Nicole Peel

Nicole Peel serves as a Senior Lecturer in Recreation Therapy and Undergraduate Director of Academic Program within the School of Health Sciences at Western Sydney University. With over 30 years of professional experience, she brings substantial practical expertise to her academic role, working extensively with vulnerable populations including people with intellectual and physical disabilities, aging individuals, adolescents, and marginalized communities.

Dr. Peel's research centers on trauma informed care and therapy approaches for disadvantaged groups, with particular emphasis on co-design principles that facilitate sustainable community change. Her work focuses on translating academic research into practical applications that create meaningful impact within complex support systems.

• Leisure and health
• Trauma Informed Care
• Foster Care
• Marginalised individuals
• People with disabilities
• Criminal Justice contexts

Dr. Peel has received significant recognition for her contributions, including the WSU Vice-Chancellor Award for Excellence in University Engagement and Sustainability in 2017. Her professional memberships span multiple relevant organizations including the Diversional Recreation Therapy Association, World Leisure Organisation, Australian Bush Therapy Association, and The Australian Sociological Association.

As an educator with extensive industry experience, Dr. Peel bridges academic theory with practical application, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and real-world skills applicable to working with diverse populations in health and recreation contexts.