Text -- 304-412-4065 Danny@DannyPettry.com

Dear Innovative Rec Therapist —

Welcome to February—and welcome to Recreational Therapy Month.

If no one has told you lately, let me say it clearly: what you do matters.

Recreational therapists show up in moments that don’t always make headlines. We show up when motivation is low, when hope feels fragile, and when healing needs creativity, patience, and heart. We meet people where they are—through play, movement, leisure, connection, and meaning—and we help them rediscover pieces of themselves they may have lost along the way.

That work isn’t always visible.
It isn’t always easy.
And it isn’t always fully understood.

But it is powerful.

This month is about you. Your skills. Your compassion. Your persistence. Whether you’re working with kids, teens, adults, older adults, veterans, or anyone in between—whether you’re energized or exhausted, new to the field or decades in—you are making a difference.

At Rec Therapy Today, our mission has never changed:

  • 📚 Quality education

  • 💻 Online CEUs at your own pace

  • 💙 Built exclusively for recreational therapists

We truly believe RTs put the RT in HeaRT, and February is our chance to celebrate that truth a little louder.

Thank you for choosing this profession.
Thank you for continuing to grow.
And thank you for being part of this community.

I’m so glad you’re here.

Your friend and partner in Rec Therapy,

Danny W. Pettry II, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BHS

Need Rec Therapy CEUs? Click here for online self-study CEUs

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Danny Pettry/ Rec Therapy Today has consistently created a newsletter for recreational therapists since 2004. (20+ years).

Rec Therapy Today — TRUSTED by Rec Therapists Everywhere

Why Recreational Therapists Choose Elite

Recreational therapists tell us they want CEUs that are:

  • Relevant to their role

  • Easy to access

  • Affordable

  • Approved and trustworthy

That’s exactly what the Elite CEU Membership delivers.

It’s not about checking a box—it’s about supporting your growth, confidence, and professionalism as an RT.

Your Voice Matters: Present at the RT in HEART Teleconference

Do you have an idea, intervention, or experience that reflects the heart of recreational therapy? We’re still looking for a few additional presenters for the RT in HEART Teleconference on the last Saturday of February. Sessions can be practical, reflective, or inspiring—just come from the heart. If you’ve ever thought, “I could share this,” this is your sign. Please consider submitting a session today.

🎉 Recreational Therapy Month — We See You 🎉

February is Recreational Therapy Month, a time to recognize the heart, skill, and creativity that recreational therapists bring to their work every single day.

Recreational therapy isn’t “extra.” It’s essential. Through play, leisure, movement, and connection, RTs help people heal, grow, and rediscover joy—often in moments when hope feels hard to find.

This month, we celebrate you:

  • The quiet wins

  • The small breakthroughs

  • The consistency it takes to show up again and again

Your work changes lives—sometimes loudly, often quietly—but always meaningfully.

💙 Thank you for being a recreational therapist.
💙 Thank you for putting the RT in HeaRT.

Happy Recreational Therapy Month!

💙 RT in HeaRT: Stories That Matter 💙

Leanne Y.

Heather S.

Jesmin A.

Holly K.

Matt S.

Brenda T-W.

Madison D.

Jimira L.

Why Shae Is Rec Therapy Today’s #1 Fan

Shae P. shared that being named Rec Therapy Today’s #1 Fan is especially meaningful because recreational therapy is more than a job to her—it’s a purpose.

Being part of the Rec Therapy Today community helps her stay informed, connected, and continually growing alongside an entire network of CTRS professionals. In a profession that isn’t always widely recognized or celebrated, that connection matters.

Recreational therapy can sometimes feel overlooked, but Shae knows the impact is real, meaningful, and life-changing. Through Rec Therapy Today, she’s able to learn, share, advocate, and stand with others who believe in the power of play, creativity, movement, and joy as tools for healing.

Despite challenges—such as limited job availability in some regions—Shae continues to show her dedication to the profession. She has already earned 50 CEUs in 2025 alone, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning, ethical practice, and professional growth.

At the heart of her work is connection. Shae values building meaningful relationships with patients while maintaining strong professional boundaries—an essential balance in behavioral health settings.

Being recognized as Rec Therapy Today’s #1 Fan reminded her why she shows up every day with passion, purpose, and pride—and why being a recreational therapist remains one of the greatest joys of her life.


