Ashley Hubert: Inspired by recreation therapy’s impact on quality of life

Farming has been a part of Ashley Hubert’s life since she was young. She has two sets of grandparents who live on nearby farms, and when she is not working as a Recreation Assistant at ARH, she spends her weekends helping with chores.

But her heart has always been in health care.

“I like helping people and at first I had it my head that I’d become a nurse or a PSW,” shared Ashley. “My mom mentioned recreation therapy as an option and after I did my high school co-op at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital, I decided that was what I loved and wanted to do.”

Ashley did not waste any time. She applied, enrolled, and graduated from the Recreation Therapy Program at Canadore College in North Bay.

From student to staff member

Ashley Hubert, Recreation Assistant, Adult Day Program and The Grove.

In her first year at college, Ashley wanted to gain some real-world experience, so she took on a summer position with ARH’s Recreation Therapy Team working with The Grove residents and Adult Day Program clients.

“I was so excited because it was my first real big girl job and it made me fall more in love with what I was going to school for.”

After graduating, Ashley returned to The Grove and Adult Day Program as a Recreation Assistant in May 2020. The residents and clients are Ashley’s favourite part of going to work.

“They always have something nice to share or funny to say. I learn so much from them and I think they make me a better person.”

The impact of recreation therapy

Ashley understands the difference that the physical and cognitive activities can make for the residents’ and clients’ overall quality of life. Her focus is finding ways to keep them moving and exercising their brains. Bingo is the crowd pleaser, but Ashley is quick to start up a game of trivia or initiate a walk.

“Not a lot of people realize the role recreation plays and how important it is for our residents and clients. Being able to do this work is such an honour and it’s heartwarming to know that we’re doing our job right.”

Home life

Ashley grew up between Renfrew and Arnprior – not quite in the country, but not in the city either. She loves spending time outdoors and going for walks. And when she’s not at work or helping her grandparents on their farms, Ashley is busy caring for her two pet ducks – Donald and Daisy – who turn two in May.