Board of Directors – 2025-2026
2025-2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
MARISA DOUCETTE (SHE/HER)
Hello! My name is Marisa (she/her). I graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and became a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in 2016. I have been working in the recreation therapy field in various positions within long term care since 2013 (beginning as a summer student). I am currently the lead faculty for the Therapeutic Recreation diploma at Nova Scotia Community College Lunenburg Campus.
Leisure is so important to me and I love how unique it is for each of us. My favourite way to engage in leisure is with others whom I care about but I also love the opportunity to make new connections and build community. I have various interests but also love to try new things.
I am grateful to call Nova Scotia home and I am and I am honoured to serve the members of NSTRA on the Board of Directors.
President Elect
Olivia Pliner (SHE/HER)
Hi! I’m Olivia (she/her). Born and raised in Sackville, NS, I hold a Bachelor of Recreation with a minor in Psychology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. I discovered Recreation Therapy during a high school co-op at Abbie J. Lane for Social Work, where they very easily convinced me to apply to the Recreation Therapy program instead.
I’ve had the exciting opportunity to be part of building the Recreation Therapy program at West Bedford Transitional Health. I have been thoroughly enjoying the collaborative process, growing alongside the team and meeting so many other Recreation Therapists along the way.
Outside of work, I’m a mom to a sweet 3-year-old, who keeps my husband and I engaged and inspired to explore fun activities together. I enjoy reading, cross-stitch, crochet, painting, meditating, video games, and board games with family and friends.
I am truly honoured to contribute to NSTRA’s mission and serve alongside fellow professionals who are dedicated to advancing therapeutic recreation across the province.
Past President
BRITTANY MACKEEN (SHE/HER)
Hi, I’m Brittany (she/her). I’m originally from the small town of Guysborough, Nova Scotia. I received a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in English from St. Francis Xavier University in 2012. Shortly after finishing my degree, I discovered the field of Recreation Therapy. I moved to Halifax and enrolled in the Therapeutic Recreation Diploma Program at Nova Scotia Community College and graduated in 2015. I went on to complete my Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation at Dalhousie University and completed my exam to become a CTRS in 2019. I’m currently working part-time as a Recreation Therapist on the SCI/Neuro unit at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation & Arthritis Centre and part-time as a Recreation Therapist with the Therapeutic Assistant Consult Service at Dartmouth General Hospital. In my leisure time I enjoy reading, playing board games, searching for beach glass, curling, playing guitar, and going on adventures with my wife. I’ve been involved with NSTRA in various roles over the years and I’m passionate about growing the field of Recreation Therapy in Nova Scotia. I’m grateful for the opportunity to sit on the Board of Directors as Past President this year.
Treasurer
Cassady Yochoff (SHE/HER)
Cassady Yochoff is the Inclusion and Accessibility Specialist with the Halifax Regional Municipality, where she leads initiatives to reduce barriers and create welcoming spaces in recreation and community programs. She co-leads a variety of inclusion-based projects and initiatives, supports inclusive staff training, and helps design programs to ensure all children and youth can participate fully. Cassady also collaborates across departments to strengthen accessibility in parks, facilities, and services, helping HRM meet and exceed provincial accessibility standards. She has been a CTRS since 2012, working with the IWK Mental Health and Addictions before joining the municipality. She loves spending time in nature with her family and testing recipes.
Communications Director
Nicole Martelle (SHE/HER)
Hello!
I’m Nicole Martelle (she/her).
I’m a proud 2022 graduate of the NSCC Therapeutic Recreation program. Currently, I am working in transitional care, but have worked in both long term care & acute care as well.
In a former life, I worked in radio and television. My roles included everything from rolling a teleprompter and writing webstories to being an on-air news anchor.
Outside of work, I love traveling to explore new places, learning as much as I can through documentaries and memoirs, and connecting with people — whether over a local cider or fulfilling an adventure with friends and family.
