Voices Less Heard with Dr. PMak

In this episode Dr. PMak speaks with Diana Schaffter, a teacher, educator, international speaker, mother, and grandmother. Diana is fluent in Thai, has traveled to over fifty countries, lived in seven countries in Asia and Eastern Europe for forty-two years, including two years in Pyongyang, North Korea, where her husband worked for UNICEF. Wherever she has lived, Diana has witnessed the power of human resilience, cooperation, and caring, which inspires her writing.

Dr. PMAK and Mark speak about his leadership journey serving children and families in the US and globally. Mark speaks passionately about his love of building community capacity to help programs and leaders better serve children and families.

In this episode, Dr. PMak and Maeva Gauthier talk about her work in oceanography, discuss resilience and adaptations, human dimensions of global change, participatory approaches, youth engagement and Arctic regions. Her research is using participatory video to engage youth in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, on issues that matter to them: climate change and living in two worlds (modern and traditional worlds).

Dr. PMak speaks with Darren Abrahams, a Sydney-born radiation therapist turned counsellor, pastor, published author, and chaplain for Alliance Door Products Canada (part of the Lynden Family of Companies) as Canadian representative who has lived in Victoria, Canada since 2013 with his wife and two adult children.

Dr. PMak has a conversation with Alex Ruhter whose primary purpose in life is to give honor to God. Alex has a wide range of experience starting multiple ventures. From for-profit, to not-for-profit organizations, he has built multiple companies and learned many lessons along the way. His primary giftedness lies in his ability to cast clear vision, simplify complex systems, and build strong teams.

In this conversation, Dr. PMAK speaks with Karen,  a nationally respected consultant, author, and speaker known for her vibrant energy and deep commitment to helping early childhood leaders thrive. With a career spanning ownership of childcare centers, executive leadership of diverse nonprofits, and the creation of successful business development initiatives, Karen brings unmatched insight to the intersection of mission-driven care and sustainable business practice.

Dr. PMak speaks with Ana Valle Rivera — an early childhood educator, consultant, and founder of Early Years Thriving. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Ana brings a powerful blend of personal story, deep professional knowledge, and a passionate commitment to inclusion, trauma-informed care, and anti-bias education. She’s trained educators across Canada, worked with families and communities, and continues to advocate for just, responsive, and joyful early learning environments. Get ready for a conversation full of insight, inspiration, and practical wisdom for anyone working with or raising young children.”

Serving in multicultural churches throughout Western Canada, Adam is an experienced leader, charismatic and sought-after speaker, visionary, and evangelist. It is evident that his heart is about spreading the Gospel and loving on people. He has spoken in schools, universities, retreats, conferences, camps and churches from coast to coast for audiences of all ages.

Carolyn Willis is an accomplished violinist and dedicated violin instructor based in Bellevue, Washington, part of the greater Seattle metropolitan area. With over 20 years of performance experience, she has established herself as a respected presence in Seattle's classical music scene.
Carolyn earned her Master's degree in Violin Performance from the University of Washington and previously studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her performance career includes serving as a first violinist with the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra and regular appearances with chamber ensembles throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Dr. PMak discusses with Amaka Amadike a distinguished Early Childhood Professional whose two-decade journey in education has shaped innovative approaches to culturally responsive learning. As a full-time faculty member at Bow Valley College Calgary, she brings rich insights from her experience teaching both Early Childhood Education and Indigenous Early Childhood Education.