I believe recreational therapy should help people participate in meaningful experiences that support their health, personal growth, and sense of belonging. Recreation provides opportunities to build skills, express creativity, develop relationships, and discover interests. Effective recreational therapy connects these opportunities to each person’s needs, strengths, preferences, and goals.
My approach begins with listening. Each person brings experiences and perspectives that should guide their care. I believe participants should have an active role in choosing goals and activities, communicating their needs, and evaluating their experiences. I value independence and recognize that appropriate support can give people greater control over their participation.
My lived experience with disability has shaped my commitment to accessibility and inclusion. I understand that barriers can involve physical spaces, communication, sensory demands, social expectations, and attitudes. I aim to recognize these barriers and work with participants to develop practical solutions. Meaningful inclusion means having opportunities to contribute, make choices, build relationships, and feel valued.
I also believe recreational therapy must be grounded in ethical practice, research, and thoughtful clinical reasoning. Assessment should inform intervention planning, and evaluation should help determine whether services are supporting the participant’s goals. I value clear documentation, confidentiality, collaboration, and continued learning. Feedback from participants and colleagues is essential to improving my practice.
My interests in accessible travel, inclusive theater, and community recreation reflect my belief that meaningful experiences should extend into everyday life. Through creativity, advocacy, and collaboration, I hope to help people discover opportunities that support their well-being and strengthen their connection to their communities.
My professional goal is to become a recreational therapist who helps people with disabilities participate in meaningful, accessible, and inclusive recreation. I want to build on my education and internship experience while continuing to develop my interests in accessible travel, inclusive theater, and community recreation. My development plan focuses on professional credentials, clinical skills, accessibility, continued learning, and program development.
1. Pursue professional certification
Over the next year, I plan to complete the remaining steps toward becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). I will review current certification and applicable licensure requirements, organize my academic and internship documentation, and create a regular study schedule. I will measure my progress through completed application requirements, consistent exam preparation, and successful certification.
2. Strengthen my clinical skills
During my first year of professional practice, I will continue improving my skills in assessment, treatment planning, documentation, and evaluation. I will seek feedback from a supervisor or mentor at least once each quarter and use that feedback to improve my work. I will especially focus on writing measurable objectives, interpreting assessment findings, and using participant outcomes to guide intervention changes.
3. Expand my ability to create accessible experiences
Within the next year, I will develop or revise at least three activities or program plans to better address different access needs. These adaptations will consider physical accessibility, communication, sensory needs, participant choice, and independence. I will seek participant and staff feedback to understand whether the changes support meaningful participation and identify further improvements.
4. Continue learning and engaging with the profession
Each year, I plan to complete at least two relevant professional development activities and participate in at least one professional event or networking opportunity. I will remain involved with recreational therapy organizations and build relationships with professionals who can support my growth. I also plan to review one research article each month and record how its findings could inform my practice.
5. Contribute to inclusive community programs
Over the next two years, I hope to help develop and implement at least one inclusive program related to community recreation, theater, or travel. I will collaborate with participants, staff, and community partners to identify needs, establish clear outcomes, and plan appropriate supports. I will use participation information and participant feedback to evaluate the program and guide improvements.
I will review this development plan every three months, record my progress, and adjust my goals as I gain experience and identify new learning needs.
Certifications
Scholarships and Awards
Dr. Lane and Paula Childs Scholarship - University of Utah College of Heath, Fall 2025 - Spring 2026
M. Sydney Post, EdD, MTRS, CTRS Endowed Scholarship in Recreational Therapy - University of Utah Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, Fall 2025
The Spirit Scholarship - Girl Scouts of North East Kansas City and North West Missouri, Fall 2022 - Current
50 Influential Aggies - Utah State University, 2023 (page 11), 2024 (page 13)
Girl Scout Gold Award - Girl Scouts of North East Kansas City and North West Missouri, Summer 2022