Recreational therapist, Heather Baker, supports people on their mental health journey

From early on in life, Heather Baker had her sights set on a career in healthcare.

The only question was what area of healthcare. She studied nursing for two years but found she didn’t quite connect with patients like she wanted to. Then she stumbled upon recreation therapy, a profession that combined everything she loved about healthcare, and she hasn’t looked back since.

“While I was in nursing school the clinical experiences I had were informative,” she says. “However, I was often left feeling like I didn’t get to really know the client’s story. I knew that if I was going to love my job, I needed to find a profession that filled my cup and allowed me to get to know clients differently.”

She has found that in recreation therapy with the Mental Health and Addictions Program.  Twenty years into her career, she says she feels the same fulfilment in her job as when she first started.  

“My passion has not faded. I firmly believe that recovery is possible and that using a client’s strengths to support recovery is key,” she says.  

She recently became the first recreational therapist at the inpatient mental health unit at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, where she works closely with the interdisciplinary team to ensure recreational therapy is integrated into each patient’s overall plan of care, supporting shared goals identified by patients and the care team.  

Although it has been just over four months since she began working in the unit, she has been part of several group and individual interventions delivered – from the ad hoc gatherings to those that are purposely planned with individuals in mind. This also includes intentionally incorporating structure and routine with morning social and coping skills groups as well as afternoon interventions that target shared leisure interests and provides an opportunity for choice.  

Building the service based on the data and literature takes time and incorporating feedback from service recipients, their families and staff is critical. While it has been challenging with limited resources and space, Heather says it has also been extremely rewarding, recalling a recent comment from a client who thanked her for reminding them how much they love painting.  

“You know we’re doing our job well if it looks like fun and games. Being able to meet people where they are and connect on a level that removes the clinical feeling. It’s about being present in the moment, being vulnerable, empathetic and being real,” she says. “Who knows, the interaction we have that day may be the only one that provided a distraction, a moment of solitude or a laugh.”

Heather says while physical recreation and leisure are an important aspect of her work, building a patient’s self-confidence is key.  

“Over the last 11 years working in a mental health and addictions setting I have seen first-hand how highlighting someone’s strengths contributes to their self-image and overall well-being,” she says. “Everyone deserves to live a life filled with meaning and at the end of the day I hope that I’ve been able to play a small role in that.”

These efforts have helped foster a culture of belonging and engagement on the unit. Patients are increasingly seen gathering for shared meals, puzzles, and conversation, even on days when formal programming is not scheduled. This growing sense of connection reflects the impact of a collaborative, team-based approach that values therapeutic relationships and meaningful engagement as part of recovery.

She considers herself lucky to work in an environment that enables her to use her skills to help others. “I’m grateful to have been welcomed into the care circle of so many and I will treasure that always,” she says.  

“Now that more than 20 years have passed, I can confidently say that I chose this career to support clients and their families during some of the most vulnerable times in their life. Reminding them of their strength, worth and achievement while supporting and cheering them on as they work on their goals and recovery.” 

Photo of Recreational Therapist, Heather Baker.