I’m excited about my innovative volunteer role with Dr. Sharon Wong’s Commercialization team in BRI, and Dr. Elaine Biddiss’ startup PEARL Interactives team—specifically, working with Alexander Hodge on Bootle Blast game developments. Through this role, I apply my gaming and coding knowledge to help my sister and kids like her by “finding the fun” in designing interactions that meet players where they are at — while also subtly shifting their reluctance to do intensive therapies into therapeutically-relevant gaming activities.

I know firsthand that there are days when doing any kind of therapy just feels like a big “NO”, and I love how Bootle Blast acknowledges that, while still getting therapies into a kid’s day in engaging ways. Bootle Blast has so many cool possibilities and applications already, and the future of our therapeutic games is bright and hope-filled!

I want to thank librarian, Iveta Lewis and project co-ordinator, Aleena Walji, for thinking outside of the box and assisting me with the on-boarding process for this unique position at Holland-Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital!