Shawn Wilkinson, PhD

Education

PhD  Adapted Physical Activity, McGill University, 2017

M.A. Adapted Physical Activity, McGill University, 2011

B.A.  Distinction, Specialization Therapeutic Recreation, Concordia University, 2006

Dr. Wilkinson’s teaching philosophy centers around engaging undergraduate students in experiential and project-based learning preparing them for a career in therapeutic recreation and leisure services. His research dossier focuses primarily on the role that leisure, leisure education and physical activity can play in enhancing the lives of persons with complex health problems (i.e., ADHD, Schizophrenia, Traumatic Brain Injury). His current research collaborations center on enhancing the physical activity, leisure participation and social networks of persons with moderate - severe traumatic brain injury living in the community.

Courses

AHSC 350 - Leisure Education

AHSC 361 - Leisure Services Leadership

AHSC 338 - Therapeutic Recreation in the Context of Disability

Bleuer, J., Driver, S., Kothare, E., Martone Donde, C.S., Karimi, S. & Wilkinson, S. (2025). Learning from our fish out of water: Drama therapists adapting across culture. Dramatherapy, 46, 1, 77-98. https://doi.org/10.1386/dj_00029_1  

Quilico, E., Wilkinson, S., Sweet, S., Duncan, L., Alarie, C., Bédard, E., Gheta, I., Brodeur, C., Colantonio, A., & Swaine, B. (2024). Feasibility and acceptability of an adapted peer-based walking intervention for adults with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Disability and Rehabilitation. doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2381616

Quilico, E., Wilkinson, S., Bédard, E., Duncan, L., Sweet, S., Swaine, B., & Colantonio, A. (2023). COVID-19’s Impact on a Community-Based Physical Activity Program for Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Disability and Rehabilitation. doi:10.1080/09638288.2023.2212180

Quilico, E., Sweet, S., Colantonio, A., Duncan, L., Wilkinson, S., Alarie, C.,Bonnell, K., & Swaine, B. (2023). Exploring a Peer-Assisted Community-Based Physical Activity Program for Adults with Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Brain Injury. doi: 10.1080/02699052.2023.2208375

Quilico, E., Wilkinson, S., Duncan, L., Sweet, S., Bedard, E., Trudel, E., Colantonio, A., & Swaine, B. (2022). Participatory co-creation of an adapted physical activity program for adults with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Frontiers: Article Collection: Promoting Participation after Neurotrauma. doi: 10.3389/fresc.2022.900178

Conference Presentations

Henle, S., Wilkinson, S., & Clark, H. (August 2025). Learning by Doing: Experiential Learning in Leisure Services Leadership. A poster presentation at the 18^th World Leisure Congress. Breda University, Netherlands.

Bleuer, J., Driver, S., Kothare, E., Scott, C., & Wilkinson, S. (May 2024). A Research Study about Drama Therapy Across Cultural Contexts. Concordia University Drama Therapy Skills Share. Concordia University, Montreal, QC.

Quilico, E., Wilkinson, S., Sweet, S., Duncan, L., Alarie, C., Poncet, F., Bédard, E., Gheta, I., Trudel, E., Lowe, M., Brodeur, P., Swaine, B., & Colantonio, A. (March 2024). Changing physical activity behaviours across communities, institutions, and neighbourhoods after traumatic brain injury. Paper Presentation at the 45th Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions of the Society of Behavioural Medicine. Philadelphia, PA.         

Wilkinson, S., Duguay, A., Kmiecik, K., & Quilico, E. (May 2023). Training for tomorrow: Co-creating a camp counselor training program for athletic sports camp. Oral Presentation at 17^th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, Ottawa, ON.

Quilico, E., Wilkinson, S., Sweet, S., Duncan, L., Alarie, C., Bédard, E., Gheta, I., Brodeur, C., Colantonio, A., & Swaine, B. (May 2023). Leisure-Time Physical Activity for Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Reflections from an Outdoor Walking-Group Intervention. Oral Presentation at 17^th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, Ottawa, ON.

Quilico, E., Wilkinson, S., Sweet, S., Duncan, L., Alarie, C., Bédard, E., Gheta, I., Brodeur, C., Colantonio, A., & Swaine, B. (March 2023). Using activity trackers and a videoconferencing platform to explore the impact of a 6-week outdoor walking-group program for adults with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury during COVID-19. Rapid Oral Presentation at 14^th World Congress on Brain Injury, Dublin, IE.