I am a passionate cat mom who genuinely enjoys the opportunity to learn from others and the profession we call recreation therapy.
Membership Director
kate giles (She/Her)
Kate Giles is the Recreation Therapy Associate in the Kid’s Rehabilitation Service at the IWK.
Kate has worked in the field of Therapeutic Recreation for the past nine years as a Therapeutic Assistant in Adult Rehabilitation and Restorative Care, as a Community Recreation Programmer with older adults, and at the IWK with children and youth living with a disability. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Therapeutic Recreation Association of Atlantic Canada (now NSTRA) as Student Director, Marketing Chair, and Vice President. She is a member of the Nova Scotia Therapeutic Recreation Association and currently serves as the Membership Director. Kate has presented on various topics such as standards of practice, volunteering in parasport, improving access and opportunities for students living with a disability, and the role of therapeutic recreation in child and youth rehabilitation. Before recreation therapy, Kate worked as a bioarchaeologist specializing in human osteology and forensic anthropology. Kate spends her leisure time on the water and in the forest with her husband Pete, her three kids, and her pets Piper and Louise.
Recording Officer
LYNETTE STEVENS (She/Her)
Lynette was pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology before starting to volunteer with Recreation Therapy at the Veteran’s Memorial Building. She discovered she had a passion for working with older adults and for the field of Recreation Therapy. Lynette graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Therapeutic Recreation in 2004. She became certified as a CTRS in May 2005. Lynette worked in various LTC facilities over the years and was the Recreation Therapist at Parkstone Enhanced Care for 13 years. In February 2023, she transferred to a new Recreation Therapist position on the long-term care floors at Caritas Residence (called DePaul Hall). She has been active on the NSTRA board in the past as the Central Zone Director. In her leisure time, Lynette enjoys reading, scrapbooking, cardmaking and jigsaw puzzles.
Annapolis Valley Zone DIRECTOR
This role is currently vacant, if interested email president@nstra.info.
Cape Breton Zone DIRECTOR
This role is currently vacant, if interested email president@nstra.info.
Central Zone DIRECTOR
COLLEEN BATEMAN (she/her)
Hi, I’m Colleen (she/her), and I’m excited to serve as the Central Zone Director. I work as a Recreation Therapist in Kids Rehab at the IWK. I co-chair the Education Committee and participate in several other NSTRA committees and working groups. Previously, I served on the NSTRA Foundation Board and have held various positions on the Board of Directors. I look forward to continuing to support the work of NSTRA.
Northeastern Zone DIRECTOR
Elise Fisher (SHE/HER)
Hi, I am Elise Fisher, and pleased to be part of the NSTRA board. I am originally from Antigonish, but spent much of my adult life in Newfoundland. I completed my TR degree there in 2013 and worked primarily in long term care for the next 9 years. My husband and I moved back to good ol’ NS in 2022 and built a home near family outside of Truro. I completed my degree online through University of Lethbridge in 2024 and became a CTRS at the beginning of 2025. I took a role as the Recreation Therapist at Anchor Youth Space Cumberland, a brand new provincial initiative of integrated youth services. We are a community collaboration in Amherst to support youth with mental health, substance use, and general quality of life. Seeing how Rec therapy can be incorporated into a meaningful community program and sharing some of our foundational skills/knowledge with my interprofessional team is very rewarding and makes me proud of our profession. I am thoroughly impressed with the passion of the members of NSTRA across this province, particularly the wonderful volunteers on the board and committees. I am excited for our professional future and happy to play a small part.
Southshore Zone DIRECTOR
Serena Meaney (she/her)
My name is Serena Meaney (she/her), and I’m excited to serve as the South Shore Zone Director. I graduated from NSCC Marconi Campus in 2017 with a diploma in Therapeutic Recreation and spent five years working in long-term care, where I focused on inclusive, person-centred programming.
