Meet The Cherished Moments Team

Melissa Hood, B.T.R, CTRS
Recreation Therapist

Melissa Hood is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS®) and Recreation Therapist dedicated to helping people live with purpose, connection, and dignity at every stage of life.

She holds a Diploma in Recreation Therapy – Gerontology from Lethbridge College and a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Lethbridge. Since entering the field in 2019, Melissa has worked across healthcare and community settings including private care, long-term care, assisted living, and adult day programs.

Her professional experience began with Alberta Health Services in Hinton, Alberta, where she developed a strong foundation in person-centred, evidence-informed practice. Now based in Kamloops, Melissa continues to support individuals and families through Recreation Therapy services designed to enhance emotional wellness, cognitive engagement, independence, and overall quality of life.

Throughout her career, Melissa has seen the profound impact that meaningful engagement has on health. She has witnessed how isolation, lack of stimulation, and caregiver strain can affect well-being and how purposeful Recreation Therapy can restore confidence, strengthen abilities, and reconnect people to what matters most.

Known for her compassionate and strengths-based approach, Melissa combines professional expertise with genuine connection. She uses adaptive strategies, thoughtful planning, and creative problem-solving to reduce barriers and help individuals participate fully in their daily lives.

For Melissa, Recreation Therapy is not simply about activities. It is about supporting health through engagement, fostering dignity and belonging, and ensuring that every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Our team is made up of compassionate, dedicated professionals who share a passion for enhancing quality of life through meaningful connection and care. Together, we bring experience, creativity, and heart to every interaction.

Corrie Wattie

Support Worker

Krystal Johnson

Support Worker

Corrie brings over 20 years of experience in senior care and recreation, with a strong background as a Registered Care Aide through the BC Care and Health Registry. She has worked in home support, assisted living, and as an Activity Coordinator, where she planned programs, led fitness classes, and supported elders through both recreational and personal care. With certifications in fall prevention, first aid/CPR, food safety, and behavioral intervention, Corrie is dedicated to creating safe, engaging, and meaningful experiences. Her love for caring for others, combined with her passion for the outdoors and family, makes her a compassionate and well-rounded member of the Cherished Moments team.

Drawing from her experience in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, those dealing with mental health challenges, and patients in palliative care, Krystal merges her expertise with empathy in her professional duties. With a background in Death Doula training and psychology, she is dedicated to providing evidence-based, person-centered experiences that enhance comfort, connection, and personal development. Her methodology is grounded in sincere compassion, ensuring that each person she engages with feels acknowledged, valued, and supported in meaningful ways.

Get in touch

We’d love to connect with you! Whether you’re exploring services for yourself, a loved one, or simply want to learn more, we’re here to help. Every conversation starts with listening—to your needs, your goals, and your story.