I interviewed Genna Winter who is a recreational therapist at CHKD. She graduated from ODU with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h2H-GVTlsSASQJe4LD5i2UuMIIuVY8Ea/view?usp=drive_link

Interview Summary:

What inspired you to get into your current field?

Genna really liked working with kids and she originally intended on going for occupational therapy. Once she started taking rec therapy classes she really found her passion there. 

How did you get to this current job position? What path did you take?

She did an internship in mental health which actually led her to her current position which she really enjoys. 

What are your basic roles and responsibilities?

“As a recreational therapist we take the things you do in your leisure time and help you reach your health and wellness goals through them.” Assessing the patients’ social, physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. Rec therapists sometimes put their patients into groups based on certain things in order to keep them encouraged to keep up with their therapy. They also do pet therapy sometimes where they’ll bring a dog in to interact with the patients. 

What is your favorite (or most rewarding) aspect about the job?

Working with the kids and getting to know them and their life stories. Genna also really enjoys helping them to overcome whatever emotional or cognitive need they have through rec therapy. 

What is the most surprising aspect of your career ?

“All behavior is a form of communication.” Genna says that this is very true especially because she works in mental health and sometimes some behaviors can be hard to manage. You always have to keep in mind that anything can be a trigger for someone.

What is the most challenging aspect of your career?

Knowing how to handle how someone reacts to something can be very difficult. Piggy-backing off the last answer that you never know what’s going to trigger someone and what’s going to happen if they do get triggered. 

What advice would you give to someone getting into the health field?

Do it! Don’t be nervous about it because Genna says that it is her favorite job today and if you’re interested in it then you should do it.