Meet Kyla, a graduate of the Algonquin College Outdoor Adventure Business Program specializing in outdoor guiding. Her journey began with a keen observation: while working with companies offering recreational opportunities, including those for individuals with diverse needs, she identified a significant gap in accessible outdoor programming. Inspired by the profound healing and transformative impact of nature and adventure sports, Kyla pursued further education at Seneca College in Therapeutic Recreation.
Combining her hands-on skills as an outdoor leader with therapeutic principles, Kyla designs and implements innovative, person-centered programs for people of all abilities. In 2015, she founded Empowered By Nature, initially providing 1:1 community and home-based support. Her initiative expanded to include ECOPlay, fostering outdoor social/play groups, and ECOSkills, offering adventure skills-based groups.
With extensive experience as a Recreation Therapist and a desire for inclusive, judgment-free environments, Kyla launched the PlayMakers Club in March 2021. This initiative meets the rising demand for respite services by providing inclusive programs that support multiple families simultaneously. At PlayMakers Club, youth can disconnect from technology, build connections, and explore new hobbies in a safe, engaging environment where every participant is valued and supported.
Combining her hands-on skills as an outdoor leader with therapeutic principles, Kyla designs and implements innovative, person-centered programs for people of all abilities. In 2015, she founded Empowered By Nature, initially providing 1:1 community and home-based support. Her initiative expanded to include ECOPlay, fostering outdoor social/play groups, and ECOSkills, offering adventure skills-based groups.
With extensive experience as a Recreation Therapist and a desire for inclusive, judgment-free environments, Kyla launched the PlayMakers Club in March 2021. This initiative meets the rising demand for respite services by providing inclusive programs that support multiple families simultaneously. At PlayMakers Club, youth can disconnect from technology, build connections, and explore new hobbies in a safe, engaging environment where every participant is valued and supported.
We are excited to have Vicki join the PlayMakers Club Team! She is a graduate of AIV Culinary Arts program back in 2008. Since then she has held many jobs throughout the hospitality industry as well as ran her own business (@elamademedoit on instagram if you're curious) up until a few years ago.
Her passion for food took her in a slightly different direction; agriculture. The last few years she found herself knee deep in the world of regenerative organic farming. She's traded in her muddy farm boots for clean indoor shoes and is excited to be a part of the team at the Playmakers club.
Back when she was trying to run her business she made an important discovery about herself and was officially diagnosed with ADHD. Fortunately she has been able to use that hyperfocus to continually seek as much education as possible on the subject.
Vicki is grateful her grandmother, Ela, empowered her to pursue her passions and now Vicki is playing it forward. She is excited to pass on that same empowerment to our young makers! She is a great addition to the team, we love seeing her strengths, interests and skills shine with the kids :)
Her passion for food took her in a slightly different direction; agriculture. The last few years she found herself knee deep in the world of regenerative organic farming. She's traded in her muddy farm boots for clean indoor shoes and is excited to be a part of the team at the Playmakers club.
Back when she was trying to run her business she made an important discovery about herself and was officially diagnosed with ADHD. Fortunately she has been able to use that hyperfocus to continually seek as much education as possible on the subject.
Vicki is grateful her grandmother, Ela, empowered her to pursue her passions and now Vicki is playing it forward. She is excited to pass on that same empowerment to our young makers! She is a great addition to the team, we love seeing her strengths, interests and skills shine with the kids :)
We also have a few more team members who definitely add to the fun we have around here.
The kids and teens are treated weekly creative and elaborate storytelling adventures thanks to our Dungeon Masters Tony, Quinn, and Lucas for leading weekly adventures with Dungeons and Dragons.
We would also like to thank all the families that have supported us along the way and to the kids who we get to create and play with everyday! I truly love the work that we do. Our hearts are full
Please connect with us if your kiddo is interested in joining :) Looking forward to meeting you and supporting your child in play
The kids and teens are treated weekly creative and elaborate storytelling adventures thanks to our Dungeon Masters Tony, Quinn, and Lucas for leading weekly adventures with Dungeons and Dragons.
We would also like to thank all the families that have supported us along the way and to the kids who we get to create and play with everyday! I truly love the work that we do. Our hearts are full
Please connect with us if your kiddo is interested in joining :) Looking forward to meeting you and supporting your child in play
Our team is growing! Please stay tuned!
If you are interested in Playing it Forward and working with us we would love to hear from you :)
If you are interested in Playing it Forward and working with us we would love to hear from you :)