Our team operates at the intersection of evidence-informed theory and intuitive facilitation. We believe that meaningful engagement cannot be forced, rushed, or standardized. To provide the highest level of care, our practitioners are trained to observe patterns and track outcomes with scientific precision. Yet, we execute our work with the heart of an artist, knowing when to follow the plan, when to let go, and when to co-create something entirely new in the moment. This balance ensures our programs are research-based, highly-trained, and deeply human.

Meet the Scientists Behind the
Movement
Think like a scientist. Execute like an artist.
The Visionary
Jessie Jones, CTRS, is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, artist, musician, and chef. Founder of JJRT, she blends creativity, radical care, and evidence-based recreation therapy to help individuals and communities reclaim leisure as a tool for healing, identity, and social change. Jessie’s work bridges clinical practice, education, and advocacy, challenging conventional models through bold, values-driven leadership.

Jess Jones
She/Her
Owner & Recreation Therapist
The Visual Storyteller
I am the Digital Media Specialist, Director of Photography, and Digital Marketing Specialist at JJRT. With a background in visual storytelling and digital strategy, I focus on capturing meaningful moments and creating content that reflects the people, programs, and everyday life within the community. I support JJRT’s visual identity by producing photo and video content, contributing to campaigns, and helping maintain a consistent and engaging online presence. My work is guided by a sense of community alignment, ensuring that the content we share reflects JJRT’s values and stays connected to the needs and voices of the people we serve. Through this approach, I aim to highlight the experiences within the organization while supporting its communication and outreach efforts.

Trishagni Barua
She/Her
Digital Media Specialist
The Calm Regulator
Hi, I’m Ana! I’m the social worker at JJRT, and I do heart-forward, people-first work for humans who don’t fit neatly into boxes…because honestly, who does?
I support the Ontario Autism Program here at JJRT and neurodivergent individuals walking alongside families and caregivers as they navigate big feelings, busy brains, and tender seasons (those on the dementia journey, hold a tender spot in my heart). I bring trauma-informed care, creativity, and a lot of humanity into everything I do.
When I’m not at work, I’m likely hiking, café-dwelling with a latte in hand, chasing art, buying yet another book or saying yes to dessert (especially tiramisu…non-negotiable). I’m a joy-chaser, a meaning-maker, and a big believer that even in hard seasons, moments of light still matter and we’re allowed to claim them.

Ana Paret
She/Her
Social Worker, (B.A., Hons., BSW, RSW)
The Artistic Visionary
Hello, I'm Brooke! I have a background in childhood development with a growing focus on the Montessori method and early childhood education. As a Recreation Therapy Assistant, I am passionate about supporting individuals in discovering meaningful leisure experiences that spark creativity, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging. I am committed to ongoing professional development and thoughtful practice, continually expanding my knowledge to better serve those I work with. I often integrate my love for art, music, and creative expression into my programming to encourage connection, self-discovery, and personal growth. In recreation therapy and life enrichment, I value patience, empathy, and intentional planning to create engaging, person-centered experiences.

Brooke Leduc
She/her
Recreation Therapy Assistant
The one with Zest for life
I am an enthusiastic Life Enrichment Specialist with experience supporting individuals with special needs from toddlerhood through adulthood. I hold an education in early childhood education and currently work as an educational assistant in developmental education classrooms. Through both professional training and lived experience, I bring a strong zest for life and a deep belief that every individual deserves to be heard. I am committed to creating inclusive, meaningful environments that enhance quality of life and honours each person’s voice. In my free time, I enjoy creating art, spending time outdoors, and staying active, which often inspires my approach to enrichment.

Alexandria Kleyn
She/her
Life Enrichment Specialist
The Master of Play
Hey, I’m Sascha. My passion here at JJRT involves using game-based therapies (role-playing games, board games, video games) to support the youth of today to better connect with their peers, be curious about themselves and the world around them, and create meaningful memories with every session and program we run. My educational background is in Developmental Services and Recreation Therapy, and during that time I have worked with everyone between the ages of 4 - 104. I have been a Recreation Therapist Assistant with JJRT for almost three years, beginning as a student at Algonquin College. I bring patience, compassion, humour, a hint of ADHD, and a deep understanding of accessibility to every JJRT experience I facilitate. My goal is to positively impact my local community to the point where every individual is able to access the joys that recreation and leisure provides, no matter what your strengths are.

Sascha Maurer
He/Him
Recreation Therapy Assistant
The Admin Architect
Hey, I’m Benji. I am interested in co-creating affirming, inclusive spaces where people can expand, express, and connect through play. My style is artistic, reflective, and vulnerable. My education lives in books, bodies, conversations, and lived experience. My own leisure looks like making colorful, intricate art, having long talks about everything and nothing, and dancing with reckless abandon.

Benji Consiglio
They/them
Digital Facilitator & Recreation Therapy Assistant
The Narrative Engineer
Hi, I’m Ana! I’m the social worker at JJRT, and I do heart-forward, people-first work for humans who don’t fit neatly into boxes…because honestly, who does?
I support the Ontario Autism Program here at JJRT and neurodivergent individuals walking alongside families and caregivers as they navigate big feelings, busy brains, and tender seasons (those on the dementia journey, hold a tender spot in my heart). I bring trauma-informed care, creativity, and a lot of humanity into everything I do.
When I’m not at work, I’m likely hiking, café-dwelling with a latte in hand, chasing art, buying yet another book or saying yes to dessert (especially tiramisu…non-negotiable). I’m a joy-chaser, a meaning-maker, and a big believer that even in hard seasons, moments of light still matter and we’re allowed to claim them.

Sahil Padhiyar
he/him
Social Worker, (B.A., Hons., BSW, RSW)
​The support through Loss & Grief
I’m currently in school for Thanatology and Psychology and plan to pursue a masters in social work. I enjoy listening to and playing music, going for walks outside, and spending time with my family and friends. I’m constantly looking for ways to challenge myself and learn more. I look forward to creating more meaningful connections and partnerships.

Sydney Fletcher
She/her
Life Enrichment Specialist
The gentle giant
Hi, My Name’s Malik, I am a therapeutic recreation professional who likes to help people through purposeful, person-centered recreation. I am deeply passionate about helping others and building meaningful relationships within the community to support inclusion, connection, and overall well-being. My practice incorporates athletics, music, games, and the exploration of new hobbies to create engaging, strengths-based programs that promote physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. I strive to create safe and supportive environments where individuals feel valued, empowered, and motivated to participate. Through collaboration, advocacy, and community engagement, I aim to use recreation and leisure as a therapeutic tool to foster resilience, independence, and a sense of belonging for the individuals and communities I serve.

Malik Morrison
He/Him
Life Enrichment Specialist/ Recreation Therapy Assistant
