Jennifer Carroll-Fischer
Certified Therapeutic Recreation And Movement Specialist, Community Engagement And Volunteer Coordinator
Kensington
Summary
Creative and Compassionate Therapeutic Recreation/Volunteer Management professional with a proven track record of specializing in innovative program design and community engagement. Extensive experience in grief support and end-of-life care, fostering compassionate environments that enhance patient's quality of life. Adept at volunteer management, creating impactful trainings, that promote emotional well-being and skills in active listening, support, communication, creative activities, and knowledge in hospice philosophy. Strong interpersonal skills and team collaborator.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Hospice Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteer
Masonicare Formerly CTVNA
02.2002 - 09.2022
- Facilitated new volunteer orientation, training, and volunteer staff development. Included goals, objectives, emotional self-reflection, calming, sensory and creative arts activities to offer clients and families.
- Managed and tracked volunteer hours to support accurate documentation.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans to provide highest quality of care and to assess volunteer needs.
- Managed volunteer calendar and verified coverage during volunteer unavailability.
- Organized recognition events to show appreciation for volunteer contributions, promoting a positive, supportive and compassionate organizational culture.
- Provided ongoing support to volunteers and families, addressing any concerns or issues to ensure optimal support, satisfaction and commitment.
- Made home visits to clients and in medical facilities to offer additional support.
Adjunct Professor
Manchester Community and Southern CT
08.2012 - 05.2014
- Taught REC 331/RLS221-Therapeutic Recreation Programming and REC220-Inclusive Recreation.
- Provided active lab instruction and support to students via office hours.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals.
- Supervised Graduate interns
Rehabilitation Therapist II
DCF-Riverview Hospital/High Meadows Residential
12.1999 - 12.2011
- Evaluated, planned and implemented daily group and 1;1 therapeutic recreation programming for children and youth ages 4-18 with psychiatric, emotional and behavioral challenges
- Lead adaptive yoga, relaxation, mindfulness, movement, creative writing, nutrition and cooking programs, drama games, community building, leisure education and community reintegration programs.
- Created and co-led "Patient Council", choreographed dances for talent show and family special events
- Developed individual treatment objectives and prescribed therapeutic interventions in accordance with cognitive, social, physical, emotional needs
- Collaborated with clinical staff and co-supervised and training to Therapeutic Recreation Assistants, RT interns and Music Therapy interns.
Therapeutic Rec Supervisor and Volunteer Manager
Subacute Center of Bristol
01.1997 - 12.1999
- Developed and implemented comprehensive Therapeutic Recreation program/calendar for elderly, rehabilitation and brain injury clientele.
- Supervised and trained TR staff of 3 and managed volunteer program including recruitment, orientation and training.
- Collaborated with area high schools, daycare centers, girl scout troops and dance studios to promote community engagement and intergenerational opportunities for clients.
- Attended weekly department head and treatment plan meetings to develop treatment plans and coordinate implementation for optimal engagement and quality of life
- Maintained compliance with state, federal regulations/documentation including the MDS, initial evaluation, progress notes and discharge summaries.
- Educated new employees,families and guests about the TR philosophy, mission and program.
- Ordered supplies and managed TR yearly and monthly budget.
- Organized large family events of over 200 in attendance, with entertainment, activities and volunteer assistance
- Led and promoted self advocacy of clients through monthly Patient Council and Voices Forum
- Performed 1:1 sensory and activity visits and bedside vigils of end of life clients
Therapeutic Recreation Manager-Aids Unit
Trinity Hill Health Care Center
02.1996 - 12.1996
- Developed and facilitated comprehensive Therapeutic Recreation Program for newly opened 30 bed Aids unit.
- Collaborated with Social Worker and Drug and Alcohol Counselor to co-lead counseling groups. Support groups for emotional and mental health. Educational groups about managing HIV/AIDS. Substance Abuse Recovery Groups. Peer support groups and therapy groups for coping strategies.
- Implemented Reintegration, Community activities, Healthy Living and Independent living skills.
- Conducted initial interviews, needs assessments and created personalized goals, objectives and prescriptive interventions.
- Supported clients and families through active dying process
Therapeutic Recreation Director
Greenwood Health Center
09.1991 - 02.1996
- Created an environment that fostered open communication between patients, families, staff members regarding feedback on recreational therapy services offered.
- Implemented comprehensive, engaging TR and Sensory program on 30-bed unit.
- Helped coordinate special events for promoting social interaction and family engagement
- Designed innovative recreational therapy interventions utilizing evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.
- Offered support and presence for clients at the end of life
Education
Master of Science - Recreation And Leisure/Therapeutic Recreation
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT 05.2001 -
Skills
Grief support
Healthcare regulations and documentation
Collaborative mindset
Volunteer recruitment/management
Program design
Creative Arts/Wellness/Holistic Counseling Tools
Emotional support
End-of-life care
Community engagement
Certification
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Timeline
Adjunct Professor
Manchester Community and Southern CT
08.2012 - 05.2014
Hospice Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteer
Masonicare Formerly CTVNA
02.2002 - 09.2022
Master of Science - Recreation And Leisure/Therapeutic Recreation
Southern Connecticut State University
05.2001 -
Rehabilitation Therapist II
DCF-Riverview Hospital/High Meadows Residential
12.1999 - 12.2011
Therapeutic Rec Supervisor and Volunteer Manager
Subacute Center of Bristol
01.1997 - 12.1999
Therapeutic Recreation Manager-Aids Unit
Trinity Hill Health Care Center
02.1996 - 12.1996
Therapeutic Recreation Director
Greenwood Health Center
09.1991 - 02.1996
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