I later shifted into youth services and currently work as the YMCA Youth Assistant Director for Southwest Nova Scotia, supporting youth programming, leadership development, and community engagement.
My passion for recreation began through many years in the 4-H community in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, where I served as club president and secretary before returning as a leader after aging out. These experiences continue to shape my leadership style and commitment to community-based recreation.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my son and dog, and competing in summer lumberjack/woodmen events. I’m looking forward to learning, growing, and collaborating in my role with NSTRA.
Southwest Zone DIRECTOR
Catherine LUBBERTS (SHE/HER)
Hello! My name is Catherine (she/her), and I moved to Nova Scotia from Ontario. I earned a BA with a Specialization in Therapeutic Recreation, from the University of Waterloo and shortly after I earned my CTRS designation. I have worked in many LTC settings and group homes in Ontario and in the field of Aquatics, everything from running a pool, working on the deck and in the water, and teaching the leadership courses.
In Nova Scotia, I have had the opportunity to work in different roles: Mobility Team, Recreation Team, Behavioural Support Team Lead (between two LTC settings), Community Outreach Team in Mental Health & Addictions, In-Patient
ALC/Medical/Palliative at Roseway Hospital and currently as part of a newly formed Seniors Care Team based out of the Emergency Department in Yarmouth Regional Hospital.
In my leisure time I have helped to organize and run various festivals in Ontario. I teach courses at the local pool, garden, read, seek out new places to visit in Nova Scotia, and do renovation work at my home. I stay connected with my four sons through video calls as they are all over the place – Quebec, Japan, and Ontario – and plan to visit my son Japan in the next year or so. I have been part of NSTRA since moving to Nova Scotia, joined the Education Committee a few years ago, and now as the SW Zone Director. Therapeutic Recreation/Recreation Therapy IS life!
Student Director NSCC
Alyssa Kiss (She/her)
Hi! I’m Alyssa (she/her). I’m a second-year student in the Therapeutic Recreation program at NSCC Ivany Campus, graduating in 2026. I recently completed my practicum at Oakwood Terrace, a long-term care facility, where I gained valuable experience supporting residents through meaningful recreation and connection.
Before entering the field of Therapeutic Recreation, I gained extensive experience in client services and team leadership, which helped me develop strong communication skills and a genuine passion for helping others. Through my education and volunteer experiences, I’ve become deeply interested in how recreation can be used to improve the quality of life and promote holistic health across different populations.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my partner and our three children, exploring Nova Scotia’s beautiful trails and beaches, and going on exciting adventures together. I also enjoy quiet moments at home, reading a good book, relaxing with a cup of coffee, and spending time with our two cats and dog.
I’m honoured to serve as the NSCC Student Director with NSTRA and look forward to connecting with other students and professionals, advocating for our field, and continuing to learn and grow as I work toward becoming a Therapeutic Recreation Professional.
Student Director DALHOUSIE
Danielle Gagne (SHE/HER)
Hi all! My name is Danielle Gagne (she/her) and I am so grateful to be in the role of Dalhousie Student Director this year. I am currently in my senior year of the Therapeutic Recreation program at Dalhousie University and am a strong believer in the myriad of benefits of Therapeutic Recreation. I currently work as a Therapeutic Assistant (TA) at Northwood Halifax Campus, as well as a casual TA at Nova Scotia Health supporting individuals at the Victoria General, Halifax Infirmary, and Dartmouth General sites. Along with that I work as a research assistant with Dr. Austin Oswald which involves looking at the intersection of identities in queer older adults and if this population perceives Nova Scotia to be a queer and age friendly community. I am passionate about working with older adults and have been volunteering with this population for many years, most recently volunteering with the Dementia Moves research study where I support individuals living with dementia engaging in meaningful and tailored exercise programs. A fun fact about me is that I love to embroider and garden and often use these hobbies for self-care!
I am so excited to gain a better understanding and appreciation for the role of Student Director and learn from each member of the NSTRA board and TR community.