Diane Wagner-Heffner

Masters Degree in Counseling
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Diane received a BS from Central Michigan University in 1986 in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in music.  She received a MA in Human Services and Counseling from DePaul University in 1992 and a Master’s in Public Health certificate in 1997 from Illinois Benedictine University.  Diane has worked in a variety of settings throughout her career as a therapist: case manager, admissions, marketing and managed care coordinator and clinical/team coordinator.  She has worked in different levels of care from long term care to home and community care.  Diane spent the many years at Advocate Health Care, the largest hospital system in Chicago, before moving to Michigan and working with Rehab Without Walls for 7 years.  Diane feels strongly about being professionally active and was fortunate enough to serve for two years on the Board of Directors for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association as well as the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, Illinois Chapter.  Diane also is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).  Diane also believes in "practicing what we preach" and enjoys fitness, yoga, reading, pottery, cooking, traveling, music and guitar as well as her many activities with her husband and 2 children.

"Recreational therapy can make a significant impact on a client's life especially in the home and community setting.  We focus on working with the functional skills that a client has and utilizing recreation to not only improve the skills but allow the client to participate in meaningful activities that they enjoy.  We aren't focusing on what they can't do but developing skills and positive activities that they can succeed at and will continue to do."

Amy Hanes

Masters in Administration
Post Masters Specialist Degree in Clinical Psychology
Doctorates Clinical Psychology
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Amy received a BS from Central Michigan University in 1999 in Therapeutic Recreation, a Masters of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University in 2009 and Post-Masters Specialist Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology in July 2011.  She plans to receive her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2013.  Amy has extensive work experience in geriatrics with a specialty in dementia care.  She has also obtained multiple grants including the following:  dementia program development, adaptive technological equipment, and adaptive gardens.  Amy has also practiced as a behavioral and activity consultant to residential and respite facilities.  Amy has experience with a variety of populations/disability groups including; clients with developmental disabilities, mental illness, traumatic brain injuries, autism spectrum disorders, and other rehabilitative needs.  Amy has worked in both clinical and community settings and spent a significant amount of time in the outpatient setting.  Her specialties include aquatics, dementia care, and anxiety disorders.  She has held positions in residential administration, non-profit start-up and management, and adult day service management.  Prior to focusing on home and community RT, Amy worked at the Henry Ford Health System.  Amy is active in the Therapeutic Recreation section of the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association and is also a member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association.  Additionally, Amy served four years on the Edna Gates Conference in Dementia Care planning committee and co-chaired the Michigan Adult Day Services Association Chapter II.  Amy has presented at several conferences and topics including, "The Role of Recreation Therapy in a PACE program", "Contractual Work in Recreation Therapy and Autism," and presented her research results as a co-researcher at the National PACE Conference titled, "The Efficacy of a Dementia Program on Behaviors in Late Stage Dementia."  Most recently she presented research on "A Comparison Analysis of Humanistic Psychology and Motivational Interviewing" at the Academy of Science, Arts and Letters and presented a poster presentation at the American Psychological Association's, Division 32 on "Sexism in the Media."  She is in the process of submitting research for publication titled "Existentialism: A Theoretical Approach to Recreation Therapy."  Her recent article on Existential Aging is scheduled to be published in the June 2011 edition of Senior Living News.   Amy incorporates her education and clinical experience in psychology with Recreation Therapy to provide a humanistic/person-centered approach to each client through an existential and phenomenological lens. 

Her interests include enjoys spending time with her significant other, shopping, reading, sports, crafts, interior decorating, and exploring cultural diversity.

Amy Sue Melville (AmySue)

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Amy Sue graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science in Therapeutic Recreation the summer of 1999.  Within her 10.5 years of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation experience, she has worked in both the clinical and in-home community recreation environments servicing children and adults. She was also instrumental in initiating and developing a recreational therapy department at Hope Network Rehabilitation in Lansing, MI. Amy Sue has also had experience with Supervising a Department that housed 5 CTRS, 2 Recreation Therapy Assistants and a Horticultural Therapist. Amy Sue enjoys spending time with her husband and son, camping, making cards, gardening, traveling and photography!

