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Principal and Director, New Brunswick Indigenous Career College (NBICC)

Educator | Program Developer | Community Leader

Starla McDougall is the Principal and Director of the New Brunswick Indigenous Career College, bringing over 25 years of dedicated service to First Nations education and community development. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering Indigenous learners and integrating culturally relevant practices across all levels of education and training. Holding diplomas in Human Service Counselling and Early Childhood Education from NBICC, Starla has also completed extensive professional training in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), autism, and working with high-risk youth. Her professional path includes leadership in child and family services, mentorship, and program design rooted in Indigenous worldviews and values.

At NBICC, Starla oversees academic programming, partnerships, and student success initiatives

across multiple disciplines, including Early Childhood Education, Human Services, Personal Support Work, and Social Services. She has been instrumental in developing pathways for students through partnerships with universities, industry leaders, and community organizations. Starla’s leadership style emphasizes cultural pride, inclusivity, and holistic wellness. Her dedication to land-based learning and intergenerational knowledge-sharing continues to shape NBICC’s mission of building strong, self-determined Indigenous communities through education.

Instructor, New Brunswick Indigenous Career College (NBICC)

Early Learning Specialist | Educator | Mentor

Samantha Ratti is a valued instructor at the New Brunswick Indigenous Career College,

known for her compassion, leadership, and deep understanding of early learning and

human services education. She is a graduate of NBICC’s Early Childhood Education

and Human Service Counsellor diploma programs and brings firsthand classroom

experience as a former early childhood educator within the province. 

Samantha’s teaching philosophy centers on kindness, relationship-building, and respect for each learner’s unique path. She fosters inclusive, hands-on learning environments that

prepare students for real-world careers in education and care work. Her approach

encourages emotional intelligence, empathy, and cultural awareness—key qualities in

today’s educators and support workers. Beyond her teaching role, Samantha

contributes to curriculum enhancement and student mentorship, helping guide learners

through their practicum experiences and personal growth. Her commitment to student

success and culturally grounded education makes her a respected and inspiring

member of the NBICC faculty.

Instructor and Mental Wellness Specialist, New Brunswick Indigenous Career College (NBICC)

B.A., Dip. Comm. Corr., Addiction Careworker (McMaster) 

Karen Hardy is an experienced educator and community wellness professional with over 20 years of service in education, counseling, and restorative justice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology and Sociology from St. Thomas University, a Diploma in Community Corrections from St. Stephen University, and has completed the Addiction Careworker Diploma program through McMaster University.

Karen’s career includes roles as Community Chaplain for Female Offenders, NNADAP Worker with Oromocto First Nation, and Executive Director of the Sarah Tracy Treatment Centre for Women. She currently serves as an Educational Assistant with the Anglophone Southwest District, supporting student growth, inclusion, and mental health. Her specialized training includes Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), ASIST Suicide Intervention, Mental Health First Aid, Autism Awareness, and Addiction and Trauma Support. 

Karen has also contributed extensively through volunteer leadership, serving on the Coverdale Centre for Women Board, the Maliseet Nations Mental Wellness Team, and the NB First Nations Suicide Prevention Task Force. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to compassion, healing, and the empowerment of individuals through education and community connection. 

Instructor, New Brunswick Indigenous Career College (NBICC)

Health and Safety Specialist | Firefighter | Certified Personal Trainer

Todd McDougall is an accomplished instructor at the New Brunswick Indigenous Career

College whose multidisciplinary expertise bridges healthcare, fitness, and emergency

response. A FitPro Certified Personal Trainer, firefighter with the Oromocto Fire

Department, and former medical sales representative, Todd brings a wealth of practical

experience to NBICC’s Personal Support Worker program. His background in health,

safety, and crisis management allows him to teach students not only technical care

skills but also the confidence and professionalism needed to respond effectively in

emergency and healthcare settings. Todd’s years in medical equipment sales

provided him with in-depth knowledge of modern healthcare tools and

technologies—expertise he now passes on to his students through practical

demonstrations and safety instruction. 

In addition to his instructional role, Todd’s 25 years as a business owner in the automotive technology sector strengthened his leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills. He emphasizes resilience, teamwork, and accountability in the classroom, ensuring students graduate ready for both professional and personal success. Todd’s commitment to education and community well-being reflects NBICC’s core mission of preparing skilled, compassionate, and confident graduates to serve across diverse healthcare and community settings.