🧡 Thank You, Shae

Shae’s story is a powerful reminder that recreational therapy changes lives—including the lives of those who provide it. Her honesty, dedication, and heart reflect the very best of this profession.

Thank you, Shae, for being part of the Rec Therapy Today community and for truly putting the RT in HeaRT.

Why Honie Is Rec Therapy Today’s #1 Fan

Honie sent a photo of your prize pack (above).

Why Rec Therapy Today’s #1 Fan Matters

Honie S. describes herself as Rec Therapy Today’s #1 Fan for one simple reason: it has allowed her to continue growing as a recreational therapist—on her own terms.

As a CTRS working in mental health and psychiatric settings, Honie understands how demanding and unpredictable schedules can be. Between work responsibilities and life outside of work, finding time for continuing education isn’t always easy. That’s why having access to CEUs that can be completed at her own pace and speed has made such a meaningful difference.

Rec Therapy Today has helped Honie stay on track with her professional goals, even during busy and sometimes chaotic seasons of life. The flexibility of the courses, along with helpful email reminders, upcoming opportunities, shoutouts, and ongoing updates, have allowed her to continue learning without added stress.

What stands out most to Honie is the sense of consistency and growth she’s experienced over the years. Since graduating “many moons ago,” she’s remained connected to the profession through continued education—building skills, refreshing knowledge, and staying engaged with new ideas in recreational therapy.

Honie shared that she plans to earn 5–10 more CEUs in 2025, with a goal of 20–25 CEUs in 2026, reflecting her strong commitment to lifelong learning. She especially values courses aligned with NCTRC job analysis codes, as well as videos, webinars, hands-on learning, and live online conferences, which she finds especially helpful.

As a mental health practitioner, Honie is always looking for new group ideas and more psych-focused courses to better serve the individuals she works with. Having access to relevant, practical content keeps her groups fresh and meaningful—and supports her confidence as a clinician.

Above all, Honie expressed gratitude.

Gratitude for the dedication behind Rec Therapy Today.
Gratitude for the effort to support recreational therapists throughout their careers.
And gratitude for a platform that continues to build, encourage, and uplift RTs along their professional journey.


🧡 Thank You, Honie

Thank you, Honie, for being part of the Rec Therapy Today community and for your continued commitment to growth, learning, and excellence in recreational therapy. Your appreciation, engagement, and dedication truly reflect what it means to put the RT in HeaRT.

Why Misty Is Rec Therapy Today’s #1 Fan

Misty sent us an image of her prize pack she won. 

Misty W. doesn’t hesitate when asked why she considers herself a #1 Fan of Rec Therapy Today—because she actively markets, supports, and believes in the mission behind it.

For Misty, Rec Therapy Today isn’t just a CEU provider. It’s a platform that educates, inspires, and encourages recreational therapists to learn, grow, and remain strong advocates for the profession. She gets genuinely excited about the opportunities that continuing education provides—opportunities that help her become a better CTRS, teacher, and mentor to the individuals she serves in behavioral health settings.

With over 10 years as a CTRS and more than two decades invested in her professional journey, Misty shared how meaningful it has been to see the true value of versatility reflected in Rec Therapy Today’s offerings. The wide array of topics—available at low cost or even free—speaks to the diverse populations and settings that employ recreational therapists, including behavioral health, residential treatment, and acute care.

That versatility has helped Misty become more disciplined, focused, and creative in her daily work. It has challenged her to think outside the box, stay innovative, and continuously refine her therapeutic approach.

One area Misty especially values is documentation. She recognizes how critical it is to understand dual diagnoses and how they affect assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of therapeutic lesson plans. Through Rec Therapy Today, she has strengthened her clinical reasoning and sharpened the skills needed to provide effective, ethical, and well-documented services.

Misty credits Rec Therapy Today with helping her strengthen both her mindset and skill set—supporting her growth into a more productive and effective therapist within her hospital setting. She also appreciates the variety of learning formats available, including live webinars, audio lessons, and activity books (PDFs), which make professional development accessible and practical.

Above all, Misty is grateful. Grateful for a resource that supports CTRS professionals across populations, encourages lifelong learning, and helps recreational therapists continue to grow with confidence and purpose.


🧡 Thank You, Misty

Thank you, Misty, for your advocacy, your passion for learning, and your dedication to recreational therapy. Your enthusiasm and support truly reflect what it means to put the RT in HeaRT.

Infographics for the Month

Download, Share, Print

Gifts for Recreational Therapy Month

This book makes a great gift for yourself or a RT who you appreciate.

This shirt makes a great gift for yourself or a RT who you appreciate.

FREE Print-Outs [PDF] You Can Use to Promote Rec Therapy Month

Ways to Promote Recreational Therapy During RT Month

💙 Share your “why.”
Tell the story of why you became a recreational therapist and what the profession means to you.

💙 Highlight an RT success.
Share a positive outcome or meaningful moment that shows the impact of recreational therapy.

💙 Explain what recreational therapy is.
Use simple, clear language to help others understand RT as goal-directed treatment.

💙 Bust a common myth.
Clarify that recreational therapy is more than games or free time.

💙 Recognize an RT colleague.
Thank a coworker who consistently shows heart, skill, and dedication.

💙 Wear your RT pride.
Wear RT apparel, pins, or colors to spark conversations.

💙 Advocate with leadership.
Share how recreational therapy supports patient outcomes and quality of care.

💙 Show a day in the life of an RT.
Give a behind-the-scenes look at your role.

💙 Display RT information.
Use flyers, bulletin boards, or table displays to educate others.

💙 Focus on outcomes, not activities.
Highlight skills like coping, confidence, social connection, and independence.

💙 Invite questions.
Encourage others to ask what RT is and how it helps.

💙 Highlight RT across the lifespan.
Show RT’s impact with kids, teens, adults, and older adults.

💙 Emphasize inclusion and adaptation.
Share how RT supports participation for all abilities.

💙 Share a fun RT fact.
Post an interesting or little-known fact about the profession.

💙 Advocate for CTRS recognition.
Explain the value of credentialed recreational therapists.

💙 Show interdisciplinary collaboration.
Highlight how RT works alongside other healthcare professionals.

💙 Share a general client quote.
Use a non-identifying quote that reflects RT’s impact.

💙 Post an inspiring RT message.
Share a quote or affirmation that reflects the heart of RT.

💙 Use RT Month hashtags.
Help amplify awareness and advocacy.

💙 Educate families and caregivers.
Explain how RT supports recovery, wellness, and quality of life.

💙 Promote evidence-based practice.
Remind others that RT is assessment-driven and research-supported.

💙 Use accurate professional language.
Advocate through clear, correct RT documentation.

💙 Invite others to observe RT in action.
When appropriate, let colleagues see RT firsthand.

💙 Encourage professional growth.
Share CEU opportunities and learning resources.

💙 Celebrate the profession—and yourself.
RT Month is a time to be proud of the difference you make.

Humor for the Month

Inspiration for the Month

Holidays and Observations

February 2026 Holidays & Observances

All Month

  • 💙 Recreational Therapy Month (U.S.)

  • American Heart Month

  • Black History Month

  • National Children’s Dental Health Month

  • National Cancer Prevention Month

Daily & Weekly Observances

  • February 1–7: Burn Awareness Week

  • February 1: First Day of Black History Month

  • February 2: Groundhog Day

  • February 3: National Women Physicians Day

  • February 4: World Cancer Day

  • February 6: National Chopsticks Day

  • February 7: National Wear Red Day (Heart Health)

  • February 8: Super Bowl Sunday

  • February 9: National Pizza Day

  • February 11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science

  • February 12: Lincoln’s Birthday

  • February 13: World Radio Day

  • February 14: Valentine’s Day

  • February 15: Susan B. Anthony Day

  • February 16: Presidents’ Day (U.S. Federal Holiday)

  • February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day

  • February 18: National Drink Wine Day

  • February 20: World Day of Social Justice

  • February 21: International Mother Language Day

  • February 22: Washington’s Birthday

  • February 27: World NGO Day

  • February 28: National Science Day

Rec Therapy Today — CEU Reminders:

Activity Ideas for the Month

Activity: Voices of Strength (Black History Month)

Supplies Needed

  • Printed quotes or images of Black leaders, artists, athletes, and inventors

  • Paper

  • Markers or crayons

Instructions

  • Introduce Black History Month and explain the purpose of honoring contributions and culture.

  • Share short quotes or facts about Black leaders.

  • Participants choose one that stands out to them.

  • Have participants write or draw what the quote means to them.

  • Facilitate a brief group discussion.

Benefits

  • Physical: Fine motor skills through writing or drawing

  • Emotional Regulation: Encourages reflection, pride, and emotional expression

  • Interpersonal/Social: Group discussion and respectful listening

  • Cognitive/Intellectual: Learning history, interpretation, and meaning-making

  • Leisure: Creative expression and educational leisure participation


Activity: Super Bowl Showdown

Supplies Needed

  • Paper and pencils

  • Whiteboard or flip chart

  • Soft ball, bean bags, or paper football

Instructions

  • Ask participants to predict the Super Bowl winner, final score, or favorite part (game, halftime, commercials).

  • Write predictions on the board.

  • Play a simple adapted football toss or tabletop game.

  • After the game (or hypothetically), review predictions and discuss teamwork and sportsmanship.

Benefits

  • Physical: Gross motor movement or fine motor tabletop play

  • Emotional Regulation: Excitement management, frustration tolerance

  • Interpersonal/Social: Team interaction, turn-taking, shared experience

  • Cognitive/Intellectual: Prediction, reasoning, attention

  • Leisure: Sports-based recreation and spectator leisure


Activity: Design Your Dream Pizza (National Pizza Day – Feb 9)

Supplies Needed

  • Paper pizza templates or blank paper

  • Markers, crayons, or stickers

  • Optional: magazines for food images

Instructions

  • Introduce National Pizza Day.

  • Ask participants to design their “perfect pizza.”

  • Encourage creativity with toppings, shapes, or themes.

  • Optional discussion: favorite foods, compromise when sharing food.

  • Share designs with the group.

Benefits

  • Physical: Fine motor skills through coloring and cutting

  • Emotional Regulation: Positive mood, enjoyment, sensory engagement

  • Interpersonal/Social: Sharing preferences, listening to others

  • Cognitive/Intellectual: Decision-making, planning, categorization

  • Leisure: Creative and food-themed leisure exploration


Activity: Kindness Counts (Random Acts of Kindness Day – Feb 17)

Supplies Needed

  • Paper strips or cards

  • Markers

  • Tape or stapler

Instructions

  • Discuss what kindness means and why it matters.

  • Each participant writes one act of kindness they can do.

  • Create a kindness chain or display.

  • Encourage participants to complete at least one act during the week.

  • Reflect on how kindness affects mood.

Benefits

  • Physical: Fine motor writing skills

  • Emotional Regulation: Boosts mood, empathy, and self-worth

  • Interpersonal/Social: Encourages prosocial behavior and connection

  • Cognitive/Intellectual: Perspective-taking and moral reasoning

  • Leisure: Purposeful, meaningful leisure engagement


Activity: The Heart of Self-Care (RT Month & Heart Month)

Supplies Needed

  • Heart-shaped paper or templates

  • Markers or pens

  • Optional calming music

Instructions

  • Discuss the idea of “taking care of your heart” (physical and emotional).

  • Participants write or draw one self-care activity inside each heart.

  • Share ideas with the group.

  • Practice one simple coping strategy together (deep breathing or grounding).

Benefits

  • Physical: Breathing exercises support physical regulation

  • Emotional Regulation: Coping skills, stress reduction

  • Interpersonal/Social: Group sharing and validation

  • Cognitive/Intellectual: Insight, self-awareness, planning

  • Leisure: Identifying healthy leisure activities for self-care


Activity: What Recreational Therapy Means to Me (RT Month)

Supplies Needed

  • Paper

  • Markers or pencils

Instructions

  • Explain Recreational Therapy Month.

  • Ask participants to finish the sentence: “Recreational therapy helps me…”

  • Participants write or draw their response.

  • Invite sharing (voluntary).

  • Reinforce progress and strengths.

Benefits

  • Physical: Fine motor skills

  • Emotional Regulation: Self-expression, validation

  • Interpersonal/Social: Group connection and shared experiences

  • Cognitive/Intellectual: Reflection and insight

  • Leisure: Meaningful participation and self-directed expression

Featured Article of the Month

🎩 The Many Hats of a Recreational Therapist

By: Danny W. Pettry II, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BH

Recreational Therapists are often known for what people see — the activities, the games, the groups. But behind every well-planned intervention is a professional wearing many hats, often switching between them seamlessly throughout the day.

During Recreational Therapy Month, it’s important to pause and recognize the depth, versatility, and heart behind the role.

Here are just a few of the many hats Recreational Therapists wear every day.


