Kayla Sparling is the National Director of Recreation and Rehabilitation at Extendicare, where she oversees the development and delivery of innovative, resident-centered recreational and therapeutic programs across the organization. With extensive experience in senior care and therapeutic recreation, she ensures operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement in the Recreation and Rehabilitation programs. Kayla leads managers, therapists, and other team members, guiding them in best practices and enhancing resident satisfaction through strategic program development and evidence-based interventions. As a Part-Time Faculty member since 2019, she also shapes the next generation of therapeutic recreation professionals by delivering course material in alignment with industry standards. With a background in recreation/gerontology and a passion for improving the quality of life for seniors, Kayla combines hands-on experience with leadership in the aging and healthcare sector.
Archives
After completing her Bachelor’s degree with specialization in Therapeutic Recreation from Concordia University in 2010, along with a variety of other sports and fitness certifications, Tania has since gained great experience in helping individuals reach their health goals and therefore enhancing their overall quality of life by offering accessible and inclusive fitness and recreation opportunities to all. She has experienced with various populations, from older adults living in long term care facilities to grassroots para-sport programs, to pediatrics palliative care as well as serving families in community-based resource centers.
More recently a Therapeutic Recreation entrepreneur, Tania founded a private practice, Bloom Therapeutic Recreation & Fitness inc., in 2018 out of passion for inclusion and accessibility in sports and recreation. Bloom currently serves a variety of populations such as older adults, post-stroke patients, youth and adults living with acquired brain injuries (ABI) and intellectual disabilities as well as developmental delays while consulting in TR development and leisure education for the general public and various non-profit and community organizations. Tania was selected for the Minister’s Award of Excellence for her work in the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) graduate certificate program.
Ashley Hilliard has over 10 years of experience working in Therapeutic Recreation in the Ottawa area. Ashley has worked primarily with children and youth with disabilities including autism in a community rehabilitation setting. Ashley also has some experience working with older adults in long term care and adults with brain injuries. Ashley graduated from the Educational Assistant program at Fleming College, completed a Bachelors of Arts in Women Studies from Trent university and went on to earn a post graduate certificate in Therapeutic Recreation from Georgian college. Ashley assisted with develop and design of the Therapeutic Recreation Post grad program and thoroughly enjoys the time she spends teaching students in the program. In her Leisure time Ashley enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband and cats, being a Girl Guide leader, and completing Arts and Crafts activities.
Jennifer began at Algonquin College in 2000 and has her Master of Health Studies and Education, BAH in Psychology, and Recreation Therapy Graduate Certificate receiving the Highest Academic and Community Contribution awards. Jennifer was a manager with the City of Ottawa Inclusive Recreation, offered Therapeutic Recreation (TR) support in group homes, supported independent living with her TR private practice, and fostered TR community life skill development.
In 2018 Jennifer developed the Therapeutic Recreation Graduate Certificate. Jennifer was nominated for the Diane Bloor Part-time Faculty Achievement Award with a passion for creating positive learning environments and student engagement in her dozen courses developed and taught.
For 25 years, Jennifer has been an active member of Therapeutic Recreation Ontario and a volunteer for the local chapter. As the Membership Coordinator for the 2018 TRO Conference in Ottawa, this team coordinated and hosted over 300 delegates.