Meet Naila Khan, RN educator, and Robin Ostrander, recreation therapist

Naila Khan and Robin Ostrander see the need to be creative as foundational to their roles with Covenant Care in Calgary. For Naila, a registered nurse educator who works primarily with employees at St. Teresa Place, that means finding new ways to deliver educational content that is interesting and meaningful to staff. For Robin, a recreation therapist at St. Marguerite Manor, this might be a bit more technical; for example, modifying a bowling activity for a resident with limited mobility. 

“I’m not the most artsy person,” says Robin. “But I think creatively, seeing an item for more than what it could be used for.”

Creativity was certainly part of the motivation when Robin and Naila decided to introduce various cultural initiatives at St. Teresa Place, where they worked together for three years. Recognizing the diversity of both staff and residents, they were excited to bring opportunities for connection and learning.

Together, Naila and Robin undertook initiatives like organizing Chinese New Year celebrations, Chinese calligraphy classes, a rainbow crosswalk, Ramadan craft activities, Red Dress Day and Indigenous-focused activities. These activities provide enrichment and can help reduce some of the social isolation that residents may feel, says Robin. 

The activities were well-received and often became focal points of conversation among residents. 

“We found that the residents were very open-minded, and they were curious about different religions,” says Robin. 

Both Robin and Naila cite the annual cultural fashion show as their favourite initiative.  

“The culture fashion shows are one of our largest turnout events,” says Robin. “And the residents, when they see the staff dressed in their cultural wares, they just have so many questions. They're 100 per cent engrossed. I think this is something that has become a staple at St. Teresa Place — that we do so many cultural things now that it's almost like it is a part of us.”

Robin and Naila’s efforts earned them a nomination for Covenant’s 2024 Mission Award in the Social Justice category. Reflecting on the Mission Award nomination, Naila says, “It was nice to see that obviously (Covenant) values these events and these kinds of notions as well.” 

Naila and Robin, although now working at different sites, continue to seek ways to create respectful environments where staff and residents feel safe to share themselves and celebrate each other. 

“Everyone is very receptive and very willing to learn,” says Robin. “Seeing that kind of interest is what motivates me to continue.”