🧠 The Clinician

Recreational Therapists assess client needs, set goals, design interventions, and evaluate outcomes. Every activity has purpose. Every session is intentional. RTs blend creativity with clinical reasoning to support emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being.


🎨 The Creative Thinker

RTs are masters of creativity. When a plan doesn’t work, they adapt. When engagement is low, they innovate. Whether modifying an activity, finding new ways to motivate participation, or designing inclusive experiences, creativity is not optional — it’s essential.


💬 The Connector

Recreational Therapists build trust. They meet people where they are and create spaces where clients feel safe, seen, and valued. Through leisure and play, RTs help individuals connect — with themselves, with others, and with the world around them.


📋 The Documenter

Behind every group and session is thoughtful documentation. RTs translate meaningful moments into clear, professional language that reflects progress, outcomes, and therapeutic value. Documentation isn’t just paperwork — it’s advocacy for the profession and the people we serve.


🧭 The Advocate

RTs advocate daily — for clients, for inclusion, and for the importance of therapeutic recreation as a vital service. Whether educating others about the profession or ensuring clients have access to meaningful leisure, advocacy is woven into the role.


💙 The Encourager

Sometimes the most important hat an RT wears is the encourager. RTs celebrate small wins, offer hope during hard moments, and remind individuals of their strengths — even when progress feels slow or invisible.

Rec Therapist of the Month

Amy Hall, CTRS

Amy Hall is the kind of recreational therapist who reminds us why this profession matters. Working in long-term care, Amy brings purpose, dignity, and joy to the lives of residents ranging in age from 31 to 105—and she does it with heart, skill, and a whole lot of compassion.

💼 Professional Background

Amy holds a diverse and impressive educational background, including:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – University of Calgary

  • Diploma in Addiction Studies – Mount Royal University

  • Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation – NorQuest College

She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and an active member of ATRA – Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association.

🏥 Practice Setting & Populations

Amy works in a 280-resident long-term care facility, where she provides specialized therapeutic recreation interventions. She plays a key role in responsive behavior interventions, supporting individuals with geriatric needs, mental health challenges, and a wide range of physical and acquired disabilities.

❤️ Why Recreational Therapy?

When asked why she chose this profession, Amy’s answer is beautifully simple and powerful:

“To provide people purpose in their lives.”

That purpose shows up every day in her work—especially in the moments that matter most.

😊 What She Loves Most

For Amy, the greatest reward is clear:

“The smiles—the smiles on the faces of my residents.”

Those smiles are the result of meaningful connections, intentional programming, and a therapist who truly sees the person beyond the diagnosis.

🌱 Advice for New Rec Therapists

Amy offers grounded wisdom for those entering the field:

“Look past all the ‘other things’—paperwork, meetings, etc.—and remember we are there for the clients.”

A reminder we all need now and then.

🔮 The Future of Recreational Therapy

Amy is passionate about the profession’s growth and recognition. She hopes to see recreational therapy:

“Recognized, licensed, and respected as much as OT and PT.”

👏 Amen to that.

🌟 A Therapist She Admires

Amy gives a heartfelt shout-out to Claire Richter, CTRS, MS of Grande Prairie, Alberta:

“She is always a wealth of information and support… a cheerleader for others in the profession and wants to see everyone do well.”

📚 Why She Loves Rec Therapy Today

Amy appreciates the variety of CEU opportunities and especially values the ability to connect with other recreational therapists—provincially, nationally, and internationally.

Book of the Month 

Book of the Month: The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

Summary:
The Comfort Book isn’t a traditional narrative — it’s a warm, reflective collection of thoughts, short essays, prompts, lists, and insights that gently encourage the reader toward hope, resilience, and self-compassion. Drawing on Matt Haig’s own lived experience with anxiety and depression, the book offers bite-sized pieces of wisdom and solace that you can read in any order. Its entries range from brief prompts to short reflections and are designed to meet you exactly where you are — whether you need comfort, encouragement, perspective, or simply a moment of calm in a busy day.

Why RTs Might Want to Read This:
Recreational therapists support individuals navigating life’s challenges, stressors, and transitions — often helping people build resilience, find meaning, and cultivate joy through therapeutic activities. This book offers emotional nourishment that complements that work. Its messages about persistence through adversity, acceptance of emotional experience, and finding small sources of comfort mirror many principles we use in recreational therapy to help clients cope, adapt, and flourish. The reflective pieces are great both for personal encouragement and for sparking ideas about how to discuss comfort, self-care, and emotional wellbeing with clients. Additionally, the accessible format (short entries you can open to at any time) makes it practical for busy RTs to read in short breaks or use as discussion prompts in groups or sessions.

