About us

Recreational Respite promotes inclusion and nurtures social health for children, youth, and adults with disabilities, mental health experiences, and other barriers to participation throughout Canada.

Our Story

A team of Community Engagement Providers stand together in front of signage that reads 'Helping Build Great Lives'

In 2008, Recreational Respite was founded in Ontario, with a vision to promote inclusion and nurture social health through respite that is recreation based for individuals with barriers to participation. Offering services including one-to-one respite, group programs, workshops, and speaking engagements we increased our impact with careful growth. In 2017, we launched a national expansion, partnering with local, provincial and national organizations throughout Canada to increase capacity and enhance access to services. We now offer in-person supports in Ontario and British Columbia, and a suite of virtual services nationwide. Our commitment to collaborative projects and knowledge transfer, including caregiver support groups, capacity building workshops, consultation, and keynote speaking has led to a national scope of practice promoting inclusion and social health.

As a team, we are strong advocates for inclusion, participation, social health and connectivity through individualized approaches to enhancing accessibility and addressing barriers to participation. We believe ’nothing about us, without us’ means that those we serve have a key voice in the development of the services and programs they wish to take part in.

Our Community Engagement Providers have diverse educational backgrounds in therapeutic recreation, child and youth work, complex mental health, disability studies, gerontology, psychogeriatrics, and social services. Combined with lived experiences from our own families, and in support of those in caregiver roles, we apply knowledge and skill to every experience we deliver.

Recreational Respite has served thousands of individuals and their families throughout Canada, partnered with countless non-profits, and has been a part of innovative projects with organizations and community members. We look forward to continued service through our one-to-one supports, group programs, knowledge sharing and community partnerships in 2025 and beyond.

Our Community Team

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We are currently accepting applications for Community Engagement Providers in Ontario and British Columbia.
View our current postings and apply at Indeed.com, or submit your resume to careers@recrespite.com.

Our Leadership Team

Allison Reis, Owner & CEO, National

Allison is a strong advocate for social health and inclusion. She started at Recreational Respite as a respite care provider, and through initiative and hard work she advanced to leadership positions in the organization, always staying connected with what matters most – the individuals and families that we serve.

Kiana Fawcett-Paul, BTR., CTRS.,  Client relations Manager & Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Kiana serves as a Client Relations Manager for those seeking respite solutions, focusing on emotional wellness, social health, and community engagement through one-to-one respite. As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Kiana leverages her extensive background in recreation therapy to effectively assess and address a range of abilities and tailor leisure interventions.

Jessica Decoeur, Client Relations Manager & virtual groups coordinator

Jessica serves as a Client Relations Manager for those seeking respite solutions, focusing on emotional wellness, social health, and community engagement through one-to-one respite. With a deep understanding of the community’s needs, Jessica also coordinates our virtual groups, creating an inclusive space where young adults socialize, explore new interests, and develop valuable skills.

Rhonda Bowman, Community Partnerships & Communications Manager

Rhonda engages with our community partners to develop tailored and inclusive collaborations. Her focus is on nurturing professional relationships, aligning resources that increase access to our services, and leading sustainable growth. Rhonda has a strong presence on our social media and communications.

Team Testimonials

The most positive thing about Recreational Respite is the community built around it. Not only is it a wonderful job to help others in life and see them succeed, but also to work for a wonderful company with great people running it behind the scenes, makes it so worth it!
Hand holding hand
Lisa
Community Engagement Provider
I have absolutely loved being a part of Recreational Respite for the past several years! Thank you for always being so supportive.
Jamie
Community Engagement Provider
Working as a Recreation Therapist at Recreational Respite is truly a unique experience, that encourages team members to foster a meaningful connection with clients, creating a comfortable and enjoyable environment for growth and communication.
Two people sit at a table and participate in a discussion.
Steven
Recreation Therapist
Our work is so unique! The opportunities I have been offered throughout my time with the team have been innovative, creative and challenging. This creates ongoing excitement in the work that I love to do and has created a ton of opportunities to expand my role as a recreation therapist. I love this team!
Tom
Recreation Therapist
Recreational Respite is truly a special company to work for. It's approach to each and every one of our clients are individualized to their needs, abilities and strengths. That kind of attention to detail , makes it a great experience and confirms my role as a Recreation Therapist as being so meaningful.
Michelle
Recreation Therapist

Any Questions?

Give us a call if you have any questions about our in home respite, group programs, or community partnerships!
1-877-855-7070

Contact Us