Member Awards

Ingrid Parsons Professional Recognition Award

Ingrid Parsons Professional Recognition Award

Established in 1994 as the Professional Recognition Award, this honour was renamed in 1996 to recognize the lasting contributions of Ingrid Parsons. The Ingrid Parsons Professional Recognition Award celebrates outstanding BCTRA members whose work has meaningfully advanced the field of therapeutic recreation and the practice of recreation therapy.

Ingrid Parsons was a respected professional known for her energy, dedication, and commitment to the field. This award reflects the enduring impact of her leadership and service and honours individuals who demonstrate the same spirit of excellence. Ingrid’s legacy continues to inspire members across British Columbia.

This award is intended to recognize contributions such as:

• A significant contribution to the field of therapeutic recreation
• Service in a key leadership position
• Contributions to a specific initiative or project
• A series of meaningful contributions over an extended period

Contributions recognized through this award must support the field of therapeutic recreation and or the practice of recreation therapy. Contributions may occur at any point in an individual’s career.

Nominations must include a summary of the individual’s contributions to the field, along with a letter outlining why the nominee should receive the award. The award is granted based on the merit and impact of the contribution or contributions, rather than as recognition for long term service.

Ingrid Parsons Professional Recognition Award

In honour of your outstanding professionalism, drive and commitment to the field of
therapeutic recreation, the BCTRA Board of Directors and its members hereby present this award to:

Meghan Crosby

Oceanside Recreation Therapy

Volunteer Recognition Award

Established in 1994, the Volunteer Recognition Award honours BCTRA members who have demonstrated meaningful volunteer service to the Association, recreation therapy practice and or the field of therapeutic recreation. This award recognizes individuals who have contributed through one or more of the following roles:

• Elected board member
• Elected committee member of a BCTRA chapter
• Elected provincial or chapter committee member
• Service as a liaison between BCTRA and other professional organizations related to recreation therapy practice and or the field of therapeutic recreation

Any BCTRA member in good standing is eligible for nomination. Nominations must include a summary of the individual’s contributions, along with a statement outlining why the nominee should receive the award.

2025 Volunteer Recognition Award

In recognition of your outstanding dedication, leadership and volunteer service in advancing
the field of therapeutic recreation, the BCTRA Board of Directors and its members hereby present this award to:

Azmina Khimji

Volunteer Lead, BCTRA’s Long-Term Care Environmental Scan

Agency Citation Award

Introduced in 2001, the Agency Citation Award recognizes organizations that have demonstrated excellence in supporting recreation therapy practice and or the field of therapeutic recreation through high quality programs, services, and professional collaboration.

This award is intended to recognize agencies that:

• Formally recognize affiliation with members of BCTRA
• Actively support university or college education through practicum placements, work experience opportunities, presentations, or related activities
• Promote or support research that advances the profession of therapeutic recreation
• Are recognized for exemplary therapeutic recreation programs by clients, boards of directors, and or other professional disciplines

Nominations must include a summary of the services provided by the agency and a statement outlining why the organization should receive the award. The nomination must also describe how the agency has supported recreation therapy practice and or advanced the field of therapeutic recreation.

2025 Agency Citation Award

In recognition of the success of your private practice, Time Well Spent, and the outstanding commitment and leadership demonstrated to advancing the field of therapeutic recreation, the BCTRA Board of Directors and its members hereby present this award to:

Christine Chipman

Time Well Spent Senior Wellness TimeWellSpentBC.com

Rachel Dobek Student Award

The Rachel Dobek Student Award, created in 2001, recognizes BCTRA student members who demonstrate strong academic achievement, commitment to recreation therapy practice and or the field of therapeutic recreation, and clear potential to contribute to the profession through volunteer or work experience.

This award is intended to recognize student members who meet the following criteria:

• • • Have declared a major in recreation, therapeutic recreation, or graduate studies related to therapeutic recreation, or are enrolled in a two year, 60 credit college or university level diploma in therapeutic recreation

    • Are currently enrolled in a university or college program, with third year standing or above in a four year degree program, or second year standing in a two year, 60 credit diploma program

    • Have volunteer and or work experience in recreation therapy practice and or the field of therapeutic recreation

Nominations must include a summary of the nominee’s volunteer and or professional contributions, along with two letters of reference addressing the individual’s potential contributions to recreation therapy practice and or the field of therapeutic recreation. It is preferred that one reference be from a faculty member and one from a practitioner.

The recipient of the Rachel Dobek Student Award is also eligible for the Rachel Dobek Scholarship Fund.

2025 Rachel Dobek Student Award

In honour of demonstrating academic excellence and volunteerism in the field of therapeutic recreation, the BCTRA Board of Directors and its members hereby present this award to:

Jenna Makgill

Douglas College – Degree Student

Lifetime Achievement Award

Created in 2004, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes retiring BCTRA members who have made significant and sustained contributions to the Association and to recreation therapy practice and or the field of therapeutic recreation over the course of their careers.

Members nominated for this award must meet the following criteria:

• Have been a BCTRA member for a minimum of 12 consecutive years
• Have made significant contributions to the Association through volunteer involvement
• Have supported the ongoing growth and development of the Association through activities such as:
• Advocating for the profession through a specific initiative
• Serving in a key leadership role
• Contributing to the continuing education of BCTRA members by presenting at or planning workshops, seminars, or conferences

2025 Lifetime Achievement Award

No Nominations

Lou Gillette Scheffler Mentorship Award

The Lou Gillette Scheffler Mentorship Award, established in 2016, recognizes BCTRA members who demonstrate outstanding mentorship in recreation therapy practice and or the field of therapeutic recreation. Named in honour of Lou Gillette Scheffler, a respected supervisor and mentor whose guidance had a profound impact on students and professionals, this award celebrates individuals who exemplify leadership, support, and commitment to professional development.

This award is intended to recognize members who:

• Guide and empower students and or professionals to meet and exceed established goals
• Support students and or professionals in reaching their full potential
• Cultivate cohesive, supportive, and dynamic teams
• Demonstrate forward thinking leadership as a manager or supervisor and within the field of therapeutic recreation

Nominations must include a summary of the individual’s contributions to recreation therapy practice and or the field of therapeutic recreation, along with a letter outlining why the nominee should receive the award.

2025 Lou Gillette Scheffler Mentorship Award

No Nominations