Board of Directors
2024-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Brittany MacKeen (she/her)
Hi, I’m Brittany (she/her). I’m originally from the small town of Guysborough, Nova Scotia. I received a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in English from St. Francis Xavier University in 2012. Shortly after finishing my degree I discovered the field of Recreation Therapy. I moved to Halifax and enrolled in the Therapeutic Recreation Diploma Program at Nova Scotia Community college and graduated in 2015. I went on to complete my Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation at Dalhousie University graduating in 2018 and became certified as a CTRS in July 2019. I’m currently working part-time as a Recreation Therapist on the SCI/Neuro unit at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation & Arthritis Centre and part-time as a Recreation Therapist with the Therapeutic Assistant Consult Service at Dartmouth General Hospital. In my leisure time I enjoy reading, playing board games, searching for beach glass, curling, playing guitar, camping, and going on adventures with my wife. I’ve been involved with NSTRA in various roles over the years and I’m passionate about growing the field of Recreation Therapy in Nova Scotia. I’m grateful for the opportunity to sit on the Board of Directors as President this year.
President Elect MARISA doucette (she/her)
Hello! My name is Marisa (she/her). I graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and became a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in 2016. I have been working in the recreation therapy field in various positions within long term care since 2013 (beginning as a summer student). I am currently the lead faculty for the Therapeutic Recreation diploma at Nova Scotia Community College Lunenburg Campus.
Leisure is so important to me and I love how unique it is for each of us. My favourite way to engage in leisure is with others whom I care about but I also love the opportunity to make new connections and build community. I have various interests but also love to try new things.
I am grateful to call Nova Scotia home. I am looking forward to learning and serving NSTRA as the President Elect.
Past President
Jocelyn Barbier (SHE/HER)
Jocelyn has been active with the NSTRA since its inception, as a student serving as part of the transition board, and then as communication director and most recently as a member of the advocacy subcommittee and chair of the marketing subcommittee, and is really excited to serve as president.
Jocelyn graduated from the NSCC diploma programme in 2018, gaining experience working as a programmer in long term care, and most recently has shifted to mental health and addictions joining Children’s Intensive Services at the IWK. Jocelyn is also passionate about dance and movement-based therapy and has been able to support the expansion of Halifax Dance’s Inclusive Movement programme supporting dance in a community recreation setting. She was recently selected to participate in Dance for Health: Parkinson’s, a grant received through Dance Nova Scotia to collaborate through research and the work of Dr. Rebecca Barnstaple, a neuroscientist, dance and movement therapist. Jocelyn is passionate about the work we do as Recreation Therapy professionals, supporting and mentoring students, advocating for the importance of recreation and leisure, sharing with anyone that listens about how rewarding our work is.
Treasurer
Dana Mills (she/her)
Hi! I’m Dana Mills and am happy to be spending my leisure time serving in a meaningful way on the Board of Directors and supporting NSTRA as Treasurer. I have over 25 years’ experience in the field of therapeutic recreation and have served people of various abilities across the life span in Alberta, Ontario, and here at home in Nova Scotia. I am passionate about the importance of recreation, play and leisure in enhancing the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of individuals and communities.
I believe that professional associations contribute to building healthier communities of practice that protect those served in health and human service spaces. My own leisure lifestyle choices nurture connections with others, the world around me, with an intentional focus on my spiritual health.
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Communications Director
Emily Flinn (She/Her)
My name is Emily Flinn (She/Her). I am a graduate from Dalhousie University and currently work as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with the IWK in Community Mental Health and Addictions and as the Professional Practice Leader. I have experience working various jobs supporting individuals with a variety of abilities in many different settings.
I am part of the LGBTQ+ community and I am a strong advocate for equal rights for everyone! During my free time I love to explore the Halifax community, golf, relax at my cottage, try new restaurants, spend time with my partner and our two cats or attend workout classes with R Studios.
My favorite part of being a Recreation Therapist is spreading awareness and education about recreation and leisure. I enjoy being a part of the NSTRA board of directors because I get to contribute to our growing profession.
Membership Director
kate giles (She/Her)
Kate Giles is the Recreation Therapy Associate in the Kid’s Rehabilitation Service at the IWK.
Kate has worked in the field of Therapeutic Recreation for the past nine years as a Therapeutic Assistant in Adult Rehabilitation and Restorative Care, as a Community Recreation Programmer with older adults, and at the IWK with children and youth living with a disability. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Therapeutic Recreation Association of Atlantic Canada (now NSTRA) as Student Director, Marketing Chair, and Vice President. She is a member of the Nova Scotia Therapeutic Recreation Association and currently serves as the Membership Director. Kate has presented on various topics such as standards of practice, volunteering in parasport, improving access and opportunities for students living with a disability, and the role of therapeutic recreation in child and youth rehabilitation. Before recreation therapy, Kate worked as a bioarchaeologist specializing in human osteology and forensic anthropology. Kate spends her leisure time on the water and in the forest with her husband Pete, her three kids, and her pets Piper and Louise.
