Joan Stewart has had a very diverse career.
After graduating with honors from the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU) in Toronto, she attended the three-year Seneca College Diploma program in Advanced Color and Design taught by Renata Realini. Joan was awarded two travel and study bursaries by the Ontario Crafts Council. She traveled to Finland and Guatemala to study traditional weaving techniques, color and costume. As a self-employed textile artist for 50+ years Joan completed many large tapestries for public and private settings and taught extensively.
For a decade Joan operated a pre-school for children from infants to junior kindergarten age. Some of the activities she explored with the children were basic educational and social skills, love of nature and wildlife, artistic expression, music appreciation, and the joy of baking and sharing memories with family.
In the late 90’s, Joan’s focus shifted to the physical and mental health issues of our aging population. She received certification in Seniors’ Fitness from the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging in London, Ontario. She added Group Fitness and Fitness Theory qualifications through the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association.
In recent years, Joan worked as an Art Therapy Facilitator and a specialized Fitness Instructor with many clients including those recovering from a stroke. Participants who have suffered from chronic illnesses, mental health issues and addiction problems have also benefited from her enthusiasm and sense of humor. She was one of the first Art Therapists at HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre in Waterloo, Ontario.
As a Life Enrichment Coordinator at Terrace on the Square Retirement Residence in Waterloo, Ontario Joan created weekly programs for 96 residents and coordinated dozens of volunteers.
Joan has also studied Qi Gong for many years and is committed to the possibilities of self-healing through creative energy and optimism.
CREATE LAUGH HEAL
After graduating with honors from the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU) in Toronto, she attended the three-year Seneca College Diploma program in Advanced Color and Design taught by Renata Realini. Joan was awarded two travel and study bursaries by the Ontario Crafts Council. She traveled to Finland and Guatemala to study traditional weaving techniques, color and costume. As a self-employed textile artist for 50+ years Joan completed many large tapestries for public and private settings and taught extensively.
For a decade Joan operated a pre-school for children from infants to junior kindergarten age. Some of the activities she explored with the children were basic educational and social skills, love of nature and wildlife, artistic expression, music appreciation, and the joy of baking and sharing memories with family.
In the late 90’s, Joan’s focus shifted to the physical and mental health issues of our aging population. She received certification in Seniors’ Fitness from the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging in London, Ontario. She added Group Fitness and Fitness Theory qualifications through the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association.
In recent years, Joan worked as an Art Therapy Facilitator and a specialized Fitness Instructor with many clients including those recovering from a stroke. Participants who have suffered from chronic illnesses, mental health issues and addiction problems have also benefited from her enthusiasm and sense of humor. She was one of the first Art Therapists at HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre in Waterloo, Ontario.
As a Life Enrichment Coordinator at Terrace on the Square Retirement Residence in Waterloo, Ontario Joan created weekly programs for 96 residents and coordinated dozens of volunteers.
Joan has also studied Qi Gong for many years and is committed to the possibilities of self-healing through creative energy and optimism.
CREATE LAUGH HEAL