Melissa Hessels

Customer service professional with extensive experience in managing diverse client interactions and de-escalating challenging situations. Demonstrated ability to maintain client satisfaction and retention in high-pressure environments. Currently pursuing advanced education in recreational therapy to enhance support for individuals across various domains. Background in foodservice includes a proven track record of supporting kitchen and wait staff while delivering exceptional hospitality.

• Recreation Therapy Student Placement, Brain Injury Community Re-entry, Niagara, 02/01/25, 04/30/25, Assess clients through ongoing observational assessments, Provide and assist with recreation and social activities, Support participants in achieving their identified goals by assisting them with activities of daily living.
• Recreation Therapy Student Placement, Portal Village - Spring Living, Port Colborne, 09/01/24, 12/31/25, Assist in developing and leading daily programs and activities for residents, Assist other team members in setting up for programs

• Brain Injury Association of Niagara, St Catharines, 01/01/24, 08/31/24, Assisted staff with activities for members., Socializing with members to increase social skills and confidence., Helped members with creative expression during art projects.
• Pathstone Niagara (Project Plaid), Welland, 11/01/23, Promoted the Pop-up shop for Project Plaid by greeting potential clients or family members, informing of services and helped with advocacy., Kept track of inventory and purchase made., Communicated with other volunteers through a logbook and informed the supervisors of any concerns.
• NC TRAC, Niagara College, 09/01/23, 11/30/23, Assisted in set up and tear down of activities planned., Helped promote wellness to other students at Niagara College.

Student Member of Therapeutic Recreation, 09/01/23, Present

• Certified DROM Instructor Membership, DROM Community, 04/01/24
• Dementiability Methods Certificate, Niagara College, Welland, 04/30/24
• Communication Techniques: Connect, Acknowledge and Validate for Dementia Care Certificate, Niagara College, Welland, 03/01/24
• Niagara College Dementia Experience, Niagara College, Welland, 01/01/24
• WHMIS (GHS) Introduction, 09/01/24
• Smart Serve Certificate, Smartserve.ca, 05/01/25

• Jennifer Parker, Program Coordinator, Portal Village, jennifer.parker@springliving.ca
• Tamara Little, Program Coordinator, BIAN, 905-646-2426 ext. 1, tamara@bianniagara.org
• Mike Cartledge, Recreational Therapy Student, 289-214-3296
• Natalie Wilbur, Server, 905-380-7662