Executive
2025-2026: Executive
President: Gillian Batten, MHS, B. Rec, CTRS
Gillian Batten has a Bachelor of Recreation with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation from Memorial University and achieved her Certified Recreation Specialist designation in May 2013. In 2020, she completed a Master’s in Health Studies at Athabasca University. Gillian is currently pursuing a PhD in the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation at Memorial University, where her research focuses on advancing the field of Therapeutic Recreation. Gillian works as an instructor within the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation at Memorial University and worked as a Recreation Development Specialist in NLHS for 10 years. Throughout her career, Gillian has gained extensive experience across various sites and service areas. As a mother to a three-year-old and a five-year-old, she maintains a busy schedule while continuing to contribute meaningfully to education, research, and professional practice. Gillian is excited to serve as President of the NLTRA Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term. She is looking forward to the future, having previously held several positions, including Website Coordinator, Eastern VP and most recently President-Elect.
President Elect: Charlene Edwards, MHS, B. Rec, CTRS
Charlene has 25 years working in Therapeutic Recreation in ON, AB and NL. She graduated from CNA Community Recreation Leadership program, Memorial University with BA, Rec and most recently completed Masters Degree in Human Kinetics and Recreation. Charlene currently is practicing as a Recreation Therapist and Clinical Lead for Inpatient Mental Health and Addictions. In her free time, Charlene enjoys spending time with family, learning and walking her boys Bentley & Bear.
Eastern VP: Charlotte Tilley B. Rec, CTRS
Charlotte is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and Recreation Development Specialist with NL Health Services, working in Long Term Care at Glenbrook Lodge in St. John’s. She earned her Bachelor of Recreation with a focus in Therapeutic Recreation from Memorial University in 2022. In her free time, Charlotte enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors with her partner Phil, whether along coastal trails, in the woods, or simply appreciating the beauty of nature. She looks forward to contributing to the NLTRA Board of Directors.
Central VP: Claire Hatcher B. Rec, CTRS
Claire Hatcher is a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Recreation program at Memorial University and received her Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in May 2025. Claire discovered Therapeutic Recreation through her experience volunteering for two years as a Coach with Special Olympics Canada and while working for two years as an Inclusion Counsellor with the City of St. John’s. She then worked for the last three years in a summer camp in Quebec and supported youth in learning French language and culture through recreational programming. Claire completed her TR Internship in the Fall of 2024 on the Forensics Unit at the Waterford Hospital. She now begins her pursuit of working in the field of TR and recently began working as the Recreation Development Specialist at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre and Hope Valley Youth Treatment Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor. In her free time, Claire enjoys singing, playing volleyball, creating diamond paintings, and spending time with family and friends.
Western VP: Amethyst Pritchett, B. Rec, CTRS
Amethyst is a Recreation Development Specialist with NL Health Services at Corner Brook Long Term Care. Amethyst grew up In Corner Brook and has recently returned to the West Coast after completing a Bachelor of Recreation with a focus in Therapeutic Recreation from Memorial University. She has been recognized as a CTRS by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) as of August 2023. In the past Amethyst has worked in community recreation with youth and children’s programs. Amethyst is excited to serve a second term as Western VP and continue to represent her zone! In her free time, Amethyst enjoys swimming, kayaking, camping, reading, and spending time with her dog.
Labrador VP: Jeffrey Anderson, RDS
Jeffrey Anderson is working as a Recreation Development Specialist with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Receiving his diploma of Community Recreation Leadership, through the College of the North Atlantic in 2020. Jeff then continued to Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, before moving to the big land. Jeffrey is happy to be back with the NLTRA for his 7th year on the board, serving as student VP before moving to Labrador. Jeff grew up in Rocky Harbour on the West coast of Newfoundland. He is a big sports fan, playing hockey, and softball throughout the year. Jeff is loving his time in Goose Bay with his fiancé Rebecca, his 1 year old Max and 2 Labrador retrievers, Juniper and Stella.
Treasurer: Laura King, B.Rec, CTRS
Laura King is currently teaching at The College of the North Atlantic as an instructor with the Community and Therapeutic Recreation program. She completed her diploma in Community Recreation Leadership and then continued to complete her degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Dalhousie University. She has been recognized as a CTRS from the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) since May 2013. In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters along with family and friends.
