Who will you be working with?

Melissa is a Certified Recreational Therapist and Certified Dementia Practitioner with over 20 years of experience providing goal-oriented therapy to individuals with multiple diagnoses. She delivers highly individualized services based on each person’s past, present, and future interests and lifestyle, customizing treatment plans that address social, cognitive, physical, and leisure needs. Her approach promotes healthy living to improve function, enhance independence, and encourage meaningful engagement in all aspects of life.

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Melissa holds a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure Studies with a minor in Health Studies from the University of Southern Maine. She is credentialed as a Certified Recreational Therapist, Certified Dementia Practitioner and Educator, Certified Best Friends™ Dementia Trainer, Certified Dementia Capable Care Specialist and Trainer, and Licensed BCAT® Practitioner.

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Her career highlights include:

• ATRA Frank L. Basile Clinician of the Year Award (2016)

• 2024 Pride in Our Community Leader, Loudoun County Pride

• National Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Trainer (CADDCT), 2024

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Melissa has presented at numerous conferences, published evidence-based practice programs, and authored professional articles, including “Tips to Consider: The Geriatric Recreation Therapist’s Role in Disaster Preparedness”, emphasizing the vital role recreation therapists play in safeguarding long-term care residents during crises.

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Her diverse background includes living in Romania, where she provided sensory integration therapy for orphans, and serving as Social Coordinator for the Cerebral Palsy – International Sports and Recreation Association (CP-ISRA) World Championship. Through both clinical practice and community engagement, Melissa is known for her innovative, out-of-the-box thinking and her dedication to supporting clients and caregivers every day.

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Projects

• Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Agitated Behaviors and Social Interactions of Older Adults with Dementia
  This pilot study examined the effects of a therapeutic recreation intervention using animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on the agitated behaviors and social interactions of older adults with dementia. Using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory and the Animal-Assisted Therapy Flow Sheet, 15 nursing home residents participated in a daily AAT intervention for three weeks. Results showed statistically significant decreases in agitated behaviors and a statistically significant increase in social interaction from pretest to post-test.

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Publications

• The Best Friends Staff. Health Professions Press, May 2024. ISBN: 978-1938870958. Featured in Tool 2.15. Explores solutions to staffing challenges to enhance care quality, staff satisfaction, and retention.

• Recreational Therapy for Older Adults. Venture Publishing, Inc., January 2019. ISBN: 9781571679499. Featured under Case Study 10.1. Provides a comprehensive textbook resource for teaching therapeutic recreation in geriatric care.

• Making a Difference in the Moment – Equine Activities and Therapies. American Therapeutic Recreation Association, September 2017. Research on Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) as treatment modalities for balance, mood, and cognitive function in older adults.

• Music Intervention – Improving Residents’ Quality of Life in Personal Care and Engagement Programs. American Therapeutic Recreation Association, September 2017. Innovative approach using music to enhance ADLs participation and reduce agitation in residents.

• A Brief Descriptive Analysis of Recreational Therapy Used in the Inpatient Setting. American Geriatrics Society, April 2015. Examines recreational therapy interventions as an adjunct to pharmacologic treatments in hospitalized patients.

• Tips to Consider: The Geriatric Recreation Therapist’s Role in Disaster Preparedness. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, April 2007. Discusses the essential role of recreational therapists in ensuring safety and well-being of older adults during emergencies.

 

Honors & Awards

• Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Trainer (CADDCT) of 2024, , December 2024 – Recognized as for outstanding dementia education, exceeding state and federal standards, and inspiring excellence in patient care training.

• Pride in Our Community, , June 2024 – Honored for advocacy and leadership in promoting diversity, inclusion, and community support in Loudoun County.

• Excellence in Memory Care, , October 2017 – Recognized for innovative therapeutic care models and advancements in memory care, including equine therapy programs.

• ATRA Frank L. Basile Clinician of the Year, , September 2016 – Awarded for significant contributions to the field of recreational therapy through creativity and service innovation.

• Innovation Award, , October 2012 – Presented to the Transit Accessibility Center of WMATA for developing innovative problem-solving techniques previously unused in the public transportation industry. Award details

 

Presentations

• ATRA Annual Conference – Grand Rapids, MI | September 2018
  Presented strategies for handling difficult behaviors in older adults, sharing innovative case studies and therapeutic solutions.

• Annual ATRA Conference – Lombard, IL | September 2016
  Delivered a session on advanced practices in recreational therapy to enhance standards of care across multiple settings.

• Annual ATRA Conference – Albuquerque, NM | September 2015
  “Integration of Recreational Therapy into the Geriatrics Integrative Care Services (GICS)”
  Highlighted therapeutic interventions in acute hospital settings, demonstrating outcome-driven interventions improving patient satisfaction, reducing agitation-related length of stay, and decreasing falls. Showcased innovative mobility programs: “Walking our Nation’s Capital” and “Biking our Nation’s Capital”.

 

Volunteering

• Guest Lecturer & Communication Club Facilitator, Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area – Developed and facilitated communication programs for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, focusing on breath support, speech volume, and confidence in social interactions. Created supportive, personalized learning environments to empower participants and foster continued engagement.

• Committee Member – NCTRC Job Analysis Study Pilot Survey, National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), April 2014 – Reviewed and tested the pilot Job Analysis Survey to ensure clarity, ease of use, and accuracy in reflecting therapeutic recreation practices. Survey Report

• Committee Member – Fairfax County High School Student "Shark Tank" Assistive Technology Challenge, Fairfax 50+ Community Action Plan, June 2015 – March 2019 – Served on the Aging Friendly Tech Challenge initiative to inspire innovative, age-friendly technology solutions. Participated in planning, documentation creation, and judging submissions, helping bridge the gap between technology and older adult accessibility.

• Committee Member – NCTRC Item Writing Committee, National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), July 2015 – Constructed test items for the NCTRC National Certification Exam, ensuring alignment with the NCTRC Job Analysis Study and therapeutic recreation professional practice standards. Contributed to maintaining the integrity and national recognition of the certification process.