Shannon Hebblethwaite

Shannon Hebblethwaite is a Professor in the Department of Applied Human Sciences within the Faculty of Arts and Science at Concordia University. Her research centers on the complexities of leisure experiences for marginalized populations including older adults, first-time mothers, and persons with disabilities. Taking a critical and community-engaged approach, her work disrupts traditional narratives, challenges ageist assumptions, and encourages intersectional approaches to understanding leisure's impact on wellbeing.

Education

• PhD in Family Relations & Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph
• MA in Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo
• BA in Recreation and Leisure Studies (Therapeutic Recreation), University of Waterloo
• BA in Psychology, University of Guelph

Research Focus

Dr. Hebblethwaite's scholarship examines how social and political systems shape leisure experiences across different life stages and identities. Her work particularly emphasizes:

• Critical approaches to age studies that challenge dominant narratives
• The role of digital technologies in mediating intergenerational relationships
• How public policy impacts leisure opportunities during major life transitions
• Community nonprofit sector engagement among older populations
• The gendered politics of leisure during the transition to motherhood

Publication Trends

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary focus, bridging leisure studies, gerontology, family studies, and digital technology research. A significant portion of her 2022-2023 work addresses pandemic impacts on social engagement, particularly among vulnerable populations. Her methodological approach consistently employs qualitative, community-engaged research that centers participant voices while examining systemic barriers to inclusion.

Teaching Profile

Dr. Hebblethwaite teaches courses that reflect her research expertise:

• AHSC 382: Qualitative Research Methods for Practitioners
• AHSC 281: Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation
• AHSC 319: Older adulthood: Issues and Interventions

Professional Engagement

She maintains active involvement in interdisciplinary research collaborations across institutions and regularly presents at major conferences including the Canadian Congress on Leisure Research, Academy of Leisure Sciences, and Canadian Association on Gerontology. Her work frequently involves community-based participatory research approaches with nonprofit organizations serving older adults.