Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Timeline
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Shelley R. Holland

Gulfport

Work Preference

Desired Job Title

Recreation Therapy DirectorBoard MemberCTRSDirector of ActivitiesCTRS

Work Type

Full Time

Location Preference

On-SiteRemoteHybrid
Location: Gulfport, USA
Open to relocation: No

Important To Me

Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CulturePaid time offPaid sick leave

Summary

  • Over twenty years of experience in management and leadership roles, obtaining the following important strengths:
  • Strong organization and prioritization skills
  • Unsurpassed work ethic
  • The ability to initiate/manage cross-functional teams and multi-disciplinary projects
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Problem analysis and problem solving
  • To obtain a full-time position providing the opportunity to make a strong contribution by utilizing and expanding upon related education, skills, experiences and capabilities.

Overview

1
1
Certification
14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Recreation Therapy Director

Specialized Treatment Facility
Gulfport, MS
01.2023 - Current
  • DIRECT the programs and staff of the therapeutic recreational department.
  • SET and implement guidelines for recreational programs for long term care adolescents with extensive mental/behavioral health issues.
  • COMMUNICATE the results of patient care to other healthcare providers.
  • DEVELOP and plan a full range of therapeutic recreation services. I plan and direct the TR staff assignments in a variety of settings. I am responsible for the entire recreation program.
  • RECRUIT and orient new volunteers, arrange for their training and placement, and supervise all volunteers for my department.
  • IMPLEMENT a monthly budget. I am responsible for the purchasing of my department. I maintain all funds/expense records.
  • MANAGE through subordinate managers and other professionals in larger groups of complexity.
  • CONDUCT patient programs including symptom management, basic conversation and integration skills, community re-entry, sports, gardening, dramatics, music, social activities and arts and crafts.
  • PRODUCE program/ equipment proposals and cost requirements.
  • COORDINATE off campus outings as well as all documentation and communication among different treatment team members pertaining to outing.
  • DEVELOP organizational policies and procedures, manage document control and develop performance standards. I am responsible for professional and administrative management in assigned areas to include time and attendance and leave management.
  • RESOLVE escalating issues arising from operations and requiring coordination from other departments.
  • PROVIDE input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility.
  • 40+ HRS a Week
  • Supervisor: Rodney Mayers
  • Phone: 228-328-6000

Board Member

Costumes For A Cause (C4AC)
01.2012 - Current
  • LOCAL NON-PROFIT: Raised well over $350,000.00 to help local families in need that have been affected by Leukemia or Cancer.
  • OVERSEE high revenue multiday events and fundraisers hosting as many as 200 people or more with adherence to budget and deadline constraints. I designate duties to volunteers and assist in helping them work as safely and efficiently as possible. I have the responsibility of managing incoming and outgoing cash during these events and take timely action to correct deficiencies.
  • RECRUIT and orient new volunteers and arrange for their training and placement within all fund-raising events.
  • WORK face to face with constituent groups including boards, committees, volunteers, and external audiences. I communicate with local news and media for publicity, marketing and promotion to collaborate events with outside agencies for services, resources and support.
  • PLAN with other board members the objectives and scope of the Volunteer services to ensure efficient support of customer satisfaction.
  • DELEGATE tasks, set priorities, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems and develop and implement effective solutions.
  • ESTABLISH budgets and maintain critical event documentation and after-action reports regarding operations, performance and costs for each year. I attend all board meetings and have gained a broad range of ideas, principals and techniques to enhance these events.
  • ASSIST with set up and tear down requirements and issuing of material and equipment. I also assist in the inspection of equipment upon return for damage.
  • MAINTAIN inventory control, organize and keep up to date records of all materials and equipment.
  • 50 HRS/ Year
  • President: Julie Bradley
  • 228-861-9270

CTRS

Oceans Behavioral Health
Biloxi, MS
08.2022 - 03.2023
  • DEMONSTRATE ability and competency in treating patients that range in age from young adult to geriatric and active military, who may experience complex medical or mental health issues.
  • PERFORM documentation of patient care including assessments, progress notes, encounters, consultations, care plans, and other reports as needed.
  • IMPLEMENT and modify as necessary, treatment plans and goals as needed, throughout course of treatment, to ensure optimum outcomes for all patients.
  • APPLY Recreation Therapy expertise for direct service delivery to patients. Act as a subject matter expert related to recreational therapy to staff, students, and other healthcare professionals.
  • EFFECTIVELY communicate and educate, in a clear and concise manner, with patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professionals to facilitate the interdisciplinary treatment process.
  • ADAPT assessment tools and treatment interventions to address the complexity of the diagnosis or disability and demonstrate the clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment of function and utilization of unconventional methods and techniques.
  • PRN
  • Supervisor: Kim Dykes
  • Phone: 228-388-0600

