Sandra Dean from Whitby, Ontario is a former school principal and our first Canadian winner in Alex’s history-making giveaway! Sandra is a leader in the education field. Her proven research-based models and programs have been used as the foundation of many highly acclaimed initiatives.

A tireless advocate for children’s education and well being, Sandra has been honoured with many awards for her achievements. Among other accomplishments, Sandra’s work has been showcased by the OECD and the United Nations as well as the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime. She also was the only non-American invited to present to a White House Presidential Commission on Hispanic American Affairs.

Sandra is the developer of the “Together We Light the Way” and the “Creating Safe and Caring Learning Communities” models, and is now an advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario’s “Aboriginal Literacy Initiative.” Having touched the lives of thousands, she invites educators to “think with her” to create personalized solutions to specific problems. And we’re looking forward to working with her in the SMARTSTART Business Success Program to see what more can be done as she pursues new directions in her business.