Education
MA in Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, BRLS, Brock University
Scholarly Contributions
Featured Publications
McNeill, D. M. J., & Arai, S. (2022). A Narrative Exploration of Sense of Belonging of Persons Living with Schizophrenia in the Community. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 41(1), 90-101.
Caspar, S., Davis, E., McNeill, D. M. J., & Kellett, P. (2019). Intergenerational programs: Breaking down ageist barriers & improving youth experiences. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 53(2), 149-164.
McNeill, D. M. J. (2014). Individual Meanings, Co-Constructing Narratives of Identity and Community in Journeys with Schizophrenia (Master’s Thesis). University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON.
Leadership & Professional Service
Mr. McNeill is a highly experienced Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. He has taught broadly in the Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation Program since its inception. He has balanced teaching with heavy administrative roles, including Program Coordinator, Internship Coordinator, Accreditation Lead, and Quality Assurance Lead. He has held several roles with TR associations across Canada, including chairing the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association's (ATRA) Research Committee, serving as a director on the Canadian Association of Leisure Studies, vice chair of marketing for the ATRA symposium, and being a member of several Canadian, Alberta, and Ontario TR committees.
Professional Awards & Recognition
Mr. McNeill is an award-winning educator, student, and mentor in the field. Most recently, he won the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association's Professional of the Year Award in 2025. As an educator mentor at the University of Lethbridge, he has provided guidance and mentorship to newly hired educators across various faculties over the past three years. As a PhD candidate, he was the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship Award and the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship.