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.

- Began with Rec2Connect in 2022
- Current student at Cleveland State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a focus of study in Health Promotion.
-Graduated Cum Laude from Fairview Park High School, Member of Tri-M Music Honors Society, Member of school Orchestra, played Football and Rugby
- Previous Experience: volunteer roles for 6 months within Rec2Connect in multiple programs, Lifeguard position at the Fairview Park Recreation Center, manager at East Coast Custard, and Certified Bird Feeding Specialist at Wild Birds Unlimited.

-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 2022.
-Graduated from University of Toledo in August 2022 with bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy.
-Previous Experience: worked in several skilled nursing facilities as an activities assistant, member of executive board of recreational therapy club at University of Toledo.
-Current Certifications: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification.

- Former group program instructor with Rec2Connect small group land-based programming

- Graduated with a Masters in Occupational Therapy from Cleveland State
- Previous Experience: Chicago-based Early Intervention occupational therapist. Lead therapist in therapeutic school with focus on group programming in feeding therapy, sensorimotor integration, and emotional regulation in group and individual settings. Outpatient pediatric occupational therapist at University of Illinois Chicago Hospital. Disability Resource Specialist working with university students with varying needs providing support and approving academic and housing accommodations at Oberlin College. Extensive training in trauma-informed care, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and sensory integration, emotional regulation, and other varying sensory processing dysfunction.

-Current Certifications: Therapeutic Listening, Reiki, and extensive training in sensory integration practices

-Began with Rec2Connect in 2023

-Graduated from Slippery Rock University with Bachelors in Therapeutic Recreation, minor in Psychology & Cleveland State University with Masters in Health Sciences with capstone project focused on interdisciplinary team role perceptions

-Previous Experience: 15 years of experience in the field primarily with inpatient child & adolescent psychiatry, active advocate for student and professional involvement within American Therapeutic Recreation Association, serves as Scholarship Coordinator

-Favorite treatment modalities include bibliotherapy, tabletop games, yoga and meditation

-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 Monarch Center for Autism, Site and School Supervisor at Ursuline College, High School JV Girls Basketball and Soccer Coach at Crestwood High School, and Volunteer Belayer at Kendall Cliffs Rock Climbing Gym

-Current Certifications: Board Certified Art Therapist, Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist, Clinician, CPR and First Aid

-Began with Rec2Connect in 2022

-Graduate of The University of Akron with a Bachelor's in Exercise Science 

- Completing degree at Stark State University to obtain Physical Therapy Assistant Certification 

- Previous Experience: Worked as a martial arts and parkour instructor, providing support for individuals with disabilities either in a 1:1 setting or during group fitness classes

-Current Certifications: First Aid, CPR