Northeast Indiana
Shanna Fortney, CTRS
Shanna Fortney graduated from Indiana University with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Recreation. She has been practicing since 2006 as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Shanna has primarily worked in the aquatics setting providing services to people of all ages with a wide variety of physical and cognitive needs to assist them in improving their overall well-being. Her passion is to see her clients enjoy their time as they work toward meeting their goals. Shanna looks forward to working together with her clients to help them develop and implement a plan to improve their overall quality of life using a variation of recreation and leisure tools.
Chris Fitzgerald, CTRS, MS Psychology
Chris Fitzgerald graduated from Illinois State University in 2017 with a Bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Following graduation, he completed a Recreational Therapy internship at the St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois working with stroke, traumatic injury, and amputee patients. Shortly after completing his internship, he received his certification as a Recreational Therapist. Throughout college, Chris worked in the Special Olympics department coaching swimming, basketball, soccer, and track for SOAR—a community Therapeutic Recreation program serving individuals with disabilities. Chris is looking forward to using the skills he has gained from past experiences and applying them towards his clients to improve their quality of life.
Christopher Byrd, CTRS
Christopher Byrd graduate of Eastern Michigan University in April 2018 with a Bachelors of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. He completed his internship at Michigan Medicine in the setting of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation where he worked with survivors of stroke and individuals of spinal cord, traumatic brain injuries and other physical disabilities. Shortly after completing his internship, he obtained his certification to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS). He has led individual and group treatment sessions utilizing recreational activities, community outings and leisure education to improve the quality of life patients. Through his experiences, Chris brings the excitement and skills essential to maximizing the quality of life in his clients.
Haley Merz, CTRS
Haley Merz graduated from Indiana Tech in May of 2018 with her Bachelors of Science in Recreational Therapy. Throughout college she has worked in many different settings focused on serving individuals with disabilities. In the summer of 2017, she completed her Practicum working as a summer camp counselor at Camp Red Cedar. She is also a Certified lifeguard at Turnstone Center For Children and Adults with Disabilities. Haley has a strong background in competitive swimming and has coached all age swimmers for many years. She is an active volunteer with Summit Equestrian Center and loves involving clients in Equine Facilitated Therapy/ Hippotherapy.
Haley has recently completed her internship with Pure Abilities working alongside the owner, Ethan Pickett and his clients. She has recently acquired her certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS). Being from the Fort Wayne area she hopes to use her community connections to bring awareness and inclusion to individuals with disabilities. Haley is passionate about the values of recreational therapy and wants to help engage her clients in challenging their potential in positive leisure activities.
Kolten Wince, CTRS
Kolten Wince graduated from the University of Toledo in 2018 receiving a Bachelor’s of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. Following graduation, he received his certification to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Kolten completed his internship at the Laurels of Toledo where he worked with the physical rehab and geriatric populations. Throughout his college experience, Kolten worked at Sunshine Communities in Maumee, OH as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Kolten Served individuals of all ages with a wide variety of cognitive, social, and physical needs to improve their quality of life while working at Sunshine Communities. Kolten looks forward to working together with his clients to implement recreation and leisure to achieve their goals, promote healthy leisure and improve their quality of life.
Pete Reyes, CTRS
Peter Reyes graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation. During his time at IU, he volunteered at Stone Belt (Disability services and support organization), volunteered at Kid's Play Gym (sensory stimulation gym for children), and worked at the Middle Way House Youth Program (after school care and support group for at-risk youth) while being a member of the Indiana National Guard. Peter completed his internship at Pure Abilities where he shadowed owner Ethan Pickett and Chris Fitzgerald. During his internship, he excelled in learning how to interact with and improve the overall health of the individuals he worked with. Shortly after completing his internship and his degree, Peter received his certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Peter's passion for helping other's continuously improve their overall well-being is reflected in the work that he does. He possesses great work-ethic, drive, loyalty, and shows dedication for all those he works for. He will always put other's needs before his own and will make every effort to assist individuals on reaching their goals through recreation and leisure.
Rebecca Bedacht, CTRS
Rebecca Bedacht graduated from The University of Toledo in May of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy. Rebecca has a wide range of populations she has served during her educational career which includes Pediatric, ID/DD, Physical Rehab, Behavioral Health, and Geriatric. She completed an internship at Atrium Medical Rehab Center in Dayton, Ohio working with stroke, traumatic injury, cerebral palsy, and amputee patients of all ages. During this time at her internship she learned about how to help her patients get back to doing what they love to do. Shortly after her internship, she obtained her certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS). Rebecca is excited to be on the team to serve her clients and explore the Fort Wayne area.
Mackenzie Turner, MS, CTRS
Mackenzie graduated from The University of Saint Francis with her Bachelors in Pre-Art Therapy, in May of 2015, focusing on art and psychology. She continued her education and obtained her Masters of Science in Recreational Therapy in August of 2017 from Indiana University. While in her undergrad, she had worked at Turnstone in Fort Wayne, IN in the childcare, caring for children with various disabilities. She assisted the teacher in providing classroom-setting curriculum as well as opportunities for physical activity and play. While working at Turnstone, Mackenzie volunteered with the Lap Club and assisted the Physical Therapist in providing aquatic therapy for children and teens with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and various populations. While working on her masters, she worked as an ABA Therapist for children with autism of various ages. Mackenzie worked with early learners, teaching them how to begin and develop communication, as well as preparing children to enter into the classroom and community. Mackenzie is now back in the Fort Wayne area and is very excited to grow further as a professional with Pure Abilities. She is extremely passionate about helping others and loves being a witness to individuals growing, learning and experiencing enhanced quality of life through recreational and leisure activities.
Jenn Hagewood, CTRS, M.Psych
Jennifer Hagewood graduated from Central Michigan University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation services. She completed internships at Battle Creek VA Medical Center and Lighthouse Neurological Rehabilitation. These have included experiences working with people with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, psychological disabilities, and more. Jenn has served clients on the Indiana Medicaid waiver since 2013 as a recreation therapist in northern IN. Jenn is a volunteer for the Special Olympics. She decided to further her education and graduated in the fall of 2023 with a master’s in psychology from Indiana Tech. She plans to grow her career through both careers, a behavior consultant and a recreation therapist, for clients in northern Indiana. She is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities reach goals, improve their quality of life, and complete challenges. She is excited about the opportunities to serve and positively impact individuals.
Kaylee Brown, CTRS
Kaylee Brown obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Recreational Therapy from The University of Toledo in 2017 and received her CTRS Certification in the months following. Kaylee has a wide range of populations she has served in the last 3 years of her career which includes but not limited to Pediatric, ID/DD, Physical Rehab, Behavioral Health and Geriatric. She has completed two internships at Special Tree Rehabilitation System and The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center. Kaylee started her career at The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center working in Adaptive Outdoor Adventures facilitating rock climbing, white water rafting, camping, river trips, high ropes course, kayaking, hiking and many more adventures. At the BOEC, Kaylee was a Field Worker in the summer and transitioned into the Adaptive Ski Office Coordinator for the Ski Program during winter. Following the BOEC, Kaylee accepted a position at Craig Hospital near Denver as a CTRS working primarily with Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury. There she continued to focus her work in Adaptive Sports and Horticulture Therapy. Kaylee wishes to obtain more certifications to better serve her clientele. Kaylee is passionate about implementing recreation and leisure to help improve the quality of life to those she serves.
DeAnn Huber, CTRS
DeAnn Huber graduated from Indiana Tech in May of 2020 with her Bachelors of Science Degree in Recreational Therapy. While attending Indiana Tech, DeAnn was a member of the Women’s basketball team. While in college DeAnn worked as an activities assistant at North Woods Village and St. Anne Home and Retirement Community. DeAnn completed her internship with Pure Abilities in June of 2020. After graduating, DeAnn worked at Sun Behavioral, a psychiatric facility, in Columbus, Ohio. Her love for and experience in sports, helps foster her plans and activities with her clients. She cares about her clients being treated fairly and has a genuine concern for their progress. DeAnn is excited to be back in Ft. Wayne, close to family and doing what she loves.
Erika Trent, MS, LRT, CTRS
Erika graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Masters of Science in Recreational Therapy from North Carolina Central University in December 2023. Erika also has a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Exercise Science and a minor in Health Education from Liberty University. Before graduating she completed her internship through Richmond Parks and Recreation in Richmond, Virginia. After graduation in December 2023, she received both her certification and license as a Recreational Therapist in February 2024. Erika is a people person that loves leading individual and group sessions utilizing recreational therapy interventions and recreational centers within the community. Erika worked with an inclusive after school program in Richmond City schools providing therapeutic interventions for elementary students with/without disabilities. Erika is a volunteer for the Special Olympics and loves giving back to the community that she serves. She has experience working with all the different populations of clients. She has a strong work ethic, loves all genres of music, sports and being outdoors. Erika is excited to be a part of the Pure Abilities team and is passionate about helping others by implementing meaningful recreational activities to assist in improving the lives of her clients.
Grant Hiday, CTRS
Grant Hiday graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. Throughout college Grant was involved with Wheelchair basketball along with field experiences at Stone Belt in Bloomington, Indiana where he worked alongside classmates to support clients. He has volunteered at the Veterans Affairs Domiciliary utilizing group outings and treatments through adaptive sports and recreation. After college Grant completed his internship at Pure Abilities under owner, Ethan Pickett and obtained his CTRS shortly after. Grant has a passion for improving the well-being of his clients through therapies that provide social, emotional, and physical progress towards their individual goals.
Allison Volk, CTRS
Allison “Allie” Volk graduated with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Grand Valley State University in May 2021. Throughout college, Allie volunteered with varying adaptive programs at Mary Free Bed Rehab hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. Allie completed her fieldwork in Summer 2019 as a camp counselor and traveling activity specialist at Stepping Stones Inc., in Cincinnati, OH. During her fieldwork, Allie worked with a wide range of populations at the teen and adult overnight camp as she led camp activities, and assisted with activities of daily living (ADL’s). Allie completed her internship in Winter 2021 with Pure Abilities, spanning both the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne areas. During her internship, she was able to work alongside Jordan Koenig, CTRS, and Ethan Pickett, CTRS and the owner. In addition to her experiences, Allie also has been an adaptive swim instructor for the Jorgensen YMCA in Fort Wayne since 2018, and absolutely loves being around water to help clients achieve their aquatic goals. Allie is ecstatic to share her passion for helping others grow through recreation and leisure as she works with her clients to reach and attain their goals through old and new adventures.
Madison Prather, MS, CTRS
Madison Prather graduated from DePauw University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Education, and Communication. After college, she started working as a program coordinator for an afterschool program at a local nonprofit community center in her hometown of Muncie, IN. By working with children who have disabilities and using recreation to meet goals, she was able to find the field of Recreational Therapy. In 2020, she began her Master of Science (MS) degree in Recreational Therapy at Indiana University. During her master’s, she was president of a student organization on campus called Runway of Dreams—a movement toward bringing awareness to adaptive clothing for people with disabilities. She led IU’s first ever virtual fashion show with models representing a wide range of ages and health conditions.
Madison completed her internship with Pure Abilities working with Pete Reyes and his clients. After graduating her Master’s in December of 2021, she acquired her certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS). Madison is a passionate optimist who helps others utilize leisure to reach health goals and achieve a greater quality of life. She is grateful to start working with Pure Abilities and is ready to positively impact her clients in the Fort Wayne area.
Megan Bair, CTRS
Megan Bair graduated from Indiana University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy. During college, Megan worked as a direct support professional where she gained experience and skills working with individuals with disabilities. She also volunteered at People and Animal Learning Services (PALS) where she helped with their therapeutic riding program. During the summers, Megan was a summer camp counselor at YMCA day camps as well as at the Boys and Girls Club. Megan completed her internship at Imagine! in Lafayette, Colorado where she found her passion for community-based therapy. There, she planned and implemented community-based activities for adults and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. She was a volunteer coach for the Imagine! Special Olympics Softball team. During her internship, she obtained her certification to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Therapist (CTRS). **Megan is excited to leave a lasting positive impact through fun and leisure in the lives of the individuals she works with.
Lili Argueta, CTRS
Lili graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in July 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy. During her college career she was president of the Recreational Therapy Club, which focuses on engaging students, outside of the classroom, who are majoring in recreational therapy. She also volunteered for IU’s Adapted Physical Activity Program that served children with disabilities in Monroe County.
Lili completed her internship with Pure Abilities working alongside Michelle Termine and her clients in the Southside of Indianapolis. After graduation she obtained her certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS). She has a passion for helping individuals improve their quality of life and achieve their goals through recreation and leisure.
Daphne Kalimon, CTRS
Daphne graduated from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy and a minor in Psychology. While in school, she gained experience working with individuals of various ages with a wide range of disabilities as a student worker at Storm Harbor Equestrian Center at SRU. Daphne completed her internship at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and had the opportunity to work with Recreational Therapists on various units including Aquatic Therapy, Spinal Cord Injury, Mental Health, and Acute Physical Rehab. Shortly after her internship, she obtained her certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Daphne is excited to build connections here in Fort Wayne and to share her passion for leisure and recreation to improve quality of life and all-around wellness for those she serves.
Kaitlyn Melnyk, CTRS
Kaitlyn graduated from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in May 2020 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Recreational Therapy with a minor in Animal Assisted Interventions. As a student at SRU she worked with adolescents with autism at Storm Harbor Equestrian Center. Also in college she had the opportunity to work with people with a wide range of disabilities in different populations. Kaitlyn completed her internship with Presbyterian SeniorCare Network at Oakmont. Working with the organization Dementia 360, she created a virtual chair yoga session for older adults living at home with Dementia. After her internship Kaitlyn obtained her certification as Certified Therapeutic Specialist (CTRS). Kaitlyn worked with older adults in personal care and memory care settings, which provided her the opportunity to really connect with residents and their family members using their past experiences and interests with reminisce therapy and helping maintain a positive quality of life. I am excited to be a part of the Fort Wayne Community and use my past experiences to connect with individuals and help them improve their quality of life through recreation and leisure.
Nicole Fritch, CTRS
Nicole Fritch graduated from the University of Iowa in 2016 with her Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy and shortly after obtained her Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification. Throughout college Nicole volunteered with Big Brother Big Sister, Ronald McDonald House, and Four Oaks (a residential non-profit child welfare, juvenile justice, and behavioral health agency); as well as working with The Arc of Southeast Iowa. Nicole completed her internship at Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Wisconsin, in a pediatric psychiatric hospital. Throughout her college and professional career Nicole has worked with various disability populations-TBI, Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Disabilities, Psychiatric Disabilities and Physical Disabilities across Pediatrics, Adults and Geriatrics. She enjoys sports, being active, outdoor activities, and music. Her passion for connecting with her clients keeps her motivated to positively impact their lives, and to continue progressing in the field of Recreational Therapy.
Northwest Indiana
Leah Jones, CTRS
Leah attended Grand Valley State University and graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation in 2012 and became a CTRS in 2013. During college she volunteered with the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan where she planned, organized, and implemented monthly leisure, social, and craft events. Leah completed her practicum at a therapeutic horseback riding/animal-assisted therapy farm. There she assisted clients of different populations and age groups in the participation of pet-therapy and horse-therapy experience. For the past five years she has worked with the geriatric population first as a program assistant and then as an Activity Director. While working in this setting Leah has led, planned, and implemented daily activities and monthly outings for her residents.
Cassie Kronewitter, CTRS
Cassie Kronewitter graduated from Indiana University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy. During her undergrad, Cassie spent two years working at ADEC as a summer camp counselor supervising daily activities such as bowling, swimming, field trips, etc. As a student, Cassie volunteered with a number of organizations serving individuals with disabilities; one of her favorite being a therapeutic horseback riding facility specializing in animal assisted therapy. She completed her internship at a senior living facility in Bloomington IN, where she worked on planning and running activities for residents in memory care. Shortly after completing her internship, Cassie became a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist in May of 2020. After graduation, Cassie moved back to the Elkhart area and continued her work in geriatrics as an activity assistant at a local senior living facility. As a recent grad, Cassie is eager to pursue her passion of serving others by improving the overall health and well-being of all her clients through recreational activities. Cassie prides herself on being passionate, reliable, and loyal - traits that she will use to not only help her clients reach their current goals, but also strive for new ones.
Christine Whitehead, CTRS
Chris graduated with honors from the University of Toledo in 1991 with a major in Therapeutic Recreation. She has been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) for over 30 years. Most of her experience comes from the hospital based physical rehabilitation setting working with stroke and brain injury clients. She loves games of all kinds! Working with clients using games can provide so many benefits while still reaching for those goal areas to increase independence. You can work on problem solving, math skills, fine motor skills, socialization, word building, turn taking, impulse control and so many other things all while playing games. Sneaking in real goals and objectives in a purposeful way while having fun is reason Chris chose Recreational Therapy as her career path. Chris is excited to work with clients in their own homes and in the community to promote health, happiness, and independence.
In her free time she of course enjoys games with her family and friends. She volunteers weekly at her church’s food pantry and loves to read and travel.
Central Indiana
Area Supervisor
Leslee Peeper, CTRS
Leslee Peeper graduated from Indiana Tech in May of 2018 with her Bachelors of Science in Recreational Therapy. She completed her internship at Pure Abilities in the spring of 2018 where she also obtained her certification to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). During her internship she worked directly under the owner, Ethan Pickett, working with individuals of all ages and different developmental and physical disabilities implementing different interventions to meet each particular clients’ needs. In the past, she has taught aquatic therapy to individuals and has also worked for an organization called iCan Shine where she traveled to different camps to teach individuals with disabilities how to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle. Working in this environment has always been her passion and she is very excited to work with clients to improve their quality of life and help them meet their goals.
Michael Walters, CTRS
Michael Walters graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation. He completed his internship at Kindred Healthcare in Raleigh, North Carolina where he worked with individuals with special needs ranging from ages four to ninety-eight. During his time at UNCW, he volunteered in numerous non-profit special needs programs at Camp Lejeune for children of military families. He volunteered at the YMCA in Wilmington NC at a day camp for special needs children and young teens. Michael is eager to use his skills that he has obtained over the years to help improve the lives of his future clients in both physical and cognitive abilities.
Anna Osborn, CTRS
Anna Osborn graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2015. She earned her degree in Therapeutic Recreation, with a minor in Health Education. Anna became a CTRS in December, 2015. While in college, she completed her internship at Northeast Florida State Hospital. She worked with clients who have mental illness and facilitated multiple groups on a daily basis. Anna moved to Indiana the summer of 2016 and has continued working as a CTRS in a behavioral facility for kids ages 7–18.
Rachel Jackson, CTRS
Rachel Jackson obtained a Bachelor of Science in Recreation from Indiana University Bloomington, with a major in Recreational Therapy in 2018. She completed her internship at the top rehabilitation hospital in the U.S. for the past 28 years, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, IL. While at the AbilityLab, she worked within their pediatric outpatient department. Following the completion of her internship, Rachel received her certification to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). She has over 10 years of experience working in the field; including volunteering and working at therapeutic equine centers, an adult day center, and assisted living and rehabilitation facilities. During her time at Indiana University she also worked closely with Bradford Woods, a therapeutic camp for children with chronic illness and disability. Rachel’s heart is undoubtedly in the work that she does, which is shown through her hard work and dedication she devotes to making every effort to truly get to know the individuals she works with as well as always putting their needs before her own.
Madison Stinson, CTRS
Madison Stinson graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with her Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation in May 2020. While attending school she volunteered at Stone Belt (a disability service and support organization) and worked as a Personal Care assistant for individuals with developmental disabilities. In the Spring of 2020 she completed her internship through Pure Abilities, shadowing Leslee Peeper. As an intern, Madison worked with individuals of all ages and different developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities; implementing various interventions to meet each clients’ needs. Shortly after, she gained her certification to be a CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist). She is enthusiastic about using creative interventions, mindfulness, nature, and play to achieve therapeutic outcomes. Madison is passionate about empowering others through compassionate care, helping them reach their goals and improve their quality of life and leisure.
Sonya Hadley, CTRS
Sonya graduated from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and a minor in Gerontology. She interned at Tennessee Christian Medical Center in Nashville Tennessee. After graduation, her love for the elderly took her in to long-term care facilities where she managed several activity departments implementing therapeutic activities. Her experience is not limited in serving populations with specific needs in areas such as dual addictions, developmental delayed, cognitive, and physically challenged impairments. Sonya has a strong desire to provide supporting recreational services that enhance individuals best quality of life.
Claire Liechty, MS, CTRS
Claire Liechty received her Master’s of Science in Recreational Therapy from Indiana University in May of 2022. She completed her internship with Pure Abilities the following summer under Leslee Peeper, CTRS while also obtaining her certification to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in July of 2022. During her time as a graduate student Claire led programming at Gigi’s Playhouse Down syndrome Achievement Center, these included GiGiFIT Adult where she led adults in weekly fitness classes to empower participants to live a healthy and confident lifestyle through exercises to increase strength, endurance, joint stability, balance and control of the body through movement. Additionally, she also led GiGi’s LMNOP programming, a weekly class for children from birth to age 3 focusing on the early years of growth and development implementing activities including music and movement, sign language, sensory play and more. Prior to her graduate degree, she received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance with a minor in Adaptive Movement and Exercise from Indiana University. Throughout her undergraduate education she served on staff for IU’s Adaptive Physical Education program where she worked directly with students from the Bloomington community on meeting their goal areas related to health and fitness. Claire is able to merge her passions for dance and therapeutic recreation through teaching dance classes to various ages and abilities in the Indianapolis community, continuing to perform professionally, and implementing dance-based interventions to a number of her clients in her role as a CTRS. Claire is grateful to be a part of the Pure Abilities team and is thrilled to get the opportunity to support her clients through recreational therapy to attain a greater quality of life.
Mackenzie Atkins, CTRS
Mackenzie Atkins graduated from Indiana University in 2022 with a major in Recreational Therapy and a minor in psychology. She completed an internship and obtained her Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certificate that summer. Throughout college, she spent time working as a direct support progressional at Apex Behavioral Services and Stone Belt, and also volunteered at an equine center and at a long-term care facility for adults with dementia. She is looking forward to helping her clients improve their quality of life and reach their personal goals.
Kelly Watson, CTRS
Kelly Watson graduated from Temple University in 2021 with her Bachelors of Science in Recreational Therapy and a certificate in American Sign Language. During her undergrad, she spent 2 years working at Bradford Woods summer camp as a counselor working with children and adults with physical and cognitive diagnoses. Kelly has experience working with the Indiana Medicaid Waiver during her internship at New Leaf Recreation and has extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities from various volunteering she did during college. After graduating, she obtained her CTRS certification and began working at Bradford Woods with children and adults in therapeutic outdoor programs. She is passionate about the importance of engaging in leisure, recreation and how it can benefit clients. She strives to help clients learn, participate, and succeed toward their goals!
Kayla O'Brien, CTRS
Kayla O’Brien graduated from Kean University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Recreational Therapy. Throughout obtaining her undergraduate degree, she worked at a long-term care facility for adults with cognitive diagnosis and at a school for children with physical disabilities and developmental delays. She completed her Internship at Bradford Woods working with youth and adults at a Recreational Therapy Summer Camp. Following the completion of her Internship, Kayla received her certification to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She moved from New Jersey to Indiana pursue her passion in working in a community based setting. Kayla is most excited to build meaningful connections with her clients and watch them achieve personal growth.
Marissa Coy, CTRS
Marissa Coy received her Bachelors of Science in Recreation and Sports Management from Indiana State University in May of 2023. During her time as an undergraduate, she developed a lesson for the Boy Scouts of America, and created programs for aquatic therapy and expressive arts therapy. She also worked for a YMCA as an After School Care Counselor for children in kindergarten through 6th grade. Marissa has previously volunteered with a Special Recreation Association promoting adaptive sports. She completed her internship with Pure Abilities, under Peter Reyes, in the spring of 2023. She then received her Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certificate that summer. Marissa is very excited to be a part of the Pure Abilities team and cannot wait to develop relationships with clients in a way to help them reach their goals.
Jaydin Pendley, CTRS
Jaydin Pendley received his Bachelors of Science in Recreational Therapy from Indiana State University in August of 2023. While completing his degree, he volunteered his time to a nursing and rehabilitation center for geriatric adults back in his hometown. He also completed shadowing hours there when shadowing an MDS coordinator. For his internship, he went to Bradford Woods and worked with children and adults with cognitive and physical diagnosis. Once completing his internship, Jaydin obtained his CTRS certification, and he is super excited to be a part of a community to enhance the quality of life of the individuals around him!
Bailey House, MS, CTRS
Bailey House graduated with a Master's of Science in Recreational Therapy from Indiana University in December 2023. She also has a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a Minor in Nutrition from Western Kentucky University in 2016. Bailey completed her internship at Meaningful Day Services in Indianapolis, Indiana and during that time passed her CTRS exam. She has over 300 hours of internship experience working with spinal cord injury patients in the Occupational, Physical, and Recreational Therapy settings at Frazier Rehabilitation Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. During her undergraduate degree, Bailey led a community bike safety program called Bike 4 Life in the Louisville Metropolitan area community centers. She has vast experience in the fitness industry as well, working as a corporate manager for the National Institute for Fitness and Sport in Indianapolis. Her passion for helping others live fulfilled lives is her greatest motivation. Bailey is ready to teach others and provide support in client's lives as they work to reach their goals!
Shaquayla Hickman, CTRS
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