Recreation Therapy: A Canadian Perspective

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? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

This episode explores bumping in recreation therapy. I share my personal experiences with the process and how bumping uniquely impacts our field. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recreationtherapyincanada/message

An update from me, Mary, about moving forward in my own way. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recreationtherapyincanada/message

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.

Chelsea Crockford is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist working in Fredericton, New Brunswick. We discussed professional growth, research, and how the provincial CTRA chapter is providing support and advocacy.

Carl Ings is a Recreation Development Specialist in Newfoundland, Canada. In this episode he provides insights into practice and priorities for the province and highlights his time as President for the CTRA during the pandemic.

Dr. Hood is an educator at Brock University, author, researcher, and psychotherapist in private practice. In this episode we discuss research in the field, education, facilitating client change through practice, and much more!

This episode explores and compares current challenges and opportunities for recreation therapy in Australia. Some topics include education, research, and the impact of titles.

A discussion about all things Manitoba: education levels, standards of practice, student mentorship, professional growth, and the role of professional associations. All with advocacy as the overarching theme.

A historical look back at recreation therapy in Canada and a discussion around how to overcome current challenges to professionalization. A focus on evidence, entry level to practice and academic accreditation.

A discussion around degree education, research grants, and entry-level to practice with a focus on the province of Saskatchewan.

A discussion about education, academic research, and standards of practice. across Canada. Conversations around barriers and pathways to move the profession forward towards regulation.

A discussion about RecT in the Yukon. Topics include culturally sensitive programming, challenges around resources and staff retention in the North as well as opportunities for growth through education and partnerships.

A discussion with the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Therapeutic Recreation Practice and Research (TRPR), Journal of Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) about research in Canada. We chat about the impacts and supportive process around publishing and much more!

A discussion about pathways to certification, education, licensure, and protecting the public with the Executive Director from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

A discussion about all things licensure in recreation therapy with one of the licensure co-chairs from the Nova Scotia Therapeutic Recreation Association.

A discussion with Dianne Bowtell, Executive Director at the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association. Topics include provincial associations, membership benefits, education and regulation.

A discussion with Tricia Rachfall, Co-Coordinator for the Therapeutic Recreation program at Douglas College. Topics include education, research and what's next.