Name: Brenda Torres-Wells
Credentials: CTRS, CDP, CADDCT, TTAP (CT)
Practice Setting: Founder & Principal Consultant, Memory Care Consulting LLC
Focus: Senior Living & Dementia Care Services
For Brenda Torres-Wells, recreational therapy isn’t just a career—it’s a calling.
“I became a recreational therapist to serve seniors,” Brenda shares. “It is both my purpose and my passion.” She believes the gifts we are given are meant to be shared, and she honors older adults and individuals with disabilities by designing programs that truly come from the heart.
As a recreational therapist, Brenda intentionally creates experiences that support the whole person—socially, cognitively, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. Her approach is deeply person-centered, ensuring that each activity is meaningful, balanced, and rooted in dignity. Her goal is simple but powerful: to help people remain active, connected, and fulfilled as they age.
Why Recreational Therapy Matters 💙
One of the most meaningful moments in Brenda’s career came through an innovative, non-pharmacological recreational therapy intervention for residents living with dementia and anxiety.
During times when residents experienced emotional distress—often during scheduled medication periods—Brenda and an interdisciplinary team, including psychology, explored a different approach. Instead of relying only on medication, they introduced a structured, therapeutic use of technology.
Residents were guided to reconnect with meaningful parts of their lives using tools like YouTube and curated internet searches. Favorite songs, hometowns, former schools, and cherished memories became anchors of comfort and identity. These sessions weren’t just calming—they were transformative.
Over an 18-month clinical study in New York, the team observed improved mood, increased engagement, and even a reduction in the need for certain medications during high-anxiety periods. In one unforgettable moment, a resident was able to reconnect with a long-lost son—an experience that highlighted the true heart of recreational therapy.
What began as a proposed magazine article went on to receive national recognition through the LeadingAge Innovation Technology Awards. For Brenda, it confirmed what she has always known: when we lead with curiosity, creativity, and compassion, healing happens.
What People Often Don’t See
“One thing people outside the profession don’t always understand,” Brenda explains, “is that recreational therapists are trained clinicians.”
RTs don’t just run activities. They assess needs, develop individualized treatment plans, and measure outcomes. Recreational therapy uses evidence-based interventions to improve physical health, cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and social participation.
The Heart of the Work
Brenda’s story is a powerful reminder of why recreational therapy matters—especially in senior living and dementia care. It’s about more than filling time. It’s about restoring identity, strengthening connections, and helping people truly live.
💙 That’s RT in HeaRT.