"Recreation Therapy treats the HEART and SOUL of every individual and that everyone has the right and abilities to live a meaningful and enhanced life!"

Kelly Stites

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Certified Arthritis foundation Tai Chi instructor and self-help leader
Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Kellie received a BS from Central Michigan University in Therapeutic Recreation in 1989.  Kellie worked at McLaren Regional Medical Center as a Recreation Therapist on the Rehab Department for 18 years.  She has worked at McLaren's Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute for 3 years.  Kellie has experience working with people who have had physical and cognitive injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, arthritis, and spinal cord injury. She is certified through the Arthritis Foundation as a Tai Chi Instructor, and a Self-Help Leader.  She is also a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.  Kellie has experience in adapted sports, horticulture therapy, modified leisure activities and community resources.  She is able to utilize leisure activities as a therapy to address functional skills while also providing opportunities for the client to return to previous interests or learning a new skill and lifestyle.  She is active in the Flint area Stroke Education and Support Group, and has presented at the Flint area BIA support group.

Kellie enjoys providing home and community based recreation therapy to persons with physical and cognitive injury.  She believes recreation therapy is important because, "We help people enjoy life, not just live it."  When participating in recreation and leisure activities you are utilizing functional skills while having fun.

Mandy Rogers

Melinda (Mindy) Whalen

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Music Therapy Studies

Mindy graduated from Grand Valley State University with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation in 1998.  Mindy also studied music therapy for 3 years at Michigan State University prior to becoming a Recreation Therapy student.  She worked for several years within the DMC at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan on the Brain Injury Unit as well as at Children's Hospital of Michigan on the Rehab unit working with children with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other diagnoses.  Mindy also has the unique experience of working in acute care with children with chronic health issues such as Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delays, and premature infants in the NICU.  She has also worked with Geriatrics, home & community recreation therapy, and parks & recreation programs.  Mindy has experience in aquatics and fitness modalities, music and relaxation, horticulture therapy, community reintegration training, pediatric developmental skills, and cognitive therapeutic use of common board and card games.  Mindy is an active member of the Michigan Brain Injury Association & the American Therapeutic Recreation Association.  Prior to working as a Recreation Therapist, Mindy worked in the computer field and gained technological experience which she is able to utilize when working with individual's with cognitive deficits.  Mindy enjoys spending time with her 2 children, playing fiddle & singing Irish music in a local band, cycling, swimming, gardening, reading, and scrapbooking. Mindy believes that Recreation Therapy is a natural step in the continuum of healing.  We help our clients take that next step from working in a clinic on skills, to integrating them into their every-day lives.  We focus on improving quality of life, providing opportunities for meaningful success, and assisting our clients in regaining some control in their lives. 

"I love what I do, and can not imagine doing anything else."

Nicole Scherbarth

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Aquatic Therapy Rehabilitation Industry Certified

"Reinvent, experience life, have fun."

Sara Muntean

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Masters of Science in Physical Therapy

Sara graduated with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation and a MS in Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University.  Sara has worked primary with children but has experience with all age groups.  She worked at Children's Hospital of Michigan at Stepping Stone and Inpatient Rehab and Acute Care. She has also worked in home health care as a physical therapist.  She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.  In addition to doing home and community based RT and PT, Sara currently works at Wing Lake Developmental Center.  Sara has many interests including a passion for art, fitness/exercise, backpacking, yoga, volunteering at animal shelters, spending time with my family.

"I truly enjoy recreational therapy with people of all ages and abilities. It is rewarding to help people in their own home and community environment to carry over the skills that were learned in a more structured setting."

Robert Wolfe

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Robert graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1991 with his degree in Therapeutic Recreation.   Prior to coming to work for HCRT he worked in the department of PM&R in the University of Michigan Health System.

His clinical interest include: adapted recreation, assistive technology and community reintegration. Robert is married with three children. He enjoys home improvement, golf, and fishing along with U of M sports. Most importantly he enjoys spending time watching and volunteering with his children's multiple musical endeavors.

"Recreational Therapy can help a client see the vast possibilities in life. My goal is to help each client eliminate perceived barriers and come up with solutions that allow them to return to a healthy leisure lifestyle."