Director of Activities

Memorial Stone County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Wiggins, MS
10.2019 - 06.2022
  • DEVELOPED and planned a full range of therapeutic recreation services. I planned and directed the RT staff assignments in a variety of settings. I was responsible for the entire leisure program.
  • SERVED as Activity and Volunteer Services Coordinator, serving independent living, assisted living and long-term care. I was responsible for awards and recognition ceremonies for volunteers.
  • WORKED collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to achieve common goals. I worked closely with my co-workers and other staff members to ensure that all patients were thriving.
  • PREPARE solicitation documents for fundraisers and upcoming events.
  • IMPLEMENTED a monthly budget. I was responsible for the purchasing of my department as well as other departments, including patient’s personal needs. I was solely responsible for spending spend-down money for patients to ensure their insurance was not cancelled due to too much money in their account. I maintained all funds/expense records.
  • SUPERVISED assessments, assisted with measurable, goal-oriented, treatment plans and provided individual and group recreational therapy interventions. I prepared written business plans that addressed strategic goals and objectives.
  • SERVED as an active participant on the administrative leadership team and conducted departmental meetings regularly to convey information to staff.
  • 40 hours a week
  • Supervisor: Roxann Davidson
  • Phone: 601-928-1889

CTRS

Gulfport Behavioral Health
Gulfport, MS
10.2015 - 05.2021
  • LEAD, planned and organized recreational service programs. I worked to create and design activities to motivate and improve the quality of life for day treatment and in-house clients. I lead groups focusing on recreational skills, fitness, relaxation, arts and crafts and healthy leisure lifestyle.
  • OVERSAW individual patient programs and treatment planning/development.
  • CONSULTED with adults and children to provide and practice sample exercise/physical activity plans based on specified guidelines. I guided clients in the adaption of activities as needed.
  • PROVIDED Therapeutic interventions in new and developing areas.
  • PARTICIPATED and interacted in interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordination/integration of services.
  • IMPLEMENTED communication among an interdisciplinary team. I worked effectively with all members of the care team to develop educational materials and protocols based on client/program need.
  • APPRAISED all goals and objectives. I used evaluative practices to assure confirmation of goals, the need for expansion of goals and to see what adaptations or modifications must be made to ensure client success.
  • ASSISTED with supply inventory, budget, planning of purchases for the department and organization of the activity area. I was responsible for proper use and maintenance of all equipment and activity rooms as well as the cleanliness of the facilities.
  • PRN 15-25 hours/month
  • Supervisor: Angie Fields
  • Phone: 228-860-6564
  • Angiefields@uhsinc.com

CTRS Program Coordinator

ACCESSRecreation
Hattiesburg, MS
01.2018 - 05.2018
  • SUPERVISED twenty-two student interns and student workers to allow for an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge and skills in a real learning environment.
  • COLLABORATED with community partners to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and other conditions within the community and local schools. I attended weekly meetings with teachers, principals, students and other school staff to ensure that goals and needs were being met.
  • SUPPORTED special education teachers. I did this by overseeing USM students as they developed a leisure education curriculum and facilitated health and wellness. I worked with students on investigating access to extracurricular athletic activities for students with significant limitations.
  • ASSISTED students in implementing creative and progressive community based therapeutic recreation programs and leisure-based transition plans for high school and college students with intellectual disabilities.
  • LEAD students in developing global assessment processes and lesson plans for community inclusion. This was done for high school and college students with intellectual disabilities.
  • Time limited, grant program
  • 40 HRS/ Week
  • The University of Southern Mississippi
  • School of Kinesiology

CTRS

Mississippi Integrated Health and Disaster Program
Long Beach, MS
01.2016 - 09.2016
  • COORDINATED all recreational special events and activities. I kept all staff and clients informed with a monthly scheduled calendar of events. I coordinated all leisure skills development activities and classes.
  • DEVELOPED written plans of operation and standardized assessment procedures. I have aided in the development of the entire program for therapeutic recreation through USM and Coastal Family Health Centers. I developed contacts and created professional proposals, execution of agreements and follow-ups.
  • ASSISTED with all special events and served as a recreation counselor. I researched community events and activities to fit the needs of clients. I have found many outside activities free of cost, for clients that are beneficial to their health and overall wellbeing. I also assisted in the execution of special events such as “The biggest loser challenge” within clinics, health fairs and career fairs.
  • DIRECTED Therapeutic Recreation quality assurance and performance improvement activities. I performed ongoing data collection and review for quality assessment of patient care.
  • EVALUATED the program to ensure proper coordination with the overall delivery of health care.
  • PLANNED a wide range of recreational activities. I modified techniques and developed new interventions as necessary to ensure the realization of client goals and to improve or maintain the optimal level of health for everyone.
  • CONSULTED with adults and children to provide and practice sample exercise/physical activity plans based on specified guidelines. I guided clients in maintaining a healthy leisure lifestyle and assisted in the adaption of activities as needed.
  • PREPARED complex written reports, briefings, correspondence and other documents pertaining to recreational services. I was responsible for facilitating presentations for MIHDP social workers, Federally Qualified Health Care providers, and community organizations on various topics related to health and wellness.
  • OUTSOURCED for volunteer opportunities for patients to take advantage of to improve overall wellbeing.
  • Time limited, Grant program
  • 40 HRS/ Week
  • Supervisor: Lauren Zakaras
  • Lauren.zakaras@usm.edu
  • The University of Southern Mississippi

