ABOUT
Mackenzie Peterson
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist | Milk River, Alberta
With nearly a decade of experience in the field, I have been passionate about therapeutic recreation (TR) since 2015. Each year has been an amazing journey full of growth and increased love for this field. My journey began at Lethbridge College, where I completed the Therapeutic Recreation Gerontology (TRG) program and discovered my love for working with older adults. During this time, I gained valuable experience through placements at a private long-term care facility on Vancouver Island, specializing in dementia care, and in community-based programs in Lethbridge, Alberta.
After graduating, I had the opportunity to work in various settings and scopes of care through southern Alberta, eventually settling in Milk River. I developed a deep appreciation for small-town life and became increasingly aware of the barriers rural communities face in accessing essential healthcare and recreation services. This inspired my commitment to providing high-quality TR services in underserved areas.
In 2020, I earned my Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation, Health Sciences degree from the University of Lethbridge and soon after, became a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. My internship and subsequent professional experience strengthened my passion for helping individuals with mental health challenges, trauma, and chronic conditions. In roles spanning community, rehabilitation, and geriatric care, I collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide client-centered care focused on transitioning patients back into their homes and communities.
Through interventions such as art, yoga, fitness, creative writing, aquatics, culinary arts, and social engagement, I empower clients to improve their quality of life and maintain their leisure pursuits. I developed innovative protocols that I use within my practice, including Art Journaling, which blends creative expression with therapeutic writing. I have also seen firsthand how mindfulness activities, meditation, and yoga can heal both physical and emotional wounds.
Today, I live in Milk River with my husband and son, and I am excited to give back to this community through BeYou Rec. My mission is to address the unique challenges of rural residents by offering accessible, personalized therapeutic recreation services that foster health, connection, fun and well-being!
OUR MISSION
BeYou Recreation Therapy is a distinctive practice in rural Alberta, dedicated to delivering person-centered care and interventions through diverse, leisure-based approaches. Our goal is to empower clients to thrive in their chosen home, community, or facility setting by supporting their independence, enhancing overall health and quality of life, fostering happiness, and building positive connections within their communities.
We utilize standardized therapeutic recreation pre- and post-assessment processes and SMART goals to track progress and promote a sense of autonomy. BeYou Recreation Therapy proudly serves individuals with acute or chronic physical, cognitive, or behavioral conditions that can be improved through purposeful leisure.
Our evidence-based and evidence-informed approach includes assessment, treatment, education, and discharge planning, ensuring that goals are collaboratively established and achieved by both the client or caregiver and the Recreation Therapist.
At BeYou Recreation Therapy, we are committed to helping individuals discover their passions, overcome barriers, and thrive through meaningful leisure and flow-based interventions and programming.
My mom, who is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's, attended one of BeYou Rec Therapy's groups in her supportive living facility. I could always tell the day that you would come, because she would be smiling ear-to-ear. I saw an improvement in her mood right away, and she learned a new skill that we continue to do together. I could tell that she felt safe and supported the whole time, and I'm thankful for the transition support and education that BeYou Rec provided.
BeYou Rec Client Caregiver
Refer a client or book a meeting via email below.
BeYou Rec CTRS Practice -
based in Milk River, Alberta
email: beyourectherapy@gmail.com
website: beyourectherapy.com
phone: (403)715-4588
We can be billed as a health care provider with Alberta Blue Cross under personal support workers.