Colleen Whyte, PhD

Associate Professor

colleen whyte

Office: STH 342
905 688 5550 x3124
cwhyte@brocku.ca

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

  • 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

Professional affiliations and accreditation/certification

  • Member, Canadian Association on Gerontology (2007 – present)
  • Member, Canadian Association for Leisure Studies (2008 – present)

Publications

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 

Teaching

  • Advanced Methods in Therapeutic Recreation (RECL 4F22) 
  • Internship in Therapeutic Recreation (RECL 4F02) 
  • Community Services for Older Adults (GERO 5P14) 

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.