Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Work Availability
Work Preference
Timeline
Generic

Juanakee Durden

Summary

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with 10+ years’ experience leading innovative therapy and behavior programs across healthcare, rehab, corrections, and community settings. Proven expertise in designing interventions that build independence, well-being, and community inclusion. Recognized leader and current President of Recreation Therapists of Indiana.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Behavior Specialist Consultant

New Leaf Recreaton LLC
06.2023 - Current
  • Developed individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) using FBA and social skills assessments
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to assess needs, monitor progress, and refine interventions
  • Trained staff on behavior support plans, ABA techniques, and crisis intervention
  • Conducted family consultations on triggers, reinforcement, and skill development
  • Promoted positive behavior change and independence through evidence-based strategies
  • Led program evaluations to improve outcomes and service delivery

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

New Leaf Recreation LLC
06.2020 - Current
  • Conduct assessments and develop individualized treatment and behavior support plans for waiver clients, including elderly and frail adults.
  • Design and implement therapeutic recreation interventions addressing social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs.
  • Lead group programs and individualized care plans fostering independence, decision-making, and coping skills.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, families, and caregivers to ensure holistic care.
  • Document assessments, progress notes, and treatment outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Increased participant engagement and independence through evidence-based recreation programs and caregiver training.

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Abraxas Woodbridge Interventions
01.2020 - 06.2020
  • Designed and implemented structured recovery interventions for adolescents, focusing on emotional regulation, coping skills, and social interaction.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.

Beneficiary Service Representative

Tricare
04.2019 - 11.2019
  • Served as representative for 4,000+ beneficiaries, managing enrollment and healthcare access for Active-Duty Service Members and dependents.
  • Conducted briefings and specialized sessions (in-processing, out-processing, maternity, retirement, community events).
  • Processed enrollments, disenrollments, transfers, and PCM assignments.
  • Improved beneficiary satisfaction and optimized enrollment efficiency.

Lead Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist – Inpatient & Behavioral Health

Sonora Behavior Health/Acadia Healthcare
11.2016 - 11.2018
  • Assessed and implemented recreation therapy services for patients ages 5–55+, including older adults with behavioral health conditions.
  • Facilitated therapeutic interventions (fitness, art, music, adaptive recreation) to improve emotional regulation and functional independence.
  • Directed department operations, including staff training, volunteer programs, and $80,000 budget oversight.
  • Launched a Pet Therapy Volunteer Program.
  • Recognized as Employee of the Month (2018).

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist – Behavioral Health

Paleo Verde Behavior Health/Universal Health Services
05.2016 - 10.2016
  • Provided group and individual recreation therapy services for children, adolescents, and adults.
  • Applied APIED process to create individualized care plans aligned with interdisciplinary treatment goals.

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist – Corrections & Community Reintegration

Briljent
10.2013 - 04.2016
  • Developed recreation programs supporting cognitive, emotional, and social well-being for adult clients in correctional settings.
  • Facilitated community reintegration activities, including adaptive sports and problem-solving groups.
  • Expanded therapeutic programming with structured leisure, communication, and problem-solving groups, enhancing client coping and social interaction.
  • Built stronger community ties by planning and leading large-scale events such as 5K runs, adaptive sports tournaments, and cultural programs.
  • Promoted pro-social behavior and facilitated smoother community reintegration for clients through evidence-based recreation initiatives.

Education

Master of Arts - Applied Behavior Analysis

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
05-2023

Master of Science - Park, Recreation & Tourism Administration

Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL
05-2016

Bachelor of Science - Therapeutic Recreation

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI
05-2013

Skills

  • Certified Recreational Therapy & Behavior Support – CTRS credential, APIED process, care planning, goal setting, progress monitoring
  • Program Leadership & Collaboration – Program development, interdisciplinary teamwork, staff/parent training, community partnerships
  • Clinical & Behavioral Expertise – Functional behavior assessments, applied behavior analysis, evidence-based interventions, behavior modification
  • Therapeutic Skills – Social skills training, autism spectrum support, cognitive/emotional/physical well-being promotion
  • Safety & Crisis Management – Crisis intervention, de-escalation, conflict resolution, regulatory compliance, documentation

Accomplishments

  • Supervised as President a team of 11 board members.
  • Collaborated with team of 5 in the development of Horticulture Program with Master Gardeners.
  • 2025 Recipient of Chapter Affiant of the Year Award from ATRA

Affiliations

  • President – Recreation Therapists of Indiana (2025–Present)
  • Advocate for licensure, Medicaid waiver protections, and advancement of therapeutic recreation practice in Indiana.

Certification

  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) – NCTRC, valid through 2028
  • CPR, First Aid, BLS, AED Certified , valid through 2026


Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse

Work Preference

Work Type

Contract WorkFull TimePart Time

Location Preference

On-SiteHybridRemote

Salary Range

$68000/yr - $200000/yr

Timeline

Behavior Specialist Consultant

New Leaf Recreaton LLC
06.2023 - Current

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

New Leaf Recreation LLC
06.2020 - Current

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Abraxas Woodbridge Interventions
01.2020 - 06.2020

Beneficiary Service Representative

Tricare
04.2019 - 11.2019

Lead Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist – Inpatient & Behavioral Health

Sonora Behavior Health/Acadia Healthcare
11.2016 - 11.2018

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist – Behavioral Health

Paleo Verde Behavior Health/Universal Health Services
05.2016 - 10.2016

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist – Corrections & Community Reintegration

Briljent
10.2013 - 04.2016

Master of Arts - Applied Behavior Analysis

Arizona State University

Master of Science - Park, Recreation & Tourism Administration

Western Illinois University

Bachelor of Science - Therapeutic Recreation

Grand Valley State University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE