Social Worker, Ontario, Canada

As an accomplished social worker, Sarah produced some incredible work as part of her year-long stint in forensics - providing assessment and recommendations in the criminal court. During that time, it took two persons to fill her shoes in the social work department. She is also deeply loved by her pup, Bentley. 

1. Where is your hometown?

I moved around a lot when I was growing up. My dad was in the armed forces and we lived in Winnipeg, Calgary and Kingston. My Favorited memories of growing up are trips with my mom to Banff and canoeing in Charleston Provincial Park just outside Kingston. Currently, my hometown is Ontario, Canada.

2. What was the journey like to get where you are (career wise)?

I always knew I wanted to work in a helping profession. I initially went to University for nursing after High School, after a few years I found my passion in social work and transferred into that field. I completed both a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Social Work. I have been a hospital Social Worker in Acute Care for 7 years. I have worked on various units including: medicine, neurology, surgery and Forensics. The most growth I’ve had in my career was working in Forensic Mental Health for a year on an assessment unit. That experience really helped shape me as a Social Worker.

3. Biggest accomplishment since making a move?

Since starting my career I think my biggest accomplishment has been learning how to advocate for clients. I believe that there is an art to advocacy.

4. What was your greatest disappointment and plan to overcome it?

I came into my career and early adult life being very idealistic. There was a time that I thought I could help change the world. Growing up learning about communities and agencies and systems, I have lost some of that idealism. That loss has provided me a greater understanding of people and organizations. I have a deeper respect for the complex lives that we all live. I have come to realize that it is not about changing the world but being respectful of others and hopefully making the small place I hold in the world a little better. With every disappointment and challenge there is personal growth.

5. Advice to other women?

Follow your dreams and intuition. Women have the best intuition.

6. Where is the world do you feel the tallest?

I feel the tallest and happiest at home with my family. My husband, mom, brother and my dog (Bentley) make me feel the best.

7. What is the future goal/challenge (career goals in 5 – 10 years)?

In 5 -10 years I would like to transition to outpatient counselling. I’m particularly interested in mental health and palliative care. That would be my career dream.

8. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

My husband and I are expecting our first child soon. We are thrilled! There are also many hopes and fears that come with the new addition to our family. I’m excited to be able to take time off work to bond with our child and learn how to be a mother –but it is also slightly unnerving. I’ve been career orientated since graduation. It is a shift in focus and priorities that is frightening and exciting at the same time.

9. What inspires you?

I am fortunate that in my career I learn about people’s lives every day. I am always humbled to learn the challenges and the inner strength people have and how they overcome adversity in life. I am often helping families deal with very difficult situations and I bear witness to how individuals and families rise and help each other confront harsh realities and hard decisions. I’m often inspired by the wonderful clients and colleagues I work with daily.