Rina

My name is Rina Hempel and I thought I would pop on and introduce myself. I am the Recreation Therapist behind Connect Leisure Services. I have been working in recreation for 32 years, where I have designed and implemented leisure
activities for diverse populations of individuals.

For 12 years I have worked within the school system, with children with special needs in a great program called Project H.O.P.E. As the kids grew older, I continued to facilitate learn and experience through recreation for some of the very same people outside of school. For the other 20 years I have worked and continue to work with seniors in, supportive living, memory care and long-term care environment.

Born and raised in Strathmore I feel a very strong attachment to the people in this great community and I strive to create a strong voice for people who have special and unique needs.

Tracy

Hello Everyone!
My name is Tracy, and I am the Recreation Therapist running the Connect Adult Day Program. I have been working in the field of Recreation Therapy since 2007. I strongly believe in the saying, “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life”. Recreation Therapy is a passion of mine, as I believe through meaningful activities, we can all grow and meet our goals enabling us to live our life to the fullest. Creating an atmosphere of acceptance, respect, inclusion and self worth is what I strive for, as we all have the need to feel accepted and valued in our home and community.

Since 2007, I have worked in multiple settings such as Adult Day Programs, Senior Care Centres, and Schools, holding various positions from Recreation Therapy Assistant to Director of Recreation. I have my Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation and I hold a Professional Membership with the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).

On a more personal note, I have lived in Strathmore for 10 years with my husband and our two daughters. I love learning, crafting, going for walks, and yoga! What I treasure and value most are my family, my dogs, and the sunshine!

My vision for Connect is to create a network of relationships that support individuals with special needs but also their families. There is a vast community of individuals living with special needs and with that comes the wealth of knowledge within those families who in turn can support and mentor other families with children approaching adulthood.

There is also a community of individuals that are living with chronic illness and/or aging family members who need extra support throughout their days and evenings. My vision includes supporting those families caring for individuals who simply requires day support that will provide a safe place to engage and socialize with others through fun leisure activities.

My passion is to make a difference in someone’s day by designing engaging, purposeful, and fun leisure
activities. My goal is truly to create meaningful opportunities to inspire and socialize in a safe environment where individuals and their families feel safe and welcome.