Bio: Orquidea is a registered diversional and recreational therapist. She is the current president for the New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapists Inc., a national consultant in the use of models of care with a strong focus in therapeutic recreation, human rights and non-pharmacological approaches in aged care, mental health and the disability sectors, and currently works as the national diversional therapist for Summerset Retirement Villages.

Her passion is on using recreation as a prevention and rehabilitation tool, as well as supporting individual’s self-determination through meaningful programmes which facilitate purpose and a sense of belonging.

Her special interest includes interprofessional education, innovation in therapeutic recreation, recreation as a human right, global leadership in recreational therapy.

Her specialised topic is: 

• Therapeutic recreation