and fostering relationships with each of her students. When Lauren isn’t teaching in the classroom you can find her enjoying many sports, and spending time with her family, friends and pet dog.

lsoltys@thriveschool.ca

Felix Weinmeier

Grade 6 Teacher

Felix Weinmeier is a dedicated educator with a passion for history, culture, and lifelong learning. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Indigenous Studies, as well as an After Degree in Education from Concordia University of Edmonton. Born in Edmonton, Felix has lived in communities all across Alberta, which has given him a deep appreciation for the province’s diversity and unique perspectives. His curiosity and love for learning have also taken him far beyond Canada’s borders—he has traveled to 16 different countries and lived abroad in both Australia and Germany. Felix brings these wide-ranging experiences into the classroom, where he aims to create an inclusive, engaging, and globally-minded learning environment for all students.

FWeinmeier@Thriveschool.ca

Office Staff

Kelsey Elicksen

Administrative Support

Kelsey Elicksen joined the Thrive School Team in April of 2023. As Administrative Support for the school, Kelsey is focused on creating a warm, welcoming and positive environment for students and parents to THRIVE in while maintaining the functionality of day-to-day tasks of the school. With a background of Early Childhood Development from Red River College and Early Childhood Education from Bow Valley College, as well as Grant MacEwan University, Kelsey is able to work with other school staff and parents about the wellbeing of students. Previously, Kelsey has had more than ten years of experience as an Assistant Director of a preschool and daycare, a Program Coordinator for an out of school program, an Educational Assistant working with children with diverse needs and respite worker for children with complex medical needs and ASD. When Kelsey is finished managing the lives of her own children, she enjoys spending time inside reading, painting and staying out of the heat.

kelicksen@thriveschool.ca

Support Staff

Ekama Agube

Educational Assistant

William Chan

Teacher and Athletics Program Manager

Will Chan brings over 20 years of experience teaching Physical Education in the Parkland School Division. Throughout his career, Will has been passionate about inspiring students to lead active, healthy lifestyles through fun, engaging activities that promote lifelong wellness. In addition to his teaching, Will has made a significant impact through coaching school sports. He has coached volleyball, basketball, badminton, and track and field. He finds great joy in building strong relationships with students through athletics. Watching them grow, not only as athletes but as individuals, continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of his career. Will’s commitment to student well-being, both physical and personal, is at the heart of everything he does. His energy, positivity, and dedication make him a valued mentor and educator in the school community.

WChan@Thriveschool.ca