Hey, my names Ashley and I’m a recreation therapist from Ontario, Canada.

While I have an “About” page, I want to to really introduce myself to all of you. So here are 10 fun facts about me that you might, or might not already know!

1. Choosing Recreation Therapy

I’m not going to dive too much into this one, because I’m hoping to write a blog post that dives deeply into why I chose my career so just consider this an introduction.

Theres a lot of little things that added up to me choosing recreation therapy, but I owe the biggest thanks to my late grandmother who showed me the true power and benefits of recreation therapy. I also owe thanks to the then recreation department of Bradford Valley, with a special shoutout to Sadie for all of the trust and support that you’ve given me throughout my entire journey!

2. I spent 4 summers at one of the most amazing camps ever!

I have spent 4 summers as a counselor/program staff at Shadow Lake Centre, an all ages camp (7-100+ years old) for individuals with intellectual disabilities. I’m so unbelievably thankful for everything this place has taught me and the amazing memories it has provided.

I can pretty much guarantee there is a post coming on this camp and everything it provides, so stay tuned for that. Until then, feel free to check out their website!

3. I did my undergraduate degree at Brock University

I spent the last four years studying r Therapeutic Recreation at Brock University and just graduated this past fall (Go Class of 2019!). I’m super thankful for everything that Brock has given me from the experiences, to the education to the professional connections.

If you’re considering going to Brock University, for therapeutic recreation or anything else, feel free to reach out if you have any comments, questions or concerns. I’m always happy to help where I can!

4. I LOVE the outdoors!

I have a deep love for being outside, in fact I almost went to school for outdoor recreation instead. I believe strongly in the belief that being in the outdoors can improve emotional and mental health, and this is something I’m hoping to research further and make more prevalent in the world of recreation therapy.

5. I’m currently studying to be a CTRS

For any of you non-therapeutic recreation people, this means that I’m in the process of studying to write an 150 multiple choice exam with the hope of passing so I can be a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. The hope is to get certified in 2020!

6. I’m going back to school in January

… well, kind of. I got accepted and will be doing some online classes at Seneca College starting in January of 2020. I’ll be workings towards a certificate of achievement in Crisis Intervention Theoretical Training.
I absolutely love learning, and believe that you can never have too much knowledge.

7. I love to write, hence why I’m so exciting about starting a blog!

I’ve been writing my entire life from thank you letters, to songs, to full on stories. It has always been something that I’ve really enjoyed to do, but it took me a long time to learn to love it. I owe a lot of thanks to one of my high school teachers, Ms. (Karen) Stewart.

Ms. Stewart was my Writers Craft teacher in grade 12, a class that allowed me to explore writing on a deeper level. It was a class that you knew you were safe in, where you could test your writing limits without be judged. In fact, I didn’t know I even like poetry until I started this class. Ms. Stewart if you’re reading this, thank you, because this blog wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for you!

8. I know some ASL

While I’m not fluent, I do know some American Sign Language. Between learning it on my own from the people I’ve supported to taking courses in university, I’ve developed a passion for the language. It’s such a beautiful language, and I hope I’ll have the opportunity to continue developing my knowledge of it in the future.

9. Virtuous leisure is my favourite leisure!

If you don’t know, virtuous leisure is where individuals use their strengths to help others. This can look like a lot of different things from volunteering to knitting scarves for individuals who are homeless. I passionately believe in the value that virtuous leisure can provide not only to the individual engaging in it, but also those that they end up helping/supporting. It helps provide a meaning for their life, and can be especially beneficial for those will low self-confidence and esteem.

I also believe in practicing what I preach, and thats why my own leisure pursuits often fall into the category of virtuous leisure.

10. I absolutely love my job!

Based on the title of this blog, you probably could have guessed this one on your own. My job is more then just a job to me, its a passion. I have always loved helping others and teaching, and this job allows me to do both! While its a lot of hard work, it has always been worth it!

Whether you know me or not, I hope this post allowed you gain a little bit of insight into who I am and the life I live. I’m so excited to have made this step in my life, and I’m hoping you’ll stay tuned to keep reading what I have to say.