Kristen Rejuso, a recreation therapist in the AHS North Zone, has spent nearly a decade making a positive impact on the lives of seniors across Northern Alberta.
With a passion for connecting with people and improving the quality of life for geriatric residents, Rejuso’s career has taken her from a casual Therapy Assistant to a Nationally Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with Alberta Health Services (AHS). She is currently living in Redwater and supervising recreational therapy at several different area sites.
Born and raised in St. Paul, Alberta, her path into recreation therapy began in a unique and personal way.
"I was chatting with my grandparents one day, and they suggested I work with seniors," she says. "I’ve always enjoyed spending time with seniors, and I love the connections I make with them."
It was then that Rejuso began researching careers focused on the geriatric population and discovered recreation therapy.
“It immediately felt like the perfect fit," she says.
She earned her diploma in therapeutic recreation from Lethbridge College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from the University of Lethbridge. She then went on to earn her national certification in recreation therapy through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
Rejuso began working for AHS in 2016, in St. Paul, where she completed her practicum as a Therapy Assistant. From there, she worked in various communities, including Elk Point, Athabasca and Radway.
"Working in this field, you get to know people on a deep level and help them rediscover what used to bring them joy,” says Rejuso. “Helping them rekindle past interests, getting excited about life again, and expressing themselves in ways they might not be able to otherwise. It's incredibly fulfilling to know you're making a difference in someone's life."
Rejuso moved to Redwater in December 2024 and currently supervises recreation therapy for the Smoky Lake Healthcare Centre Long Term Care (LTC), Smoky Lake Bar V Nook - Designated Supportive Living, Redwater Healthcare Centre LTC, and is temporarily covering the Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre LTC as well.
She says working in the North Zone has presented some unique challenges, the main one being the geographical spread of the sites she covers. Traveling between different locations means she’s on-site at a different location almost every day, requiring resilience and strong communication with the therapy assistants.
"It's a challenge not to be physically present at each site every day, but I’m thankful I can rely on the wonderful therapy assistants to implement programs independently and proficiently," she says. "We work together as a team, and constant communication is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly."
On a typical day, she conducts assessments with residents and works closely with them to identify their interests and capabilities. She then designs and oversees the site’s recreation programs, tailored to best suit the needs of the residents. This can include floor curling, floor hockey, art and music programs, and much more.
"It’s not just about physical activities," says Rejuso. "It’s about improving someone's overall quality of life, making sure they feel valued, and helping them express who they are - even when they can no longer do so in traditional ways."
Rejuso hopes more people will consider recreation therapy as a career path.
"Recreation therapy is the best job in the world," she says. "It’s a great career for those who enjoy personal connections and recreation. I encourage anyone interested in this career to pursue it. The impact you can have is immeasurable."
For more information about recreation therapy, visit our career profile.