Stephen Piper

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Stephen graduated with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation from Grand Valley State University in 2007.  He has worked with populations including adult brain and spinal cord injury, geriatrics, parks and recreation programs as well as home and community recreation programs.  Stephen is also a contingent recreation therapist with the Detroit Medical Center's Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan in Novi.  He has experience in aquatics and fitness modalities, horticulture therapy, community reintegration training and therapeutic use of common board and card games.  He specializes in fitness programs and wheelchair athletics.  Stephen enjoys spending time with his friends and family, playing on a recreational softball team, playing golf and other recreational sports, watching movies and going to parks.  Stephen believes that recreational therapy helps to aid people in getting their lives back, and that all individuals deserve to live a full and rich life.

Terri Lukomski

Licensed Master Social Worker
Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist

Terri received her BS from Michigan State University in 1987 in Therapeutic Recreation.  She is nationally certified through NCTRC (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification) and a member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, having been a guest speaker at their 2008 annual conference in Reno, NV presenting “The Face of Stroke in Young Adults.”  Terri grew up in Michigan but worked in California from 1988 until 2010.  In her 23 years of practice she has worked in a variety of settings – a South Korean orphanage with children with physical & emotional disorders, with adolescents with psychiatric/substance abuse dual-diagnosis in Palm Springs, CA, off six Southern CA Native American reservations facilitating Behavioral Health through outdoor adventure and high-ropes programs, with spinal cord injured, having coached quad-rugby for the nationally ranked team at Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation in Pomona, CA, with brain injured and stroke survivors at Casa Colina's transitional living center as well as at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's in-patient rehabilitation unit in Los Angeles, leading stroke support groups for young and elder populations.  She has an appreciation for adapted aquatics, Qui Gong, relaxation/mindfulness, cognitive games, fitness, and expressive arts.
Terri herself has participated in a variety of sports, recreation, and creative arts throughout her life and desires to bring the same sense of expression, freedom, self-determination, well being, and joy she knows active recreation involvement brings to those she works with.
Additionally, Terri received her LLMSW from the University of Michigan in December 2011.

Brian Morelli

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Brian graduated with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation from Eastern Michigan University and a BS in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. Prior to entering the health care profession and coming to work for HCRT, he worked in the field of International Logistics as an analyst and ocean export agent.
Brian has experience in the physical medicine and rehabilitation setting with focus on spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury populations.  He specializes in fitness/strength training, aquatic therapy, adapted sports, and community integration.  Brian has long been an advocate of the importance of exercise, remaining active, and proper nutrition in development and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.  He believes that all individuals, regardless of disability, can overcome perceived barriers and live life to the fullest. Brian hopes to utilize his knowledge to assist clients in reaching their goals through individual centered outcome based therapy.  Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and family, weightlifting, watching movies, analyzing stocks, gardening, church, nature and animals, and walking his dog.

Kelly Machowicz

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Certified Brain Injury Specialist
Certified Disability Sport Specialist

Kelly received a Bachelor’s of Applied Arts from Central Michigan University in Therapeutic Recreation in 2013. Being the oldest sibling of three girls, caring for others has always been a passion of hers. Kelly has experience working with a variety of populations including: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, geriatrics, pediatrics, and mental health.

In winter of 2013, Kelly completed an internship at the University of Michigan’s inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric unit. Aside from working with Home and Community Recreation Therapy, she is also currently employed at the State of Michigan Hospital, the Hawthorn Center, and has experience implementing a variety of groups in this setting. Through the completion of her internship at DMC’s Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Kelly has strong experience in aquatic therapy and community re-integration. She currently serves on the summer board for the Michigan Adaptive sports organization and coordinates events such as adaptive kayaking and water skiing. In addition to kayaking and water skiing, she has experience with adaptive tennis, basketball, and golf, hand cycling, fishing, and downhill skiing. Kelly hopes to utilize the knowledge she has gained from past experiences to assist clients in reaching their goals and living their lives to the fullest.

