Who is Christine?

 

Okanagan 1/2 Marathon 2010...2:0

A Real Person, A Real Leader

Christine Cusanelli was elected on April 23, 2012 as the MLA for Calgary Currie.  She was appointed as Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation for the period of April 2012-February 2013.

Christine Cusanelli is a former school Principal who is highly regarded for her advocacy for students, leadership, and communication skills.

Christine graduated from the Faculté Saint Jean at the University of Alberta with a Baccalauréat en éducation.

She started her career as a teacher with the Calgary Catholic School District where she taught elementary and junior high students in both French Immersion and regular educational settings.

At 31, Christine was appointed her first Principalship, making her among the youngest Principals in Calgary.

She is noted for her ability as a change agent and a visionary leader within her school communities in the North East and South West parts of the city.

Most recently, she has led St. Michael’s School (K-9) in implementing two International Baccalaureate Programs.

In 1998 Christine obtained a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the University of Gonzaga, and she is a keen supporter and advocate for students with special needs and learning challenges.

Christine supports wholeheartedly the Alberta Government’s Setting the Direction framework, which houses Action on Inclusion – an emphasis on engagement to meet the differing needs of the school population.

Christine is a former member of Chickwagon! an organization that builds and sustains a community of dynamic women committed to bettering the community.

Chickwagon! members work in partnership with the YWCA of Calgary to help stop family violence through fundraising, and support of events such as Walk a Mile in Her Shoes and Keep a Roof Over Their Heads.  Since becoming an MLA Christine continues her dedication to women's issues by advocating for a change in Government focus from Emergency Shelter funding to creating a framework of funding that also includes second stage housing for women and children.  It is Christine's belief that in attending to the psychological impact of trauma on children who witness abuse in the home will result in a decrease in domestic violence statistics.

"I am honoured to be the voice of 
Calgary-Currie.”