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In Remembrance of our SERLC Director Sandra Whitney-Sarles
Our community is mourning the loss of Sandra “Sandi” Whitney-Sarles, our beloved SERLC Director, who passed away on November 4th. Sandi was the heart of the Southeast Recovery Learning Community, a compassionate leader and a radiant creative force. She believed in the power of peer support as a movement rooted in dignity, survivorship, and shared journeys. Her leadership transformed our community and uplifted voices too often left out. She didn’t just lead our community, she shaped it with her hands, her heart, and her unwavering belief in our work.
Sandi was a Certified Peer Specialist, having worked in the mental health field for over 30 years, starting as a direct care worker in a group residential program. Sandi had collaborative working relationships with NAMI affiliates, DMH site directors, and mental health providers in the Southeast area. She previously worked as an educator at a university and an elementary school. In her role as a teacher, she worked with the Hyannis Fire Department and County of Barnstable to develop and teach a diversion program for court-mandated juvenile fire setters. She held a BA in philosophy, a BFA in sculpture, and an MS in education.
Sandi also worked as a Peer Researcher for the Center of Excellence for Psychosocial and Systemic Research at Mass General Brigham Hospital, where she contributed to research in the field of peer support. In this role, she worked to ensure peer specialists were supported in meeting their needs, furthering her lifelong commitment to strengthening the peer movement.
Sandi was a gifted artist whose creativity touched every aspect of her life. She excelled in painting, drawing, sculpting, woodworking, and architectural design. Each piece reflected her vibrant spirit and resilience. The tangible beauty Sandi crafted will continue to inspire those who knew her, serving as lasting reminders of her generosity and vision.
Sandi was a dedicated mother and grandmother. She had been active in her own mental health recovery for over 40 years. Her varied background enabled her to offer support and understanding to the wide range of people with whom she worked. Her warmth, humor, and genuine care created a sense of belonging that will be deeply missed. Sandi took time to listen, encourage, and empower each person in our community.
Her legacy is woven not only through her artistic works and leadership, but also through the countless lives she touched with kindness and empathy. She embodied resilience in every sense of the word. Even as she faced immense challenges, including a double lung transplant and breast cancer, she remained a steady, compassionate force for our community.
Her strength wasn’t just in surviving; it was in how she continued to lead, create, and uplift others through it all. She showed us that healing is not linear, and that courage can look like showing up, offering support, and building community even in the face of uncertainty.
Our thoughts are with Sandi’s family during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt support to all who knew and loved her. May we all find comfort in the memories, the community she built, and the lasting impact of her life. We will carry her light forward. Always. Rest in power, Sandra. 💙 Please join us in January as we honor her in a virtual and in person celebration of life through the SERLC Recovery Connection Centers. Date and time TBD.
In Remembrance of our SERLC Director
Sandra Whitney-Sarles
Sandi made a lasting impact on those she mentored.
Here are some of their heartfelt quotes and memories, reflections of the kindness, and strength she brought into our community.
"One time, Sandi said to me that support does not always have to be grand or loud — sometimes it is about being there, showing up, and listening. Those words have resonated with me ever since. She reminded our community of just that when she was present. Sandi incorporated that support does not always need to be loud; it is sometimes found as a quiet presence, in a kind word, or by simply being there. It is found in the presence of others while peers sing, meditate or create together through arts and crafts. Her spirit continues to live in those moments — in every act of kindness, in every shared smile, and in every gentle voice that chooses compassion over noise. Through my eyes, she remains a light of calm strength, reminding us that even the quietest presence can touch many hearts."
-Blanca G. (Fall River RCC)
I started with the SERLC 8 years ago when the Fall River RCC was in the historic Quequechan Club at the time. I was taking care of my Father who was ill with liver and kidney disease at the same time. The Community Connector position was brand new to all 4 sites of the SERLC and was literally being built from the ground up. Sandi was eager to meet with the new staff including myself, so she drove up from the Cape to Fall River. Due to my situation at home, I was literally 10 minutes late to meeting her, and she up and left when I walked in and introduced myself! I was like "darn! I really blew it!"
"A couple months passed, and we had our Connectors meeting down at the old Hyannis RCC with Sandi. I was nervous because of the first impression I made on her, but it turned out to be more of a collaborative conversation with friends. It seemed like I knew her my whole life, and she ended up giving me praises for my contributions and team work in my area, and with the other Connectors. She praised the idea sharing to enhance how we do our work, which is how WE not Krista-got our outreach efforts to where they are today! I always admired how humble of a leader and a peer collaborator she was, which I have emulated because of her. She never had power differentials and was a peer like the rest of us. A true team player and she will be truly missed. She is still leading us from up above and is rooting for EVERYONE'S progress, not perfection in the SERLC!"
-Krista C. (Brockton RCC)
