Natasha Wilm
“My passion is exposing students to as many opportunities as possible—and if there are barriers, working really hard to eliminate those barriers so everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
“My passion is exposing students to as many opportunities as possible—and if there are barriers, working really hard to eliminate those barriers so everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Natasha Wilm, superintendent of schools for Battle River
School Division in Alberta, believes that strong communities start with thriving schools—and that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Her leadership journey was shaped by Bow Valley College’s Human Resources Certificate in the Chiu School of Business, which strengthened her ability to lead, innovate and support people-first education—putting the well-being and growth of students and staff at the heart of every decision.
Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, Natasha’s passion for rural education began early. She embraced every opportunity—from athletics to student leadership to the arts. These experiences instilled in her a desire to give back, build strong relationships and ensure the next generation of rural students has the same opportunities she did. To follow this path, Natasha earned three degrees in education from the University of Alberta. She began her teaching career at Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools in Alberta in 2001. There, she saw firsthand the barriers Indigenous students faced and dedicated herself to building trusting relationships with families.
“My passion is exposing students to as many opportunities as possible—and if there are barriers, working really hard to eliminate those barriers so everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” she says.
Natasha joined Battle River School Division in 2012, taking on school leadership roles before moving to central office as director of learning in 2015. During this time, her interest in human resources grew through her work hiring teachers and supporting staff.
“We know if we get the right people in the right positions, it’s what’s best for kids,” she says. “When you see how much of a difference a great teacher can make—when you walk into classrooms and see kids excited about learning—that’s what it’s all about.”
In 2019, she enrolled in the College’s Human Resources Certificate. When a retirement led to an assistant superintendent – human resources position that year, she stepped into the role.
“Some of this coursework supported me in moving into that role, even though it wasn’t anticipated,” she says. “Humans are our most important resource. If I could learn more about how we attract the best people, how we keep the best people, how we develop the best people—it’s going to have such a positive impact on kids.”
Natasha completed the certificate in spring 2025 and was appointed superintendent of schools in August 2025. Coursework in employment law, occupational health and safety, change management and labour relations provided a strong foundation—knowledge that became especially valuable during Alberta’s teachers’ strike in fall 2025.
After reading many reviews, Natasha chose the College for its strong reputation, along with flexible options—virtual, evening and self-paced courses—that allowed her to balance full-time work and raising three children.
“It made it manageable to complete one or two courses per semester in a way that fit my ability to still be a good mom and partner and still be successful in my professional life,” she says.
She appreciated the certificate’s practical approach, which let her apply new skills, gain insight from instructors with real-world experience and collaborate on team projects—opportunities not always typical of online learning.
“It helped refine people skills and teamwork skills that are crucial in education,” she says. “In my industry, it’s all about people.”
Her studies strengthened her leadership skills and broadened her perspective. “It helped deepen my ability to analyze complex problems from multiple perspectives—broader than what I learned in my education degrees—and that’s invaluable,” she says.
Natasha’s leadership has always focused on serving people first and creating psychologically safe workplaces: “We started off the year with a professional development day for all staff, and the theme was ‘You belong here.’”
Her experience reflects the College’s strategic priority of a dynamic ecosystem for career success, where learners gain the skills and support they need to move forward with confidence.
“It’s welcoming, it’s inclusive, it’s flexible,” she says. “It allowed me to develop relationships with people I would never have met, and it expanded my thinking. It made a positive difference in my life—I wouldn’t be where I am today without that coursework.”