Darlene MacDonald has been with the Learning Council Association for 20 plus years. The Learning Council is proud to assist Newcomer Learners with their learning and integration journey through a variety of programs that Council offers from English Language Learning to Digital\Computer training, to Family Literacy learning opportunities depending on where the Learner’s goals lie. Darlene found the Learning Council Association to be a stepping stone from a full-time position of 10 years with Lakeland College to a part-time position with the Learning Council to raise a family.
Darlene loves to see Newcomer learners’ lives and their family’s lives transform, making her position with the Learning Council worthwhile. Darlene sees these transformations often, in a variety of programs. Along with her journey, Darlene has been honored with “the woman of Wisdom Award” as well as another provincial award for Outstanding Contribution to Community Adult Learning in Alberta. Darlene has stated that she is a bit like Wayne Gretzky & must credit her amazing team and a caring community.
She quotes ” it’s easy to work in such a rich & fulfilling environment. I love my job!” On a personal note, Darlene is happily married to Glenn MacDonald for 33 years with 2 wonderful boys Duncan & Stetson. She says that she is fortunate to be able to raise her family on the family farm of 100 years of a generational family farm. Darlene and her husband enjoyed volunteering in their community throughout the years & travelling throughout Canada with the boy’s sports activities; from which they have met many families who are still close friends today. Darlene and Glenn enjoy gardening & landscaping which helps to keep them young.
