Bryson Hartsell
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Dynamic and service-driven graduate student with extensive experience in therapeutic recreation, adaptive program delivery, and leadership development at the University of Tennessee. Demonstrated success supporting major programs such as Camp Koinonia, Isagoge, TRiPS, Helping Hands, and Koinonia Retreat. Skilled in facilitation, team coordination, risk management, and inclusive program design. Committed to creating positive, accessible, and relationship-centered experiences for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
TREE Team Member
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
08.2024 - Current
- Facilitated adaptive recreation programs for individuals with disabilities within UTK’s outreach initiatives.
- Coordinated logistics for major events, ensuring safe and inclusive experiences for participants.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver person-centered activities aligned with therapeutic goals.
- Demonstrated leadership in equipment setup, risk management, and activity facilitation across diverse environments.
- Responded effectively to participant needs, supporting staff while upholding TREE’s mission of inclusivity.
- Provided assistance in specialized program areas based on semester assignment, enhancing operational efficiency.
Community Participant
Sunshine Industries
Knoxville, TN
05.2024 - 08.2025
- Collaborated with diverse coworkers to achieve goals and resolve product-related issues.
- Promoted workforce inclusion for individuals through engagement with local businesses.
- Facilitated life skills development in cooking, budgeting, and communication to enhance job readiness.
- Supported individuals with multiple disabilities to foster independence and self-sufficiency.
Residence Hall Assistant
Residence Hall Assistant
Knoxville, TN
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Help create a supportive and safe environment for students living in the dorm
- Promote residence hall events
- Informs residents about relevant campus and local activities
Manager
UTK Men’s Basketball
Knoxville, TN
05.2023 - 05.2024
- Prepped basketball players for games and practice
- Assisted drills and workouts for coaches and players
- Managed film for games and for practice
Team Leader
The Change Center
Knoxville, TN
12.2017 - 08.2023
- Organized more than 20 Community Events per month
- Set up and monitor club activities
- Engage local youth in activities by teaching them about safety
- Supervise 15 student workers as floor monitors.
Counselor
UTK Basketball Camp
Knoxville, TN
06.2022 - 07.2023
- Assisted more than 24 campers
- Promoted good skills training
- Coached individuals during a basketball game
Intern
Boys and Girls Club of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Set up and monitor club activities
- Engage local youth in activities by teaching them about safety
- Engage local youth in activities by teaching them about physical activity
Salesperson
Chick-Fil-A
Knoxville, TN
03.2020 - 02.2021
- Assisted more than 100+ customers per shift in food selection and ensuring customer satisfaction
- Promote new menu items to customers to increase sales
- Addressed customer complaints by communicating their concerns
- Collaborate with team members to timely complete orders
- Prepared meals adhering to company quality control guidelines
Education
Bachelor of Health Science - Therapeutic Recreation
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN05-2026
Skills
- Event coordination
- Team collaboration
- Activity facilitation
- Program development
- Risk management
- Adaptive recreation
- Customer engagement
- Leadership development
- Community outreach
- Professionalism
- Decision-making
Certification
- Proficient in Google Applications
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- CPR Certified
- OSHA Certification
Additional Information
UTK Dean’s List Fall 2021 & Fall 2022 & Spring 2023, 100 Black Men of Greater Knoxville Mentee, Community Service with National Achievers & National Honor Society, HOSA-volunteer service, Young Life
References
- Richard Widner, The Change Center, Director of Operations, richard@changecenterknoxville.com, (803)-920-6774
- Tyvi Smalls, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Vice Chancellor for access and engagement, tsmall@utk.edu, (865)-974-5185
- James Scott, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Associate Professor, Kinesiology, Recreation & Health Sciences, jlscott@utk.edu, (865)-974-0601
- Bryan Lentz, University of Tennessee Men’s Basketball, Player Development/ Assistant Coach, wlentz@utk.edu, (828)-964-3249
Awards
- BlueCross BlueShield 2022 Power of We Scholarship Winner
- Ben A. Plotnicki Award Recipient 2023
Timeline
TREE Team Member
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
08.2024 - Current
Community Participant
Sunshine Industries
05.2024 - 08.2025
Residence Hall Assistant
Residence Hall Assistant
08.2023 - 05.2024
Manager
UTK Men’s Basketball
05.2023 - 05.2024
Intern
Boys and Girls Club of Tennessee
01.2023 - 05.2023
Counselor
UTK Basketball Camp
06.2022 - 07.2023
Salesperson
Chick-Fil-A
03.2020 - 02.2021
Team Leader
The Change Center
12.2017 - 08.2023
Bachelor of Health Science - Therapeutic Recreation
The University of Tennessee