Recreation Internship, Volunteer

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Biloxi, MS
01.2015 - 04.2015
  • INSTRUCTED Veterans in activities and techniques such as sports, dance, music, art and relaxation designed to meet their specific needs.
  • DESIGNED and organized competitions and activities involving both one-on-one and large groups. I took charge of, led presentations, and scheduled the activities carried out by various CTRS’.
  • MAINTAINED therapeutic recreation services, professional standards and developed a close working relationship with medical and other healthcare specialists while assessing patient success and progress.
  • DEVELOPED, ORGANIZED, AND ADMINISTERED Recreation programs providing therapeutic treatment by administering assessments, interpreting medical records and creating programs.
  • OVERSAW the execution of the 2015 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. I assisted in the search for local entries and spectators. I solicited volunteers for the festival and followed VA guidelines and procedures to ensure policies were followed. I met face to face with Contracted-Services, Marketing and Publicity and Resource Management branches to organize and discuss action plans for the festival which was featured by our local news media as “Veterans Coping through Expression”
  • Internship
  • Current Volunteer
  • Supervisor: Laura Throop
  • Phone: 228-523-5038
  • Permission to contact
  • Laura.throop@va.gov

Education

Bachelor - Recreation with emphasis on Therapeutic Recreation, Psychology Minor

The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS

Master's Degree - Public Administration

Belhaven University
Jackson, MS
10-2026

Skills

  • Personal and company success driven: Result oriented and highly responsible
  • Know-how to promote, demonstrate and sell
  • Exceptional customer service: Experience in guiding clients toward optimal sales
  • Promotion and advertising skills of high level: Excellent interpersonal skills

Certification

  • CTRS Certified
  • BLS Certified
  • Continuous Professional Development
  • SOMA Certified
  • MANDT Certified
  • Trained in verbal de-escalation
  • Currently working on Yoga Instructor Certification

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Participated in a grant writing project through The University of Southern Mississippi, coordinating student workers and interns to work with students with intellectual disabilities within the public schools of Hattiesburg, MS.
  • Participated in a grant writing project for MS. Department of Developmental Disabilities.
  • Past activity Coordinator for Gulf Coast Senior Olympics 2015
  • Volunteer for “Feed My Sheep” which is a local soup kitchen, as well as our local church food pantry.
  • Support and help in the execution of many local charity events/benefits including the Tim Tebow Special Needs Prom.
  • Worked Practicum hours at Wiggins Senior Citizen Center. I assisted in the implementation of weekly events and day to day activities.
  • Recognized in Belk’s corporate wide magazine for praising my success in Glamour Magazine’s cover story “Women of the Year.”

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Currently working to obtain my Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Award - Outstanding Academic Scholarship, Award - Lynn Purnell Hagan HPR Scholarship, Won awards and recognized for highest quality revenue increases for the region for Lancôme Cosmetics., Won awards for highest revenue increase during special events for Lancôme Cosmetics. Nominated as Employee of the Year for 2025/2026.

Timeline

Recreation Therapy Director

Specialized Treatment Facility
01.2023 - Current

CTRS

Oceans Behavioral Health
08.2022 - 03.2023

Director of Activities

Memorial Stone County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
10.2019 - 06.2022

CTRS Program Coordinator

ACCESSRecreation
01.2018 - 05.2018

CTRS

Mississippi Integrated Health and Disaster Program
01.2016 - 09.2016

CTRS

Gulfport Behavioral Health
10.2015 - 05.2021

Recreation Internship, Volunteer

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
01.2015 - 04.2015

Board Member

Costumes For A Cause (C4AC)
01.2012 - Current

Bachelor - Recreation with emphasis on Therapeutic Recreation, Psychology Minor

The University of Southern Mississippi

Master's Degree - Public Administration

Belhaven University
Shelley R. Holland