BAILEY PALMER
Draper,UT
Summary
Dedicated Recreational Therapy professional with experience providing trauma-informed, person-centered care in correctional settings and a strong commitment to serving mental health and substance use populations. Completed a 580-hour clinical internship with the Utah Department of Corrections, where skills were strengthened in group facilitation, program adaptation, and clinical judgment within a complex, highly structured environment. Developed and led a 4-week, 8-session emotional literacy program for 16 women using expressive arts to build emotional awareness and coping skills. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Recreational Therapy and motivated to continue developing as a clinician, researcher, and program developer. Particularly interested in designing evidence-informed programs that support trauma recovery, resilience, and post-traumatic growth. Known for flexibility, professionalism, and the ability to build rapport, meet clients where they are, and support meaningful therapeutic change through strengths-based recreational therapy services.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Recreational Therapist
Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI)
Salt Lake City, UT
04.2024 - Current
Assistant Camp Coordinator- Teen Au'Venture: April 2026-Current
- Conduct pre-camp consultations and assessments to support enrollment and individualized camper planning.
- Assist in developing and implementing the first Teen Au’Venture program for teens with ASD Level 1, targeting social connection, independence, self-advocacy, and confidence.
- Communicate with parents/guardians regarding camper needs, goals, progress, and logistics.
- Support behavior management through redirection, emotional regulation strategies, and strengths-based social coaching.
- Administer assessments and program evaluations to measure outcomes and improve programming.
Ropes Course Facilitator: April 2024- current
- Facilitates high- and low-ropes activities for therapeutic groups, focusing on trust, communication, and teamwork.
- Instructs participants on safety protocols and equipment usage before activities. Leads debrief sessions to encourage reflection and personal growth.
- Facilitates team-building activities to enhance group cohesion and trust.
Camp Au'Venture Camp Counselor: April 2024-April 2026
- Provide support and guidance to children aged 8-12 with ASD Level 1 in a structured camp environment, fostering social interaction, communication, and emotional regulation.
- Implements engaging activities tailored to the needs and abilities of children on the autism spectrum, promoting sensory integration and peer collaboration.
- Ensures a safe, inclusive, and positive environment while facilitating small group sessions to enhance social engagement and problem-solving.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Utah
09.2024 - 12.2025
- Recruited participants for a recreational therapy research study and obtained informed consent.
- Collected data during a robotic pets intervention for older adults.
- Collaborated with study team members in analyzing data and disseminating research findings.
Health care specialist/ 68W Medic
US Army/ USAMRIID
Fort Detrick, MD
03.2010 - 02.2015
- Nationally Registered EMT-Basic
- Trained in Tactical Field Care
- Platoon leader responsible for initial patient care and triage
- Capable of working in high stress environments as a tactical unit and team member
- Goal- and mission-oriented experience
Education
Recreational Therapy BS -
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT12-2025
Associates General Studies - undefined
Frederick Community College
Frederick, MD12-2015
Skills
- Adaptability
- Enthusiasm
- Grit
- Communication skills
- Reliable
- Welcomes Feedback
- Initiative-taking
- Curious
Awards
- Sandra K. Negley Endowed Scholarship 2025
- Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) scholarship 2025
- Utah Recreational Therapy Association (URTA) University of Utah Outstanding Student Award 2024-2025
- Beatrice F. Kroesche Memorial Scholarship (2024)
- Recovery U Champion Scholarship leader (2023-2024)
- US Army Certificate of Achievement- Camp West Mar Medic Volunteer 2012
- Army Achievement Medal- Soldier of the Quarter 2011
- US Army Certificate of Achievement- University of Maryland Nurses Symposium 2011
- US Army Certificate of Achievement- USAMRIID Dining-In Fundraising Campaign 2011
- US Army Certificate of Achievement- Company D, 232 Medical Battalion Honor Roll 2011
Scholarly Activity
Professional Conference Presentations
Nelson, R., Bade, L., & Palmer, B. (2025, October). Impact of a robotic pets intervention on engagement and mood in older adults with differing cognitive skills. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. San Antonio, TX.
Palmer, B., Nelson, R., & Bade, L. (2025, August). Impact of a robotic pets intervention on mood and engagement in older adults with differing cognitive skills. University of Utah Undergraduate Research Symposium. Salt Lake City, UT.
Nelson, R., Bade, L., Palmer, B., & Anderson, J. (2025, March). Adapting robotic pets programming for groups of older adults of differing abilities. Utah Recreational Therapy Association Annual Conference. Layton, UT.
Invited Course Presentations/Guest Lectures and Instruction
University of Utah
RECTH 2010 Intro to Recreational Therapy (Spring 2026)
“Robotic Pets as a Recreational Therapy Intervention”
Publications
Palmer, B. (in press). Impact of a robotic pets intervention on engagement and mood in older adults with differing cognitive skills. RANGE: Undergraduate Research Journal, 26(3).
Grants and Funding
University of Utah January 2025 – August 2025
The feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a group robotic pets intervention for older adults with differing cognitive skills
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
Amount $2400
Student Researcher: Palmer, B.
Faculty Mentor: Nelson, R.
Professional Resource Development
Recreational Therapy Research and Training Lab (2025, November 1). Robotic Pets; Joy for All Companion Pets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFoOTPyKFug
Recreational Therapy Research and Training Lab (2025, November 1). Introduction to Robotic Pet Video Series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p1XD2p3oOM
Affiliations
- American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) member
- Utah Recreational Therapy Association (URTA) member
- Recreational Therapy Student Association (RTSA) Member
- Yoga Alliance member
- 1850 Society Alumni member
Certification
- Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS), State of Utah, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)
- Certified Recreation Therapist Specialist (CTRS)
- DBT Facilitator certified
- Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teaching 200 hr certification
- Veterans Yoga Project Mindful Resilience Training
- American Heart Association BSL / CPR certification
- Challenge Course Facilitator Certification, ABBE Inc.
- Pickleball Instructor certified
Timeline
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Utah
09.2024 - 12.2025
Recreational Therapist
Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI)
04.2024 - Current
Health care specialist/ 68W Medic
US Army/ USAMRIID
03.2010 - 02.2015
Associates General Studies - undefined
Frederick Community College
Recreational Therapy BS -
University of Utah