Dhivya Balaji

Experienced and compassionate healthcare professional with over five years of experience in physiotherapy and current training in recreation therapy. Skilled in assisting with therapist-led treatment plans, exercise support, mobility training, and patient education. Strong in documentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and delivering person-centered care across clinical and community settings.

• Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus)
• CAMH certifications on Depression, Anxiety, Mental health, Substance Abuse
• Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR)
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
• Standard First Aid (SFA), Redcross
• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) level C, Redcross
• Concussion Awareness training tool (CATT)
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Niagara College
• Hearing Voices Simulation – Psychiatric Disability, Niagara College

• DEIB Member Volunteer (Co-Chair) - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee, Ottawa Nov 2024 - till date
• Student Volunteer Adapt Expo 2025 (OIPSE), Ottawa 30th May 2025
• Class Representative of Therapeutic Recreation Program, Algonquin College Sep 2024–April 2025
• Student Orientation Guide - Niagara College, Welland, Ontario 8th Jan 2024

• Created the “Get to Know Me,” “All About Me,” and “Participant Progress Tracker” frameworks during placement at Roger Neilson Hospice Care (RNCH), which supported individualized and person-centered recreation programming.
• Facilitated diverse individual and group activities at RNCH including flower crafts, leaf bookmark making, pony bead patterns, scavenger hunts, cowboy hat painting, playdough, and horseshoe painting.
• Authored reflective and creative articles for the Belly Laughs Monthly newsletter at RNCH, receiving positive feedback from staff and families.
• Provided calm and reassuring support to children during seizure episodes, ensuring safety and emotional comfort.
• Served as a cabin buddy at the Young Grievers Camp, offering emotional support and care, with campers affectionately calling her “mom” for her nurturing presence.
• As a physiotherapist in India, educated clients about the purpose of their treatments to build awareness and improve outcomes.
• Participated in hospital-led community camps to raise awareness about physiotherapy and its benefits to the public.
• Collaborated with doctors in post-surgical rehabilitation settings, aligning therapy with evidence-based approaches.
• As class representative, successfully communicated student concerns to faculty and department leadership, leading to a positive resolution.
• Contributed actively to the DEIB committee by sourcing community resources, supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion, and engaging new members.
• Appointed as upcoming Co-Chair of the DEIB Committee in recognition of consistent leadership, initiative, and inclusive efforts.

• Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) – Member, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Committee (Dec 2024 – Present)
• Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) – Incoming Co-Chair, DEIB Committee (Effective Sept 2025)
• Algonquin College – Therapeutic Recreation Program – Class Representative (Sept 2024 – April 2025)