From art student to budding recreation therapist, Alleeya Guthro’s journey has been anything but linear. Shaped by creativity, perseverance and a strong work ethic, her path is an example of what’s possible when you believe in yourself.
The Welland native is graduating from Niagara College’s Recreation Therapy program with an outstanding 98.67% average, earning her the Governor General’s Bronze Academic Medal and the Dean’s Award for the School of Community Services. Both awards will be presented to Guthro on Tuesday, June 9 during the College’s afternoon (3 p.m.) convocation ceremony.
Guthro’s success as a student and aspiring recreation therapist highlights her resilient spirit, having overcome her life-long struggles with severe anxiety to thrive in her college program.
“Receiving this award feels like a testament to the idea that if you believe in yourself and refuse to place limits on what you can achieve, you can reach places you never thought possible,” she said.
Recreation Therapy graduate Alleeya Guthro (middle left) receives her Governor General’s Academic Medal and Dean’s Award during her June 9 convocation ceremony. Pictured with Guthro from left: Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie, Vice-President, Academic; Jaclyn Frail, Dean, Community Services, Justice and Fitness Studies; and NC President Sean Kennedy.
She first pursued an education in visual and creative arts before taking time away to reflect on her path forward. Consistently returning to the same core values – wanting creativity to remain part of her work, seeking a sense of stability in her career, and being driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others – she found her true calling in the Recreation Therapy program, where she was able to merge her creative spirit with her desire to help others.
“There is no greater joy than knowing my contributions have had a positive impact on someone else’s well-being,” said Guthro.
“Through this work, I feel connected to something greater than myself, and I feel that I have found a sense of purpose in sharing the joy and therapeutic benefits that recreation can bring. These experiences have also helped me rebuild my own relationship with art and creativity after losing that connection while trying to pursue art as a career.”
During her studies, she completed two placements that had a profound impact on her professional development and personal growth.
Her first placement at Tanguay Place in Welland unlocked a new passion for supporting individuals with disabilities.
“I am incredibly grateful for my time at Tanguay Place, as both the residents and staff were so welcoming, supportive, and positive,” she said. “Through that experience, I learned a great deal about myself and about the kind of Recreation Therapist I wanted to become.”
Guthro’s final placement at Brain Injury Association of Niagara (BIAN)’s Oasis Clubhouse in St. Catharines allowed her to leverage her creative spirit while providing recreation to individuals with acquired brain injuries.
“I had so many positive experiences during my (BIAN) placement, from engaging creatively with members, sharing laughter together, and discovering the unique strengths and personalities of each individual. Every single day, I left my placement happier than when I arrived,” she said.
Guthro also participated in applied learning projects that enriched her program experience and broadened her understanding of the field. She had the opportunity to deliver leisure education to staff members at a Bethesda conference, helped design a functional therapeutic space for dementia care, and conducted evaluative research for the College.
“The level of hands-on learning I experienced at Niagara College was truly unparalleled,” she said.
Outside of the classroom, she participated in NC’s Orientation Day and Fall Open House, giving a speech at both events to share her passion for the Recreation Therapy program with prospective students. She also joined the 2026 Welland Girls Sports Day (WGSD) committee, supporting the NC and City of Welland collaborative event that helps young girls overcome barriers to participating in sports and active recreation.
“Being part of WGSD has been an invaluable learning experience, and I feel incredibly grateful to contribute to an initiative that gives back so meaningfully to my community.”
A welcome financial boost, Guthro received donor-funded scholarships from the Dill family and the P. Louis and Philamena A. Giagnorio Fiorentino Scholarship Fund that supported her through her studies.
“These scholarships had a tremendous impact on me by helping to ease some of the financial burden that comes with pursuing higher education, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies,” she said.
Of all the memories she has made, Guthro is most grateful for the meaningful connections she formed with her classmates and professors.
“Overall, my experience at Niagara College has been truly life changing. The experiences, opportunities, and relationships I gained throughout my time at NC have shaped me both personally and professionally in ways I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Related media release: Recreation Therapy student accepts top academic award during day two of Niagara College’s Spring Convocation
