WTA Executive
The Executive of the Winnipeg Teachers’ Association (WTA) consists of the:
- President
- Vice-President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Immediate Past-President of the Association and
- Up to nine additional members
The Association’s Business Agent also may attend Executive meetings and may participate in debate.
The Executive is responsible for:
- Conducting day-to-day business;
- Carrying out the instructions provided by Council; and
- Delegating responsibilities not defined by the Constitution or bylaws to any one or more of the WTA members.
Every year on June 15, the new Executive takes office after being elected by membership. At their first meeting, which must be scheduled before June 30, they select Chairpersons for the standing committees and bring everyone up to speed on constitutional information, committee functions and any past or current problems.
Eight additional Executive meetings are held over the course of the year, which the President can call at any time. Additionally, a collection of any five members of the Executive can request a meeting.
A minimum of eight Executive members must be present at the Executive meeting to have quorum. Being absent from two or more consecutive meetings without satisfactory reasons will result in a member losing their seat on the Executive.
WTA Executive Members
Kristen Fallis
President
Kristen is a long serving member of the WTA Executive and was acclaimed to the role of President in 2025. She was elected to the position of Vice President in 2022. In her many roles in WTA, she has served as the chair of the Bargaining and Public relations committees as VP, chaired the AGM, Reception, and 5oth Anniversary celebration committees. She was also on the MTS Provincial Executive from 2020-2025, chairing the Group Benefits Standing Committee and MPSE Trust, Disability Benefits Plan Committee, Collective Bargaining Committee, as well as being a member of the first Provincial Bargaining Committee.
Kristen has been a teacher for 20 years and employee of WSD for 13 years. Throughout that time, she was a Council representative for WTA and a member of the Executive since 2015. She strives to empower members with understanding of their collective agreement and when to utilize supports from the WTA and MTS.
Prior to being in the WTA office full time, Kristen taught Music and Performing Arts for K-9 students. She enjoyed showing students that music can be fun while understanding complexities of beat, rhythm, form, and enjoying performing for others. When she’s not in the office, you can find her on a running path with her dog, Jazz, or in the Exchange District taking in an arts performance.
Email: pres@wta.mb.ca
Sam Zurzolo
Vice President
A physics, math and computer science teacher at Elmwood, Sam Zurzolo has been with the Division for ten years and on the WTA Executive for six. Sam is especially passionate about teacher welfare and uses his influence to advocate for his colleagues in the Division.
Sam is driven by his desire to work with youth, giving them the opportunities and skills they need to explore the world around them and become educated, responsible citizens.
On an evening off, Sam enjoys going out for wings.
Email: vpres@wta.mb.ca
Kristy Frohwerk
Secretary
Kristy currently teaches Nursery and Kindergarten at Lord Nelson School. She has been an elementary classroom teacher for the past 15 years with experience teaching in almost every grade from Nursery to Grade 6. At home, Kristy spends time with her two dogs and partner Colin who is very supportive of everything she does.
Kristy has been the WTA Secretary for the past 4 years, a WTA Executive member for the past 7 years, and a WTA Council Representative for 6 years. She has attended 12 MTS AGMs, served as the chair of the AGM committee, monitoring committee and co-chair of the DSA committee. Kristy previously served on the 50th Anniversary Committee and as a Member-at-Large of Executive.
Kristy has enjoyed her time on Executive, learning alongside colleagues and doing work on behalf of members. She looks forward to the opportunity to serve as a Table Officer and the Secretary of the WTA.
Email: kfrohwerk@wta.mb.ca
Jon Romu
Treasurer
I am currently starting my 23rd year of teaching in the division at Kelvin High School. I am a Biology, Physics, and Science teacher and the Head Baseball Coach. This is my second year on the WTA Executive where I am currently the Reception Committee Chair. I was the Head Football Coach at Kelvin High School from the 2001-2019 seasons when I stepped down to do other leadership opportunities inside the school; Valedictorian Committee Chair, Student Athlete Code of Conduct Committee. My teaching philosophy is like a Whitney Houston song, “I believe the children are our future, Teach them well and let them lead the way, Show them all the beauty they possess inside, Give them a sense of pride to make it easier, Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be.” This is reflected in my classroom and my way of teaching. Students should be able to have fun, express their thoughts and opinions, and be given an opportunity to show their strengths and succeed.
As an Executive, I have the opportunity to make a difference in the classrooms of educators who often feel bogged down by bureaucracy and the politics of the day. Teachers should be freed to spend their time teaching curriculum and enhancing and shaping the futures of their students.
In my spare time, I enjoy driving my kids to their various sporting events, fishing, painting miniatures, and sipping scotch.
