Running half marathons
Alison Conover
Clinton,UT
Summary
Experienced Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Health Educator with 23 years of expertise in organizing recreational and behavior-changing activities for therapy and medical treatment. Dedicated to supporting improved wellness among participants. Seeking career advancement and expanded scope of practice to help a wider range of individuals. Committed to self-improvement and advocating for underserved women with eating disorders. Aim to enhance outcomes through research, progress, and overall improvement.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Ogden Regional Medical Center
2024.01 - Current
- Ensured a meaningful and lasting connection with 20-40 individuals undergoing treatment by fostering a sense of trust and promoting effective communication.
- Assisted patients in understanding the range of community resources and therapeutic recreational activities.
- Implemented leisure-based techniques to aid 20 patients in developing coping mechanisms for improved emotional wellbeing.
- Facilitated interactive group sessions that promoted social connections and mutual support among participants from different backgrounds.
- Managed inventory and procured necessary materials for interventions for a Residential and Partial Hospital Program.
- Participated in staff meetings to contribute to a positive work environment.
- Demonstrated effective leadership by setting and maintaining behavior expectations through the establishment of ground rules
- Lead effective and organized substance use disorder treatment groups.
- Ensured patient confidentiality while upholding compliance with HIPAA guidelines.
- Delivered timely crisis intervention services, ensuring immediate stabilization support for clients in acute distress or experiencing relapse episodes.
- Consistently praised for going above and beyond assigned responsibilities.
- Maintained certification in both CPR and de-escalation techniques.
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Salt Lake Behavioral Health
2023.08 - 2024.07
- Established a positive connection with patients and their families, ensuring transparency and effective communication throughout the therapeutic journey.
- Provided insights to patients regarding community resources and options for therapeutic recreational or leisure activities
- Implemented techniques rooted in leisure activities to support patients in the development of coping mechanisms that improve emotional wellbeing.
- Facilitated inclusive group sessions aimed at fostering social connection among participants.
- Provided support to high acuity patients in managing emotional expressions, while instructing them on effective coping methods.
- Provided guidance and instruction on coping mechanisms and chemical dependency recovery to current members of the US Military.
Caseworker, Family Drug Court
Division of Child and Family Services
2020.10 - 2022.06
- Built strong client connections based on trust, fostering open communication and relationship building.
- Developed individualized plans after assessing and evaluating clients' needs to determine eligibility for services.
- Ensured up-to-date records of all clients for efficient progress tracking and case planning adjustments.
- Demonstrated commitment to maintaining client confidentiality through adherence to strict guidelines and recommendations.
- Consistently stepped up to challenges and maintained a high level of accountability.
- Successfully adapted to and excelled in high-pressure working conditions.
- Demonstrated ability to excel both individually and as part of a team.
- Successfully demonstrated an aptitude for swift comprehension and seamless acclimation to varied circumstances.
- Evidenced strong communication proficiency, demonstrated through exceptional verbal and written expression.
- Demonstrated strong teamwork skills by actively supporting and guiding team members.
- Recognized opportunities to enhance service provisions by connecting clients with appropriate community resources.
- Utilized goal-setting exercises as a means of empowering clients to take ownership of their recovery journey, promoting self-determination and personal responsibility.
- Ensured accurate maintenance of case records in accordance with court regulations and confidentiality protocols.
- Enhanced success rates in maintaining sobriety by facilitating active family participation in clients'' recovery programs.
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute
2012.03 - 2022.04
- Cultivated a trusting environment by establishing open lines of communication with patients and their families throughout the therapeutic process.
- Assisted patients in accessing community resources and participating in therapeutic recreational activities.
- Enhanced emotional wellbeing of patients by utilizing leisure-based techniques to help them develop effective coping mechanisms.
- Led engaging group sessions that encouraged social connection and provided support for individuals from various backgrounds.
- Actively involved in staff meetings and partnered on program development initiatives, enhancing the overall work atmosphere.
- Ensured up-to-date certifications in CPR and de-escalation techniques.
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Primary Children's Medical Center
2005.07 - 2019.02
- Incorporated exercise and nutrition components into therapeutic programming to enhance physical health.
- Efficiently managed supply chain and procurement of necessary materials for interventions
- Assessed effectiveness of therapeutic recreation and diversional recreation interventions on patient progress.
- Contributed to comprehensive treatment plans for patients by collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Organized and led group sessions to encourage social participation and mutual assistance within varied communities.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through the provision of person-centered care and the customization of activities to cater to individual needs.
- Devised effective programs that promoted improved emotional health outcomes for patients.
- Ensured successful onboarding of newly appointed Recreation Therapists through comprehensive training sessions.
