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2025 Teacher Retirees

event Published 2025-06-18 15:26:09.504 +0000 UTC

Congratulations to our incredible teacher retirees. We are immensely grateful for their dedication, passion, and countless contributions over the years. Thank you for shaping the minds and hearts of our students. We are grateful for your service, you will always be a part of our MHPSD family. 

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Left to right: Kelly Pitman, Dave Ridgedale, Todd Samuelson, Shonna Barth, Quinn Skelton, Troy Bartram and Corey Sadlemyer


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Dave Ridgedale 

Dave has concluded a remarkable 29-year career with our school division. Dave began his journey in education by earning his Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge in 1996. He later continued his professional growth by completing his Master’s degree at Gonzaga University in 2010, further enriching his leadership and instructional expertise.

Dave started his teaching career with our division in the 1996–1997 school year at Alexandra Middle School, where he taught Physical Education & Computer Studies. Plus, coaching numerous teams through the division. It was clear from the start that he brought energy, connection, and a commitment to learning.

In 2001–2002 school year, Dave accepted a transfer to Vincent Massey School, where he shifted to teaching K through grade 6. His ability to adapt to different learning environments and connect with students at every level was a testament to his versatility and dedication.

Then, in 2007–2008 school year, Dave began his time at River Heights School, where he taught grades 4 – 6, then later took on the role of CST, and Vice-Principal. His leadership and steady presence became an integral part of the school community.

In September 2018, Dave was asked to transfer to Southview School as Vice-Principal, and in 2021, he stepped into the role of Principal. He remained at Southview until his retirement, guiding the school through pivotal moments and continuing to foster a strong, caring culture for both students and staff.

Across nearly three decades, Dave has made an indelible impact on multiple school communities—whether as a teacher, vice-principal, or principal. His commitment to students, his support of all staff, and his thoughtful leadership have left a legacy we will not forget.


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Doug Ashmore

Doug received his Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge in 1999 and received his Master of Education from the University of Lethbridge in 2012. 

He started his career with our division at Medicine Hat High School in the 1998/1999 teaching Physical Education English.

For the start of the 1999-2000 school year Doug accepted a position at Crestwood School teaching Grade 5 and 6. For the 2015-2016 school year Doug accepted the role of Vice Principal at Crestwood School.

In September of 2020 Doug transferred to Webster Niblock School as Vice-Principal, and several times has held the role of Acting Principal at Webster Niblock and Vincent Massey Schools.  Doug remains at Webster Niblock School until his retirement.

Doug was an Active Member in our ATA Local-actively being a member of the EPC and becoming Chair of EPC and eventually TWC for 5 years

Doug retires from our ATA Local #1 after working 27 years in Medicine Hat School Division.

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Quinn Skelton

Quinn received his Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge in 1990. 

He started  teaching and coaching in Sept 1990, taking over the football program at Medicine Hat High School, starting a rugby program and teaching  Grade 8 Integrated Occupational program. Quinn taught calm, physical education, health and outdoor education just to name a few. In addition, he piloted, and built the Athletic Performance program for student athletes in 2004, and that has grown from a first class of 17 to 8 full time classes and over 220 students training at Hat High. 

In 2005 he accepted the role of Physical Education Dept Head.  He truly believes he had the best job in the District, with PE , coaching and building kids in the wt. room. 

Quinn will be missed for coaching and involvement in football, rugby along with many other Physical Education activities.

Quinn retires from our school division after working 35 years, all at Medicine Hat High School.

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Shonna Barth

Shonna began her teaching in 1988. (child prodigy 🙂 )  She joined our division briefly in 1990 and returned in 2010.  The first 3 years she was the Facilitator for HUG and MyPlace at Crestwood, Southview, AMS and CHHS.  In 2013 she accepted a job as student counselor at CHHS. After 3 years she moved into administration and served as Vice Principal for 4 years.  In 2021 she proudly accepted the role of first female Principal at CHHS.  She served CHHS until she partially retired at the end of December.  She joined the admin team again in May as acting Vice Principal and will officially retire at the end of this school year.  (delete this part if you don't want it) Shonna looks forward to a future filled with adventures and wellness.  She will also be working with the team at Coulee Collegiate part time this fall. She thanks MHPSD for all of the incredible opportunities and memories.

