Daniel Lassack
Recreational Therapist / Program Director
Weston,FL
Summary
Experienced Recreational Therapist with a strong background in program management for diverse communities. I am skilled in behavior management, inclusive community initiatives, and therapeutic programming, with a commitment to expanding accessibility and engagement in recreational activities. Seeking to leverage these skills in a dynamic environment focused on community health and inclusion.
Diligent Program Director with solid background in program management and team coordination. Successfully led initiatives that improved program efficiency and streamlined processes. Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and resource allocation.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
YMCA OF SOUTH FLORIDA - 3 Years
11.2021 - 11.2024
- Developed and expanded recreational programs, increasing participation by 80%
- Created training modules for inclusion practices, doubling volunteer growth each year
- Led partnerships with local organizations, enhancing community engagement and resources, between City of Pembroke Pines and Universities
- Managed social media outreach, boosting visibility and attendance by 70%
- Have established partnerships with 40 plus organizations in community
- I worked with the Special Olympics and gained familiarity with competitions, enrollments, scoring, and the coaching process
- Maintained accurate records related to client participation, progress tracking, and outcome reporting for internal use and external stakeholders.
- Assisted program manager with developing budget and schedule.
- Exceeded productivity, quality and customer service standards by resolving problems, completing audits, identifying trends and determining system improvements.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Exceptional Fitness Foundation - 2 Years
12.2018 - 11.2021
- Oversaw individual assessments, implementing interventions that achieved 40% improvement in participant goals per program season
- Increased program revenue by 50% in two months
- Special Needs and Water Safety Training | City of Miami (Sandra DeLucca Center)
- Trained swimming instructor teams in special needs and water safety, successfully running five, six-week seasons, enhancing adaptive recreation opportunities
- Occupational Therapy Student Training | Florida International University
- Delivered training and practicum components for students, supporting their micro-credential in Recreational Therapy with adaptive techniques
- Field Work Grant Program Development | Nova Southeastern University
- Designed and implemented a curriculum for a work-study program, enhancing student fieldwork experiences and increasing program retention
- Volunteer Platform and Recruitment | Adaptive Recreation YMCA
- Designed and Created Training Modules and Curriculum for Volunteers
- As of October 2024, we served over 1 thousand volunteers and have 570 volunteer members in group chat
- Special Needs Service Platform | Adaptive Recreation YMCA
- Streamlined a digital platform service that presented all of Special Needs services of the YMCA of South Florida
- Created training videos for families to use
- Developed correspondence system with community inquiries
- Created Marketing Flyers Correspondence and Recruitment System that Increased Inquiries and New Enrollments
Registered Behavior Technician
Blueminds LLC - 3 Years
03.2017 - 03.2020
- Promoted positive behavior change by utilizing reinforcement strategies, token economies, and behavior contracts.
- Improved client behavior by implementing individualized ABA therapy plans and tracking progress.
- Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs, and anecdotal notes.
- Prevented instances of maladaptive behavior escalation using de-escalation techniques while maintaining a safe environment for both staff members and clients alike.
- Managed crisis situations with professionalism, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved while adhering to established protocols.
Internship for CTRS
Broward Health Medical Center
09.2020 - 12.2020
- Company Overview: Psych Unit - Recreational Therapy Department
- Gained hands-on experience creating and implementing individualized treatment plans for patients
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to support patient recovery and well-being
- Psych Unit - Recreational Therapy Department
Internship CTRS
Equine Assisted Therapies of South Florida
03.2020 - 04.2020
- Assisted in implementing treatment plans alongside Recreational Therapists and Occupational Therapists
- Supported therapeutic activities to enhance physical, emotional, and cognitive health for participants
Accomplishments
· Special Needs and Water Safety Training | City of Miami (Sandra DeLucca Center)
o Trained swimming instructor teams in special needs and water safety, successfully running five, six-week seasons, enhancing adaptive recreation opportunities.
· Occupational Therapy Student Training | Florida International University
o Delivered training and practicum components for students, supporting their micro-credential in Recreational Therapy with adaptive techniques.
· Field Work Grant Program Development | Nova Southeastern University
o Designed and implemented a curriculum for a work-study program, enhancing student fieldwork experiences and increasing program retention.
· Volunteer Platform and Recruitment | Adaptive Recreation YMCA
o Designed and Created Training Modules and Curriculum for Volunteers
o As of October 2024, we served over 1 thousand volunteers and have 570 volunteer members in group chat.
· Special Needs Service Platform | Adaptive Recreation YMCA
o Streamlined a digital platform service that presented all of Special Needs services of the YMCA of South Florida
o Created training videos for families to use
o Developed correspondence system with community inquiries
o Created Marketing Flyers Correspondence and Recruitment System that Increased Inquiries and New Enrollments
Skills
- Program Development
- Program implementation and evaluation
- Volunteer recruitment and training
- Community inclusion for special needs
- Microsoft Outlook
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Video editing
- Salesforce
- Content creation
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Intervention planning for autism spectrum
- Direct behavioral supervision and training
- Marketing
- Recruitment
- Program assessment
- Administration
- Customer service experience
- Scheduling coordination
- Volunteer recruitment
Certification
- CTRS - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, 84250
- Grant Proposal Writing Certificate, 01/01/24, Udemy
- 45-hour childcare training certification, 01/01/12
Education
Bachelor of Science - Recreational Therapy
Florida International University
Miami, FL01.2020
References
- References available upon request
- Letter of Recommendation from YMCA of South Florida, previous supervisor, upon request
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
YMCA OF SOUTH FLORIDA - 3 Years
11.2021 - 11.2024
Internship for CTRS
Broward Health Medical Center
09.2020 - 12.2020
Internship CTRS
Equine Assisted Therapies of South Florida
03.2020 - 04.2020
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Exceptional Fitness Foundation - 2 Years
12.2018 - 11.2021
Registered Behavior Technician
Blueminds LLC - 3 Years
03.2017 - 03.2020
- CTRS - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, 84250
- Grant Proposal Writing Certificate, 01/01/24, Udemy
- 45-hour childcare training certification, 01/01/12
Bachelor of Science - Recreational Therapy
Florida International University
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