Colleen Whyte, PhD

Associate Professor

colleen whyte

Office: STH 342
905 688 5550 x3124
[email protected]

MAG

My research program focuses on aging within Canadian society, and the contributions of recreation and leisure to quality of living for older adults. I am particularly interested in examining the experiences of older adults within long-term care (LTC) homes, understanding the meanings and contributions of leisure for older adults’ well-being, and working to foster a cultural shift away from societal discrimination based on age. I have been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (C.T.R.S) since 2000, and was previously employed as a Recreation Therapist working in out-patient rehabilitation, in-patient mental health, and geriatric services within the Ontario health-care system.

Research Interests

  • Leisure and well-being for older adults
  • Intergenerational engagement and programming
  • Therapeutic recreation and its contribution to person-centred practices in long-term care homes
  • Therapeutic recreation education

Professional affiliations and accreditation/certification

Affiliations

  • Member, Canadian Association for Leisure Studies
  • Member, Centre of Excellence in Inclusive and Adaptive Physical Activity, Brock University

Certification

  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification

Publications

Gardner, P., Ryder, J., Whyte, C., & Restivo, N. (2025). The Mobility Makeover: Exploring the interest, need, and feasibility of a mobility aid personalization program in LTC. Journal of Long-Term Care, 2025, 208-217.

Genoe, M.R., Fortune, D., & Whyte, C. (2025). Reflections on multimodality: Making the most of kairotic moments. Gateways: International Journal of Community Research and Engagement, 18, 1-15.

Kestle, B. & Whyte, C. (2024). Putting your soul on paper: Understanding the meaning of a community-based art therapy program after a diagnosis of dementia. Canadian Journal of Art Therapy, 37, 170-183.

Johnstone, J., & Whyte, C. (2024). A narrative inquiry into professional quality of life among therapeutic recreation practitioners working in long-term care homes. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 58, 80-95.

Teaching

  • Advanced Methods in Therapeutic Recreation I (RECL 4P12)
  • Advanced Methods in Therapeutic Recreation II (RECL 4P22)
  • Internship in Therapeutic Recreation (RECL 4F02)
  • Seminars and Professional Development in Gerontology (GERO 5N97 and GERO 5N98)

Research Grants

  • Whyte, C. (2021 – 2024). Looking back to look forward: Designing meaningful capstone experiences in therapeutic recreation. Chancellor’s Chair for Teaching Excellence, Brock University.
  • Whyte, C. (PI), Fortune, D., & Genoe, M.R. (Co-applicants). (2016). Exploring the meaning of deep and sustained friendships for people with dementia. SSHRC Insight Development Grant.

Graduate Student Opportunities

Available to supervise students interested in graduate research in the areas of leisure, aging and well-being beginning September 2027, following a sabbatical. Please reach out to arrange an introductory meeting.

Undergraduate Student Opportunities

RECL 3P00 (Directed Readings): topic to be chosen in consultation with faculty member
RECL 4P00 (Advanced Topics in Recreation and Leisure): directed study in a concentrated area
RECL 4F27 (Honours Research Project): research project carried out under the direction of a faculty member

Available to supervise students interested in graduate research in the areas of leisure, aging and well-being beginning September 2027, following a sabbatical. Please reach out to arrange an introductory meeting.