In 2009, when Amy was 15 years old, she sought the help of the IWK, thanks to her parents’ loving and encouraging support. She was suffering from an eating disorder, anxiety and depression, which were taking a severe toll on her life.
Amy spent four months as an inpatient at the IWK’s Adolescent Centre for Treatment (ACT)–now called Adolescent Intensive Services (AIS)–receiving mental health support and learning vital coping strategies.
“Before I got into ACT, I could barely get out of bed,” shared Amy. “It saved my life.”
Amy, now 30 years old, is a Recreation Therapy Associate for the IWK’s AIS program. This day and inpatient program provides specialized care and support for youth ages 13 to 19 with mental health and substance use disorders. The AIS team is diverse, including social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, teachers, nurses, and more, to ensure comprehensive care for children and youth.
For Amy, working as a Recreation Therapy Associate at the IWK is truly a full-circle moment and a way for her to give back to the IWK.
“It’s very empowering,” says Amy. “I think it’s also rewarding for the team to see a youth who went through the program come out successful on the other side.”