In her free time, Kelly enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, snowboarding, biking,
hiking, kayaking, boating, camping, doing arts and crafts, fitness, staying healthy, and anything that
keeps her active and outside!

Lindsey Beeler

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

In her free time, Lindsey enjoys exercise, cooking, reading, playing games and sailing with her family.

Joan Stauffer

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Aquatic Therapist through the Aquatic Therapy Rehabilitation Institute

Joan graduated April 2012 from EMU with a bachelors in Recreational Therapy. She is a member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, Michigan Therapeutic Recreation Association, and Aquatic Therapy Rehabilitation Institute. Joan is interested in promoting and advocating Recreational Therapy in a variety of environments.

Joan has participated annually in Michigan Adaptive Sports through their monthly summer adapted kayaking and water skiing events at Pontiac Lake, as well as their summer Sportstacular event in Camp Dearborn since 2012. She is currently a member of the board for Michigan Adaptive Sports, and became co-coordinator for their summer program in December 2014.

Joan has worked and volunteered in both clinical and community settings with a variety of populations including: brain injury, rehab, geriatrics, and those with developmental disabilities. Joan continues to pursue additional certifications in Aquatic Therapy, her preferred scope of practice.

In her spare time, Joan enjoys new experiences. In particular, she enjoys gardening, water activities (kayaking and aquatics). Joan just began selling her hand made jewelry in local art fairs during the fall of 2014. Joan also enjoys creative activities (sewing, painting), reading books, adventuring, and spending time with her husband. Joan became certified as a CTRS in October, 2012.

Gavin C. Carter

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Gavin graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science in the field of Therapeutic Recreation in August of 2013.  He became nationally certified in January of 2014.  He has experience within inpatient rehabilitation, community reintegration, fitness participation, stress management, and adapted cycling.  As a certified recreational therapist, Gavin specializes in working with individuals with physical, cognitive, and/or developmental disabilities.  He also specializes in adapting recreational and leisure activities to fit the needs of the individual. His main philosophy of practice is to place focus upon abilities of the individual being treated and not upon the disability.   

He enjoys aquatics, cycling, camping, spending time with family and friends, playing with his two dogs,
and reading.  At this time he is in the process of becoming a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.

Brooke Hillock

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Brooke graduated with a Bachelor’s of Applied Arts from Central Michigan University in Therapeutic Recreation in 2015. Brooke has experience working with a variety of populations including: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, pediatrics, and mental health.

In summer of 2014, Brooke completed an internship at the University of Michigan’s inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric unit. Brooke also completed a second internship at DMC’s Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan and has strong experience in aquatic therapy and community re-integration. Brooke hopes to utilize the knowledge she has gained from past experiences to not only touch the lives of the individuals she works with but improve their overall quality of life.

In her free time, Brooke enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, kayaking, boating, tennis, arts and crafts, cooking, reading, and playing games.

Kati Roberts

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

In her free time, Kati enjoys spending time with her husband, Frisbee golfing, rollerblading, snowboarding, crocheting, and doing absolutely anything in, on, or around the water. Kati believes that how we spend our free time speaks a lot about us as people. It is her goal to help clients find that voice again. Kati’s internship at DMC’s Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan provided her with a clinical experience working on the neuroscience inpatient unit. In this setting, Kati was able to assess patients and create individualized treatment plans for them during their stay in order to prepare them for living a fulfilling life after a disability. While at Grand Valley, Kati completed a fieldwork at a camp for kids with visual impairments. In this setting, Kati programmed many adaptive activities, taught survival swimming skills, and created a sensory garden for campers to experience. Kati graduated from Grand Valley State University with a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation in 2015 and is a member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. Kati has experience working with populations such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, visual impairments, deaf/hard of hearing, geriatrics, and pediatrics.

Samantha Eyerman

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Samantha graduated from Eastern Michigan University in August, 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in Recreational Therapy and Psychology. She earned the designation Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist in October, 2014 and is a member of the Michigan Therapeutic Recreation Association as well as American Therapeutic Recreation Association.

