Tessa Hanson, Recreation Therapy Assistant

“I truly enjoy spending time and doing all the activities with the residents,” says Tessa. “For the first time in my life, I am excited about work every day.” Tessa is also genuinely invested in enhancing the quality of life for the people she works with and helping them to achieve health and well-being goals.

After working in an office for many years, Tessa decided to pursue a career she was passionate about. “I spent the summer looking after my aunt who was diagnosed with Dementia two years prior,” she says. “After doing some self-discovery, I researched careers that would tap into my creative side and satisfy the empath in me.” That is when she found the world of recreation therapy and it was a perfect fit.

“At the age of 48, I took the leap and went back to school and completed the RTA program at Stenberg College and was nominated as ‘student of the year’,” she tells us. “I completed my practicum at Cedarview Lodge and was fortunate enough to come on board as a casual. Next month, I will acquire a full-time line.” Tessa knew it was meant to be and has been loving her career change ever since.

One of the most inspirational moments has been during one-to-one visits with residents who are non-verbal and/or near palliative. “When spending time in the garden or listening to music, their eyes light up and they smile and some have reached out to hold my hand,” she says. “I know behind the disease is a person who deserves kindness and warmth at the end of their days.” Tessa feels very grateful for every moment she gets to share with the residents.

Tessa speaks very highly of the team at Cedarview Lodge. “All the staff is fantastic!” she says. “The nurses, care aides, support staff, maintenance workers, housekeeping, kitchen staff, and the allied health professionals (MT, OT, PT, and RT) all provide amazing care. We work well together to ensure our residents are taken care of and we have access to an abundance of resources.”

Living by the VCH values (We Care for Everyone, We Are Always Learning and We Strive for Better Results), Tessa has always been an optimist with a big heart. “I incorporate the VCH values into my work every day,” she says. “I treat everyone equally, wear a smile (under my mask!), and am continually seeking ways to promote our field of work and advocate for our residents.”

Strong communication is at the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is part of my job to keep people safe,” says Tessa. “As more activities begin to open up, we maintain strict guidelines for hand hygiene and wear PPE (personal protective equipment) to prevent the spread.” She admits it has been difficult when residents are in isolation as they are restricted from participating in the programs but the team makes an effort to make the best out of the situation while ensuring others are safe.

A fun fact about Tessa: as a young girl, she used to buy candy from the Tuc shop here at Cedarview and grew up just across the street!

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