Waypoint mentors helped clear path for rising leader
Jenna Davis joined North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services (NSM SGS) as a recreation therapist in 2021. Today, she is the acting manager of the Geriatric Mental Health Community Team.
Such advancement is only partly a testament to her own abilities, said Davis. Even more than that, it’s evidence of the mentors who have helped her along the way.
“Throughout my career, people have always given me the opportunity to hone in on my leadership skills,” she said. “That got me to where I am.”
Among many others, she credits people like Anne Payne (a clinical manager when Davis worked in Waypoint’s Sans Souci program), Anissa Borneman (a clinical director who also began as a recreation therapist) and Sandra Easson-Bruno (director of NSM SGS) for supporting and guiding her.
NSM SGS provides services through specialized teams across the region that specifically focus on the care of frail older adults and their caregivers. It is a community-based Waypoint program, with partners such as the County of Simcoe, Wendat Community Programs and Behavioural Supports Ontario. A regional program, it provides one-to-one service everywhere from Muskoka and north Simcoe to south Georgian Bay and Barrie.
As a Recreation Therapist on the Geriatric Mental Health Team, Davis worked closely with registered nurses, community support workers, pharmacists and an occupational therapist. She would receive referrals from community clinicians or psychiatrists, and facilitate assessments in clients’ homes. Recommendations are provided and, if needed, connections are made with community supports/resources.
“I love this work,” said Davis, who came to Waypoint as a recreation therapist 14 years ago, working on inpatient units before moving to NSM SGS.
A Barrie resident with a background in competitive figure skating, basketball and rugby, Davis is familiar with the mental benefits experienced by the older adults she helps engage in leisure pursuits.
“Recreation and leisure interests can really be a non-pharmacological approach to treatment. If someone is experiencing anxiety or depression, engaging in a leisure activity can help improve their outlook,” she explained. “Meaningful activity and purpose is important for anyone.”
Davis participated in Waypoint’s Emerging Leaders program in 2019, which she highly recommends for anyone who wants to improve their leadership skills.
“The best thing is you really learn and start to develop a passion about leadership,” she said, adding other benefits include learning about networking, self-development, and various facets of systems transformation.
During her time with NSM SGS, she has engaged multiple community partners to reduce social isolation in older adults through engagement and activity. Art kits and activity kits were created for people living in the community and long-term care, and large containers of activity supplies were delivered to long-term-care homes across the region. Davis also worked with Georgian College on a program to connect older adults and community members of all ages to share stories, interests and skills.
In addition, she applied for and received a New Horizons for Seniors grant to provide workshops facilitated by Bradford Greenhouses to adult day programs across the region. Such work exemplifies the mission, vision and values of Waypoint and NSM SGS, which is why she was nominated for a 2023 Core Value Award for collaboration.