Kristine Schwab, CTRS, ATRIC
Owner of Life Therapeutic Solutions, Inc.
I graduated from Grand Valley State University with my Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation. I became certified aquatic therapist in 2006 and started LTS. Through my career, I have truly enjoyed working with all populations in rehabilitation, community and in home. My best day is showing an individual how to successfully participate in leisure and turning their “I CAN’T” into “I CAN”
I keep busy watching my son grow up and keeping up with all of his activities. My husband, son and I love to golf and spend many summer nights on the golf course. We also enjoy walking, being outside and staying active.
Kari Leeuw, CTRS, ATRIC
I graduated from Central Michigan University where I earned my degree with emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation. I became certified aquatic therapist to enhance my profession and abilities. I currently work with older adults through the Stepping Stones Program and caregivers with the Healthy Ideas Program. I love helping my clients reach their goals and find purpose and joy in life. I love spending time with family and friends. My husband, daughter, dog and I spend most weekends going for hikes, spending time at Lake Michigan or exploring new places. I enjoy making a new recipe, listening to live music and crafting.
Sue Kurtz, CTRS, ATRIC
I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2006. I worked in long term care setting at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans in excess of 30 years. With more interests in learning than time allowed, I retired from the Veteran’s Home and joined Life Therapeutic Solutions, Inc. - The Stepping Stones program. Meeting seniors in the community where they live and helping them explore options, creating opportunities to improve their quality of life through independent leisure is very rewarding. I continue to improve my own skills in aquatic therapy, in-home exercise to increase strength/balance, in-home recreation to improve cognition, and community integration programs to meet the needs of my clients. I enjoy spending time with my family and love being a grandma. I enjoy gardening, cooking and being a Volunteer Conductor on the Coopersville-Marne Railway.
Brittany Oom, CTRS, ATRIC
I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2013. I became a Certified Aquatic Therapist in 2021. I love my job at Life Therapeutic Solutions because I believe in the value of recreation, leisure and play to help clients find meaning, joy and hope in their lives. I live in Grand Rapids with my husband, two sons and dog, Louie. I love to be outdoors year round and my favorite hobbies include biking, hiking, cross country skiing and kayaking.
Corrina Anderson, MS, OTR/L, CTRS
I graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelors degree in recreational therapy, then went on to obtain a masters degree in Occupational Therapy from GVSU. I am currently doing consulting work regarding sensory programming for LTS. I am passionate about continuing to help people across developmental stages to grow in all aspects of their life through healthy lifestyle choices. Some of the things that I love most are quality time with the people (& dog) that I love, spending time outdoors, exploring the world, and starting the day with a good coffee.
Emily Kegel, MS, CTRS
I received my undergraduate degree in Recreational Therapy from Grand Valley State University, with a minor in Spanish. I joined LTS in 2021 as a bilingual therapist working with older adults, although I also have a background working with kids and teens. My “Why” for being a Recreational Therapist is to empower people to fully engage in their lives, find their passion, and to grow through leisure and recreation. I love being in the mountains or at the beach, camping, rock climbing, high ropes courses, hiking, and exploring of any kind. I love language, culture, trying foods from different countries, and traveling to new places. I enjoy playing several instruments including the violin, guitar, ukulele, and piano, and love singing along to Adele songs.
Ashley Phelps, CTRS, RYT200, ATRIC
I graduated from Central Michigan University, where I received my degree in Recreation, Parks & Leisure Services with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. I have since acquired additional certifications including: Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT200), and Certified Aquatic Therapist (ATRIC). I work with both PEDS and Older Adults. Helping others find their greatest potential is what I find most rewarding about being a therapist. I enjoy spending time with my husband, son and two cats. I love practicing hot yoga, reading more than one book at a time, being outdoors, and working on jigsaw puzzles.
Juliana Piechowski, MS, CTRS, ATRIC
I have been working with Life Therapeutics Solutions, Inc. since 2018 after graduation from Grand Valley State University. I work with our Stepping Stones Program, Healthy IDEAS program, and our Peds program. I am certified in Aquatic Therapy, and really enjoy using the pool to work on a wide range of goals and skills. I became a therapist in the field of RT because I love using the things people enjoy as a driving force to work on skills, develop and accomplish goals, and improve quality of life. In my free time you can find me enjoying time with my family and dog, ice skating, playing music, traveling, playing video games, crafting, and staying active.
Sara Rinke, CTRS, ATRIC
I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2003 with my Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation. I am also Certified in Aquatic Therapy and a Certified Tai Chi Instructor. I enjoy working with individuals to explore recreation that is personal and meaningful to them in their home as well as within the community. Helping an individual become more independent with their leisure in which they did not think possible, is the ultimate fulfillment. I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. I enjoy traveling, cooking, reading, bicycling and exploring different restaurants around town.
