We Are IH: Small moments make recreation therapist’s job amazing

July 14, 2022

Lauren Knapton, recreation therapist at Cottonwoods

Name: Lauren Knapton (she/her)
Job Title: Recreation therapist
Years of Service: Six months
Worksite: Cottonwoods Care Facility
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Syilx
Advice to live by: "People may not remember exactly what you did or what you said but people will never forget how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou

Recreation therapist Lauren Knapton is inspired by the moments of joy she and her colleagues share with people in their care.

“Nothing makes me happier than when I see a resident experience a true moment of joy – either during a recreation program, dancing with a staff member, or listening to music,” she says. “Those small moments are what makes this job so amazing.”

In this Story…

Learn more about her journey with IH

Explore Careers@IH

Learn more about her journey with IH

Woman sitting on the dock overlooking a lake and mountains in the distance.

Enjoying Spectrum Lake

Lauren was born in Bella Coola and raised in North Vancouver. She completed a 10-week practicum in Uganda at a schizophrenia outreach program during her Therapeutic Recreation degree. During that practicum, Lauren was grateful to learn about traditional Ugandan and African healing practices.

“Working for the health authority as a recreation therapist has always been my dream job,” she says. “Now that I have accomplished that goal, I feel grateful to be able to come to work every day.”

An assortment of appetizers displayed on cutting boards and a plate.

An assortment of Lauren’s culinary creations

Young woman crossing a shallow stream by walking across a fallen tree.

Lauren crossing a stream on a hike

Lauren loves working with the recreation therapy team at Cottonwoods and feels privileged to be a part of it. She looks forward to continuing to learn and develop as a recreation therapist with Interior Health and finding more ways to positively impact the lives of residents.

Lauren describes herself as silly, hard working, creative, optimistic and empathetic. In her free time, she loves to cook and share her passion for good food and good wine with friends and family. Lauren also enjoys hiking and back country camping.

Woman hiking up a mountain next to a waterfall

Out hiking and exploring

Young woman playing with two boys who are wearing their school uniforms

Lauren playing with school children during her practicum in Uganda

Lauren Knapton nominates Kellie Schonfeld, recreation therapy worker, to keep We Are IH going:

“I would love to nominate Kellie Schonfeld, one of our AMAZING recreation workers here at Cottonwoods. She is such a joy to work with and brings so much love and empathy to our resident’s lives."