Student Teacher, Death and Dying
University of Utah, Department of Health Promotion and Education
2017.08 - 2018.12
- Designed interactive and engaging lectures to enhance student understanding.
- Facilitated clear subject matter discussions with students by demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Developed a collaborative instructional setting that encouraged engagement between instructors and students.
- Built engaging lessons that encouraged class discussions, actively solicited input, asked open-ended questions, and utilized techniques to track student participation.
- Utilized both formative and summative assessments to evaluate student progress and offer constructive feedback.
- Ensured course content adhered to academic standards by continuously reviewing and updating the curriculum.
- Developed innovative teaching materials to make learning more enjoyable for students.
- Facilitated discussions with community speakers who have experience working in the field of death.
Education
MS Health Promotion and Education -
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT07.2018
BS Parks Recreation and Tourism/ Therapeutic Recreation -
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT08.2002
Skills
- Compassionate
- Case Management
- Client Advocacy
- Conflict Resolution
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Positive Attitude
- Active Listening
- Computer Skills
- Fast Learner
- Dependable
Timeline
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Ogden Regional Medical Center
2024.01 - Current
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Salt Lake Behavioral Health
2023.08 - 2024.07
Caseworker, Family Drug Court
Division of Child and Family Services
2020.10 - 2022.06
Student Teacher, Death and Dying
University of Utah, Department of Health Promotion and Education
2017.08 - 2018.12
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute
2012.03 - 2022.04
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Primary Children's Medical Center
2005.07 - 2019.02
MS Health Promotion and Education -
University of Utah
BS Parks Recreation and Tourism/ Therapeutic Recreation -
University of Utah
Professional Development
Certified Health Education Specialist
Licensed, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Contact Tracer during Covid
Program for women with eating disorders
Member State and National Therapeutic Recreation Associations
Tailored educational presentations on body image and eating disorder
Domestic Violence Advocate
Hospital Emergency Department Clerk
Developed a successful outpatient program for women with eating disorders.
Phlebotomist
Certification
- CTRS - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
- Licensed Therapeutic Recreation Specialist-2002-2024
- Certified Health Education Specialist- 2019-2024
- Domestic Violence Certification Training-2022
- Basic Life Support Certification, Ogden Regional Medical Center-2024 (Current 1992-Present)
- MANDT Certification, Salt Lake Behavioral Health-2023
- CPI Certification, Ogden Regional Medical Center-2024
Volunteer Experience
- Utah Public Health Association, Salt Lake City, Utah, Board Member,
Communications Unit, (2020-2023)
Newsletter
Social Media
Graphic Design (Canva)
Challenging State Legislature
Board Leader
Developed UPHA LinkedIn Page
- 2024, Present, Ogden Regional Medical Center, Ogden, Utah
Residential Treatment/Alcohol and Chemical Dependency
Medical Social Worker
- Lyndsi Drysdale, West Point Junior High, West Point, Utah
School Social Worker
- Jen Arnow-Kraemer, Salt Lake City, Utah
Private Practice Social Worker
- Public Speaker, Eating Disorders, Utah
High Schools/Universities, (13 years)
Interests
My puppy
Reading
Personal Growth
Home Improvement
Gardening
Public Speaking/Teaching
Advocating for Mental Health
Professional Development
Certified Health Education Specialist
Licensed, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Contact Tracer during Covid
Program for women with eating disorders
Member State and National Therapeutic Recreation Associations
Tailored educational presentations on body image and eating disorder
Domestic Violence Advocate
Hospital Emergency Department Clerk
Developed a successful outpatient program for women with eating disorders.
Phlebotomist
Affiliations
- Ogden Regional Medical Center
- University of Utah
- Utah Valley University
- Utah Public Health Association
- Utah Recreation Therapy Association
- National Council for Recreation Therapy Accreditation
- National Commission for Health Education Credentialing
- American Therapeutic Recreation Association
- American Public Health Association
- National Association of Social Work
Volunteer Experience
- Utah Public Health Association, Salt Lake City, Utah, Board Member,
Communications Unit, (2020-2023)
Newsletter
Social Media
Graphic Design (Canva)
Challenging State Legislature
Board Leader
Developed UPHA LinkedIn Page
- 2024, Present, Ogden Regional Medical Center, Ogden, Utah
Residential Treatment/Alcohol and Chemical Dependency
Medical Social Worker
- Lyndsi Drysdale, West Point Junior High, West Point, Utah
School Social Worker
- Jen Arnow-Kraemer, Salt Lake City, Utah
Private Practice Social Worker
- Public Speaker, Eating Disorders, Utah
High Schools/Universities, (13 years)
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