Executive
2022-2023: Executive
President: Erica Egedy, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Central Health
Erica is the Recreation Development Specialist with the Central Health Home First Initiative. She has worked with Central Health for over 10 years. She worked as a Recreation Therapy Worker II for 7 years and has been in the Recreation Specialist role for 4 years. She enjoys playing volleyball, walking and watching her son play hockey. She enjoys her volunteer positions very much as it is a great way for her to stay connected within the community. Over the years, Erica has held a number of positions with the NLTRA which include; Central VP, Membership Coordinator, President-Elect and now President. She is looking forward to working hard to advocate for TR within the province and with the support of the NLTRA membership she is sure together everyone will be able to do great things.
President Elect: Vacant
Eastern VP: Nicole Gushue, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Eastern Health
Nicole is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with 10 years’ experience within Eastern Health, she enrolled in the Community Recreation Leadership Diploma Program at College of the North Atlantic and continued her education to complete the Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation at Dalhousie University and graduated in 2011, and has maintained her CTRS designation since 2012. Nicole has worked in a variety of settings as a Recreation Therapist including, Mental Health and Addictions, Rehabilitation and Pediatric Care. Currently, she is working as a Recreation Therapist with Outpatient Mental Health and Addictions, supporting adults in the community setting. In the past, Nicole has volunteered sitting on the NLTRA Board of Directors as Eastern VP, and now holds this position again, along with Chairing the Professional Regulation Sub-committee. During her leisure time Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing soccer and being in nature.
Website Coordinator: Kyle Smook, Recreation Development Specialist, Central Health
Kyle is a Recreation Development Specialist with Central Health in Botwood. Kyle received his Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation from Academy Canada in 2016 and has completed his Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation degree from the University of Lethbridge. He completed his CTRS internship with Erica Egedy with the Central Health Home First Initiative. Kyle has been a member of the NLTRA Board of Directors since 2018 and co-chairs the Education & Conference Subcommittee. Kyle is also a proud new Father and volunteer firefighter and enjoys being involved in his community.
Western VP: Vacant
Treasurer: Cara Snow, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Eastern Health
Cara is a CTRS working as the Recreation Development Specialist at the S.A. Glenbrook Lodge, a long-term care facility in St. John’s. She has completed a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation with a focus in Therapeutic Recreation from Memorial University in 2019. She has been recognized as a CTRS by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) since 2019. Cara has been a member of the NLTRA Board of Directors since 2018 in positions such as Student VP and Treasurer. In her free time, Cara enjoys catching up with friends, cuddling with her dog, and spending time outdoors hiking, fishing, and hunting.
Secretary: Josephine Vasanthan, Recreation Therapy Worker, Eastern Health
Josephine Vasanthan is a Recreation Therapy worker, working with Eastern Health at Agnes Pratt Long Term Care. Her initial career was a medical doctor specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, and worked in Sri Lanka, UK, and Ireland. She moved to Newfoundland with her husband and two children in late 1990s. She received her Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation from Academic Canada in 2016. She is currently a Board Member and Secretary in Newfoundland and Labrador Therapeutic Recreation Association. She also served in the Education and Conference sub committee. She is also a board member at Multi Cultural Women Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador and currently serving as a Chair of Financial Committee. Josephine is also a yoga teacher teaching yoga on a volunteer basis. She is certified by Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation as a Brain Longevity Specialist. Her special interests are Holistic lifestyle promotion, Brain Longevity promotion, yoga retreat, and enjoy the nature. Her motto is “I slept, and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy” by Mother Theresa.
Membership Coordinator: Emily Gatehouse
Bio coming soon.
Education & Conference Coordinator: Mackenzie Kirby
Mackenzie completed a diploma in Community Recreation Leadership, through the College of the North Atlantic in 2020. She currently works as the Recreation Director at Winslowe Ridge Retirement Living in St. John’s. Having worked as a PCA prior to moving into the field of recreation, she has over 5 years experience working in geriatrics. She is the head chair of the Kirby Retirement Living Recreation Committee, connecting recreation workers who work for the Kirby Group across Atlantic Canada. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her two dogs and fiancé and she has a strong passion for travelling.
Labrador VP: Jeffrey Anderson, Recreation Therapy Worker, Labrador-Grenfell Health.
Jeffrey Anderson is a Recreation Therapy worker with Labrador-Grenfell Health. Receiving his diploma of Community Recreation Leadership, through the College of the North Atlantic in 2020. Jeff then continued on to Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador where he is completing his recreation degree. Jeff grew up in Rocky Harbour on the West coast of Newfoundland, in Gros Morne National Park. Jeffrey enjoys hiking, and kayaking back home. He is a National lifeguard with 5+ years of coaching the local swim team. He is a big hockey fan and played all up through school. Jeff is an advocate for leadership among youth and young adults. This is Jeffrey’s first year on the NLTRA board of directors, and he is very excited to get started!
Central VP: Holly Dunphy, Central Health
Holly Dunphy is a Recreation Therapy worker who previously worked at North Haven Manor. She completed her diploma at College of the North Atlantic in Community Recreation Leadership. She continued to get her training for Peer Support with Lifewise and is currently working as a Peer Supporter with the FACT Team in Gander. Holly grew up in Bishops Falls, Central Newfoundland and enjoys outdoor activities and sending quality time with friends and family. This will be Hollys first year on the NLTRA board of directors, and she is looking forward to get started!
Student VP: Katlyn Winters, Academy Canada
Bio coming soon.