Faculty Directory

Alison Pritchard Orr (she/her/hers) has been a faculty member for over 25 years. Her research has primarily focused on exercise interventions for children with neurodevelopmental challenges but more recently is investigating older adults and outdoor experiences. Her teaching focus is on physical growth and motor development and adapted physical activity. Learning outcomes in these courses include the impact of aging on motor skills.

Dalhousie University MSc. Adapted Physical Activity
University of Ottawa BPE (cum laude)Rehabilitation

Canadian Association on Gerontology
Active Abilities Canada

My teaching philosophy best aligns with the quote attributed to Plato in that “what we call learning is only a process of recollecting”. I consider it a privilege to teach and am always cognizant of that. I am also aware that in our changing world where “facts” are so readily accessed, that sound teaching and being able to discern fact from fallacy has never been more important. I see my role as an informed guide for my students. Teaching is a shared learning opportunity. I choose assignments that reflect the continuing changing multidimensional opportunities within kinesiology where students actively apply their reasoning to current material. My classroom (whether it be online or face-to-face) incorporates learning opportunities that ensure that the knowledge gained in my courses is challenging, tangible and applicable. I see my teaching as providing my students the opportunity to contribute and initiate change within their own Fraser Valley community. I maintain that my strength in teaching lies in my continual searching for what best meets the educational, leadership and experiential needs of the future professionals that I am fortunate enough to instruct.

To me the classroom is just the beginning of the learning relationship I seek to establish. I believe strongly in experiential learning and seek out opportunities in the community where my students can actively engage with the expertise available. My teaching history includes the instruction of KIN 161 (Introduction to Kinesiology), KIN 261 (Socio- Cultural Issues in Sport), KIN 365(Physical Growth and Motor Development) and KIN 465 class (Adapted Physical Activity)

Currently, Alison is investigating the impact of outdoor experiences on older adults and adults living with dementia. Alison is a faculty associate in the UFV Centre for Education and Research on Aging (CERA). Here, she has been able to blend her love of cycling with research initiatives involving older adults. In 2022, with the support of CERA, she launched a Cycling Without Age program at UFV using trishaws to pair student pilots with older adults with mobility challenges. Alison and Dr. Shelley Canning have launched several studies observing the impact of the UFV Trishaw Rides program on both student trishaw pilots and older passengers, observing intergenerational engagement and quality of life. Alison and Dr. Canning are current recipients of a CIHR Implementation Science Team Grants for Innovative Models of Care for People Impacted by Dementia. Their study is investigating the impact of the UFV Trishaw Rides program and outdoor experiences with adults living with dementia.

Sienna Seniors Foundation – 2026 $20,000. For the purchase of a new trishaw. Granted to A. Pritchard Orr and S. Canning

Dementia in the Outdoors: Exploring the Mechanisms of Engagement. E. Wiersma, W. Heibein, S. Canning, C. Clarke, L. Galway, C. Marchese, A. Phinney, A. Pritchard Orr, M. Sakamoto, N. Sutherland CIHR Implementation Science Team Grants: Evaluation of Programs, Services, and Innovative Models of Care for People Impacted by Dementia (awarded: May, 2024) Total grant is $739,800 over 3 yrs 2024-2027

Cycling Without Age: Exploring Experiences of Intergenerational Pilots and Passengers. S. Canning and A. Pritchard Orr. UFV Accelerated Research Fund. Awarded $6000. (2023).

UFV Trishaw Rides. A. Pritchard Orr. UFV Centres and Institutes Sustainability and Innovation Fund. Awarded $5400. as matched funds with Yarrow CWA for trishaw purchase (2022).

MYSelf Club Exercise/Self-Regulation Intervention. K. Keiver and A. Pritchard Orr and A. Thompson. Awarded 2020 from the UFV Research Supplementary Fund $3500, Faculty of Health Sciences, $1000. Abbotsford School District $11,015. Total grant is $15,515 over 3 yrs. (2020-2023)

Last 5 years

Canning, S. E., Swan, O., Murphy-Schmidt, S. & Pritchard Orr, A. (2025). Exploring the Impact of Trishaw Rides on Quality of Life of Older Adults. Canadian Association on Gerontology, October, Montreal, Que.

Canning, S. E., Swan, O., & Pritchard Orr, A. (2024). Cycling Without Age: Innovative Access to the Natural Environment. Canadian Association on Gerontology, October, Edmonton, Alberta.

Canning, S. E., Janzen, A., & Pritchard Orr, A. (2023). Cycling Without Age: Experiences of Intergenerational Pilots and Passengers. Canadian Association on Gerontology, October, Toronto, Ontario.

Owen Swan, Anna Janzen, Alison Pritchard Orr, & Shelley Canning (Nov 2023). Cycling Without Age: Exploring Experiences of Intergenerational Pilots and Passengers. Aging Better Together: Collaborating to Improve Outcomes across British Columbia Symposium

Student Poster Presentations:

Canning, S. E., Swan, O., Murphy-Schmidt, S. & Pritchard Orr, A. (2025). Exploring the Impact of Trishaw Rides on Quality of Life of Older Adults. Canadian Association on Gerontology, October, Montreal, Que.

Canning, S. E., Swan, O., & Pritchard Orr, A. (2024). Cycling Without Age: Innovative Access to the Natural Environment. Canadian Association on Gerontology, October, Edmonton, Alberta.

Canning, S. E., Janzen, A., & Pritchard Orr, A. (2023). Cycling Without Age: Experiences of Intergenerational Pilots and Passengers. Canadian Association on Gerontology, October, Toronto, Ontario.

Owen Swan, Anna Janzen, Alison Pritchard Orr, & Shelley Canning (Nov 2023). Cycling Without Age: Exploring Experiences of Intergenerational Pilots and Passengers. Aging Better Together: Collaborating to Improve Outcomes across British Columbia Symposium