The Joy Foster Podcast

Today, we're spotlighting Dawn Donaldson (Fletcher), the Manager of the Outpatient Cardiac Clinic at UHN Health Network. Beyond her managerial role, she is an adventurer, wife, and mother to two beautiful children.

Dawn's Journey and Perspective

Dawn’s first career, her heart and soul, was as a theatre technician. This early experience, surprisingly to many, was a foundational part of her journey before she became a nurse. Today, she sits on the board of the Flato Markham Theatre, bringing her diverse background to leadership.

Dawn speaks candidly about the "hallway conversations" many of us have, that deep, internal desire for someone like her to recognize the potential they see in themselves and others, which their superiors often overlook. Dawn understands this firsthand, having experienced the frustration and anger that comes from being looked over.

The Power of Connection in the Workplace

Dawn’s insight into team success is profound: "We are social beings, and when we don’t have relationships with people, our work and productivity suffers, period."

She emphasizes that personal connections are key to our daily routines, and that truly being heard and listening to each other's thoughts is paramount. This approach is highly beneficial to her team, the workplace, and the entire organization.

Leadership and Transferable Skills

Dawn is masterful at capturing the voices of her staff, helping them see and contribute what they can to their careers. She excels at seeing things from different perspectives and bringing that vision to light.

She loves the magic of having conversations with colleagues who have different viewpoints, or, as she calls them, "different eyeballs." She believes this collaboration allows them to "become bigger than some of our parts."

It has been an absolute pleasure to talk with Dawn and witness her bringing a torch of light and honesty to what needs to be done, particularly in recognizing transferable skills within the healthcare environment.

"In Part Two, we welcome back the insightful Jacinthe Roy, who delves deeper into the crucial connection between family trauma, personal self-worth, and the values we carry. This conversation is deeply personal for me I truly wish I had access to this kind of advice and guidance during my own childhood. And that’s why this topic is so important today. Throughout this relatable discussion, you will hear from a woman who has walked the path, a woman who knows. Her wisdom is the key to providing what our children desperately need: the tools to break the cycle of trauma."

🔑 Takeaways Section

"Jacinthe's wisdom offers actionable steps for transformation. Here are the core Insights and Takeaways from our discussion, which we encourage you to reflect on this week:"

Self-Worth as the Starting Point: Trauma recovery begins with an honest assessment and commitment to healing your own self-worth. You cannot pour from an empty or wounded cup.

Conscious Parenting: Learning to parent with awareness and intention, rather than simply repeating the painful patterns of the past. Be present, not reactive.

Value-Driven Decisions: Using clearly defined family values as the compass for making difficult parenting and life decisions. Know what you stand for.

Creating a New Legacy: The profound responsibility and gift of being the generation that stops the trauma and begins a new, healthier chapter for your family.

"Jacinthe, thank you once again for sharing this profound and actionable wisdom. Your insights on breaking the cycle of trauma and building self-worth are truly invaluable, not just for us, but for the legacy we leave our children. It's been an honor to have you back."

"To all our listeners, thank you for tuning into Part Two. If anything Jacinthe shared resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with someone you care about. We will see you next time."

Our recent visits to Stratford have been incredibly fruitful, largely due to the remarkable people we've had the pleasure of meeting. I want to talk about the power of connection and how sometimes, a single conversation can change your entire perspective. One individual in particular completely stopped me in my tracks: Krista Sherry.

The Masked Life

Krista shared her story with such honesty and vulnerability, detailing what she called a "masked life." She felt compelled to perform, live up to everyone else's expectations, and constantly suppress her true, joyful, playful self. From a young age, Krista knew she was destined for greatness, but that ambition eventually twisted into a compulsion to put on a show for the world.

Her professional life was intense as a highly dedicated criminal profiler. It wasn't until she reached a crisis point—receiving a diagnosis of PTSD—that she was finally forced to pause and look inward, beginning a radical healing journey.

The Awakening of "Young Krista"

That diagnosis became the catalyst for a monumental self-discovery: the rediscovery of her inner strength and, most beautifully, the rediscovery of her authentic self, her "Young Krista."

This awakening brought profound clarity, not just about herself, but about her surroundings. She realized that her marriage was no longer aligned with the life she truly desired. Using her professional expertise, her honed insights as a profiler, she was able to recognize and address narcissistic tendencies in her personal life. Our conversation went deep and was truly transformative, especially when she recommended a profound book that spoke directly to my own experiences with childhood trauma and the ongoing process of self-discovery.

