Christina Burden
Orangeville,Canada
Summary
Recreation and community services professional with over eight years of experience developing, implementing, and evaluating inclusive programs in high-volume, public-facing environments. Proven ability to collaborate with residents, staff, and community partners to co-design accessible recreation and wellness initiatives that reduce barriers to participation and strengthen outcomes. Experienced in staff training, volunteer coordination, program evaluation, and budget oversight, with a strong commitment to equity, mental health promotion, and community wellbeing.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Life Enrichment & Volunteer Coordinator
Avalon Care Centre
Orangeville, Ontario
01.2022 - Current
- Plan, implement, and evaluate inclusive life enrichment programs designed to enhance residents’ mental health, social connection, and overall wellbeing.
- Collaborate with residents, families, interdisciplinary teams, and community partners to co-design programming responsive to diverse needs and abilities.
- Identify barriers to participation and implement adaptive strategies to improve accessibility and engagement.
- Recruit, interview, train, schedule, and recognize volunteers to support program delivery.
- Supervise and coach recreation staff, fostering inclusive, person-centered service delivery.
- Collect and analyze participation data and feedback to evaluate program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.
- Manage departmental budget, procurement, and financial tracking processes.
- Chair Joint Health & Safety Committee, promoting safe and compliant program environments.
- Address escalated concerns using conflict resolution and trauma-informed communication approaches.
Activity Coordinator
Caressant Care Nursing & Retirement Homes Ltd
Arthur, Ontario
05.2018 - 01.2022
- Developed and delivered therapeutic recreation programming that supported emotional wellbeing, cognitive stimulation, and social inclusion.
- Coordinated volunteers and interdisciplinary staff to deliver resident-centered programming aligned with regulatory standards.
- Assessed resident interests and abilities to tailor inclusive programming and reduce participation barriers.
- Managed staff scheduling, payroll coordination, and budget oversight.
- Resolved resident and family concerns through professional communication and collaborative problem solving.
Key Holder Supervisor
Bulk Barn
Orangeville, Ontario
09.2010 - 05.2018
- Supervised front-line staff in a high-volume retail environment, managing schedules, training, and daily operations.
- Acted as first point of contact for escalated customer concerns, resolving issues efficiently while adhering to company policies.
- Managed cash handling, end-of-day reconciliation, and inventory control, ensuring accuracy and accountability.
Education
Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) - Therapeutic Recreation & Leisure
Brock University
St. Catharines, Ontario10-2017
Skills
- Community Engagement & Capacity Building
- Program Development, Implementation & Evaluation
- Inclusive Recreation & Barrier Reduction
- Mental Health & Social Wellbeing Programming
- Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Recognition
- Staff Supervision & Coaching
- Equity-Informed Service Delivery
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Budget Management & Resource Allocation
- Data Collection & Statistical Reporting
- Risk Management & Health & Safety Compliance
Certification
- Health and Safety Certification
- First Aid & CPR
- Butterfly Approach Certification, Meaningful Care Matters
- PIECES Trained
- Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) in Dementia Care
Timeline
Life Enrichment & Volunteer Coordinator
Avalon Care Centre
01.2022 - Current
Activity Coordinator
Caressant Care Nursing & Retirement Homes Ltd
05.2018 - 01.2022
Key Holder Supervisor
Bulk Barn
09.2010 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) - Therapeutic Recreation & Leisure
Brock University