Recreation Therapy: A Canadian Perspective

Recorded during recreation therapy month I am excited to share this episode with Valerie Bautista, CTRS from Alberta! In this episode Valerie shares her journey of starting a private practice and all the considerations required to not only support a viable business but also implementing professional standards while doing so. Below are some links to connect with Valerie and learn more. And once again, thank you Valerie for allowing me to be a voice for the people of Iran at the beginning. www.alliedcareconnect.ca https://www.instagram.com/alliedcareconnect https://www.linkedin.com/company/allied-care-connect

This is a timely episode for Mental Health Awareness Month. Tannis Chartier is a recent graduate from the University of Lethbridge who shares about her lived experience and how that has impacted her practice. Tannis shares some of her passion projects and provides a unique perspective from Alberta, Canada. If you would like to contact Tannis she has generously provided her email address: tannis.chartier@gmail.comTannis shared this deeply insightful and vulnerable video about her own lived expereince with bi-polar disorder: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19JXMmmyeN/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠ If you have interest in taking over Tannis's initiative at a Lethbridge Soup Kitchen please see for more details. How great would it be if UofL kept this going through student practicums https://www.ulethbridge.ca/unews/article/university-lethbridge-student-develops-recreation-opportunities-unhoused-residentsIf you would like to follow Tanni's poetry on IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/humblehopepoetry?igsh=czgzY3g2eTBhZDho&utm_source=qr

Nicholas Kathen is a Recreation Thereapist (RTRO, CTRS) who resides in Ontario, Canada. Nicholas recently graduates with his Masters in Education specializing in Interprofessional Education (IPE). This episode provides an update on the province of Ontario and focuses on the concept of IPE.

This final episode for 2024 reviews a research proposal. This study is the intellectual properly of Mary Dwulit. The purpose of this study is to fill a gap in research seeking RecT's perspectives on professional regulations. This episode goes over the research question (RQ), purpose, literature review, participant criteria and methodology.

This episode I am joined by classmates from the Masters of Health Studies program at the University of Athabasca, Karyn Cormier and Stephen Corradino. As part of our group project for our course "Facilitating Inquiry" we explore case studies as a research method and provide an in-depth discussion around it. Focus is given to the field of recreation therapy throughout this discussion.

Sarah Mills is an occupational therapist working as the Clinical Instructor for Occupational Therapy at Fraser Health in Burnaby, BC. This episode explores the progression of OT to a Master's degree and regulation with the hope of learning from our allied health colleagues journey.

This short episode explores the role of “the big red book” in RecT education today in Canada and poses the question if its use should be re-evaluated?

Orquidea is a registered Diversional and Recreational Therapist in Aotearoa New Zealand. She is also the president of her national association. This episode provides a broad lens of current practice and includes the history of RecT in NZ.

Karen Littleton is currently working in Kelowna, BC with the Interior Health Authority as a Director in Population and Public Health, Clinical Prevention and Pandemic Response. This episode explores RecT within one of BC’s six health authorities and highlights progress within the field over the past thirty years. RecT’s role in public health and prevention is also discussed.

Daniel Gray is a Recreation Manager from Australia with over 20 years experience in the field. Daniel shares findings from his recent international travels where he explored RecT and funding models. Daniel also shared his knowledge and experience using artificial intelligence (AI) in the field. Contact: daniel@wintringham.org.au

Nicholas Kathen is currently working as a Recreation Therapist at the outpatient chronic pain clinic at Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa and he is completing a master’s degree in education at the University of Ottawa. Although this episode covers a variety of topics including research and education, the primary focus was on the role of recreation therapy in supporting population health.

This episode explores bumping in recreation therapy. I share my personal experiences with the process and how bumping uniquely impacts our field.

MJ Brothers is a is a CTRS and Recreation Manager working in long term care with Health PEI on Prince Edward Island. This episode explores RecT in more rural parts of Canada and the challenges and opportunities that brings including limited education and jobs choices. This episode also highlights some positive changes and future recommendations for RecT in PEI.

Jillian Christison is a CTRS working in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island with Vancouver Island Health authority. This episode explores the recreation therapy in the Comox Valley, online education, and committees.

Dr. Sienna Caspar is at professor at the University of Lethbridge, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Continuing Care and Founder of the Relational Care Knowledge Hub. This episode focuses on knowledge sharing, research and quality improvement initiatives in Long Term Care. Please visit links below to learn more about these outstanding initiatives.

Devan McNeill is an assistant professor at the University of Lethbridge in the Health Sciences department. This episode explored the importance of continued learning, education styles/delivery methods, research, and the importance of interdisciplinary awareness.

Yvonne Ng-Gerritsen is a professor and program coordinator at Seneca College in Ontario. Yvonne is a CTRS and RTRO. This episode focuses on diversity and inclusion in our profession. This episode also explores the importance of education, research, and volunteering to make meaningful change. If you are interested in learning more about Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) in Therapeutic Recreation, see the link below to access the latest TRPR: Journal of TRO (volume 17, 2023) for a special issue focusing on D&I perspectives. https://www.trontario.org/professional-development/documents-resources/trpr-journal/index.html

Andrea Waters is a CTRS from Nova Scotia currently working as a Professional Practice Lead and Policy Consultant with IWK Health. This episode explores a number of topics including volunteering on professional boards, certification, and advocacy through policy development.

Lyndsay Boers is a CTRS working on Vancouver Island with Vancouver Island Health Authority. This episode explores the growth in the field on the island and highlights the different roles Recreation Therapists now fill. This episode also highlights the newly formed Community of Practice in Island Health.

Jane Papenhuyzen is a CTRS from Alberta. This episode explores governments role in regulation as well as our professional responsibilities. As a Practice Lead for Alberta Health Services Calgary Zone, Jane has a unique lens and in-depth knowledge on the history of regulation efforts and current barriers.