LET'S GET TRENDY!
Saniya Cardona
Hello there! My name is Saniya Cardona and I am from Brooklyn, NY. I am currently a Senior at Springfield College double majoring in Therapeutic Recreation and Psychology and minoring in dance. I found my love for TR my freshman year of high school, after having scoliosis surgery and being a dancer. At the time I didn't know the technical term was therapeutic recreation, but I did know I wanted to help others get back to doing the leisure activity they loved. After my surgery there was a slim chance of me dancing again, now look at me, minoring in dance. I've worked with kids since I was sixteen years old, teaching dance and nothing brought me more joy. Giving them an outlet to express themselves through such a power non spoken art is another reason why I want to be a CTRS. I am so excited for this blog and can't wait till you read more! Enjoy.
Micayla Durso
Hello! My name is Micayla Durso and I am from Northern Virginia. Currently, I am a senior in the Therapeutic Recreation program at Springfield College. I switched into the TR program a little over a year ago, and I can easily say it one of the best choices I have ever made. My favorite place to be is curled up in a pile of blankets with a cup of tea in one hand and a good book in the other. However, I can also frequently be found making a mess crafting, or cooking, which are some of my other go-to activities. I am a big advocate for self-expression through the arts and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to show off who they are to the world. I am truly excited to be a part of this blog and to be able to share a part of my journey through Recreational Therapy!
Joci Keough
My name is Joci Keough and I am from Southeastern Massachusetts. I am part of the Springfield College class of 2021 Therapeutic Recreation program! I have experience with working with children and adults in community and camp settings. Some of my favorite things about TR are the inclusion and watching individuals grow throughout the process. I am looking forward to getting certified as a CTRS within the next few years and continue my passion of working with individuals with disabilities. When I am not doing school work and working/volunteering, I love to go hiking, painting, watching sunsets, and visiting my grandparents.
Alexx Niss
HELLO EVERYONE! My name is Alexx Niss and I am a Senior at Springfield College studying Therapeutic Recreation while also getting a minor in Psychology. I found my love for TR through a family friend who introduced me to the field. I love providing the opportunity to spread inclusion to those who need it. Outside of the classroom, I am the Chapter President of Best Buddies and I love to spend time with friends and family (especially my dog). I also love to travel and try new things! You can always find me with a Dunkin Donuts ice coffee in my hand. The end goal for me is to become CTRS certified and to work with kids someway and somehow. I am so excited to be a part of this blog and to share my ideas and love for TR and for inclusion!
Lexi Pace
My name is Lexi! I am currently in my second and last year of graduate school at Springfield College studying Therapeutic Recreation Management. I completed my undergrad at SC as well, in physical therapy. I am thrilled to be contributing to a blog about rec therapy because it will be a great way to connect with others who practice or enjoy rec therapy! I grew up on Cape Cod so of course I love going to the beach whenever possible. I also enjoy hanging out with my dog, spending time with family, hiking, painting, and other hands-on projects. In the next 5 years I hope to be working as a CTRS in an adaptive sports or exercise setting!
Hi! My name is Natalie Rayder and I was born and raised in Springfield Massachusetts! I am currently a senior studying Therapeutic Recreation and minoring in Adventure Education at Springfield College. Some things about me is that I love being outdoors and in nature! My favorite thing to do is go on a hike especially if there’s a waterfall nearby. But you can find me happy on top of a mountain and just as happy cuddled on the couch with my cat!! I also love to learn and grow and that is one of my biggest motivations in my life. I hope to share in this blog my own experiences and things that I learned to help you all grow and become better versions of yourselves, all while sharing about Recreational Therapy :)
Natalie Rayder
Hi everyone! My name is Gianna, just G for short, and I am from Stratford, CT! I am a Senior at Springfield College studying to become a Recreational Therapist and I am extremely passionate for teaching others about the importance of self-care! You can find me smiling the biggest when I am with friends taking pictures with my polaroid camera or at Chili's eating chips and salsa! I hope that reading this blog will allow you to take a step back and learn how important it is to be there for others, but how it is even MORE important to be there for yourself! Let's sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride while I take you on a journey through how I discovered Recreational Therapy and how it allowed me to become my BEST self! :)
Gianna "G" Salce
Danielle Wood
Hi everyone! My name is Danielle, or Dani for short! I am from Putney, Vermont and love the outdoors! I also love sports, especially soccer, basketball, and track and field! I'm currently a senior at Springfield College studying Therapeutic Recreation and Athletic Coaching. I plan to become a CTRS and work in a clinical setting, along with being a high school track and field and/or soccer coach- I'm currently the girls Junior Varsity soccer coach at Brattleboro Union High School in Vermont! I'm excited to use this blog to showcase the benefits of recreational therapy for your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being! I hope that I'm able to show you just how important and beneficial recreational therapy can be for everybody no matter of age, interests, abilities, and more!