She has experience treating adults and children on inpatient and outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation units; with focus on traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury diagnoses. In addition to her role with HCRT, Samantha treats individuals on an inpatient psychiatric unit where she received training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She leads DBT informed skills groups as well as leisure education and recreational groups to promote effective coping. She is an advocate for the importance of accessible and proper nutrition, exercise, and recreation to maintain holistic health.

A true believer in “Life is what YOU make it,” it’s Samantha’s goal to utilize her knowledge, experience, and empathy to empower and support clients in attaining their goals and living a balanced, joyful life. In her personal time Samantha enjoys relaxing at home with her husband and two rescue “pups;” traveling; reading; being active outdoors; cooking & baking; painting & photography; off-roading, and most recently has begun to nurture a “green thumb.”

“Whether you think you can, or you can’t. You’re right.” - Henry Ford.

Jennifer Fregoli

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Kristi Levangie

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

In 2005, Kristi was involved in a car accident that resulted in multiple compression fractures in her back. Knowing firsthand how it felt to be restricted physically and
the impact that had on her life socially and emotionally, it became her passion to help those whose lives have been affected by injury. Kristi received her Bachelor of Science degree in Parks, Recreation, & Leisure Services with a Therapeutic Recreation concentration and a minor in Psychology from Central Michigan University in 2011. During her time at CMU, Kristi completed her internship at the DMC’s Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan-Detroit on the Spinal Cord Injury unit. Kristi also has experience in geriatrics/geriatric rehabilitation, developmental disability day/weekend camps, traumatic brain injuries, in home recreation services/community re-integration, adaptive sports and outpatient psych.

In her free time, Kristi enjoys spending time at her cottage with family and friends, wakeboarding/snowboarding, kickboxing, playing sports/going to sporting events, doing arts/crafts, attending concerts, bargain shopping, and playing with dogs.

Jessica Spooner

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Certified Dementia Practitioner

Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation at Grand Valley State University in 2011. Jessica completed her internship in Grand Rapids at Spectrum Health Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and started her career as a CTRS with Spectrum Health following her internship. Jessica’s first experiences working with those with a brain injury began on the Neuro Rehabilitation unit at Spectrum Health. During her work at Spectrum Health she learned a lot about neurological disorders and the importance of Recreation Therapy in a sub-acute rehab setting. Jessica also enjoyed spending her extra time on the long-term care unit and planning and implementing activities with their seniors. In 2012 Jessica continued her career at Georgetown and Cambridge Manor Assisted Living and Memory Care. She worked as their Life Enrichment and Volunteer Coordinator through January 2017. During Jessica’s time as a Life Enrichment and Volunteer Coordinator she became a Certified Dementia Practitioner and studied to complete her Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Certification as well as a Community Life Certification through Senior Living University. In 2017 Jessica joined HCRT and continues to look forward to meeting new people and helping her clients “get off the sidelines and back into life!” Jessica serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Therapeutic Recreation Association. Jessica is a mom, wife and enjoys being outdoors and traveling!

Timothy Kowalczyk

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Tim was awarded a Bachelors of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Eastern Michigan University in 2009. During his studies, he traveled abroad, spending a semester in Sweden at Jonkoping University, experiencing a Swedish rehabilitation facility, education system and culture while exploring neighboring countries on extended weekends. As a professional primarily working with adults in home & community and residential settings who have acquired traumatic brain injuries, Tim also has experience with pediatrics, mental health, and management of day treatment programs for clients and staff. Tim believes strongly in the benefits of recreation and leisure, holistically affecting the wellness of an individual. He strives to educate and assist clients in finding their personal balance of life activities, both work and play, through experiential learning, encouraging growth and challenging expectations in all aspects, physically and cognitively. Tim takes his own recreation and leisure seriously, by enjoying quality time with friends and family, remaining active with fitness and spending time outdoors. He enjoys sports, music, delicious new foods, completing household projects, traveling and exploring new adventures.

Life is full of experiences, some to remember, some to forget, but all to know.

Pay attention to the feeling. Pay attention to the people. Pay attention to the world.

Go. Do. Live, laugh, love and learn.

Challenge, fail, cry but try.

Regardless of the place or space, Do something new today.

Find a way to grow. Dig deep or stretch tall, Either way, big or small,

You can appreciate the experience, All in all.

