Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
Professional Presentation and Publication
Professional Representation and Networking
Timeline
Generic

Thomas Mazza

San Antonio

Summary

Motivated Therapist with a proven track record in developing personalized therapy plans and leading engaging activities. Demonstrates strong work ethic and adaptability, excelling in unsupervised environments. Known for enhancing patient participation and improving outcomes through strategic program evaluation and planning.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications

Work History

Recreational Therapist

Laurel Ridge Treatment Center
San Antonio
03.2024 - Current

Collaborated with multiple facilities within Laurel Ridge organization in South Texas.

Contributed several months at Branches: Laurel Ridge, focusing on outpatient therapy for adolescents and teens.

Provided care at Mission Resiliency, an inpatient behavioral health program for military personnel.

Supported Mission Resiliency Killeen Outpatient facility in delivering outpatient services to clients.

Developed and executed personalized recreational therapy plans for over 75 patients weekly.

Facilitated group and individual sessions to enhance social skills and alleviate anxiety.

  • Designed innovative therapeutic activities, tailoring approaches to meet diverse patient needs.
  • Increased therapy participation through strategic program development and evaluation initiatives.

Soccer Academy Coach

Liverpool Football Club
San Antonio
09.2025 - Current

Coached U7 and U8 teams, overseeing practice planning, game scheduling, and referee coordination.

Led teams in matches and tournaments, ensuring alignment with team philosophy during player evaluations.

Facilitated parent communication regarding player positions and milestones to enhance engagement.

Delivered weekly goalkeeping sessions for all age groups, focusing on tactical, mental, physical, and agility skills.

Developed and implemented training programs that improved player skills significantly.

  • Directed tactical sessions to refine team strategies and performance outcomes.
  • Utilized player performance data for tailored development plans, enhancing team cohesion and effectiveness.

Activity Specialist

Laurel Ridge Treatment Center
San Antonio
08.2023 - 03.2024

Conducted assessments to formulate individualized goals based on patient diagnoses.

Delivered Recreational Therapy interventions that enhanced quality of life through leisure and community activities.

Planned and facilitated hospital-wide special events promoting leisure's importance for patients.

Educated patients and treatment team members regarding services provided by Recreational Therapists.

Recreational Therapy Intern

Laurel Ridge Treatment Center
San Antonio
02.2023 - 06.2023
  • Interned at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center during final semester at Western Carolina University.
  • Acquired practical experience in core Therapeutic Recreation processes: Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Documentation (APIED).
  • Emphasized professionalism and ethical conduct according to ATRA Code of Ethics.
  • Led recreational activities, developed client-centered care plans, and attended interdisciplinary meetings.
  • Progressed from observational role to independent management of therapeutic programs.
  • Focused on enhancing patient outcomes through adaptive interventions and administrative understanding.
  • Designed and executed special events for adolescents aimed at improving social skills and leisure awareness.

Maintenance Technician

Asset Living
Cullowhee
01.2020 - 12.2022
  • Responded to maintenance requests and ensured aesthetic upkeep of Husk and Helm apartment complex.
  • Placed orders for essential parts and equipment to maintain operational efficiency.
  • Conducted inspections of plumbing systems to detect and address leaks promptly.
  • Repaired electrical fixtures and outlets to enhance safety and functionality.
  • Collaborated on preventive maintenance schedules to minimize equipment downtime.
  • Trained new staff on safety protocols and maintenance procedures to uphold compliance.

Shadowing Student

Carolina SeniorCare
Lexington
06.2019 - 12.2019

Shadowed occupational therapist at PACE facility to gain insights into patient care processes.

Observed assessments conducted by occupational therapist and contributed to group interventions with residents.

  • Assisted in coordinating daily activities for senior residents, enhancing engagement.
  • Engaged in resident assessments and participated in care planning discussions.

Front Desk Staff Member

Forsyth County
Clemmons
02.2018 - 02.2019
  • Assisted visitors with inquiries and directions to enhance customer experience.
  • Maintained accurate records of visitor logs and office supplies to ensure operational efficiency.
  • Collaborated with team to support smooth daily operations at front desk.
  • Provided information about county services and resources to educate the public.
  • Monitored swimming areas for safety and enforced pool rules diligently.
  • Responded to emergencies utilizing first aid and CPR techniques effectively.
  • Conducted regular water quality tests to uphold safety standards.
  • Processed customer transactions accurately in a fast-paced retail environment.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Recreational Therapy

Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC
08-2023

GED -

West Forsyth High School
Clemmons, NC
05-2019

Skills

  • Team coaching and team member development
  • Program and event design and implementation
  • Tactical planning and game strategy
  • Performance analysis and program evaluation
  • Leadership skills
  • Event coordination

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Professional

Certification

American Red Cross CPR/First Aid Certified

Professional Presentation and Publication

Published Research

Courtney Burleigh, Blake Harrison, Michaela Hildebrand, Thomas Mazza, Sasha Taylor, & Paige Dagenhard- trainer. (Submitted for publication). Water Activities for individuals with Visual Impairments.

Courtney Burleigh, Blake Harrison, Michaela Hildebrand, Thomas Mazza, Sasha Taylor, & Paige Dagenhard-trainer. (Accepted for publication). Water Activities for individuals with Visual Impairments. SPIF (Student Professional Issues Forum) Conference, Cullowhee, NC.

Professional Representation and Networking

  • Set up and represented Laurel Ridge Treatment Center’s Specialized Therapeutic Services (STS) team at the ATRA convention 2025.
  • Educated healthcare and allied professionals on STS services, including day-to-day responsibilities of team members, implementation of the APIED process by Recreational Therapists, available therapeutic modalities and resources, and core LRTC functions that differentiate the facility from other treatment centers.
  • Provided guidance to prospective Recreational Therapy students by explaining the LRTC internship application process, expectations, and professional development opportunities.

Timeline

Soccer Academy Coach

Liverpool Football Club
09.2025 - Current

Recreational Therapist

Laurel Ridge Treatment Center
03.2024 - Current

Activity Specialist

Laurel Ridge Treatment Center
08.2023 - 03.2024

Recreational Therapy Intern

Laurel Ridge Treatment Center
02.2023 - 06.2023

Maintenance Technician

Asset Living
01.2020 - 12.2022

Shadowing Student

Carolina SeniorCare
06.2019 - 12.2019

Front Desk Staff Member

Forsyth County
02.2018 - 02.2019

Bachelor of Science - Recreational Therapy

Western Carolina University

GED -

West Forsyth High School
Thomas Mazza