Associate Professor
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.
- Advocating for therapeutic recreation and its contribution to person-centred practices
- Promoting intergenerational service learning
- Therapeutic recreation and its contribution to person-centred practices in long-term care homes
- Intergenerational engagement and programming
- Leisure and well-being for older adults
- Member, Canadian Association on Gerontology (2007 – present)
- Member, Canadian Association for Leisure Studies (2008 – present)
Genoe, M.R., Fortune, D. & Whyte, C. (2021). Weathering change: Strategies for maintaining friendship in dementia. Canadian Journal on Aging.
Whyte, C. (2021). Adventures in intergenerational service learning: Friendship, life advice and laughter. Canadian Journal of Aging: doi.org/10.1017/S0714980821000076
Fortune, D., Whyte, C., & Genoe, R. (2020). The interplay between leisure, friendship and dementia. Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice: doi.org/10.1177%2F1471301220980898
- Advanced Methods in Therapeutic Recreation (RECL 4F22)
- Internship in Therapeutic Recreation (RECL 4F02)
- Community Services for Older Adults (GERO 5P14)
- 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.