The Bonfire of Hope

Krista’s story isn't just about survival; it's about providing a template for liberation. It's a powerful testament for every woman out there who is seeking inner freedom, peace, and genuine happiness. It serves as a blueprint for:

👉🏾 Rediscovering the unique gifts you were born with.

👉🏾 Expressing yourself authentically, without filtering or reservation.

👉🏾 Embracing who you were created to be, without apology.

I could genuinely go on and on about this remarkable woman, who so graciously poured out her soul. Meeting her felt like a monumental blessing. Krista, I am incredibly thrilled and honored that our paths crossed. You are clearly on a path to ignite a massive bonfire of hope, rediscovery, and healing for the world. Thank you for sharing your light.

This episode is a profound and vital testament to the power of healing, forgiveness, and present love.

We share the incredible, inspiring story of Jacinthe, a woman who made the deliberate choice to step out of her own inner misery—that quiet call of past trauma—and finally embrace her family for the first time. Jacinthe shares her walk of working on yourself “first,” the radical act of forgiving those who have hurt you, and stepping up to the plate inviting love.

She speaks from the heart about the transformative moment of “Embracing her children with full being!!” and her deep desire to pass on the torch of healing and gratitude to her family and yours.

This message is for all of us. Jacinthe reminds us why we must come to a place of our present self in gratitude for the sake of our children's happiness. Our meeting was not a coincidence, but an alignment to share this empowering difference within families and reveal the true, meaningful impact of Gratitude

The Joy Foster podcast is dedicated to sharing conversations with incredible people focused on making a real difference in the lives of others. This week, we dive into a powerful topic with a truly courageous guest, Sasha Howell.

I first met Sasha on LinkedIn and was immediately drawn to her work. I reached out after seeing the launch of her book, Riding The Waves, and knew her story needed to be heard.

Why We Put Others First

Sasha and I quickly found common ground: we both have an innate tendency to put others' needs before our own. While born from compassion, this conversation is a crucial reminder that prioritizing yourself is not selfish—it is necessary.

Sasha's Story: Loss, Grief, and Healing

Sasha shares the deeply personal experience of losing both of her parents and the subsequent journey through loss, grief, anger, and profound sadness. It’s a hard story to write about, which is why I urge you to listen to her directly.

Through her books, including She Grieves, Sasha offers permission to those suffering from family loss to truly feel and deal with the complex aftermath. She validates the experience of those moments when you feel you've already handled the grief, only to realize it is still there.

The Mental Health Connection

Our chat highlights how mental health takes on a whole new meaning when dealing with bereavement. We discuss the inward struggle, the attempts to cope, and the heavy weight of anger and unanswered questions that so many people carry.

Sasha, I commend your strength, your passion, and your courage for shining a light on these tough, yet essential, conversations about death, grief, and mental wellness.

Love you girl!! 🤗❤️

The latest episode of The Joy Foster Podcast features an incredibly humbling and insightful conversation with Susanne Milne, the dedicated owner of the Stevenson Inn & Spa. Susanne shares her life's journey with profound gratitude, finding lessons and pride in every challenge she's overcome.

What truly distinguishes her story is her genuine commitment to celebrating diverse cultures and the power of hard work, offering a deeply human and empathetic perspective on success.

The Vision of Alliston's Founder

Susanne draws powerful parallels between her own journey and the history of Alliston, specifically highlighting the legacy of Mr. Loblaw. His inspiring story is one of resilience: starting with nothing, leaving the town broken, finding great success, and then returning to reinvest in the community that shaped him.

Mr. Loblaw's vision and minimal resources led to monumental contributions that still benefit Alliston today, including:

* Paving roads and establishing the sewer system.

* Funding the very beginning of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital.

*Laying the groundwork for much of the early infrastructure.

This history serves as a profound reminder that legacy is built not on initial wealth, but on vision and the dedication to paying it forward.

A Mindset of Giving

Susanne and her husband, Steven, embody this same spirit with the Stevenson Inn & Spa. Their commitment wasn't just about renovation; it was a tireless effort to rebuild and restore a home, fueled by sweat, dedication, and a powerful vision.

