Kristel Rensmaag and Cristina Rensmaag-Izaguirre

As educational professionals – Kristel, a school counsellor with Fort McMurray Public School Division, and Cristina, a business instructor at Keyano College – this Power Duo is making a difference in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region for generations to come.

They teach, coach, sit on the board of directors of Pride YMM, and go the extra mile to make our community the best it can be. Their caring and compassionate demeanor instantly allows people to feel appreciated. Kristel and Cristina recently sat down and chatted with YMM about community, advice, and this place they call home.

YMM: What are the most rewarding parts of your careers?

KR: The most rewarding part of counselling is building connections with individual students and helping them navigate through their emotions to build capacity within themselves to overcome whatever obstacles they may be facing or could face in the future.

CRI: I am fortunate to experience rewarding moments often as an instructor at Keyano College. It is a privilege to witness my students’ growth from day one to the last day of class, to see their faces when they have aha moments, and to help them realize their true potential, especially when they can’t see it. Yet, to watch them graduate at the end of their program all donned up with caps and gowns sporting big proud smiles is definitely THE most rewarding part of my career.

YMM: What keeps you in Fort McMurray?

KR: My career, family and friends that have become family keep me in Fort McMurray.  Fort McMurray is a wonderful community to raise children, as there are so many opportunities for them to get involved in activities/sports during all seasons.

CRI: The main reasons that keep me in Fort McMurray are my family, my friends, and my career. As well, I like that there is always something to do and that it is always possible to find events in the community, from multicultural festivals to sporting events, kids’ fairs, and carnivals. I find that the best way to build community is to provide opportunities for people to come together in different ways and Fort McMurray does that well.

YMM: In your opinion, in what areas does Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo need improvement?

KR: Mental health for youth. We would really benefit from a youth center that is the hub for in- and out- patient care for youth struggling with mental health.

CRI: Fixing potholes! But more importantly, work on providing support for trans youth in our community, and address discrimination and stigma against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community of Fort McMurray.

YMM: What is the best advice that you ever received?

KR: The best advice I have ever received was through the following quote, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” (C.S. Lewis).

CRI: Care for yourself. As parents, partners, and professionals, we tend to get caught up in the day-to-day routine and forget about ourselves, which can have adverse effects on our mental health. When you feel your cup is empty, take time to fill it up so you can be the best version of yourself and be there for others.