Our Governance

Amy Yeager brings nearly two decades of dedication to Carlton Trail College, having served in a variety of progressive leadership roles before becoming President and CEO. With a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation, Amy offers a strong foundation in organizational leadership and human capital development.

Amy’s deep understanding of the province’s regional college system, paired with a passion for accessible, community-based education, guides her vision for Carlton Trail College. She is a supporter of the Lieutenant Governor’s Post-Secondary Teaching Award program and plays a vital role in Saskatchewan Colleges CEO Council, while also staying engaged with local organizations like Muenster’s curling club and public library. As a youth sports coach, she fosters leadership and teamwork in young athletes.

Under her leadership, Carlton Trail College continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of learners, communities, and industry – expanding trades training, welcoming international students, and strengthening workforce readiness initiatives.

Amy lives in Muenster and is committed to building vibrant, learner-focused communities across the region.

Andy Burgess is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA) with 25 years of experience in Saskatchewan’s post-secondary education system.

As a member of Carlton Trail College’s leadership team, he provides strategic leadership in finance, accounting, and facilities management. His responsibilities include budgeting, procurement, infrastructure planning, and institutional risk management – ensuring the College’s operations remain sustainable and aligned with its mission to deliver accessible, high-quality education across rural communities.

Andy also contributes to sector-wide business development discussions, bringing valuable insight into the evolving needs of the post-secondary landscape. His deep understanding of rural education informs his approach to financial stewardship and operational planning.

In addition to his work at the College, Andy served as a valued Board member at PARTNERS Family Services, where he played a key role in guiding the organization through a period of meaningful transition, demonstrating his dedication to community well-being. Andy lives in Humboldt.

Jennifer Brooks, MPA, is a public administration professional with deep experience in strategic foresight, organizational leadership, and cross-sector collaboration. She has worked across municipal, economic development, and infrastructure sectors, contributing to organizations such as Community Futures, the cities of Humboldt, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon, and partnered infrastructure ventures such as HBJV.

At the College, Jennifer leads Advancement and External Affairs, where she oversees strategic development, performance measurement, IT, and institutional financial aid and awards. She also guides integrated communications, marketing, and outreach efforts to strengthen the College’s visibility and engagement. Her leadership helps drive initiatives that foster accessibility, innovation, and inclusive development across the institution.

Jennifer combines a strategic focus on continuous improvement with strong community and professional involvement, helping extend the College’s impact through collaboration, partnerships, and regional development opportunities. Jennifer lives in Humboldt.

Deanna Gaetz holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a certificate for Adult and Continuing Education from the University of Saskatchewan and brings over two decades of industry experience to her role on Carlton Trail College’s leadership team.

As a Senior Academic Officer, Deanna contributes to the advancement of both Carlton Trail College and the wider post-secondary system in Saskatchewan. Her expertise in program development and institutional planning is grounded in a commitment to building learner-centered environments that respond to regional and sectoral needs. She plays a strategic role in shaping the College’s academic direction, with a focus on expanding access to skilled education and training, enhancing workforce readiness, and supporting international education initiatives.

Known for her collaborative leadership and commitment to continuous improvement, Deanna works closely with staff, partners, and stakeholders to ensure the College remains responsive to the evolving needs of learners and industry. Deanna lives in Naicam.

Rachel Trann brings a strong background in human justice and social work to her role at Carlton Trail College, holding both a Bachelor of Human Justice and a Bachelor of Social Work.

A Registered Social Worker, she led community-based organizations in victim services, family support, and crisis intervention before transitioning to post-secondary education. Rachel now oversees Adult Basic Education and Student Services, including Indigenous initiatives and registration activities – supporting learners through academic upgrading, essential skills, English Language Training, and culturally responsive advising. Her team provides personalized guidance and serves as a key point of contact for students.

A passionate advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, Rachel is committed to student well-being as a foundation for strong families and communities. She also contributes to her community through volunteerism and service on local boards and committees. Rachel lives in Humboldt.

As the Workforce Development Manager, Nicola Finnson leads initiatives that strengthen regional labour-force capacity and respond to the evolving needs of employers, industry, and communities. With nearly 20 years at Carlton Trail College, Nicola has helped shape community-driven training aligned with local priorities. She partners closely with businesses, Indigenous communities, and sector leaders to advance reconciliation, build strong relationships, and support a more inclusive and resilient Saskatchewan workforce.

