Bianca van der Stoel
Nanaimo, BC & Vancouver Island Area| (403) 634-4959 | bianca.vanderstoel@gmail.com
Experience
Horticulture Therapy Practitioner April 2019- Present
Eden Gardens, Kiwanis Village, Nanaimo Seniors Village Nanaimo, BC
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Assessing, Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating a creative, intentional variety of Horticulture Therapy interventions
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Collaborating with & communicating observations and evaluation to clinical team
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Building relationships with Elders, families, management, and corporate leadership
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Advocating for and educating peers on Horticultural Therapy through in-service presentations, webinars, and informational campaigns
Education Committee Coordinator May 2020-Present
Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association Board
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Recruiting committee members and strengthening team vision and cohesiveness
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Leading national education & advocacy campaign during Horticultural Therapy Week 2021
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Preparing and facilitating education webinars to CHTA membership and international audience
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Relationship building and advocacy with Canadian post-secondary institutions to promote Horticultural Therapy specific educational opportunities
Experience
Horticulture Technician & Horticulture Therapy Certificate Jan 2019- Dec 2019
Vancouver Island University
Bachelor of Science Recreation- Therapeutic Recreation Sept 2014- April 2017
Dalhousie University
Therapeutic Recreation – Gerontology Diploma Sept 2012- April 2014
Lethbridge College
Why am I equipped to support you well?
As a Horticulture Therapist and Recreation Therapist, I am skilled at offering individual and group therapy programming with intuitive, person-centered facilitation skills. I see incredible value in offering moments of connection to nature for Elders, utilizing sensory materials that are relatable and engaging to each participant. I am trained to pursue connection with Elders of varying levels of functioning, and I am confident in my redirection and validation techniques. A contract Horticulture Therapy program offers more than outstanding, innovate therapy and wellness. It also includes increased environmental value as we build up the physical environment with plants and natural materials, contributing to the biophilic atmosphere, meaning an environment that satiates the human draw to nature.
