Recreational Therapy celebrates 50th anniversary

March 31, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 14)
Article by Kennedy Scott

Copy URL

For 50 years, GVSU's Recreational Therapy program has prepared students to become impactful, competent and innovative practitioners in their field. As the program celebrates this milestone, it continues to rank highly nationally and offers the only master's degree in recreational therapy in Michigan. 

Program leaders have a variety of activities planned to mark the occasion, from alumni highlights on social media to hands-on experiences like the Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports Clinic, in partnership with RecWell. More alumni events are planned in April.

Recreational therapy graduate Kristine Schwab, ’00, is the owner of Life Therapeutic Solutions. Schwab addresses her career journey and reflects on the program's legacy below.

How has GVSU's program contributed to the profession over the last 50 years? 
GVSU's recreation therapy department has graduated hundreds of highly qualified recreation therapists. The students are prepared and ready to contribute to our communities straight from graduation. The faculty have guided students to follow their passions within the field. The advocacy that they instill in us as students has allowed our voices to stand united in strong advocacy for our field.

How have you evolved since you graduated? 
In 2006, two former classmates and I wanted to try to start a recreation therapy company. We all had the same goal of bringing recreation therapy to the community. We wanted to spend more time with clients than facilities would allow. We wanted to go into their homes and guide them through leisure wellness and independence. 

It was a grinding start and it took many unpaid hours to get where the company is today. In 2016, I became the sole owner of Life Therapeutic Solutions. I have become a successful business owner doing the profession that I love. It does not get much better than that.

Can you share a story about a client that illustrates the power of recreation therapy? 
One client comes to mind, an older adult who was very active and recovering from an unexpected leg amputation. Through our sessions, he gradually regained the confidence to participate in adaptive sports and social activities. Witnessing their transformation from isolation to active community involvement was both inspiring and a testament to the impact of recreation therapy.

What do you hope to see in the next 50 years in recreation therapy?
My short answer is respect. I hope that the therapists and faculty who came before me see that we have spread our wings in the field. However, we still struggle to gain the respect in the medical field that we have earned and deserve. I would love to see a similar curriculum within universities that offer recreation therapy. We need to get away from diversional activities and remain focused on the APIE (Assessment, Plan, Implementation and Evaluation) process. We also need to continue to advocate for licensure across the country in our field. That is another example of inconsistency in our field.

Read the full interview here. 

— Kennedy Scott is the marketing and communications specialist for the College of Health Professions.

Categories

Across Campus