Julie Roper, Director of Ethics and Research

With an academic background in educational psychology and teaching experience which ranged from kindergarten to university and counselling experience which included the use of  recreation adventures in the treatment of youth with cognitive and psychological disorders, I helped to establish the profession of therapeutic recreation in British Columbia. This was almost 25 years ago. Today you might say that I entered the profession through a back door.

I have spent my career in support of individuals with disabilities achieving the right to experience the therapeutic and healing powers of leisure. I have accomplished this through my role as a faculty member in the Douglas College Therapeutic Recreation Department (TR) in that I have educated nearing 1000 therapeutic recreation students. Now as TR professionals they / you do the work or using leisure to enhance health.

At three my son Jordan proclaimed that “laughing and playing is good for you”. These words continue to mark my way as I enjoy my role in developing the new Bachelor Degree in Therapeutic Recreation and, in my leisure,  I enjoy the rural life on Pender Island, my garden, cats and community of friends.
 I am pleased to serve on the Board of BCTRA and I plan to work hard, and play some, with the vision of serving the profession for the next few years.