Events

Jessie Jones is a multifaceted individual known for her roles as a Recreational Therapist, Artist, Writer, Educator, Mother, and Wife. With a wealth of experience spanning various
demographics, including children, adults, and seniors, she has nurtured her private practice, Jess Jones Recreation Therapy, to cater to individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, and cognitive conditions like dementia while also embracing clients of all ages and abilities, emphasizing connection, creativity, and curiosity.
Jessie's academic journey includes diplomas in Culinary Management from Fanshawe College and Recreation Therapy from Canadore College. Currently pursuing her fourth year at Brock University, she aims to attain an Honours Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Services, with a focus on Therapeutic Recreation & Leisure Counselling. Her education roadmap includes becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) via the NCTRC exam and pursuing a Masters of Psychology in Counselling to become a Registered Psychotherapist.
An active member of the Therapeutic Recreation of Ontario (TRO) and a R/TRO candidate, Jessie received the prestigious Adrienne Gilbert Award of Excellence from TRO in 2022. She has also contributed to TRO's committees, including chairing the Social committee for their conference, private practice communities, and mental health communities of practice. Additionally, she holds membership in the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) and presented her original lecture, "Using Art Modalities as Antitotes to Adversity," at the 2022 TRO and CTRA conferences.Beyond her professional journey, Jessie's life has been colored by her diverse talents as a writer, artist, musician, and storyteller. Her career took various paths, from touring Canada as a musician to culinary excellence as an executive pastry chef for 15 years. In 2017, she rekindled
her passion for art, founding Jess Jones Art, which earned her a professional membership with the Canadian Arts Council.
In 2021, Jessie embarked on her private practice, Jess Jones Recreation Therapy, which has since flourished, benefiting numerous individuals within the community. The practice expanded to establish a brick-and-mortar presence in London, Ontario, and includes guest teaching.Jessie's profound dedication is fueled by her two beautiful daughters, who inspire her to continually evolve as a person and underscore the significance of creativity, play, and imagination. Her leadership is rooted in values of connection, creativity, and curiosity, both in her professional and personal pursuits. With an infectious laughter and a great sense of humor, she is wholeheartedly committed to guiding those facing perceived limitations, disabilities, and seeking mental, emotional, and physical support. Her services provide meaningful opportunities, connections, and a creative approach to holistic well-being for anyone seeking a fulfilling life journey.

Donna Szpakowski is the CEO and General Manager of the Hyde Park Business Improvement Association (HPBIA). An anglophone transplant from Quebec, Donna moved with her family to Brampton, then Toronto, before finding a forever home in Oakridge – Hyde Park, London.

Donna’s career has taken her through many lives and sectors that included Health Care, Information Technology, and community safety, which led to working as a Business Advisor for five years with the London Small Business Center after which she launched and continues to operate her own marketing business.

Six years ago, after more than twelve years of volunteering with the Hyde Park Business Association, she led the charge to successfully transform the Association to a formal Business Improvement Association known as the Hyde Park Business Improvement Association (HPBIA), giving them stronger resources to really make positive impacts for businesses and the community.

Throughout all of Donna’s careers, one thing has remained consistent: her love of connecting with people, working with entrepreneurs and businesses, our community and her love of Hyde Park in Uptown London.

In 2017 Donna was the proud recipient of the Provincial  “Leading Women, Leading Girls, Building Communities Award, as well as the Paul Harris Fellow Award (Rotary International). In addition, Donna brings with her substantial experience and knowledge of non-profit management and governance. She currently sits on the London Covent Garden Market Board of Directors, is current Secretary on the H{BIA Board of Management and has held Board positions with numerous other organizations and committees over the past years that includes London Middlesex London Road Safety Committee (12 Years), London Middlesex London Child Safety Committee (12 Years). CSCP Community Safety & Crime Prevention City of London Committee (10 years), Crime Stoppers (5 Years).