911±¬ÁÏÍø

Education

• B.S., Therapeutic Recreation, University of Southern Mississippi, 2003
• M.S., Recreational Therapy Emphasis, Clemson University, 2016
• Ph.D. Candidate, Instructional Design & Development, 911±¬ÁÏÍø

Teaching Philosophy

As a clinician, I provided education to clients, families, and the community related to the benefit of recreation as a tool to improve quality of life and to provide positive outcomes through a strength based approach.  As an educator, I have the opportunity to instill skills needed in students to be qualified 911±¬ÁÏÍøs that place emphasis on improved quality of life, strength based skill development and promotion of therapeutic outcomes.  In order​ to ensure the production of qualified recreational therapy guidelines, I aim to complete the following goals: 1) provide an open learning involvement that provides opportunities for questions in a non-threatening environment; 2) offer opportunities to constructively apply new information within and outside of the classroom; 3) encourage student involvement in educational experiences that expose students to real world applications and information; 4) provide strength based skill development within student interactions. 

Research

My research focuses on several areas: 1) older adults with emphasis on interventions that aid in improving quality of life; 2) recreational therapy and veteran centered care; 3) interventions that enhance quality of life for intellectual disability; 4) recreational therapy curriculum and collaborative practice.

Outreach

I collaborate with community projects focused on individuals with disabilities and the organizations that serve them. I am active member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, and currently serve as President of the Recreational Therapy Foundation. I also serve on the Connie Hudson Senior Center Advisory Board.

Biography

I am originally from Mississippi, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation and a psychology minor from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2003. I worked in recreational therapy for over 15 years as a clinician, primarily serving patients over age 55 across all care settings including skilled nursing, acute behavioral health, assisted living, long-term care, and hospice care. In 2018, I earned my Master of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Program Management with an emphasis in recreational therapy from Clemson University. I also hold a Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Development from the 911±¬ÁÏÍø. With over 20 years of experience as a recreational therapist, I have been able to apply that practical knowledge within my graduate studies and current work as an educator. My family, dogs, and friends are central to my life. I enjoy spending time with family through activities like fishing, kayaking, boating, antiquing, and socializing. In my personal time, I value knitting, art, sewing, and reading.

Courses

• RTH 375: Management of Therapeutic Recreation
• RTH 395: Therapeutic Recreation Process
• RTH 397 Recreational Therapy and Older Adults
• RTH 465: Therapeutic Recreation Interventions I
• RTH 466: Therapeutic Recreation Program Design and Interventions II
• RTH 468 Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation
• RTH 471: Research and Evaluation in Health, Kinesiology & Sport