Recreation Therapy: A Canadian Perspective

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?

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.cahttps://www.instagram.com/alliedcareconnecthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/allied-care-connect

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.

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

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.

Andrew Ritcey is a CTRS from Nova Scotia with over 40 years experience. Andrew founded TRAAC in 1996 which has now dissolved into the NSTRA. Andrews role in moving the profession forward in licensure and accreditation is inspiring. Andrew shares his insights and recommendations on these and a number of other relevant topics.

Erica Botner is a Recreation Therapist, CTRS, part-time faculty at Concordia University, founder of Recreotherapy, and co-chair of the Quebec Chapter of CTRA. This episode explores the status of recreation therapy in the province of Quebec.

Tiffany Morin is a change maker, CTRS, Recreation Therapist with Alberta Health Services, Masters student, and volunteer extraordinaire. Tiffany is also a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 and has Cree and European ancestry. This episode covers many topics including professional advancement, volunteering, formal/continuing education, research, and private practice to name a few.

An update from me, Mary, about moving forward in my own way.

Dongqi (Zoe) Chen is a recent degree-graduate from the University of Regina. Zoe completed her 4-month internship with host, Mary Dwulit, in August 2022. She shares her perception on topics including certification, job search, and the importance of culturally competent care.