I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston was the number one song on July 6, 1987. This was also the day Theresa Milani started her tenure in Recreation Therapy at Cambridge Memorial Hospital.
Theresa has enriched the lives of thousands of patients and many colleagues. Some of many roles include Professional Practice Leader for Recreation Therapy, frontline in Mental Health, Medicine and Complex Continuing Care. She initiated and piloted many Workplace Wellness initiatives. The last 10 years her contributions as the Hospital Elder Life Specialist is a benchmark for many other ELS in the province. She presents at conferences for Therapeutic Recreation Ontario and Gerontology. She is a Gentle Persuasive Approach trainer. And is a true, compassionate and competent individual.
Over 75 students from Recreation Therapy interns, practicum students, and co-op have benefitted from her leadership and mentorship.
During retirement, Theresa plans to pursue many of her hobbies: cycling, golf, cooking, skating, volunteering and travel. She is very close to her family and they will continue to have many adventures together.
She has words of wisdom for those of us still pursuing work:
- Healthcare changes and evolves and work stress is not worth it, work is work and home is home
- Work in different areas of TR
- Expand your network through TRO and conferences
- And do a self-care check at the end of each work day
Her last day is November 26, 2021.
Thank you, Theresa! Congratulations on a successful 34 years at CMH and being a member of TRO for 25 years.
Submitted by Carrie Strub