Secretary: Danielle Broomfield, B. Rec, CTRS
My name is Danielle Broomfield, and I’ve been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) since 2017. I began my career with an internship at a detox centre in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, before moving to Calgary, Alberta, where I worked as a Recreation Therapy Aide and later advanced to Recreation Therapist and Director of Recreation in long-term care. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with geriatric and mental health populations, experiences that have deeply shaped my approach to therapeutic recreation. After several rewarding years away, I’ve returned home to Newfoundland to share the knowledge and experience I gained across Canada. I am currently a Recreation Development Specialist with NLHS, where I am passionate about enhancing quality of life through meaningful recreation and leisure. I truly believe therapeutic recreation is more than a profession—it’s a calling—and I am committed to advocating for and promoting the TR profession throughout our province.
Membership Coordinator: Emily Gatehouse, B. Rec, CTRS
Emily Gatehouse works for NL Health Services and is currently on maternity leave. With a background and previous career in Architectural Technology, Emily decided to return to post-secondary to pursue a career in a helping profession which is how she discovered her passion for Recreation Therapy. She graduated from Memorial University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics and Recreation Co-operative with a focus in Therapeutic Recreation. Emily maintains her CTRS designation with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. She is completing her third year as the Membership Coordinator and has previously volunteered with the NLTRA on the advocacy, fundraising, and membership and marketing subcommittees. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter as well as with friends and family.
Communication Coordinator: Cathy Spicer, RTW II
Cathy Spicer is a Recreation Therapy Worker with NL Health Services, based in St. John’s, NL. She currently works on the Geriatric Psychiatry Unit and at the new Mental Health and Addictions Centre. Cathy completed her diploma in Therapeutic Recreation at Academy Canada in 2021 and is now pursuing further education at the University of Lethbridge to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She’s excited to be part of the NLTRA Board and passionate about promoting the value of recreation therapy across settings. Throughout her education and career, Cathy has gained experience in Long Term Care, Summer Inclusion Programs, Inpatient and Community Mental Health and Addictions, and Child Life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing softball and volleyball, and is always up for an adventure.
Conference Coordinator: Krista Doyle, B. Rec, CTRS
Krista Doyle holds a Bachelor of Recreation with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation from Memorial University and achieved her Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) designation in April 2013. She currently works as a permanent Recreation Development Specialist with NL Health Services at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, within the Acute Care Surgery Program. With over a decade of experience within Long Term Care, Mental Health and Addictions, Acute Care and Neurology; Krista’s diverse background has shaped her belief in the power of recreation as a tool for healing, connection, and enhancing quality of life. Outside of work, Krista enjoys spending quality time with her puppy and step-puppies, heading out on camping and hiking adventures, or taking a scenic drive with a good coffee and a true crime podcast. Krista is proud to be serving her first term on the NLTRA Board and is excited to support the continued growth and recognition of Therapeutic Recreation across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Education Coordinator: Tara Butler B. Rec, CTRS
Tara Butler is a Recreation Development Specialist with NL Health Services at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, currently working on the newly opened Acute Care for the Elderly unit. Since earning her Bachelor of Recreation from Memorial University in 2012 and achieving Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) status through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Tara has gained extensive experience across various healthcare settings. Her background includes roles in mental health and addictions, outpatient pediatrics, and now acute care for older adults. In addition to her professional work, Tara is a busy mother to two young children and has recently embarked on a Master’s in Population Public Health. She has previously served on the NLTRA board in several roles, including Eastern VP, Membership Coordinator, and Secretary. Tara is excited to return to the board and continue supporting the advancement of the profession.
Student VP: Corrigan Gurney
Corrigan Gurney is a full time student enrolled in the therapeutic recreation program at CNA. Originally from Alberta, Corrigan has just moved to St. John’s to pursue a career in recreational therapy after travelling around the world for 7 years. During which time he worked as an outdoor educator in the Scottish highlands where he discovered a passion for recreational and the outdoors.