Holly Ringelberg

Certified therapeutic recreational specialist
Certified intuitive practitioner
Certified level 2 reiki practitioner

Holly graduated from Central Michigan University in 2008 with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Holly proceeded to Beaumont Health System and served as a recreational therapist and case manager in the psychiatric partial hospitalization program for five years focusing on coping and expression through leisure for those with psychiatric diagnosis, as well as those who had experienced trauma and loss. Holly started with HCRT in 2013 and has been particularly focused on treating those with spinal cord injuries. Since working with HCRT, Holly has completed training and certifications as both an intuitive practitioner and level 2 reiki practitioner. Holly strives to treat clients with a holistic approach and return a sense of wholeness to each client following a traumatic injury.

In her leisure time, Holly enjoys spending time with her family, camping, traveling, swimming and several creative endeavors.

Kyle Strong

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Kyle graduated from EMU in 2015 with a bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation and joined HCRT soon after. Prior to discovering the wonderful world of rec therapy, he was a member of the U.S. Navy and worked in Aviation. Kyle enjoys being able to help provide therapeutic recreation to wonderful people every day. "I truly feel that healthy recreation should be an important part of every individuals life, and is integral to the recovery process"

​Marcus Meade

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Marcus graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2016 with a Bachelor's of Science. He is currently working with multiple populations and settings to better assist his clients in their target goals. Marcus is involved in many volunteer opportunities, such as Michigan Adaptive Sports, while also participating in other opportunities like helping others. Marcus assists in adaptive skiing every winter and aspires to broaden his experience in multiple adaptive sports. ​He has worked in Canton, MI with the Autistic population, which helped him better understand the different ranges of goal setting for individuals with similar "disabilities".

Marcus enjoys traveling with family and friends, as well as experiencing new backgrounds.

Alyssa Bruno

Miranda Ward-Gardner

Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist
Aquatic Therapy Rehabilitation Certified

Miranda Ward-Gardner graduated from Calvin College in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation.  Miranda has in-depth experience in the home and community, where she has worked for the majority of her career.  In addition to her experience with Traumatic Brain Injury Miranda also has experience in the areas of Autism, PTSD/trauma, mental health, family bonding through cooperative activities and youth living in residential placement.  

In addition to what she offers as a land-based Recreational Therapist Miranda is also passionate about Aquatic Therapy and the many benefits it offers through of physical rehabilitation and aquatic body work.  Miranda is Aquatic Therapy Certified.  She is also currently completing training for Biofeedback Certification.

Deb Borton

Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist

Deb graduated from Eastern Michigan University with her Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy in 2016. During college Deb completed an internship at DMC's Rehabilitation Institute with an emphasis on community re-integration, leisure education, adaptive sports, and aquatic therapy. During her internship Deb volunteered with Michigan Adaptive Sports weekend camp assisting in adaptive kayaking, fishing, tennis, and hand-cycling. Deb also enjoys volunteering at the Special Olympics state games assisting with the Bocce Ball courts and the swimming events. Deb has experience with working with populations such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, visual impairments, and amputations.
As a Certified Recreational Specialist, Deb specializes in working with individuals with physical, cognitive, and/or developmental disabilities. Her philosophy is that if you focus on the abilities of the person you can adapt most leisure activities for maximum benefit.
Deb enjoys the outdoors with an emphasis on adaptive shooting sports, fishing, and hunting.
During her free time she enjoys nature, biking, aquatic activities, kayaking, canoeing, camping, fishing, hunting, spending  time with family and friends, and her two rescue dogs.

Samantha Wunderlich

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Certified Zentangle Teacher

Trained SoulCollage Facilitator

Samm received her BS from Central Michigan University in Psychology and Therapeutic Recreation, with minors in music and leadership in 2011, and became nationally certified shortly thereafter. All of these academic areas combine to provide creative, person-centered treatment modalities, which aide all client’s through personal growth. Samm brings experience in a variety of ages, from child through seniors, as well as work with mental health, substance abuse, developmental and cognitive disabilities, as well as brain injury recovery fields.

