Zac Crouse

Zac Crouse (M.Ed, CTRS) is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist who has worked for over 17 years as a frontline practitioner. He has an M.Ed from St. FX University and a Bachelor of Recreation from Dalhousie University.

He has worked extensively with youth who have mental health and substance use issues; and most recently worked as part of an interdisciplinary team on a family therapy program. Zac has an extensive background in adventure therapy and eco-therapy.

Zac is an instructor at St. FX University for the Faculty of Education and has instructed at Dalhousie University for the Faculty of Health & Human Performance. Zac is a contributing author to Quality Lesson Plans in Outdoor Education (Human Kinetics). He has also acted as a consultant in Belize on a national citizenship curriculum for youth.

In 2013 Zac released the film ‘Paddle To The Ocean’ – a documentary film about Zac's use of recreation therapy as part of his treatment for PTSD. He uses this film as part of his work as a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator on the topics of mental health, leadership, and recreation as a form of therapy.

Zac is also an accomplished musician and expedition kayaker. His latest passion stand-up paddle boarding. Zac is extensively certified in water-based sports through Paddle Canada.

Experience

14 years youth (13-19yrs) with substance-related disorders and mental illness - Focus on outdoor experiential therapy, social and communication skills, community integration, leisure education. Disabilities: Substance-Related Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, Eating Disorders, Oppositional Defiant & Conduct Disorders, Obesity, Schizophrenia, & Psychosis

3 years families with substance-related disorders and mental illness - Focus on eco-therapy, outdoor experiential therapy, social and communication skills, community integration and leisure sampling. Disabilities: Substance-Related Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, ADHD, Eating Disorders, Oppositional Defiant & Conduct Disorders, & Obesity

10 years teaching and community service-learning:

• Leadership & Cooperative Games workshops for University students (B.Ed) & in-service Public Education teachers
• Disability Lab Simulations
• Online experiential learning