Chelsea Lazar

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT CHELSEA LAZAR

I have an outgoing personality, with a wild sense of humour - paired with exceptional professionalism and passion for growth. I would love to connect with anyone sharing the same interests and aspirations. Currently a Recreation Therapist with Forensic Psychiatry Program of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, I have experience delivering and supervising supports and services in a variety of populations and settings including: seniors with dementia and responsive behaviours; youth and adults experiencing chronic homelessness and substance use; youth and adults accessing mental health supports in clinical and community settings; youth and adults with a developmental disability or dual diagnosis that experience challenging behaviours. I am also an educator with experience as a Professor at Mohawk and Niagara Colleges and find personal fulfillment in inspiring emerging professionals to provide equitable services with passion for social justice. In my years of experience I have been able to empower teams to embrace recreation therapy standards of practice and maintain compliance standards. I have strong leadership and training skills, described as an inspirational presenter. I am an experienced key-note speaker, presenter and workshop and training facilitator. I am responsible to deliver workshops and trainings in topics of: Recreation Therapy Standards of Practice; Person Centred Thinking and Person Directed Planning; Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression. I have a strong commitment to professional development and continuing education. I have over 100 hours of continuing education credits including certification in: Non Violent Crisis Intervention; DBT Skills Training; ABA Applied Behaviour Analysis; Compassion Fatigue in Helping Professions; Trauma-Informed Care; Gentle Persuasive Approach; Laughter Yoga Leader; Transition to Independence Planning; Strengths Based Implementation and Facilitation Strategies in Recreation Therapy; Emergency First Aid and CPR; Music and Mindfulness, CanFitPro and variety of workshops related to TR practice. I am always looking for ways to network and grow my skills. I enjoy networking and participating in a variety of community of practice committees related to mental health, and saf(er) workplaces as it relates to diversity and inclusion. I am continuously looking for new ways to be part of my community and share my skills and passion for equity in a meaningful way. I am a proud Recreation Therapist and I have special interests in gaining more knowledge and research for equity, diversity, inclusion and trauma informed practice.