People of Georgian: Laura Gallagher
Feb. 18, 2026
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People of Georgian: Meet Laura Gallagher
I would not be where I am today if it were not for Georgian College.
When I was 17, I thought I had my path figured out. I applied to five universities, was accepted to all of them and even toured one campus with my dad. But standing there, I remember thinking, “What am I doing?” I did not feel connected to the program, and I was not excited about the direction I was heading.
I was nervous to tell my parents I did not want to go. When I finally sat down at the kitchen table, they had already been thinking the same thing. My dad suggested I look into Georgian, and I applied late to the Medical Office Administration program, now known as the Office Administration – Health Services Ontario College Diploma. I graduated in 2006, and that decision changed everything.
I have always wanted to help people. I know it sounds cliché, but I truly wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. Georgian gave me the practical skills and confidence to pursue that goal.
Landing my dream at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
From early on, I knew I wanted to work at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH). I kept applying until I was given the opportunity. I started in imaging services and was there through a major expansion, which made it especially meaningful to be part of something growing in our community.
“If you’re not learning, you’re not growing. And if you’re not growing, you’re not evolving.” That belief has guided me throughout my life.
Over 15 years, my career evolved. I worked as a clerical navigator in the Cancer Centre, prepared referrals and eventually became the first point of contact in the chemo suite. I greeted patients on some of the hardest days of their lives and saw strength, fear, courage and hope all in the same room. It was humbling work.
Being surrounded by people facing serious illness gives you perspective very quickly. I often heard patients say, “Don’t wait. Do what you love now.” At the same time, I had young children at home, and I began to realize I was carrying a lot of emotion with me. Some days I would come home sad, and my kids would notice.
That is when I started asking myself bigger questions about what I wanted my life to look like.
“If you’re not learning, you’re not growing. And if you’re not growing, you’re not evolving.” That belief has guided me throughout my life.
Following my heart
When my son was born, I began taking yoga classes. At first, it was simply something for me, but over time I had a clear moment where I thought, “This is it. I want to help people feel good from the inside out.”
I pursued further training, completed hundreds of hours of certification and continued learning. Eventually, I said something out loud that surprised even me: I was going to open a yoga studio.
After 15 years in health care, I left RVH and opened Side Door Yoga Studio with a partner I met during training. Today, we have two locations and continue to grow, carrying forward the same commitment to supporting people through important moments in their lives.
Everything I experienced at RVH shaped who I am as a business owner and as a person. I learned compassion, resilience and how powerful small acts of kindness can be.
A lifelong journey
My connection to Georgian runs deep and extends through my family. My dad took courses at the college. My younger sister Nicole enrolled in nursing, and my older sister Kristin now works at Georgian. For me, Georgian was the foundation that led me to my dream job, and that dream job eventually led me to a new dream.
My path has not been straight, and I am grateful for it. You do not have to have everything figured out at 17, and you do not have to stay in one lane forever. It is never too late to change, to grow or to follow your heart.
For me, that journey began at Georgian College in 2006, and it continues every day.