Joy Fera – interview

Trained in recreation education at the University of British Columbia, Joy Fera was an Olympic rower and a recreation therapist at George Derby Centre in Burnaby and Valleyview Hospital at Riverview. Fera’s 75-minute interview covers her profession and personal friendship with Moyra Jones, recreation therapy innovations at both institutions including pet and music therapy, spiritual care, grand parenting programs, and other ways of treating the whole person. Fera also spoke of the challenges that Jones’ family faced when her father developed dementia, and how this personal difficulty impacted Jones’ career goals. 

Key Words: recreational therapy, recreational therapy philosophy, recreational therapy practice, Olympic rowing, dementia, dementia care, music therapy, pet therapy, veterans, female leadership, female friendship, work, gerontology, geriatric care, community engagement, history, Joy Fera, Moyra Jones, George Derby Centre, Valleyview Hospital, Riverview Hospital, University of British Columbia.