Email: jromu@wta.mb.ca
Jeff Kirkpatrick
Member-at-Large
A grade 5 and 6 teacher at Carpathia School, Jeff Kirkpatrick has been with the division for 10 years as a teacher. He was a late bloomer with regards to becoming a teacher and was an Educational Assistant for 9 years prior to returning to University where he graduated from the W.E.C. program from U of W. Jeff has been a WTA Rep for Carpathia for the last few years as he became more passionate about union affairs when he read about how collective bargaining was changing to provincial bargaining due to Bill 45 and WSD hadn’t yet ratified their contract.
He has become an advocate for union issues and wants to add his voice to the WTA executive. He is learning about Union leadership and relations through MTS Labour School and is building a better understanding of our local union with his work on the finance and benefits committees.
Jeff is committed to building a better awareness of how the WTA is helping our membership and building more engagement with our members. He wants to advocate for our members at higher levels and push our government to fund education adequately.
In his spare time Jeff can be found working in his home studio making pottery, playing board and tabletop games, as well as engaging in discussions at the local brewhouse.
Email: jkirkpatrick@wta.mb.ca
Dan Waldron
Member-at-Large
Dan is a high school English teacher at St. John’s High School and has been there in various roles for 10 years. He brings his passion for critical thinking and a love of learning to the classroom every day, encouraging students to engage deeply with literature and language.
As an active member of the WTA for six years, Dan is committed to supporting educators and advocating for teacher welfare. He believes that prioritizing the well-being of teachers is more important now than ever.
Outside the classroom, Dan enjoys playing and coaching basketball, as well as gathering with friends and family for board game nights.
Email: dwaldron@wta.mb.ca
Allyson Fedak
Member-at-Large
Allyson Fedak currently serves as the Anti-Racism and Climate Justice Support Teacher at WSD. This marks her first year on the WTA executive. Throughout her career, she has primarily worked with middle school students, both as a classroom teacher and in student support services.
Previously, Allyson has held several leadership roles, including council representative and provincial council delegate, and has been an active member of the WTA Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Committee. She is now in her third year on the ESJ Standing Committee for MTS. Allyson is deeply passionate about addressing, challenging, and dismantling systemic inequities in education.
Outside of her professional commitments, Allyson is a dedicated mother of four, spending her evenings ensuring their endless appetites for food are satisfied while also taking them to various arts, sports, and social activities.
Email: afedak@wta.mb.ca
Kelly Friesen
Member-at-Large
Kelly has taught grades 7 – 12 in three different WSD schools over the past 22 years, mostly teaching grade 7-12 English and social studies, but with occasional forays into science, math, and EAL. Kelly cares deeply about engaging learners to think critically about the world, advocating for students, teacher welfare, reconciliation, social justice, and the health of the education system in general.
This is Kelly’s first year as a member of the WTA executive, and she is excited to advocate for teachers through her work chairing the Group Benefits committee and as a member of the Negotiations committee.
Kelly is nerdily enthusiastic about a multitude of things including (but not limited to) reading, gardening, nature, cycling, and the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
Email: kfriesen@wta.mb.ca
Devin King
Member-at-Large
Even though I’m new to WTA, I first got involved with union activity with the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association. Since then, I’ve cared deeply about the way that collective work can lead to better learning and work environments. I’m excited to be here to work alongside you all!
In my free time, I can be found listening to late-80s post-punk albums, reading about current events, or staring plaintively into the abyss.
Email: dking@wta.mb.ca
Melissa Livingstone
Member-at-Large
Melissa is an elementary school teacher and has spent her career working in WSD. It is her first year on the WTA Executive and she is excited to learn more about the union process and be able to advocate for our members. She has been a WTA Rep for many years and is passionate about supporting teachers through the challenges of this profession. My time at council meetings has equipped me with the knowledge and experience to effectively represent our collective interests. Melissa is passionate about the political landscape and its impact on education, and strives to stay informed and engaged in these matters.
In the evenings, Melissa can be found cheering on her kids at sporting events, reading, playing soccer and appreciating time in nature.
Email: mlivingstone@wta.mb.ca
Sarah Ducharme
Member-at-Large
Spending time with my husband and 9-year-old daughter is my happy place. Whether we’re at Festival, camping, walking the trails at Fort Whyte, or having a fire in the backyard I love to be outside.
I grew up in Toronto and moved to Winnipeg in 2003 only to go back to Ontario to get my BEd 4 years later when I realized my heart was in education. After teaching for 4 years I found my passion, inclusion. I have always been an advocate in my own life, for my students, and for my colleagues. I received my PBDE at the University of Winnipeg in 2007.
Email: sducharme@wta.mb.ca