Recording Officer
LYNETTE STEVENS (She/Her)
Lynette was pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology before starting to volunteer with Recreation Therapy at the Veteran’s Memorial Building. She discovered she had a passion for working with older adults and for the field of Recreation Therapy. Lynette graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Therapeutic Recreation in 2004. She became certified as a CTRS in May 2005. Lynette worked in various LTC facilities over the years and was the Recreation Therapist at Parkstone Enhanced Care for 13 years. In February 2023, she transferred to a new Recreation Therapist position on the long-term care floors at Caritas Residence (called DePaul Hall). She has been active on the NSTRA board in the past as the Central Zone Representative. In her leisure time, Lynette enjoys reading, scrapbooking, cardmaking and jigsaw puzzles.
Annapolis Valley Zone Rep
Brianne Saunders (she/her)
I graduated from Dalhousie University and obtained my CTRS designation in 2019. I am currently working as a Recreation Therapist at both Valley Regional Hospital and Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. I am currently serving my 2nd term as the Annapolis Valley Zone Director and support Advocacy, Standards of Practice, and Financial committees for NSTRA. During my leisure time I enjoy playing hockey, sewing, and hiking with my two dogs.
Cape Breton Zone Rep
dawn macdonald (She/Her)
Hello. My name is Dawn, and I am pleased to be the Cape Breton Zone Representative for NSTRA. The majority of my 20-year career has been spent working in the areas of Mental Health and Substance Use, both in hospital and community. Since 2015, I have been the lead faculty for the Therapeutic Recreation program at NSCC Marconi. I currently live in Glace Bay with my husband Rodney and our three cats, Sophie, Penny and Bubba.
Central Zone Rep
COLLEEN BATEMAN (she/her)
Hi, I’m Colleen (she/her), and I’m excited to serve as the Central Zone Representative. When I’m not on maternity leave, I work as a Recreation Therapist in Kids Rehab at the IWK. I co-chair the Education Committee and participate in several other NSTRA committees and working groups. Previously, I served on the NSTRA Foundation Board and have held various positions on the Board of Directors. I look forward to continuing to support the work of NSTRA.
Northeastern Zone Rep
Brad MacMillan (he/him)
Graduated Dalhousie University 1995. Bachelor of Recreation.
Working in Long Term care for approx. 30 years.
Currently Director of Resident & Employee Programs for MacLeod Group Health
Services Ltd. (past 9 years) overseeing Therapeutic (Recreation, PT & OT)
Depts for 12 Nursing Homes in NS, PEI and NB.
I’ve always been involved in music. Playing in bands throughout my adult life. I’ve
been active as a fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society for many years (MS
Bike Tour, MS Walk).
In my spare time I love to play golf, garden and travel. I live in Scotch Hill, NS (near Pictou) with my wife and 2 cats.
Southshore Zone Rep
KATIE BOOTH (she/her)
Hello! My name is Katie Booth and my pronouns are she/her. I graduated from Brock University with a bachelors degree in TR in 2014. After working in acute care in my home town of Toronto, I wanted an adventure and moved to Nova Scotia in 2017. Since then I’ve worked in longterm care in the southwestern and south shore zone.
During my leisure time, I enjoy going on walks with my dog, travelling, listening to music and trying new restaurants/cafes.
Southwest Zone Rep
Janelle D’Entremont (she/her)
Hi ! My name is Jenelle, and I am the Southwest Zone rep for NSTRA. I have been working for NSHA since 2013, working with The Veterans Unit, stroke and long stay patients at YRH. During my leisure time I enjoy spending time at the barn with my horse Zoe and attending horse shows, going to the family cottage / camping and most of all exploring new leisure opportunities with my husband and our amazing 2 daughters.
Student Director Dalhousie
Danielle Bilodeau (She/THEY)
I’m honoured to serve as the Dalhousie University Student Director and to be part of the 2024-2025 Board of Directors. I’m in my fourth year of the Therapeutic Recreation program at Dalhousie and eagerly anticipate my upcoming internship in 2025. My internship in January will be with the IWK Community Mental Health and Addictions. I have also volunteered with March of Dimes and Easter Seals. I am proud to be a TR student and eager to be a CTRS and provide cutting-edge research to advance evidence-based practice. I identify with the LGBTQIA2+ community and as a disabled individual.
I believe that therapeutic recreation is a pillar to enhancing the holistic well-being of all, accessibility is a human right, and continuous education is an asset to the field. I am completing my final course to receive my disability management certificate. I am finishing my honour’s thesis using a mixed-methods approach to a program evaluation. I am also interested in pursuing my graduate studies in leisure studies of queer aging.
I am involved with the Dalhousie Recreation Association (DRA), a student-run society on campus that focuses on events, resources, and building the recreation community on campus. Last year, I was the VP of Marketing and Communications, running social media, emails, and promotional material for the society. This year, I am the co-president of the Dalhousie Recreation Association.
During the first year of my degree, I was involved with the NSTRA Advocacy Committee and an elected Student Senator at Dalhousie University, where I sat on the Board of Learning and Education. I am excited to connect with more people this year, especially with other therapeutic recreation students, and contribute to creating enjoyable and safe experiences by working with NSTRA marketing and EDIA subcommittees.
I can be found in nature, sitting in my hammock on my deck or enjoying being cuddled up with my cats in my free time. I love hiking, camping, and spending as much time outdoors. I enjoy reading poetry books, knitting, and drinking tea. I also love to chat about how to make recreation more accessible and inclusive.
