Myriam Karnas
Calgary,AB
Summary
Seasoned Recreation Therapist with comprehensive understanding of therapeutic recreation principles and practices. Possess key strengths in developing innovative therapy programs to improve patient's physical, social and emotional well-being. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient care. Proven track record of success in enhancing quality of life for diverse populations across varying healthcare settings.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Recreation Director
Manor Village Life Centers
Calgary, Alberta
01.2023 - Current
- Created and established the position of Regional Recreation Director from a proposal, developing the role and its responsibilities from the ground up
- Supervise and manage a team of recreation staff and drivers
- Recruit, train, and develop staff through workshops and ongoing education
- Creation of SIB, a platform called 'Seeing is Believing' which includes online and TV content to keep residents and families engaged and connected
- Develop and distribute company-wide newsletters and calendars
- Manage social media presence and liaise with Lifestyle Marketing Professionals, Recreation Directors/ Coordinators, Executive Directors, Food Services and 3rd party connections
- Act as a liaison to the Board of Directors
- Point of Contact for Social Media Partnerships with Third-Party Vendor
- Expanded and streamlined Recreation processes
Recreation Director
Manor Village Life Centers
Calgary, Alberta
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Manage staff and volunteer activities which include interviewing, hiring, training, assigning tasks, and reviewing performance
- Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with a diverse group of individuals
- Responsible for all financial activities including preparing budgeting, cheque requests for entertainment, petty cash, purchasing equipment and supplies, and preparing financial statements
- Excelled in managing a heavy workload in a fast paced, deadline driven environment through proficient time management and multi-tasking abilities
- Created and managed in-services for staff in all departments
- Developed and coordinated daily activities
- Expanded animal assisted interventions
Recreation Coordinator
Manor Village Life Centers
Calgary, Alberta
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Initiated and developed a volunteer database, recruitment, and training program
- Increased volunteer program
- Remodeled attendance tracking program
- Developed and facilitated daily activities
Activity Assistant
St. Therese Villa
Lethbridge, Alberta
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Provided efficient and courteous service in a dynamic environment
- Developed and facilitated daily recreational activities for residents
Addiction and Mental Health Recovery Worker
AHS
Raymond, Alberta
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Designed and facilitated daily activities to support seniors facing personal and psychological challenges
- Gained hands-on experience in mental health and addiction recovery programming
Flight Attendant
WestJet Encore
Calgary, Alberta
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Pre-Flight: Conduct safety briefings, inspect equipment, welcome passengers
- Safety: Demonstrate protocols, perform regular checks, monitor compliance
- Service: Attend to passenger needs, serve food and beverages, assist with seating
- Emergency: Provide first aid, manage crises, assist in evacuations
- Communication: Relay updates to passengers, report incidents post-flight
- Post-Flight: Secure cabin, complete reports, and log maintenance needs
Therapy Assistant
AHS
Lethbridge, Alberta
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Provided community-based therapy with a focus on one-on-one, person-centered approaches
- Supported clients through personalized interventions to promote their well-being and recovery
Recreational Therapist/Volunteer Coordinator
Bow View Manor
Calgary, Alberta
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Expanded volunteer program
- Developed, facilitated, and coordinated daily activities
- Assisted in the development and implementation of therapeutic plans tailored to individual needs
Recreational Therapist
Bethany Care Society
Didsbury, Alberta
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Gained knowledge and hands-on experience with volunteer programs
Behavioural Aide
FSCD
Calgary, Alberta
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Supported children with psychological and developmental challenges
- Assisted speech therapists in providing therapeutic interventions
Tutor
Ecole LaVerendrye
Lethbridge, Alberta
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Assisted children before and after school with schoolwork
- Developed and facilitated activities
Recreation Aide
Bethany Care Society
Calgary, Alberta
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Assisted Recreation Therapist
- Facilitated daily activities
Recreation Aide
Raymond Hospital
Raymond, Alberta
01.2011 - 12.2011
- Assisted with the organization of recreational activities and events.
- Supported residents by engaging each in fun, beneficial activities.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of recreational facilities and equipment.
- Provided support to individuals with disabilities who require additional assistance when participating in recreation programs.
Education
Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation -
Lethbridge University
Lethbridge, Alberta01.2022
Recreation Therapy Diploma -
Lethbridge College
Lethbridge, Alberta01.2014
Skills
- Recreation management
- Budget preparation
- Staff recruitment
- Team training
- Event coordination
- Volunteer program development
- Social media management
- Needs assessment
- Conflict resolution
- Wellness promotion
- Time management
Certification
- Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association Membership
- Red Cross CPR - Level C Recertification
- Red Cross Standard First Aid
- Class 4 Driver's License
- Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association - Older Adult Specialization
Volunteer Experience
Recreation Aide, Raymond Hospital, Raymond, Alberta, 01/01/11
References
Upon request
Languages
- English
- French
Practicum Experience
- Practicum, Covenant Health, Lethbridge, Alberta, 01/01/13
- Practicum, Beverly Centre Lake Midnapore, Calgary, Alberta, 01/01/14
- Practicum, Age Care, Skypoint, Calgary, Alberta, 01/01/22
Timeline
Regional Recreation Director
Manor Village Life Centers
01.2023 - Current
Recreation Director
Manor Village Life Centers
01.2021 - 01.2023
Recreation Coordinator
Manor Village Life Centers
01.2019 - 01.2021
Activity Assistant
St. Therese Villa
01.2018 - 01.2019
Addiction and Mental Health Recovery Worker
AHS
01.2018 - 01.2019
Flight Attendant
WestJet Encore
01.2018 - 12.2018
Therapy Assistant
AHS
01.2018 - 12.2018
Recreational Therapist/Volunteer Coordinator
Bow View Manor
01.2016 - 01.2017
Recreational Therapist
Bethany Care Society
01.2015 - 12.2015
Behavioural Aide
FSCD
01.2015 - 12.2015
Tutor
Ecole LaVerendrye
01.2013 - 12.2013
Recreation Aide
Bethany Care Society
01.2013 - 12.2013
Recreation Aide
Raymond Hospital
01.2011 - 12.2011
Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation -
Lethbridge University
Recreation Therapy Diploma -
Lethbridge College
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