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. 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, 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 2020. 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, CTRS
I graduated from Central Michigan University in December 2020, where I majored in Recreation, Parks, & Leisure Services Administration: Therapeutic Recreation Concentration and minored in Child Development. I currently work within the PEDS program for LTS. I am passionate about continuing to help people across developmental stages to grow in all aspects of their life through healthy leisure and recreational activities, which is why I became a recreational therapist. In my free time I enjoy hiking and being outside with my sweet black lab, Bleu, coming up with my own creative cooking recipes, skiing, watercolor painting, and exploring all the great things Michigan has to offer. Some of the things that I love most are quality time with the people (& dog) that I love, spending time outdoors, and starting the day with a good coffee.
Emily Kegel, 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, CBIS, 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 several additional certifications including: Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), 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 (Alex) and two cats (Autumn and Ayla). I love practicing hot yoga, reading more than one book at a time, being outdoors, and working on jigsaw puzzles.
Courtney Bramer, CTRS
I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation in 2013. I enjoy working with the pediatric population with LTS. Being a CTRS is one of the most rewarding professions! Whether assisting a client to acquire skills for independence or focusing on mental health, Recreation Therapy has a home. In my leisure time, I enjoy dancing, spending time with family and friends, doting on my cats and rescuing local stray animals.
Juliana Piechowski, 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 as well as 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.
Maggie Bayerl, CTRS
I attended Grand Valley State University for my undergraduate work and earned a Master's of Education in Family Education from the University of Minnesota. I currently work on the pediatrics team. I became a therapist because I believe deeply that leisure and recreation have the power to completely change the health and wellness of individuals, families, and our communities. My family means the world to me and includes my wonderful husband, Rob, our three dogs, and a whole bunch of rescued farm animals (sheep, chickens, and alpacas)! The best day that I could imagine would be a sunny fall day, perfect for a long hike with my dogs followed by sitting on my back deck with a salted chocolate mocha, watching our animals, and reading a long book.
Nina Barcheski, CTRS
I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation. have been a Recreation Therapist since 2012, blessed to have worked with a variety of clients extending from children to geriatrics, primarily in a hospital-based setting, supporting mental and behavioral health needs. I’m an animal lover, have a passion for teaching and leading, love music, traveling, reading, camping with family and friends, a big foodie and love me some sunshine!
Betty Zachary, CTRS
Oregon. I have been a CTRS for over 35 years. I have taught Enhance Fitness classes, Arthritis classes and Matter of Balance classes for the YMCA and Senior Neighbors. I worked with the City of Portland as a Senior Leisure Service Director and as Senior Center Project Coordinator. My passion is working with older adults with developmental disabilities and those recovering from illness or surgery, integrating them into social and recreational opportunities.
Lillian Venema, CTRS
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!