Madeline Maloley, CTRS
I graduated from GVSU in 2017 with my undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation. I knew I wanted to go into a field that allowed me to help others and when I found TR I knew I had found the path I wanted! I love bringing happiness and joy to others and providing socialization and functional skills in a fun way! In my free time I enjoy time with my family. Being a mom is a very important part of who I am and drives my motivation to be the best I can be to all the individuals I come into contact with! My favorite pass times are: spending time with family and friends, crime documentaries, reading (when I have time), and spending time out and about.
Jennie Tubbs, BS, CTRS, CDP
I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2015 with my Bachelors of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. My fieldwork placement was with a wheelchair sports department, working side by side with children and adults with physical disabilities. My internship placement was working with children and adults with various psychiatric disorders. Since graduation, I have had the privilege of specializing and continuing my education in the following: certified brain injury speciality, aquatic therapy and rehab programming, Love Your Brain yoga training, and certified dementia practitioner education. My career history has included enriching the lives of those with brain injuries, children with autism, and seniors aging in place and with multiple dual diagnoses. In my down time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach, crocheting, going for walks with my dog, watching football, going to estate sales with my husband, and spending the day on our pontoon.
Lillian Venema, CTRS, ATRIC
I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2020 with a degree in recreational therapy and a minor in psychology. I have worked with a variety of populations including pediatrics, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and older adults. I have also acquired additional certifications in dementia care. I love the creativity that recreation therapy allows when providing care, and how adaptable it is to individuals of all abilities. There is something for everyone to enjoy. I love walking side by side with clients to assist them in reaching their goals. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, being outdoors, reading, trying new restaurants, and exploring all that Michigan has to offer!
Brennan Carroll, MS, CTRS
In 2018, I received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from GVSU with the intention of continuing education in therapy. I graduated with a bachelor’s in Recreational Therapy in 2022 and am currently working on a master’s degree in Recreational Therapy. My deepest passion is improving the quality of life and well-being of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Now I am applying my passion and education working with kiddos at LTS! I became a CTRS because I believe the power of meaningful leisure, and involvement within one’s community is immeasurable. In my personal free time, you can find me cooking elaborate meals, playing board/video games, making messy art projects, and enjoying days spent with my toddler son (Rowen) and big brown dog (Dugan).
MacKenzie Rutz
I graduated from Central Michigan University in the Spring of 2020, where I majored in Recreation, Parks, & Leisure Services Administration: Therapeutic Recreation Concentration and minored in Psychology. I currently work within the PEDS program for LTS. My “why” I love being a CTRS includes my love for service and passion for the impact recreation has on quality of life and holistic well being. I am so excited to work with my LTS clients to help them grow and blossom in all dimensions of their life by enhancing their engagement in recreation and leisure. Some of my personal favorite leisure pursuits are being outside (hiking, biking, kayaking, etc), running with my Team Triumph, spending time with my good boy golden retriever, Mav, traveling with good company, watching football, coaching/playing volleyball and competing in a good ole MI game of Euchre. Some of the things that bring me most joy are sunrises, morning coffee, authentic laughter, the uniqueness in sushi rolls and when the leaves change in the fall.
Yasmine Schultz
I graduated from Grand Valley State University where I earned a Master of Science in Recreational Therapy and a minor in psychology. I have worked with a variety of populations including pediatrics, intellectual/developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, mental/behavioral health, and older adults. I became a CTRS because I am passionate about helping individuals engage in all aspects of life and using their leisure to accomplish goals while also improving overall quality of life. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, hiking, playing pickleball, spending time at Lake Michigan, travelling, and watching UNC basketball.
Lauren McCumber, CTRS, ATRIC
I graduated from Grand Valley State University where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy. I have worked with a variety of populations including pediatrics, adolescents, and geriatrics within the home, community, and residential behavioral and mental health settings. The most rewarding thing about being a part of the RT community is building relationships and having the opportunity to consistently learn and grow as a professional and a person. I became an RT because I believe in helping others become the best version of themself while doing things they love. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family (including my 3 cats) and friends, watching crime documentaries, and staying active whether it is in the gym or outdoor hiking, high ropes courses, or participating in club sports leagues in the community.
Catherine Lyman, CTRS
I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2023 where I received my Bachelors of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. I currently work in with both the PEDs program and Stepping Stones program with LTS. I enjoy assisting people in finding what brightens their day. I love RT because it allows people to explore the simple joys of life. RT allows me to be creative in helping people reach their various goals and seeing my clients reach these goals is something special. Some of my favorite ways to spend my leisure time is baking, spending time with my dog, and doing any kind of art.