Lesley Joyce

Having a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Douglas College and being a Certified Recreation Therapist enabled me to pursue and establish my career in recreation initially within a health care setting. For 12 years my focus was working with older adults in retirement living and long-term care. In this capacity, my role included front line recreation program leadership, recreation department management and corporate recreation management where I oversaw the recreation services for over 20 facilities across BC, AB, and QUE.

Making the transition to municipal recreation was seamless as my education and my experience had ignited and supported my strong belief that participation in recreation programs is essential to health promotion and well-being. I have supervised a variety of program areas and currently am in the position of Facility Supervisor for an adult community centre and citywide community services. My Therapeutic Recreation background was pivotal to programming with purpose. This resulted in a development of standardized program outcomes for all community recreation programs in the City. This framework also assisted us with highlighting the work done around adults, older adults and families.

When not working the 9 – 5 shift, my day revolves around my second full time job as a mother to two busy boys who keep me on my toes 24/7. And in the midst of all this I strive to fit in some of my own leisure pursuits of beer-league hockey, sub-par triathlon achievements, and Macramé.