BCTRA Research Night
Wednesday February 7, 2024 6:30-8pm

Pre-approved for .15 CEU’s

Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEldO-rrT4iH9NGX-1Iw_BuP-j7fVo-lFbY

Student Presenters
Michelle Addison (she/her)
The Impact of Adult Day Programs: A Caregiver Perspective
Summary: Informal caregivers play a vital role in the lives of individuals with dementia still living at
home. There is sufficient research on the potential harmful impacts of caregiving regarding the health,
quality of life, and overall well-being of informal caregivers. Adult Day Programs are available to ease
these impacts, however, research investigating the relationship between this service and informal
caregiver’s well-being is noticeably limited. Thus, the purpose of this study was to gain more knowledge
and insight on this topic.

Esther Mandono (she/her)
The Lens of a BIPOC Professional in the TR Field
Summary: The research question for this study was: What is the lived experience of BIPOC
professionals in the TR field? This study explored what the TR field looks like for BIPOC professionals
to share their experiences and encourage fellow colleagues and the general public.

Asaki Bergeron (she/her)
Adaptive Sports and The Quality of Life of People Living with Physical Disabilities
Summary: In comparison to able-bodied individuals, people living with disabilities lack the opportunities
and accessibility of sports that accommodate their subjective needs. Even when opportunities are
presented, many participants lack the experience of quality participation. As a result, they experience
far lower rates of physical activity which results in serious medical disparities, such as obesity or
premature mortality. Moreover, the segregation of people living with disabilities within sports settings
promotes feelings of isolation and loneliness. This study aimed to understand the lived experience of
people living with physical disabilities and the impact adaptive sports participation had on their quality of
life.

Claudia Mijares (she/her/they/them)
Your Voice Matters: Understanding the Effects of Adult Day Services from the Perspective of
Clients
Summary: Community-based health initiatives are paramount in providing person-centred care and
empowering individuals to maintain control over their health. This research explores the role adult day
services (ADS) can play in supporting the holistic health of older adults. Clients shared their
experiences with attending an ADS and how this has influenced their social, physical, emotional, and
cognitive health.

Uyen Huynh (she/her) and Erin Petrik (she/her)
Title: Navigating Professional Boundaries – Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Perspective
Summary: Boundaries play a vital role in enabling practitioners to maintain professionalism while
fostering a strong therapeutic alliance with their clients. Navigating the subtle nuances between these
two relationships can be a challenging process, for both novice practitioners and those with years of
experience, who may still encounter unique circumstances within our profession. The aim of this study
was to explore and understand the diverse experiences gained by TRP when navigating the
complexities of professional boundary setting.