Executive – NLTRA

2024-2025: Executive

President: Jonathan Barrow, B. Rec, CTRS

Jonathan is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and is currently working as a Recreation Development Specialist in the Geriatric Psychiatry Discharge Liaison Position (GP DLP) based out of the Waterford Hospital in St. John’s, NL. He completed a Bachelor’s of Recreation degree (Co-op) with a focus in Therapeutic Recreation from Memorial University in 2016. He has been recognized as a CTRS by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) since 2016. During his 8+ years with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, Jonathan has had experience in Mental Health and Addictions, Long Term Care and Inpatient Acute Care. Jonathan is currently serving as President of NLTRA, but previously sat on the board occupying the Eastern VP and President roles since 2016.

President Elect: 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 and currently holds a permanent position as a Recreation Development Specialist in the Mental Health and Addictions program at NL Health Services. Throughout her career, Gillian has gained experience at various sites. Most recently, she accepted a three-year teaching contract at Memorial University within the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation. Being a mother of a four-year-old and a two-year-old, in addition to being a stepmother to a 17-year-old, keeps her schedule very busy. Gillian is excited to be rejoining the NLTRA Board of Directors as President-Elect and is looking forward to the future, having previously held various positions, including Website Coordinator and President.

Eastern VP: Nicole Gushue, B. Rec, CTRS

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: Cathy Spicer, RTW II

Cathy is a Recreation Therapy Worker with NL Health Services, currently based in St. John’s, NL, where she works in City Hospitals. Cathy completed her diploma program in 2021 at Academy Canada and is now furthering her education at the University of Lethbridge to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Cathy is excited to join the NLTRA board. Throughout her education and career, Cathy has gained experience in Long Term Care, Summer Inclusion Programs, Inpatient and Community Mental Health and Addictions programs, 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.

Western VP: Amethyst Pritchett, B. Rec, CTRS

Amethyst is a Recreation Therapy Worker with NL Health Services at Western Long Term Care in Corner Brook. 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 also a national lifeguard with 6+ years of experience as a swim instructor. In her free time, Amethyst enjoys swimming, kayaking, camping, reading, and spending time with her dog.

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: Holly Drake, B. Rec, CTRS

Holly Drake is a Recreation Development Specialist working with NL Health Services at Blue Crest Homes and US Memorial Health Care Centre in Long Term Care. She has completed her diploma in Community Recreation Leadership and has also completed her Bachelor of Recreation with a focus in Therapeutic Studies from Memorial University. She has been recognized as a CTRS by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) since 2019. In the past, Holly has worked as a Recreation Therapy Worker in LTC, a Recreation Therapist with the Inclusion Department with the City of St. John’s, and as a Community Inclusion Coordinator at the Autism Society NL. She is currently a Board Member and Secretary in Newfoundland and Labrador Therapeutic Recreation Association. In the past, she has served as Student Vice President and as Membership Coordinator. She has also served on the conference planning subcommittee. Holly grew up in Bonavista, NL but now resides in Grand Bank, NL with her husband, their two cats (Batman & Ace) and their dog, Dewie. For her own leisure, she enjoys reading, yoga, walking/hiking, painting, and spending time with friends & family.

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.

Education & Conference Coordinator: 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.

Labrador VP: Jeffrey Anderson, RDS

Jeffrey Anderson is working as a Recreation Development Specialist with Labrador-Grenfell Health, 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 5^th year on the board, serving as student VP before moving to Labrador. Jeff grew up in Rocky Harbour on the West coast of Newfoundland, in Gros Morne National Park where he enjoys hiking, and kayaking back home. He is a big sports fan, playing hockey, softball and ball hockey throughout the year and sits on the board as the Referee-in-Chief for the local minor hockey association. Jeff is loving his time in Goose Bay with his fiancé Rebecca and 2 Labrador retrievers, Juniper and Stella.

Student VP: Julia Ridgeley

Julia Ridgeley holds a BA with a double major in English and Religious Studies and is currently a second-year student in the Community and Therapeutic Recreation program at the College of the North Atlantic. With experience in para sports, Julia is dedicated to supporting individuals of all ability levels, including those facing health challenges. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, volunteering, and playing with her three cats and two dogs, as well as spending quality time with her family. Julia is passionate about promoting inclusivity and wellness in her community.