Kourtnie Farrell is a young woman with a bright future.

Speaking from her workplace in early June 2021, Kourtnie is happy to talk about her budding career in the Recreation Department at Helen Henderson Care Centre, a family-owned retirement lodge and long-term care home in Amherstview.

“I started working at the home in April 2020 as a temporary Universal Worker to help the home get through the COVID-19 pandemic,” the 22 year-old says happily. “I really enjoy working with the residents and chatting with them. Shortly after I started working here, I was invited to assist the Recreation Department. I was welcomed and easily fit-in with the Recreation staff.”

It was in that department that Kourtnie found her calling.

“At first I was mostly helping residents place virtual calls with their families,” she explains. “It was the most beautiful experience to watch the powerful connections between families; extremely rewarding.”

Kourtnie was so moved by the department’s good work to enhance the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of residents, she enrolled in the Therapeutic Recreation course at St. Lawrence College which is required for the job.

Currently on placement for that program, Kourtnie was delighted to accept a permanent part-time position in the department, a position left open by the retirement of Annette Warren.

“I enjoy working with seniors,” she says with a smile. “This is where my comfort lies. I’m a graduate of the Child and Youth Care program at Georgian College which has proven useful in this job. I can be myself with the residents and even be silly sometimes. It’s a pleasure to make them smile.”

Speaking on behalf of the home, Recreation Department manager Donna Joudoin notes, “We are very happy to have Kourtnie on our team. She started here as a Universal Worker and quickly transitioned to help the Recreation Department. It was during this time that Kourtnie realized this is a career she wanted to pursue and quickly started the Therapeutic Recreation Graduate Program at St. Lawrence which was held virtually due to the pandemic. Kourtnie has clearly illustrated a passion for working with seniors. She has identified meaningful ways to keep residents engaged by being creative, trying new ideas, and working towards ensuring that programs are meeting the needs of seniors. It is a pleasure to see her passion, innovation and determination.”

Pleased with the feedback, Kourtnie notes, “It’s great to have such a good work environment, especially in a career you love. I’m grateful to have this opportunity for professional development and growth.”

Helen Henderson Care Centre is pleased to see the innovation, enthusiasm, and hard work of new staff. To learn more about working or living in our home, please call 613-384-4585.