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Join us for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation with Sandy MacDonald, President and CEO of Holland College in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. From growing up in a family of 14 children to leading one of Canada's most respected colleges, Sandy shares his remarkable journey through education, public service, and leadership.

In this episode, Sandy reflects on:
• His upbringing in a tight-knit Island community
• The transformative power of education
• Building a career in psychology, justice, and academia
• His vision for the future of skills-based learning and collaboration
• Why Holland College matters more than ever

Whether you're a student, parent, educator, or leader, this episode offers timeless lessons in humility, resilience, and purpose.

👇 Chapters
Use the timestamps below to jump to sections of interest, from Sandy’s early days to his vision for the future of education.

📍 Filmed on-site at Holland College as part of Gale Force Wins’ mission to capture unscripted, authentic conversations that inspire action.

🔗 Learn more: https://galeforcewins.com

Timestamps:
⛰️ Introduction & Setting
00:00 Welcome and introduction at Holland College
00:42 Sandy MacDonald introduces himself

👦 Early Life & Family
01:42 Growing up in Charlottetown with 13 siblings
03:16 Cultural and social divide in Charlottetown
05:24 Darwinian education system and early dropout rates
06:12 Economic migration of Islanders over time
07:46 Family dynamics and early entrepreneurial lessons
11:51 Importance of nicknames and sports in Sandy’s family

🎓 Education & Career
16:03 Academic journey begins – struggles and inspiration
19:54 Career path unfolds: teacher, psychologist, administrator
26:07 The power of mentors and internalising expectations

🎯 Role at Holland College
30:11 Current role and importance of adult education
36:06 Rethinking education systems in PEI
40:57 International partnerships and program innovation
43:04 Collaboration between colleges and universities
47:01 Instructor training and commitment to teaching quality

🚀 Vision for the Future
50:12 Future vision and integration of college-university learning
54:03 Industry-led evaluation and experiential learning
56:12 Permanent skills vs technical skills
58:07 Holland College as a transition point for meaningful careers

🏡 Personal Reflections
63:16 Family support and stories about Sandy’s children
64:01 Final thoughts and Sandy’s advice: Take your work seriously, not yourself

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

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"We Are Here"

Recorded at the 2025 AAHP Biennial General Meeting, The We Are Here Podcast features 20 inspiring voices from allied health across Newfoundland & Labrador. This series offers an authentic, on-the-ground look at the challenges, innovations, and vital roles of allied health professionals across the province. WATCH all the interviews here.

I. A Diverse and Essential Workforce
From physiotherapy and respiratory therapy to psychology, pharmacy, audiology, and social work, allied health professionals are essential partners in patient care. They work across all life stages, improving mobility, enabling communication, managing medications, delivering emergency and critical care, and helping people live independently. Many hold advanced degrees and bring passion, empathy, and technical skill to their work. As AAHP President Gordon Piercey notes, they are “highly educated, specialised, and dedicated to helping people.”

II. Key System Challenges
Recurring concerns include severe staffing shortages, long waitlists—especially in rural areas—and difficulty recruiting and retaining professionals. Participants described overburdened systems and time pressures that impact patient outcomes. Many called for better understanding and recognition of their roles, warning of the cost of underutilising this workforce. One example cited a major eye clinic operating at just 50% capacity due to staffing gaps. The strain is growing as the province’s population ages and healthcare needs intensify.

III. Opportunities for Change
Despite challenges, the tone is hopeful. Guests called for greater collaboration, integrated care teams, and allowing professionals to work to their full scope. Frontline voices want to be consulted in decision-making, bringing valuable insights into what works and what needs change. Innovation through technology, early intervention, and stronger support for new professionals are also seen as critical. The need for upstream, community-based care models was a frequent theme, alongside more visibility and respect for allied health roles.

IV. A Call to Action
Speakers consistently urge policymakers to “listen to us”—to the professionals delivering hands-on care every day. They call for improved resources, better training pipelines, and more public awareness. The need to promote allied health careers and increase support in rural areas is urgent. As one guest said, “valuable, knowledgeable people are leaving the system—and not enough are coming in.” Healthcare systems must evolve by supporting this essential workforce.

V. Shared Values
Throughout the podcast, a deep sense of dedication, resilience, and human connection shines through. Allied health professionals care deeply about the people they serve. Their stories show the power of collaboration, t

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode of #GaleForceWins, we sit down with Nevra Sener, an educator, counselor, and passionate advocate for newcomer mental health. Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Nevra shares her remarkable journey from growing up in a multicultural family to settling in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. After completing her Master of Education at Memorial University, Nevra found her calling supporting newcomers through her work with the Association for New Canadians and now with the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Nevra opens up about the emotional and cultural challenges of immigration, the importance of mental health education, and how she blends her counseling background with project management to lead impactful initiatives like Steering Success. She offers personal insights into Turkish culture, collectivism, and how different communities approach mental health. Most powerfully, she encourages newcomers not to feel alone—and reminds us that self-care is not selfish, but essential.

This conversation is a heartfelt celebration of resilience, belonging, and what it means to build a new life while giving back to the community. Whether you're a newcomer, an employer, or simply someone who values compassion and cultural understanding, this is a must-watch.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome and introduction to Nevra Sener
0:42 – Nevra's move from Turkey to St. John’s
1:01 – Growing up in Istanbul and cultural background
1:20 – The influence of Nevra’s immigrant roots
2:04 – Psychological insights from cultural upbringing
2:41 – Minimalism vs. collectivist habits
3:26 – Nevra's childhood interests and communication skills
4:08 – The importance of interpersonal communication
5:10 – Educational influences and her sister as a role model
5:51 – Meaning of her and her sister's names
6:53 – Nevra’s academic journey and love for school
7:54 – Working as a school counselor in Istanbul
9:00 – Helping students manage anxiety and choose careers
9:48 – How Nevra met her husband
10:30 – Marriage and family roles in Turkish culture
11:18 – Deciding to move to Canada during COVID-19
12:50 – Applying to universities and choosing Memorial
14:09 – First impressions of Newfoundland
15:00 – Community support and sense of belonging
15:45 – Her husband’s transition and love of cooking
17:30 – Nevra’s work post-graduation with ANC and CMHA
21:00 – Newcomer challenges: employment and housing
22:30 – Current project: Steering Success for mental health
25:00 – Importance of employers in newcomer integration
28:30 – Cultural differences in discussing mental health
31:00 – Mental health evolution in Turkey
33:00 – Collectivist vs. individualist approach to mental health
35:45 – Nevra’s future hopes professionally and personally
37:30 – Describing Newfoundland to her family in Turkey
39:00 – What makes Newfoundland’

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/