Meet the Staff

Jennifer is a graduate of Kent State University with a degree in Leisure Studies, with a concentration in Recreation Therapy and a minor in Psychology. Jennifer began Rec2Connect in 2009 with 2 clients. She launched the Rec2Connect Foundation in 2014. Her previous experience includes: Classroom Behavior Therapist at Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism, Job coach at Goodwill Industries, Volunteer in Aquatic Therapy at Hattie Larlham in the Physical Therapy Department and Recreation Therapist at the Cleveland Clinic.

- Graduate of Ohio State University with a Masters in Adapted Physical Education and from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

- Previous Experience: was an Adapted Physical Education Educator at Geauga County Educational Services Center, Yoga teacher at Evolution Yoga, Assistant Softball Coach at West Geauga High School, Student Intern and Program Director at Dublin Recreation Center, and Counselor and Water Safety Instructor at Kidsports
- Certifications include: National Adapted Physical Education Certification (CAPE), Ohio Professional Teaching Certification, Water Safety Instructor; First Aid; Adult and Infant CPR.

- Began with Rec2Connect in 2022
- Graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations with a minor in early intervention for infants with disabilities
- Previous Experience includes: Classroom Aide at Camp Sunshine of Aurora, Community Events Director at Her Campus Kent State, Marketing Coordinator at Providence House Crisis Nursery, Account Executive at akhia communications, Director of The Sparkle Effect (inclusive cheerleading team) for Hudson High School, Director of Our Time to Shine (inclusive drama club) for Hudson High School, Lifeguard
- Certifications includes: CPR, First Aid

- BA Graduate at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio
in 2009 in Physical Education with a focus in Adaptive Physical
Education. She completed her graduate certificate in Aquatic Therapy
from East Carolina University in 2011.

- Over 20 years of adaptive aquatics experience and has coached Special Olympics Swimming since 2004. She is a seasoned American Red Cross lifeguard, water safety instructor and lifeguard instructor as well as a former AAPHERD Adaptive Aquatic Instructor.

- Previous work experience includes
the Pediatric Director of Life Enrichment at Sabal Palms Children's
Center, a long-term care facility for medically fragile infants and
children in Largo, Florida and working as a Recreational Therapist at
Children's Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey on the Infant-Toddler Team. She recently joined the staff at Rainbow Babies Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio working in the CAP Unit.

-Graduated from University of Toledo with Bachelors of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and Masters of Arts in Recreation Administration

-Started with Rec2Connect in 2013 with aquatic therapy clients

-Interned at Camp Cheerful, instructing high ropes courses and adapted aquatics

-Interned at Rocky Mountain MS Center assisting clients with community reintegration and therapeutic programming

-Current Certifications: Water Safety Instructor, Adapted Aquatics Instructor

-Began with Rec2Connect in 2023

-Completing undergraduate degree in Recreation Management with a minor in Disability Studies and Community Inclusion at Kent State University

- Previous Experience: Inclusion Assistant at Beachwood Summer Camps, Volunteer work at Gentlebrook Camps for individuals with developmental disabilities and Joni and Friends Family Camps

-Current Certifications: First Aid and CPR

-Began with Rec2Connect in 2019

-Graduate of Mount Mary University with a Master of Science in Art Therapy with a concentration in Counseling

-Previous Experience: Art Therapist at charter school in Cleveland and at R2C, Site and School Supervisor at Ursuline College, High School JV Girls Basketball and Soccer Coach, Volunteer Belayer at Kendall Cliffs Rock Climbing Gym

-Current Certifications/Trainings: CPR/First Aid/AED, Paradox Adaptive Climbing Initiative Course, ACA L1 Kayak Instructor, ACA Adaptive Paddling Workshop (Aug. 2025)

-Currently works as an art therapist at Beyond Words.

-Began with Rec2Connect in 2023

-Graduated from Kent State University in 2024 with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science (Pre-PT/OT/PA)

-Previous Experience: 2022 Kent State University Associate of Science degree

-Current Certifications: American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Certified, EC/ACSM Autism Exercise Specialist Certified

-Began with Rec2Connect in 2019

-Graduated from Walsh University with a Bachelors in Accounting 

-Previous Experience: Accounting, Finance and Payroll Manager for various clients

-Began with Rec2Connect in 2024

-Graduated from the University of Dayton in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Integrative Physiology

-Previous Experience: Current ADHD Behavioral Clinician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, Volunteer at programs for teens and adults with disabilities (Colin’s Lodge, Friendship Circle), Researcher interested in improving the emotional and physical health of individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers, Swim instructor and coach since 2015, Pool manager and lifeguard, Vice President of University of Dayton’s Club Water Polo co-ed team.

-Current Certifications: American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification, Crisis Prevention Institute - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification

-Began with Rec2Connect in 2023

-Current student of Baldwin Wallace majoring in psychology

-Previous Experience: Volunteering with Rec2Connect years prior to her work; Served as swim coach for various swim teams