Nova Scotia Therapeutic Recreation Association Awards

Nominees may be self-nominated or nominated by another member in good standing of NSTRA.

Nominations should include a summary (500 words or less) describing why the nominee should be chosen for the Nova Scotia Therapeutic Recreation award, along with any other supplemental information to support the nomination. Examples may include specific efforts made to improve standardization, education initiatives, reinforcement of consistent TR job descriptions, or any other initiatives that make them a true champion for TR services.

LEGACY AWARD – IN MEMORY OF RENÉE GAUDET

The Legacy Award was created to honour Renée Gaudet, CTRS. Renée was a colleague, a mentor and a friend; she was an individual who gave meaningfully in time, presence and experience to her role as a Recreation Therapist. Renée was a role model to her community, not only for her professional contributions but for her ability to lead by example. She embraced leisure, recreation and play throughout all aspects of her life.

Renée demonstrated professionalism and dedication to her commitment as a CTRS, to her students, to the professional association and to the advancement of the field. It is through Renee’s work, professionalism and commitment to leisure as part of a healthy lifestyle that we proudly remember her through the Legacy Award.

WHO TO NOMINATE?

Recreation Therapy professionals who have demonstrated commitment to the TR profession through their work or by serving on the board and/or committees, commitment to their community through volunteerism or other active engagement, and commitment to play by living an active, playful leisure lifestyle.

To be eligible for the Legacy Award individuals must be members in good standing of NSTRA.

TRAILBLAZER AWARD

The Trailblazer award will annually recognize a member of Nova Scotia Therapeutic Recreation Association (NSTRA) who has shown leadership, specifically with regards to advocacy for therapeutic recreation services.

WHO TO NOMINATE?

Therapeutic Recreation professionals who have taken steps to strengthen the profession through efforts to improve standardization, facilitate education initiatives, reinforce consistent Therapeutic Recreation job postings and/or facilitate any other initiatives making them a true champion and “trailblazer” for therapeutic recreation services. To be eligible for the Trailblazer Award individuals must be members in good standing of NSTRA.

INNOVATION AWARD

The Innovation Award will annually recognize a member of Nova Scotia Therapeutic Recreation Association (NSTRA) who has shown leadership in the form of innovative programs and initiatives.

WHO TO NOMINATE?

Therapeutic Recreation professionals who have highlighted the true power and versatility of the profession through innovative efforts that facilitate quality service for clients while creating awareness among potential stakeholders. Efforts may include (but are not limited to) strategic student placements and pilot projects, collaboration with other disciplines or potential stakeholders, or any other “outside the box” initiatives that spark success and meaningful connection. To be eligible for the Innovation Award individuals must be members in good standing of NSTRA.

CRYSTAL AWARD

The Crystal Award is named after the first ever recipient Crystal Watson and will annually recognize an exceptional student-member of Nova Scotia Therapeutic Recreation Association (NSTRA).

WHO TO NOMINATE?

Students studying therapeutic recreation at either community college or university who have shown leadership and commitment to therapeutic recreation through volunteer or work placement experiences, academic achievements or overall character that exemplifies an outstanding student and future TR professional. To be eligible for the Crystal Award individuals must be members in good standing of NSTRA.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

NSTRA will honour a student-member from Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Community College at the time of convocation. Academic Academic Achievement awards will recognize graduating students who have demonstrated academic excellence.

WHO TO NOMINATE?

Therapeutic recreation students who have demonstrated excellence at the student level through exceptional academic performance.

Faculty member in good standing of NSTRA at the nominee’s institution of learning will select the award recipient for the Academic Achievement Award.

past award winners

TRAILBLAZER WINNER(S)

2023-2024 – Kate Giles
2022-2023 – Shelley Smith
2021-2022 – Jessica Reid
2020-2021 – Natalie Baglole
2019-2020 – Shelley Smith
2018-2019 – Andrew Ritcey, Rhonda Booth, Shelley Smith, Heather Baker

LEGACY AWARD WINNER(S)

2023-2024 – Brittany MacKeen
2022-2023 – Rhonda Booth
2021-2022 – Andrew Ritcey
2020-2021 – Jocelyn Barbier

INNOVATION AWARD WINNER(S)

2023-2024 – Natasha Gunn and Mallory Gorman
2022-2023 – Dr. Son Truong
2021-2022 – Charlotte Sabean
2020-2021 – Gary Comeau
2019-2020 – Ashley Penton & Rhonda MacLean
2018-2019 – Robin Abbass

CRYSTAL AWARD WINNER(S)

2023-2024 – Riley Wells
2022-2023 – Sun Lee
2021-2022 – Donna MacIntyre
2020-2021 – Ellen Graham & Nicole DeYoung – NSCC Ivany Campus
2019-2020 – Ian Bennett- NSCC Ivany Campus
2018-2019 – Ash-Leigh Sherman & Amy Rizzuto – NSCC Ivany Campus

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER(S)

2023-2024 – NSCC: Jordan Xidos
2023-2024 – Dalhousie University: Sun Lee
2022-2023 – NSCC Marconi Campus: Libby MacPherson
2022-2023 – Dalhousie University: Jessica Dort
2021-2022 – Dalhousie University: Mark Naipaul
2021-2022 – NSCC Ivany Campus: Nicole DeYoung
2019-2020 – NSCC Ivany Campus: Alex LeGrow