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Todd Samuelson

Todd received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Minot State University in 1994, followed by a Master of Education in Leadership from Walden University in 2010.

He joined our school division after working in Regina, Saskatchewan and with the Medicine Hat Catholic School Division. His first role with us was as a guidance counselor at Crescent Heights High School.

From 2011 to 2015, Todd also served as the Summer School Lead Teacher.

At the beginning of the 2013–2014 school year, Todd became vice-principal at Crescent Heights High School, joining the administrative team. In January 2017, he transitioned to Southview School as principal and later moved to Alexandra Middle School, continuing in the principal role.

For the 2023–2024 school year, Todd took on the role of principal at Dr. Roy Wilson Learning Centre, where he remained until his retirement.

Todd retires from education with nearly 30 years of experience, 18 of which were dedicated to our school division.

Corey Sadlemyer

After a short stint as a golf pro, I returned to university and received my Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge – graduating in 1996. I started teaching that in the fall of the 1996-1997 school year at CHHS in what was then called the grade 11/12 LAP class.  I transferred to River Heights School in 1998 and spent the next 4 years teaching grade 5.  In the fall of 2002 I returned to CHHS to teach grade 7, 9, 10 and Social 30 across the next 6 years.  All through this time I fed my love of volleyball and coaching spending countless hours in gyms, hotels and on the road.

Near the end of my time at CHHS I took on 2 stints as acting Vice Principal, which somehow led me to returning to River Heights in 2007 in the role of principal.  I enjoyed 7 years there, really cutting my teeth in how to be an educational leader.  Along the way I completed my Masters of Education graduate degree at the University of Alberta.

 n September 2013, I was appointed principal of Dr. Roy Wilson Learning Centre, and had the honour of opening a new school named after one of my educational mentors and role models.  This herculean effort made easier by the fluke opportunity to do this alongside my friend and co-retiree Troy Bartman.  I remained there until June 2017 when I moved to Central Office as Assistant Superintendent – Inclusive Mindset.  This role and title morphed over time (Covid played a role in this) and in 2023 I became Associate Superintendent – Learning.

I’ve had 29 great years in Medicine Hat Public School Division.

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Troy Bartman

Having gone through the first two years of the Education Program at the Medicine Hat College, I spent a semester at the University of South Alabama before continuing my studies at the University of Lethbridge to complete my Education degree, graduating in 1993.  My first teaching role was teaching Grade 5 at Seven Persons School, where I worked for the first decade of my career, serving under former SD 76 Superintendent and mentor Dr. Grant Henderson.  After completing a Masters degree at the University of Victoria, I transitioned to Eagle Butte High School to try my hand at teaching Foods and serving in teacher and student support.

In 2012 I began as  Vice - Principal of Alexandra Middle School working with Associate Superintendent Mr. Jason Peters and Richelle Thomas.  Four years later, this led to a chance happening to open a new school, Dr. Roy Wilson Learning Center with Associate Superintendent and close friend, Corey Sadlemyer.  Following four years as a vice-principal at WLC, I stepped back into the classroom, not as a teacher, but as a student.  Over the next 3 years I completed my PhD in Education and returned to work at Coulee Collegiate as an Academic Advisor.

In "retirement", I am again returning to the classroom, this time as member of the Faculty of Education in the MHC/MRU Teacher Education Program.  32 years in education just wasn't quite enough for me.... back to the classroom.

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Kelly Pitman 

I started my teaching career in 1993 and have spent my entire career as an Alberta public school teacher.  I have been fortunate to have taught many grades and subjects and have held many roles during that time.  The last eight years of my career have been with MHPSD and I have had the privilege of working with some of the most skilled and passionate public educators that I have ever met, including the other retirees being honoured. They exemplify professionalism and care for our students and community and I am lucky to have been able to learn from them and work alongside them. It's been an honour.