Danielle Marchand
Summary
Experienced Recreation Therapist with comprehensive background in program structuring, administrative duties, and collaborations across staff departments. Successfully implemented therapeutic programs that enhanced Veteran and caregivers well-being, supporting physical, social, emotional and mental health goals. Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships, across fellow co-workers, supervisors, volunteers, community members, youth, and older adults.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Recreation Therapist
Togus VA Medical Center
09.2022 - Current
- Facilitated consistent direct patient care, program structure, development, and education.
- Coordinating assignments of Recreation Aides, supporting community partnerships and managing administrative duties.
- Developed, planned and implemented therapeutic recreational programs tailored to group and individual client needs.
- Promoted increased Veteran quality of life in providing interventions to enhance physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual and community wellness.
- Provided education, assistance, support during team discussions to address services, barriers, problem solving and general concerns.
- Collaborated with wide variety of Leadership, administrative, and interdisciplinary teams to enhance Recreation Therapy clientele, networking, and advocacy. Worked closely with Whole Health department to introduce holistic modalities and offer education.
- Onboarded and supervised over 30 VA Volunteers in their program assignments, duties, offering oversight and management.
Recreation Therapist
VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System
09.2018 - 09.2022
- Established and implemented full services of Recreation Therapy program on Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit. Interventions planned and facilitated included leisure education, virtual reality, expressive arts, movement exercise, music-based programs, animal-assisted therapies, and various special events.
- Provided staff education and in-services related to Recreation Therapy and virtual reality use and practices.
- Initiated RT Virtual Services and offerings during Covid-19 pandemic.
- Managed and utilized personal government credit cards to obtain resources, supplies and equipment needed to support programming. Duties included entering purchase orders, managing bank approvals, and completing reconciliations as needed.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Recreation Therapy
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC08-2014
Skills
- Coordinating program outreach
- Motivational Interviewing
- Community Integration
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Team Collaboration and relationship building
- Adaptive programming
Certification
- CTRS - Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, National Council of Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRC).
- Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C).
- The Lifetime Achievement Award, received by President, Barrack Obama.
Timeline
Recreation Therapist
Togus VA Medical Center
09.2022 - Current
Recreation Therapist
VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System
09.2018 - 09.2022
Bachelor of Science - Recreation Therapy
Western Carolina University