Samm has a passion for art and creativity, which she engaged in with clients and outside of work hours, including playing in the Detroit Medical Orchestra, teaching art classes in her home or local community centers, and frequent theater dates with her mom. She loves to travel and experience new cultures, foods, and activities around the world. She loves to cook, host friends for dinner, and attends weekly classes on philosophy and personal development throughout Metro-Detroit.

Jessica Hohenberger

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Masters in Special Education
Certified Aquatic Therapist

Jessica Hohenberger graduated from Eastern Michigan University in the spring of 2000 with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation and was certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in the fall of 2000. She has worked in many different settings with many different populations including pediatrics, brain injury, psychology and physical 

Doug Kuenner 

Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist
Certified Adult Swim Instructor through U.S. Masters Swimming

Doug graduated from Eastern Michigan University in August 2018 with a bachelor's of Science in Recreational Therapy. He became officially certified through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certifications in September of 2018. He has worked a variety of populations including TBI, SCI, Autism Spectrum, Cerebral Palsy, and other physical and cognitive deficits. Doug is on the board for Michigan Adaptive Sports and spends a lot of his spare time volunteering with them in both the winter and summer clinics. Doug specializes in music, cooking, and adaptive sports. His favorite adaptive sports are water skiing, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, and sled hockey. He plans on getting a Master's Degree in the future from Grand Valley State University. When he is not working, Doug tends to spend his time playing ice hockey, playing his guitar, skateboarding, kayaking, swimming, and other various outdoor activities. 

 Rebecca Jaciuk

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Rebecca graduated from Easter Michigan University in 2015 with a Bachelor's of Science in recreation therapy. She has experience with brain and spinal cord injury, mental health, and geriatric populations. She completed her internships at Rainbow Rehabilitation with various field work experiences. Rebecca has assisted in volunteer activities such as day camp for children with autism, adaptive sports clinics, and food pantries. She enjoys engaging the client in activities that are meaningful to them in order for them to reach the highest level of independence and stisfaction in their leisure. In her free time she enjoys amateur photography, fitness, cooking, crocheting, exploring new places and chasing my 1 year old lab around. 

"Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life!" 

Cairy-Ann Hajarie-Flake, MA, LLPC, CTRS

Cairy-Ann graduated with a BS in Therapeutic Recreational Therapy from Easter Michigan University in 2007 and a Master's of Art in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University in 2018. Cairy-Ann's professional journey as a CTRS has reflected several diversified settings such as Acute Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatric Hospital as well as Community Base settings. Her experience in the field consist of extensive knowledge and hands on experience. By fostering and implementing functional therapeutic leisure goals with the population status ranging from early childhood to late adulthood. Cairy-Ann has devoted the last twelve years working with Truamatic Brain Injury and Mental Health Disorders. Cairy-Ann has experience working with the individuals diagnosis with trauma, suicidality, human trafficking victims, physical, mental and emotional abuse, along with neglect. Presently, Cairy-Ann has obtained a certification in Behavior Analyst Technician where she is also working with Centria Healthcare system with children diagnosed with Autism. As a CTRS, her internal governing principles is based on notion that each person's mental health is as significant as his/her own physical health. This view allows her to practice the core values of exemplifying respect for diversity of individuals, their cultures, ideologies, and capabilities. Cairy-Ann is a military spouse with a family of two, she truly enjoys traveling and spending quality time with the family. A fun fact about her, she is highly immersed in her culture as a Jamaican and as a result she often implements life skills and leisure based activities to foster and array of cultural diversified activities. 

Halie Porritt

Halie graduated from Central Michigan University in 2014 with a bachelor of applied arts degree in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in American Sign Language. Halie completed her internships at the Lighthouse Neurological Rehab Center in Traverse City and Pine Rest Mental Health in Grand Rapids. Halie has experience working in a Skilled Rehabilitation Center, outpatient rehab center and home and community based recreation therapy with various populations including pediatrics and adults with developmental disabilities, mental disorders, and physical disabilities. She also has experience in aquatic therapy and adaptive sports. Halie is also working towards becoming ATRIC certified. 

Halie is newly married and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling and meeting new people!