Associate Professor
My research explores how recreation and leisure can enrich the lives of older adults and support healthy aging within Canadian society. I am particularly interested in the lived experiences of older adults in long-term care (LTC), the meaningful role of leisure in promoting well-being, and advancing research and practice that challenge ageism and foster more inclusive perspectives on aging. Before entering academia, I worked as a Recreation Therapist across outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient mental health, and aging services within Ontario’s healthcare system. These experiences continue to shape my research, grounding it in the realities of practice and a commitment to improving quality of life for older adults. I have been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (C.T.R.S.) since 2000.
- 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
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
Chancellor’s Chair for Teaching Excellence, Brock University (2021 – 2024)
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 (RECL 4P12)
- Internship in Therapeutic Recreation (RECL 4F02)
- Seminars and Professional Development in Gerontology (GERO 5N97 and GERO 5N98)
Service
- Graduate Studies Academic Accommodations Working Group, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
- Brock Leaders Citizenship Society (BLCS) Award Committee, Student Life
- External Relations and Communications Committee, Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Purposeful Living Movement in LTC Steering Committee, Niagara Region
- TR Provincial Educator’s Steering Committee, Therapeutic Recreation Ontario
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.
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.
