Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Brenna Mac Donald

Annapolis Valley,NS

Summary

Highly adaptable team leader experienced in designing and implementing therapeutic recreation programs for diverse populations community & health care settings. Proven ability to assess client needs, create individualized treatment plans, and facilitate engaging programs that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Recreation Therapy Associate

Nova Scotia Health Authority
10.2014 - Current
  • Accept patient referrals, create leisure screens & chart patient participation/progress
  • Plan, implement & evaluate a variety of recreation therapy programs in a health care setting
  • Document attendance stats for community clients & inpatient referrals
  • Developed, facilitated & evaluated Aging Well sessions for individuals living in community, focused on healthy eating, staying active, social connection & positive mental health practices
  • Lead coordinator of the Afternoon Out Program in both Kings & Annapolis County
  • Develop strong partnerships with Allied Health professionals & community organizations

Regional Coordinator

Community Links
01.2016 - 01.2023
  • Coordinate & support the regional implementation of Aging Well Initiatives
  • Develop written reports including activity logs & outcome data
  • Develop partnerships across several communities & manage Aging Well Together Coalitions across five counties
  • Facilitate & evaluate various workshops & presentation on a variety of Aging well topics
  • Played an instrumental role in achieving company-wide objectives through effective leadership of regional teams and projects.

Therapeutic Assistant

Nova Scotia Health Authority
08.2014 - 07.2016
  • Provide therapeutic based interventions to a wide variety of patients
  • Document observations, behavior & response to interventions
  • Maintained strict confidentiality regarding all sensitive information pertaining to patients'' medical histories, treatment plans, or personal situations.
  • Implement treatment plans outlined by the CTRS

Education

Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation

University of Lethbridge
Lethbridge, AB
12.2024

Skills

Assessment skills: Ability to evaluate clients’ physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual & social needs to develop tailored treatment plans

Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with clients, families, and other healthcare professionals

Creativity: Designing engaging and appropriate recreation programs & interventions that meet clients' interests and therapeutic goals

Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport and trust with clients to encourage participation and promote a supportive environment

Problem-Solving Skills: Quickly addressing challenges that arise during activities or sessions, adapting plans as necessary

Organizational Skills: Planning and organizing programs, managing schedules, and maintaining documentation efficiently

Knowledge of Therapeutic Techniques: Understanding various therapeutic modalities and how they can be applied through recreation Trained in Acceptance & commitment Therapy (ACT) & Motivational Interviewing

Empathy and Compassion: Recognizing and responding to clients’ emotional needs, fostering a caring and understanding atmosphere

Teamwork: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, including therapists, nurses, and educators, to ensure comprehensive care

Cultural Competence: Being sensitive to and respectful of clients' diverse backgrounds and tailoring approaches accordingly

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual

Certification

Non- Violent Crisis Intervention

WHMIS & OHS

Suicide Intervention

First Aid & CPR

Senior Fitness Instructor

Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) Certification

Teepa Snow Positive Approach Training

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) training

Motivational Interviewing training

Timeline

Regional Coordinator

Community Links
01.2016 - 01.2023

Recreation Therapy Associate

Nova Scotia Health Authority
10.2014 - Current

Therapeutic Assistant

Nova Scotia Health Authority
08.2014 - 07.2016

Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation

University of Lethbridge
Brenna Mac Donald