Recreational Therapy

My style of therapy includes giving the client a sense of freedom to explore leisure domains that interest them. People learn and understand best when information and resources are given to them in a way that resonates with them. That is why I encourage my clients to share their interests and build off of the things that give them joy.

Once a foundation is established, I start to incorporate the client’s goals into the activities and interests that fuel their soul so the child can practice taking skills learned or discussed in therapy and integrate them into their world outside of the office. 

My style of therapy incorporates principles of the Polyvagal Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Theory, as well as being mindful of the psychological stages of child and adolescent development.

Today, my passions and interests include running and practicing yoga within the Madison community, hiking with my corgi, kayaking when the lakes aren’t frozen, playing on my Nintendo Switch, and causing shenanigans with family and friends. 

Growing up in a small town really forced me to get creative in my play. I didn’t have stores, pools, and endless amounts of entertainment like other kids in big towns, but what I did have meant much more to me - my imagination. The imagination is such a powerful tool. It is said that imagination is the soil that brings our dreams to life. Luckily for me, I had 2 siblings and lots of cousins my age that I got to play with. They were and still are my best friends, so play came easily for me. My small-town life with my big imagination, my family, and my love for play brought me to where I am today. 

Walt Disney once stated “If you can dream it, you can do it.” I have carried that quote with me since I was little because I always had some pretty big dreams of being a “helper.” I didn’t know where I wanted to end up, but I did know that I was going to help people as much as I could in some form. In high school I discovered a passion for working with people with disabilities, and as they say, the rest is history. I did everything I could in highschool and college to get experience working with children and adults of all abilities so I could one day be ready for that big dream. My dream came true my sophomore year at UW-La Crosse once I discovered that I could play and help people at the same time - Recreational Therapy. I couldn’t imagine a better life for myself, so I worked hard and graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor's Degree in Recreational Therapy. 

Why recreational therapy with children and teens?

Throughout my undergrad, I discovered that I love working with children and teens. I had many volunteer opportunities and jobs that helped me get the experience I craved. With children and teens, I get to be a supporter, a friend, a mentor, a fairy, a car, or whatever they need me to be, which I absolutely love. I enjoy that every day is very different, every kid is unique, and the fact I get to play and watch them grow into the best possible version of themselves. It’s the cheek to cheek smiles, the belly laughs, the “aha” moments, the heart to heart conversations, seeing their imaginations working, listening to them talk about their own dreams, and doing it all through play that keeps me going. They empower me to be the best version of myself, and that is something that will never get old. 

I enjoy doing a lot of gross motor movement in my sessions. I will utilize yard games, sports, yoga & meditation, dancing, walking, biking, and other gross motor activities as much as I can while also incorporating the client’s likes. Any and all activities can be adapted to ensure full participation.

My love for play & leisure comes in many forms: going to my parents’ camper in the summer & fall, adventuring with my boyfriend & dog, adventuring with my friends, getting my nails & toes done, yoga & meditation, playing sports (basketball, volleyball, softball), reading, weight lifting, playing with my niece, wine & beer tours, watching disney movies, decorating spaces, organizing spaces, and so much more. 

Because of play, I am a better person. Because of play, I find ways to play every day because I know how important it is. Because of play, I am a CTRS doing what I absolutely love, and I get to work with the age group I am most passionate about.

My college dorm room neighbor was the first person to tell me about the major of Therapeutic Recreation. She explained that a Recreational Therapist can use recreation and leisure as a way to help people improve their physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and work with people of all abilities, in any setting. I also loved that any activity could be adapted for the client to participate in it. One of my favorite examples of recreational therapy is people with paraplegia going downhill skiing with the right adaptive equipment or guides! How awesome is that!? One of my TR college professor’s mantras was “Fail Forward.” To me that means try your best, and even if you fail, use it as a learning experience and move forward; don’t let it be something that holds you back from potential greatness. I feel like I encounter a plethora of “fail forward” moments as a therapist, and even as a mother, partner, relative, and friend.

Post college I’ve had the pleasure of working with people in all settings: multiple day programs and community setting with adults, Memory Care, and young children in a therapeutic respite setting. I love working with people of all ages, but children are so unapologetically goofy, humorous, and carefree. Over the years of working with children, I’ve learned: stop taking yourself so seriously and be able to laugh at yourself, enjoy the little moments, and play hard! 

My therapy style is putting the client’s interests and needs first. There is so much to learn from each person, and I want to honor client’s interests to help each individual grow to become the best version of themselves. Maybe we’ll even “fail forward” together!