Therapeutic Recreation Month - Meet Aleksandra
1. What is your name and what do you do at Green Acres Foundation?
My name is Aleksandra, and I work as a recreational therapist.
2. How long have you worked at Green Acres?
I have worked at Green Acres for three years. I first started as a student during my first practicum placement. After building strong connections with residents, I decided to continue working casually.
3. What do you love most about your job? Could you describe a little?
There are so many things about my job that I love. A few that truly stand out for me are:
Seeing residents smile and feel genuinely valued.
Helping them take part in activities they never thought they could do again.
Supporting their sense of choice, control, and independence.
Creating a safe, welcoming space where residents feel comfortable expressing themselves and building meaningful connections.
Watching clients reconnect with hobbies and interests they once loved but thought was lost to them.
Hearing their life stories and learning how their experiences shaped who they are today, as well as appreciating each person’s unique values and strengths.
Incorporating animal visits has allowed me to build meaningful connections with residents who may not feel comfortable attending larger group programs. It has also shown me the powerful bond between people and animals, and how these interactions can help residents feel a sense of belonging, comfort, and safety.
4. Since February is Recreation Therapy Month, is there anything you would like to share or add to the conversation?
The more I learned about therapeutic recreation in school, the more I realized how important it is for everyone, especially seniors. Sometimes, seniors lose control over parts of their lives, and small things we take for granted are taken away, such as going to the store or choosing what time to shower. They can also lose the ability to be able to go for a walk or pick out what outfit they want to wear that day. Through recreational therapy, we can tailor programs to ensure residents maintain as much choice and autonomy as possible. For example, we ask residents for input on future activities. Other times, it can be as simple as letting them decide whether they want a waffle cone or a bowl for their ice cream.
Sometimes doing a small act or spending an extra five minutes with a client reminds me how meaningful that moment is for them. That’s when I’m reminded that what I do truly matters and makes a difference in their lives.