BA in Leisure, Youth and Human Services with emphasis in Outdoor and Therapeutic Recreation MA in Leisure, Youth and Human Services with concentration in Community Planning and Nonprofit Management Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Go Panthers! CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) Wilderness First Responder Behavioral First Responder Mental Health First Aid AIARE Level 1 (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) PADI Open Water (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) PSIA Alpine Level 1 BICP Adaptive Level 1 Where were you born and raised? I was born and raised in West Des Moines, Iowa. What's your favorite quote or something that you live by? Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. – Albert Einstein How long have you been skiing/snowboarding? I began skiing at Monarch Ski Resort as a kid, but I would say I truly began to ski and have more than a total of 5 days during the winter of 2011-2012 in Summit County, Colorado. How did you come to work at the Adaptive Sports Center? How long have you lived in Crested Butte? I first became involved at the Adaptive Sports Center during the summer of 2009 as a programming intern. I worked at a different adaptive program for a few years and finally came back to the Gunnison Valley in the spring of 2016. Best decision yet! Why did you choose to work with people with disabilities? I began working with Special Olympics as a high school student and knew working with people with disabilities was something I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life. I was able to find Recreational Therapy as an undergraduate student at the University of Northern Iowa were I was able to work as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Northeast Iowa Special Olympics along with assisting to teach introductory Recreational Therapy coursework. It is rewarding to work towards a common goal of improving people’s quality of live and self-efficacy. No two days are the same and I love a job where most days everyone is laughing and smiling. What's your favorite thing about working at the Adaptive Sports Center? The office dogs are one perk and Huxley, my 75 pound bernedoodle, would agree, but I absolutely enjoy working with my colleagues, our participants and visiting trip leaders. These are some of the best humans and dogs out there and what makes my job so enjoyable! What do you do in your free time? In my free time, I enjoy getting outside recreating in human-powered activities. I am often found mountain biking, rock climbing, running, ice climbing, backcountry skiing or backpacking. I also really enjoy spending time exploring the valley with my dog, Huxley. See his puppy photo here. What's a fun fact about yourself? My name is a palindrome! Contact hannah@adaptivesports.org 970-349-2296, ext 102
