Behind the Scenes with Alejandra Underhill: Elevating Quality of Life through Recreation Therapy

I have the wonderful opportunity to meet and photograph all kinds of amazing human beings.

While they are in studio, it is a privilege to learn about their businesses, or the work they do, their family, their interests, and hear a little bit about their story.

In the heart of Parry Sound, where the tranquil beauty of nature meets a vibrant community spirit, extraordinary individuals like Alejandra Underhill are quietly transforming lives. Alejandra, a dedicated recreation therapist and founder of Alejandra's Recreation Therapy Services (ARTS), is not just a professional but a beacon of hope and joy for seniors and their families. Through her work, she emphasizes the importance of recreation therapy in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer's, and disabilities. Her story is one of compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

A Journey Rooted in Passion
Alejandra's path to becoming a recreation therapist is deeply intertwined with her love for athletics and community service. With a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies in Therapeutic Recreation from Brock University, Alejandra was initially drawn to the program because of her active lifestyle and her volunteering experiences with Habitat for Humanity.

"I have always been an athletic person. Also, I have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity as well. While completing the program, it made me realize that I enjoy being creative, coordinating, and using my skills to bring joy to others by using recreation and leisure," Alejandra shares.

Her educational background, combined with her hands-on experiences, laid the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career dedicated to enhancing the lives of those often overlooked in society.

Tailoring Programs to Individual Needs

One of the hallmarks of Alejandra's practice is her ability to create personalized programs that cater to the diverse needs and interests of her clients. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, Alejandra places great emphasis on getting to know her clients on a personal level.

"I have a meet and greet with clients and with their families present if possible. By doing this, it helps me to establish a rapport with clients and families in order to make sure that I am able to tailor recreation programs to meet their needs," Alejandra explains.

This person-centered care model is at the core of her services, ensuring that every program is aligned with the client's interests, whether it's through arts, exercise, or daily living activities. Additionally, Alejandra offers respite services for caregivers, recognizing the immense challenges they face and providing them with much-needed breaks.

Addressing Misconceptions about Recreation Therapy
Recreation therapy is often misunderstood, with many people assuming it's merely about playing games. However, Alejandra is quick to dispel these misconceptions by highlighting the significant benefits that come from her work.

"Some common misconceptions that people have are that it’s an easy profession and that it is just playing games. People don’t understand the benefits of recreation therapy such as increasing hand-eye coordination skills, decreasing loneliness, combating boredom, and increasing mood when participating in different recreation programs," she says.

Alejandra's approach to overcoming these misconceptions is through action. She shows families the positive changes in their loved ones, from improved moods to increased engagement, demonstrating the profound impact of recreation therapy on overall well-being.

A Memorable Success Story
One of the most rewarding aspects of Alejandra's work is witnessing the tangible improvements in her clients' lives. She recalls a particularly memorable success story that reaffirmed her commitment to her mission.

"I have a client who was not in the best mood and was not quite herself. She was not interested in partaking in any recreation programs, which was odd. I was trying to think of something else that would help in boosting her mood. I ended up giving her a mini spa afternoon. After, she was very relaxed, happy, and thankful. She thanked me very much and told me she felt much better. It made me feel so good that I had boosted her mood that afternoon. I was able to enhance her quality of life in the moment."

This story is just one example of how Alejandra goes above and beyond to ensure her clients feel valued, cared for, and, most importantly, happy.

Defining Success and Embracing Failure

For Alejandra, success is not measured by accolades or financial gains but by the impact she has on others' lives. "Success is doing something that I love doing and knowing I am making a positive difference in others' lives," she states.

However, like any entrepreneur, Alejandra acknowledges the role of failure in her journey. She views it as an essential component of growth and improvement.

"Failure is needed in order to become better at whatever you are doing in your life. Without failure, we wouldn’t know that there could be something better out there for you or that you can be even better than you are currently," Alejandra reflects.

A Hidden Talent: Tennis Champion
While Alejandra is widely recognized for her work in recreation therapy, there’s an aspect of her life that might surprise many—her prowess in tennis. Alejandra held a full tennis scholarship in Florida from 2010-2012 and achieved notable success, including being an NJCAA Women’s National Doubles Finalist, MVP 2010-2011, FCSAA State Champion, and All-American.

This athletic background not only underscores her dedication and discipline but also informs her approach to therapy, where she draws on her experiences in sports to encourage physical activity and engagement among her clients.

For those interested in learning more about how sports can positively impact mental health, check out this resource.

Alejandra's Vision for the Future
Alejandra's vision for her business, Alejandra's Recreation Therapy Services, is rooted in her desire to make a lasting impact on the lives of seniors and their families in Parry Sound and beyond.

"I created my business to make seniors' lives better and to help families who are in need of some respite services. I hope people can understand that recreation therapy is just as important as other professional services offered here," Alejandra says.

Her work is a testament to the importance of holistic care, where mental, emotional, and physical well-being are all considered integral to a person's quality of life.

The Impact of Alejandra's Work on the Parry Sound Community
Alejandra's influence extends beyond her clients to the broader community of Parry Sound. In a town known for its natural beauty and strong community ties, Alejandra's services are a crucial addition, offering support and care to some of its most vulnerable members.

Her work not only provides relief for caregivers but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among seniors, many of whom might otherwise feel isolated or disconnected. By tailoring her programs to the unique needs of each individual, Alejandra ensures that everyone she works with feels seen, heard, and valued.

Where can you find Alejandra:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Alejandra Underhill is more than a recreation therapist; she is a force of positivity and change in Parry Sound. Her work through Alejandra's Recreation Therapy Services is a shining example of how one person can make a significant difference in the lives of many. By offering tailored, person-centered care, dispelling misconceptions about her field, and remaining committed to her mission, Alejandra continues to enhance the quality of life for seniors and their families. Her story is a reminder that with passion, dedication, and a little creativity, we can all contribute to making our communities stronger and more compassionate.