We all seek joy in our lives. On a daily basis, whether we are receptive to it or not, many moments offer us the opportunity to experience joy. As professionals in recreation therapy, we also have the fortune to be able to create or facilitate opportunities which will increase our clients’ joie de vivre. Joie de vivre, the commonly used French expression, seemed a perfect fit for the theme of this year’s conference, especially since we will be immersed in the bucolic European-style of Quebec City.
Joy, as it relates to our profession, will be explored in various ways throughout the sessions offered, highlighted by our opening and closing keynotes. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Lynn Anderson, CTRS and Distinguished Service Professor at SUNY Cortland. who will impart her innovative research and expertise on the strengths- based approach to service provision in therapeutic recreation. Todd Nicholson, five-time Paralympian and Canada’s Chef de Mission at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games and his wife Emily Glossop, Recreation Therapist and Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team guide skier, will also share their inspiring stories of resilience and how to find gratitude and joy despite adversity. In addition to these renowned professionals, the diverse sessions and many conference activities available are sure to rekindle and re-energize us and our passion for our profession.
We look forward to welcoming all participants to this stimulating event! As is tradition with all CTRA conferences, we hope that you will rekindle friendships and continue to build networks while learning about therapeutic recreation research and practices across the country and on an international level. Of course, it wouldn’t be a CTRA conference if you didn’t allow yourself a little fun at the same time!
Merci beaucoup! Thank you all!
See you soon, à bientôt!
Erica Botner and Magdalena Blaise