Sara Norris
Mishawaka,IN
Summary
Experienced therapeutic recreation professional with a strong background in mental health treatment and individualized care planning. Developed recreation assessments, led group interventions, and coordinated with nurses, therapists, and providers to support patient goals. Known for using evidence-based practices to improve engagement, coping skills, and outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Beacon Health System
South Bend, Indiana
04.2021 - Current
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans for clients with physical and mental disabilities.
- Created individualized recreation plans aligned with interdisciplinary treatment goals.
- Developed and implemented individualized assessments to inform treatment planning.
- Led group activities to support socialization, coping skills, and leisure engagement.
- Evaluated patient interests and strengths to identify barriers to recreation participation.
- Collaborated with nurses, therapists, and providers on care planning.
- Provided crisis intervention services for clients experiencing emotional distress or behavioral issues.
- Created and maintained documentation of treatment plans, progress, and outcomes to support effective recordkeeping.
- Researched, developed and implemented a calming room for input in mental health patients.
Certified Recreation Therapist/Coordinator
Beacon Health System
South Bend, Indiana
04.2011 - 09.2020
- Assessed social, emotional, physical, cognitive, spiritual, and leisure functioning of clients.
- Evaluated patient interests, strengths, and leisure needs to tailor therapeutic activities.
- Applied evidence-based practices in recreation therapy interventions to enhance client outcomes.
- Monitored progress of clients towards their treatment goals towards treatment plan goals to ensure effective interventions.
- Led group activities supporting physical, emotional, and social engagement.
- Collaborated with care teams on patient treatment goals.
- Supervised occupational, physical, recreation, and art therapist staff providing input and guidance for mental health patients
Education
Master of Science - Recreation Therapy
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Carbondale, IL08-1993
Skills
- Therapeutic recreation
- Treatment planning
- Recreation assessment
- Evidence based practice
- Mental health treatment
- Crisis management
- Group leadership
- Patient assessment
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Clinical documentation
- Behavior management
- Team coordination
Timeline
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Beacon Health System
04.2021 - Current
Certified Recreation Therapist/Coordinator
Beacon Health System
04.2011 - 09.2020
Master of Science - Recreation Therapy
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale