Get to Know Our CTRS: Kendall Seiler

July 11th- July 17th is National Therapeutic Recreation Week.

In the world of TBI, there are many obstacles to overcome once the rehabilitation process begins. A good first step is finding the right therapies that can be tailored to individual needs.

Here at CMI, we do just that. From mental health to physical and occupational therapy, to day program, CMI offers it all.

We also have an incredible CTRS on staff. CTRS stands for certified therapeutic recreation specialist. This is a professional who works to improve the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the sick or disabled.

Kendall Seiler started her journey at Communicare in March 2022 after graduating from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy.

At Communicare, Kendall helps run day program, transports members to appointments, works one-on-one with members strengthening work hardening skills and creates daily cognitive evaluations.

Growing up, Kendall always knew she wanted to work within the healthcare field but wasn’t entirely sure what specific occupation. She thought originally of becoming an occupational therapist, but after her experience at a camp working for children with Muscular Dystrophy, she had a change of mind.

“The camp director there was a Recreational Therapist and that’s how I was introduced to the profession. I did a lot of volunteering working at various camps for individuals with disabilities and kind of knew right then that this is what I wanted to do. I have several people in my life with disabilities and have always felt strongly towards advocating for disability rights and inclusivity. I also really admired the holistic approach that recreational therapy incorporates into the treatment process, how as a CTRS we can focus on the entire individual and focus heavily on quality of life.”

Kendall gave some insight on what her training process was to become a CTRS.

“The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is our credentialing body. NCTRC has certain qualifications required that students must meet during their studies at a university. The certification process can only be pursued after certain gen ed, core and elective courses are taken. At Grand Valley State, it is a 2-year program you must apply to/get accepted. Initially you take gen ed courses and proceed to courses related to the field of Recreational Therapy once you’re admitted into the program. Our university required us to have two various placements for additional experience: a 300-hour fieldwork placement and a 600-hour internship. Once you pass the exam and become certified, you must obtain CEU’s to withhold the CTRS credential.”

For one of Kendall’s internships, she worked at a facility for individuals who have sustained traumatic brain injuries and she fell in love with the population. When she found Communicare, she knew it was the perfect fit.

“The impairments after a TBI can interfere with a person’s ability to fully participate in school, work, community activities and negatively affect a person’s quality of life. Recreational Therapy services are extremely beneficial for individuals who have a TBI, which is a main reason why I wanted to work at Communicare. To be a part of a community that is striving to break the stigma that comes along with having an “invisible” disability.”

In her short time here, Kendall feels as if she’s already witnessed many small gains. The connections she gets to create with clients and seeing the progress they make, is very rewarding.

Kendall has many hobbies outside of being a recreational therapist. When she is not working, you can find her rock climbing, hiking, camping, kayaking, running, going to concerts or thrifting.

“I made a goal for myself a few years ago that I would attempt to try a new hobby each year or return to an old hobby that I haven’t done in a while. It keeps me energized and enjoying life as much as I can. I’m a big outdoors person so you can usually find me camping or going on a hike somewhere!”

Kendall Seiler, bs, ctrs

“To be a part of a community that is striving to break the stigma that comes along with having an “invisible” disability.”