Golda Matthews is a social worker hailing from Newfoundland! She has practiced in the Mental Health and Addictions field since 2006, after spending nearly 5 years working the in child protection system. She has worked in a variety of roles within the Central Zone Mental Health and Addictions Program over the past decade, with a passion for leadership and supporting staff in delivering evidence based treatment for those making changes to substance use and / or gambling.

Golda joined the Learning Institute in 2018 and is excited about the opportunity to continue to support staff in increasing their skills and confidence to deliver the best health care service possible. She has strong belief in the idea that improving staff confidence and competency in practice, increases workplace health and job satisfaction, while decreasing the unwanted care effects such as empathic strain and compassion fatigue.

Golda loves being near the ocean — to swim, paddle board, body surf, forage for wild foods (beach peas anyone?), travel, or just to veg and read a book in the sand! She loves to cook, garden, and laugh with her family and friends. It would be usual to catch a glimpse of her at the weekend farmers market or one of the many great restaurants in HRM.

902-456-0184 | Golda.Matthews@nshealth.ca

Sarah Bray is a social worker who worked Community Mental Health and Addictions for about seven years. Her initial focus tended to be specific to subtance use disorders and concurrent disorders, but shifted in more later years to offering treatment to individuals who struggle to regulate their emotions.  Prior to working in Community Mental Health and Addictions Sarah worked in Youth Health Centers which has given her the opportunity to work with youth and appreciate the unique challenges they face.

Sarah had the opportunity to complete the Suicide Risk Assessment & Intervention Interprofessional Program at the Learning Institute several years ago, and has applied skills and knowledge from the course to practice ever since. She saw the direct benefits and difference this course has made not only in her confidence to complete suicide risk assessments and interventions but the benefits that have come to the individuals she worked with. As a result, she is passionate about this work and has been connected to the Learning Institute off and on since 2018, however re-joined the team full time in September 2021.

When Sarah finds free time she loves to get out and about with her dog, Jake, go anywhere she doesn't have to cook her own meal, have Britney (Spears, obviously!) dance parties while exercising. Sarah believes strongly in the need for self-care and balance, especially for those who work in the health care field.

902-718-7956 | Sarah.Bray@nshealth.ca

Quinn MacIsaac (he/him) has been practicing as a social worker in the mental health and addictions field for over 5 years. His experience has included working in non-profit organizations and both the adult and child/adolescent provincial community mental health systems. These experiences have particularly built Quinn’s passion for working with youth and families, supporting families with getting connected to the best services and treatment options. Additionally, Quinn loves working with groups of people as a facilitator and educator. Throughout his career, Quinn’s work has ranged from facilitating theatre and camp programs to most recently providing evidence-based group treatment for making changes to substance use.

In 2023, Quinn had the pleasure of completing the Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention Interprofessional Program. The skills taught through this program have been invaluable in his practice. Quinn is joining the learning Institute in 2024 with an excitement for merging interests in advancing clinical skills and practical education. He believes that the competency and concept-based approach to the program is beneficial for a variety of healthcare providers, allowing for more intentional assessment and interventions.

Outside of work Quinn loves spending time with his people, a naturally social person who thrives on connections. You can often find him enjoying brunch, walking his dog, or doing a workout classes with friends — but particularly brunch! If you’re ever looking to chat about your favourite place to eat, pop culture, or what’s going on in and around Halifax — Quinn is your guy, always valuing connections through sharing stories and information!

Quinn.MacIsaac@nshealth.ca