What happens when a nurse speaks publicly about what she believes she witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic and refuses to stay silent?
In this episode of Activate & Illuminate, Melanie Wakelin sits down with former registered practical nurse Sarah Choujounian to discuss her journey from nursing and advocacy to disciplinary proceedings, the loss of her nursing license, and her ongoing appeal.
Sarah shares what she says she witnessed while working in long-term care during the pandemic, why she chose to speak publicly, what she believes is at stake in her legal battle, and how the experience changed the direction of her life.
The conversation also explores freedom of speech, informed consent, standing in your truth, rebuilding after adversity, and Sarah's new work in holistic wellness.
Chapters
00:00 – Meet Sarah Choujounian
02:28 – What Does “Ungovernable” Mean?
05:16 – Sarah’s Journey Into Nursing
08:25 – What Changed During COVID
11:05 – Why Sarah Spoke Out
11:28 – The Impact on Her Nursing Career
12:48 – Nurses, Regulation & Freedom of Speech
16:03 – What Sarah Says She Witnessed in Long-Term Care
18:00 – Disconnection, Trauma & Finding Your Truth
21:14 – Sarah’s Legal Battle & Appeal
27:42 – Why This Case Matters
32:21 – Disciplinary Proceedings & Regulation
34:31 – The Allison Inquiry & Canada
37:18 – What Can Nurses Question?
39:13 – Sarah’s View of Canada
41:38 – Sarah’s New Path in Holistic Wellness
47:04 – How to Support Sarah’s Appeal
49:05 – Trust in Institutions
51:04 – Rebuilding Trust & Living Outside the System
51:46 – What This Battle Has Cost Sarah
54:15 – Growth, Purpose & Finding Strength
55:17 – Sarah’s Personal Mission
56:48 – What Sarah Wants for Canada
58:09 – Sarah’s Upcoming Book
1:00:21 – Standing in Your Truth
1:04:11 – Final Thoughts
Connect With Sarah Choujounian
🌐 Website: Sarah4Freedom.com
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/Sarah.Choujounian
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/Sarah_Choujounian
𝕏 X: x.com/SarahChoujounia
▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@LightingUpDarkCorners
🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/SarahChoujounian
Support Sarah’s Appeal
GiveSendGo:
givesendgo.com/support-sarahs-cno-free-speech-appeal
E-transfer:
sarahc4freedom@gmail.com
Connect With Melanie Wakelin & Activate & Illuminate
🌐 Website: activateandilluminate.com
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/activateandilluminate
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/activateandilluminate
🎵 TikTok: @activateandilluminate
▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel
📧 Business Inquiries: pr@melaniewakelin.com
About Activate & Illuminate
Activate & Illuminate explores the stories, experiences, ideas, and journeys that challenge us to think differently, become more curious, and activate the potential within ourselves.
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