This story echoes the mission of Kimberlite Enterprises—that true inspiration comes from a "mindset" dedicated to serving and uplifting society, far stronger than any focus on money. Susanne’s journey proves that hard work, perseverance, and genuine care for others create a lasting and meaningful legacy.

This is more than a business story—it’s a discovery of a diamond, a woman who gives more to her community than she realizes. Don't miss this highly recommended conversation!

It is genuinely a pleasure talking with Dr. Brian Cohen—a leader whose integrity and transparency guide every action. His commitment to patient care is unmatched, and today, we're diving into the massive project he’s building to back up that commitment.

A year ago, we discussed his dream on “

The Power of Passion: An Interview with Dr. Brian Cohen (Cohen Orthopedic)

Now, Dr. Cohen is on the verge of opening a 90,000 square foot state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) and medical office building. This isn't just about expansion; it's about raising the bar for surgical standards.

Why a New Center is Critical

Dr. Cohen’s vision is rooted in a critical concern for public health. During our heartfelt conversation, he highlights a shocking truth: “Over 90% of surgical site infections start in the operating room,” emphasizing the urgent need for facilities built specifically for optimized safety.

This new 90,000 square foot ASC is the direct answer to that challenge. It is being meticulously designed to create a controlled environment where the focus is entirely on positive patient outcomes. This massive undertaking ensures that everyone who enters his care receives the highest standard of modern, infection-conscious surgical and medical treatment.

Belief and Bold Leadership

This episode is a masterclass in leadership and ambition. Building a facility of this magnitude requires incredible drive and, most importantly, "BELIEVING" all the way.

Dr. Cohen hopes his journey inspires others to pursue projects bigger than themselves, even stating: “If there’s just one [person inspired], it’s worth it!!”

If you are a young medical student, listen with your heart to this man who cares deeply about the future of healthcare. You will learn what it means to be a bold leader who can achieve the impossible without any unbelief in your abilities. Brian, your vision for patients, healthcare, and education is truly empowering!

Meeting Roger Ali on LinkedIn, I discovered a leader with a truly powerful and inspiring style, leaving me eager to learn more.

He immigrated from Trinidad to Canada at the age of 16 and soon found his passion for the non-profit field, a sector to which he has dedicated 25 years. You’ll hear the deep passion in his voice for philanthropy, social services, and progressive leadership roles.

Roger shares the challenges he faced as a brown male who had to fight to have his voice heard and be noticed at the leadership table. He is candid about the importance of belonging, being accepted, and respected by his peers in this touching and eye-opening conversation.

This is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in promoting inclusivity and understanding. Roger stresses that tough conversations must be held so that people from all walks of life feel respected and that they truly belong.

Listen as he shares his own words of honesty and wisdom, educating future leaders about navigating professional challenges and using their voices.

"My dear friend, Janice Barry, recently introduced me to Diana Chari, and after listening to her story, I immediately understood why she wanted us to connect.

In a truly heartfelt conversation right here on The Joy Foster Podcast, Diana, the founder of Unalome Energy, shared her powerful journey of self-discovery and women's empowerment. Her life is a testament to the transformative impact of self-love and the courage it takes to embrace one's true purpose.

One of the most moving moments was hearing Diana share the story of her mother: leaving a very difficult childhood, coming to Canada, and building a successful life and business as a chef. The profound love, appreciation, and highest respect Diana expresses for her mother’s courage and commitment speaks volumes.

And as Diana herself said, 'I feel that one of my purposes is to really strengthen the belief that women need to support women!'

Women from all walks of life will be deeply inspired by her voice and her powerful message of belief, belonging, love, and kindness.

Diana, thank you for being you and sharing your inspiring vision of leadership, inclusivity, bonding, and support among women. It has truly been an honor! ❤️💜🙏🏾"

Every conversation holds a lesson, but some hit you with a profound reality check. This week, we welcome the truly inspiring Grace Rabieg, who offers just that.

I met Grace locally at the Alliston Farmers Market (a chance encounter sparked by my husband and a Paczki donut!), and I’m so glad our paths crossed. Grace brings a powerful reality check to our platform as she shares her profound story of leaving Poland and immigrating to Canada.

The conversation is split into chapters of beautiful, profound stories, centered around her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, which we both hold dear. This episode is emotional, empowering, and full of love.

Grace, thank you for being such an honest, loving, and inspiring woman for all who seek truth and hope in this world. Prepare to be engaged!