A lifelong learner and creative problem-solver, Nicola embraces fresh ideas and practical solutions that open pathways for learners. Her team incorporates essential skills training across programs, supporting each learner’s growth and adding meaningful value to their workplace readiness and long-term success.

Guided by a relationship-driven approach, Nicola works to expand workforce opportunities that benefit both individuals and communities. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family. Nicola lives on a farmstead near Wynyard.

As the Student Supports and Engagement Manager, Nicole Kinzel leads initiatives that foster student well-being, belonging, and academic success. Grounded in social work values, she works collaboratively with students, staff, and community partners to create inclusive and meaningful engagement opportunities across the College.

With a background in the disability field, Nicole brings a strong commitment to advocacy, accessibility, and person-centered support. She integrates trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, and community-centered approaches into her leadership to ensure equitable pathways for all learners.

Nicole holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Regina and serves on the council of the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers, contributing to ethical and accountable professional regulation.

Recognized for her thoughtful, relationship-focused style, she is dedicated to developing environments where every student fees values, supported, and empowered to thrive. Nicole lives on a farmstead near Jansen.

Heidi Melenchuk holds an Honours – Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Finance and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). With over a decade of experience across government and post-secondary education, she brings strong expertise in financial management, regulatory compliance, and operational leadership to her role as Controller of Carlton Trail College.

Reporting to the VP Finance, Heidi oversees the College’s day-to-day financial operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with institutional goals. Her responsibilities include regulatory reporting, financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting that supports informed decision-making by senior leadership and the Board of Directors. She also ensures compliance with financial policies, internal controls, and post-secondary funding requirements.

Known for her cooperative and detail-oriented approach, Heidi works closely with teams across the College to provide financial guidance, strengthen fiscal accountability, and support the organization’s long-term sustainability. Heidi lives near Fulda.

As an experienced IT Manager, Chris Nienaber leads technology initiatives that strengthen organizational efficiency, security, and long-term capacity at Carlton Trail College. Committed to service excellence, Chris works collaboratively with colleagues across all function areas to ensure reliable, scalable systems that support the College’s mission and future growth.

With extensive experience supporting regional institutions through network infrastructure, wireless systems, and enterprise technologies, Chris brings a proactive, solutions-focused approach to his leadership. He values continuous learning and is dedicated to mentoring emerging technologists, fostering a culture of curiosity, innovation, and shared problem-solving.

Recognized for his steady, relationship-centered style, Chris is dedicated to advancing technology practices that enhance user experience and enable meaningful, streamlined operations. He also contributes to the community through coaching high school and club sports, and through his involvement on a local volleyball Board. Chris lives in Humboldt.

Yasir Soomro is the Manager of Post-Secondary Programs at Carlton Trail College, where he provides oversight for a diverse portfolio of health, trades, and business programming. He leads annual program planning and scheduling, supports staffing and instructor development, manages budgets and reporting, and works closely with partners to strengthen program quality, practicums, and learner success initiatives.

Yasir holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration, along with professional certificates in Business Analytics and Data Analytics and Visualization. With over 15 years of experience in post-secondary education across Canada, the Middle East, and Asia, he brings a strong, data-informed approach to planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

With a thoughtful, systems-oriented approach, Yasir works with program teams, instructors, community partners, and Indigenous and municipal stakeholders to align programming with workforce needs and community priorities, supporting high-quality learning experiences for students. Yasir lives in Humboldt.

Since joining Carlton Trail College in 2022, Matthew has supported Adult Basic Education learners in the Wadena and online programs, helping them build the skills and confidence needed for further education and employment. His background as an instructor, along with a Bachelor and Master of Education focused on Educational Technology, Mathematics, and the Social Sciences, shaped the learner-centered perspective he now brings to his role as Strategic Enrolment and Foundational Learning Manager.

Guided by these experiences, Matthew strengthens pathways into programs, enhances supports for adult learners, and develops responsive enrolment strategies that reduce barriers and promote student success. He is committed to ensuring learners feel welcomed, understood, and equipped to achieve their goals.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys travelling and exploring new places, cultures, and experiences. Matthew lives in Humboldt.