How It Relates to Recreational Therapy:
At its core, recreational therapy is about enhancing quality of life — particularly through fostering coping skills, building hope, promoting creative expression, and supporting emotional health. The Comfort Book reinforces many of these themes by encouraging readers to reflect on their inner resources, embrace imperfections, and find comfort in everyday life. In practice, RTs can use the book’s ideas to inspire activities focused on mindfulness, journaling, gratitude exercises, reflective group discussions, and creative expression — all of which align with the profession’s goals of wellbeing, resilience, and meaningful engagement.

Game of the Month

Game of the Month: Fishing for Compliments

Kindness Card & Party Game — where positivity wins!

What It Is:
Fishing for Compliments is a feel-good, inclusive card and board game built around encouragement and connection. Players take turns acting as the “fisher,” drawing a prompt and then collecting written compliments from the other players — the “fish.” Using a playful fishing rod or magnetic setup, they reel in those compliments and read them aloud, creating laughter, connection, and moments of genuine affirmation for everyone at the table.


💙 Why Recreational Therapists Will Love It

Recreational therapy is all about fostering connection, confidence, and well-being — and Fishing for Compliments does exactly that in a fun, interactive way. This game:

  • Encourages positive social interaction, making it perfect for groups, team-building, community sessions, and ice-breakers.

  • Invites players to give and receive affirmations, strengthening self-esteem and empathy.

  • Sparks laughter and shared experience, helping participants feel seen and valued — a powerful therapeutic benefit in any recreational setting.

Whether you’re working with clients in community integration, wellness groups, or leisure education, this game offers a simple yet meaningful tool to build trust, break down barriers, and reinforce the kinds of supportive connections that support therapeutic goals.


🧠 How It Connects to Recreational Therapy

At its heart, recreational therapy uses leisure and play to enhance quality of life. Fishing for Compliments turns play into purposeful connection: through prompts and shared responses, players practice communication skills, boost emotional awareness, and experience the joy of affirming others — all of which mirror core RT outcomes like social skill development, confidence building, and emotional well-being.

Danny Pettry’s Corner

When Settings Change, Purpose Remains

Danny W. Pettry II, M.Ed. M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BH

 

For more than two decades—from 2002 until 2025—my professional home was working with children and teens in a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF). Day after day, year after year, my work as a recreational therapist centered on helping young people heal, grow, and rediscover parts of themselves through purposeful activity, connection, and hope.

When our PRTF closed, it marked the end of an era. Not just for the program, but for me personally. Those years shaped my identity as a recreational therapist. They shaped how I see trauma, resilience, play, and progress. And like many transitions in healthcare, it arrived with a mix of uncertainty, grief, and questions about what would come next.

I’m still with the same facility—and for that, I am truly grateful.

This past month, I’ve been providing recreational therapy services for adults with serious mental illness (CMI) and individuals in forensic settings. While the setting and population are different, the heart of recreational therapy remains the same. Still, I’d be lying if I said the shift didn’t challenge me—in the best possible way.

Working with adults has offered a completely different perspective. The conversations are different. The life experiences shared are deeper, heavier, and often more complex. Progress may look slower on the surface, but it carries profound meaning. A moment of emotional regulation. A choice to engage. A willingness to try again. These are powerful victories.

This experience has reinforced something essential about our profession: recreational therapists with the CTRS credential are trained across the lifespan. We are prepared to meet people where they are—whether that’s a child learning to trust again, a teen rebuilding identity, or an adult working to reclaim stability, dignity, and purpose.

I’ve also come to realize how much of my past work transferred seamlessly into this new setting. Trauma-informed care, relationship-building, structure, creativity, and compassion are not age-specific skills. They are human skills. And they continue to guide my work every day.

Most of all, I’m grateful for my position and the opportunity to continue doing meaningful work. This transition has stretched me professionally and grounded me personally. It has reminded me that purpose doesn’t disappear when circumstances change—it evolves.

While programs may close and roles may shift, the heart of recreational therapy—and the impact we make—continues. I’m thankful to still be serving, still learning, and still finding meaning in the work we do.

And that is something worth honoring, especially during Recreational Therapy Month. 💙 

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