Karissa Saunders
Indianapolis
Summary
Poised professional, talented in leading a wide variety of therapeutic leisure activities to support growth and healthy living in persons with limited abilities and particular needs. Productive in formulating program activities focused on supporting participants' mental and physical health. Adaptable in adjusting programming to suit personal interests, capabilities and health needs to propel healthy living, independence and goal-achievement.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Activities Director
The Stratford
09.2023 - Current
- Scheduled meaningful activities, entertainment, and other special events.
- Promoted exceptional quality of life for residents by innovating, organizing, and conducting entertaining and stimulating activities.
- Engaged residents through events, small groups, and 1:1 activities.
- Evaluated program effectiveness routinely, making adjustments as necessary to better meet residents' needs.
- Contributed to a positive living environment by fostering a sense of camaraderie among residents through group activities and social gatherings.
- Developed meaningful relationships with residents, gaining insight into their personal histories and preferences in order to better serve their needs.
Recreational Therapist
Pure Abilities
02.2023 - 08.2023
- Organized recreation and therapy programs congruent with participants' therapy goals, abilities and personal interests.
- Maintained detailed records outlining patient treatment plans, progress updates, treatment adjustments, goal achievements and outcomes.
- Instructed patients in activities and techniques such as dance, music or art designed to meet specific physical or psychological needs.
- Conducted patient evaluations to identify mental, emotional, social and physical aptitudes, assess abilities and identify conditions suitable for recreational interventions.
- Encouraged clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting leisure activities.
- Prepared and submitted reports and charts to treatment team to reflect patient reactions and evidence of progress or regression.
- Worked closely with caregivers and relatives of patients to explain treatment plans, objectives and expected outcomes.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Teachers Assistant
Suffolk City Public Schools
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Handed out classroom materials, like pencils, paper, and crayons.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Graded assignments and reported individual progress to teacher.
- Collaborated with teachers for lesson preparation by preparing materials and setting up equipment.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
Activities Intern
Harbors Edge
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Engaged residents through events, small groups, and personal attention.
- Provided emotional support and companionship to improve quality of life for residents.
- Helped residents build and maintain interpersonal relationships, social skills, mental abilities, and confidence.
- Planned, coordinated, and implemented activities to address needs of participants with varying abilities.
- Responsible for creating and facilitating meaningful activity in long term, short term and memory care units.
- Responsible for designing and implementing a program in which 30 college seniors working on their Therapeutic Recreation degree visited the facility two times a week for six weeks. Students worked with all three levels of care in the facility. Students were responsible for creating and facilitating meaningful therapeutic activities for patients to participate in.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Parks, Recreation, And Leisure Facilities Management
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA12.2021
Associate of Science - General Studies
Paul D Camp Community College
Franklin, VA08.2017
Skills
- Team Meetings
- Physical Education
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Electronic Charting
- Project Implementation
- Therapeutic Activity Planning
- Activities Leadership
- Intervention Strategies
- Patient Assessment Protocols
- Treatment Management
- Emotional Support
- Safety Requirements
Certification
- CTRS - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Timeline
Activities Director
The Stratford
09.2023 - Current
Recreational Therapist
Pure Abilities
02.2023 - 08.2023
Teachers Assistant
Suffolk City Public Schools
01.2022 - 01.2023
Activities Intern
Harbors Edge
08.2021 - 12.2021
- CTRS - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Bachelor of Science - Parks, Recreation, And Leisure Facilities Management
Old Dominion University
Associate of Science - General Studies
Paul D Camp Community College
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