Therapeutic Recreation Ontario

08/03/2026

Civic Holiday is a public holiday in Canada on the 1st Monday of August, with varying names and statutory status depending on the Province or municipality. TRO wishes you a great day however you are celebrating.

07/16/2026

Last week, Yvonne Ng-Gerritsen (TRO Vice President) and Lisa Gordon (TRO Executive Director) visited the University of Waterloo TR faculty for some great conversation and continued connections!

07/11/2026

Thank you for this message from the 2026 TRO Conference Diamond Sponsor, StrongerU Senior Fitness! Stay to the end to hear how TRO Members can save on enrollment fees!

07/09/2026

TRO members, check your inbox for the latest edition of our Insider newsletter that includes Special Meeting Updated Registration Info, StrongerU Senior Fitness Info Session & more!

Looking for past newsletters? Log in to the members-only area for access to all newsletters!

07/06/2026

Last week, TRO Executive Director Lisa Gordon met with Nova Scotia Therapeutic Recreation Association (NSTRA) President, Marisa Doucette, and President-Elect, Olivia Pliner, in Halifax for some cross-country networking and great conversation!

From left to right: Marisa (President), Olivia (President-Elect), Lisa (TRO Executive Director)

07/05/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Student Mentorship Award recipient, Sarah Harrison!

This award is given to an educator, instructor, professor or direct internship/practicum/placement supervisor who has been influential to a student in TR. The successful recipient will be someone who has helped guide a future practitioner in the field of TR through assistance with educational instruction, field placement, etc. Mentoring students is a very important part of building the future of this profession.

In her nomination, a student of Sarah’s wrote, “Sarah has influenced me as a TR student by framing recreation therapy as an exciting field where anything is possible. She encouraged her students to look at ways we can help people and also to be understanding of how people are in their different ages and stages of their life. She taught us to look at people as whole and not just as a, “grumpy fred smith”

07/04/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Innovation in TR Award recipient, Caitlyn Cheyne, CTRS, R/TRO!

This award was created to honour and recognize those individuals in TR who continue to elevate the practice of therapeutic recreation through innovation in research and practice. They have created new programs or documents that everyday practitioners are able to use in daily practice through their evidence based research. This award acknowledges that because of their contribution to TR the profession has been positively impacted.

In the nominations, it was shared that “Caitlyn gives all of herself to her role as a Recreational Therapist and she does it to enrich the lives of the people she is caring for. Her innovation and dedication are not driven by personal gain but for the greater good of the individuals she is supporting. She is constantly trying to grow and develop herself and her knowledge. Her heart and enthusiasm is in the right place and it shows daily.”

07/03/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Volunteer Leadership Award recipient, Tara Hill, CTRS, R/TRO !

TRO has been very fortunate to have many hardworking, dedicated, and passionate volunteers who give numerous hours of service every year to the organization. They take on projects big and small that help us live our vision and mission. This award acknowledges those individuals (or groups) that have taken on leadership roles on behalf of TRO.

In the nominations, it was shared that “Tara is highly deserving of the Volunteer Leadership Award due to her exceptional dedication to TRO and in helping the profession grow. Tara fosters a sense of learning, engagement, and excellence, making a meaningful impact on the committees she belongs to and the organization.”

07/01/2026

07/01/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Student Award of Excellence recipient, Addison Edwards!

This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of students within and outside of their academic programs. In celebrating the academic and extracurricular accomplishments of students, we highlight the vast array of experiences and knowledge that these future professionals bring to our field.

In the nominations, it was shared that “Addison continues to be an excellent addition to the Canadore College Recreation Therapy program and embodies the
passion, knowledge and skill to pursue a long career in Recreation Therapy. I believe Addison to be a wonderful representative of the Recreation Therapy program, Canadore College, and as an emerging professional in the field.”