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.
Brittany Oom, CTRS, ATRIC
I graduated with a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation from Grand Valley State University in 2013. I have been working with LTS in our pediatrics program since 2019. 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.
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.
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.
Rachael Nagel, BS, CTRS
I graduated from Calvin University in 2020 with my Bachelor's of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Psychology. I became a Recreational Therapist because I always wanted to have a career where I can work with people and help others. Over the years, I have become very passionate about RT and love being able to watch clients succeed. It brings a smile to my face to be able to help others participate in activities that they enjoy. I find it very fulfilling to watch a client meet their goals and gain confidence in their skills through RT. I currently work with the PEDS program with LTS. Some activities that I enjoy in my personal life include spending time with my husband, being active, camping, waterskiing, traveling, and anything outside in the summertime.
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.
Alesha Kutzli, BS, CTRS
I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2017 with a Bachelor's of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. My fieldwork was at a summer camp for children with serious illnesses. I interned at Craig Hospital in Colorado and worked with adults who sustained traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. Since then, I have worked in the psychiatric and community settings as a CTRS. Recreation Therapy is a truly unique profession and I'm grateful to be a part of the LTS team! My family and I lived in Maine for the past 6 years and recently relocated back to the Grand Rapids area to be closer to family. I love being outside, snowboarding, hiking, eating good food and spending time with my toddler.
Courtney Moore, BS, CTRS
Courtney graduated from Grand Valley State University with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation in 2013. I have spent my time working with adults in assisted living, memory care and sub-acute rehab. I look forward to working with individuals in a community setting. I believe being a CTRS is one of the most rewarding professions. I provide clients the skills and tools they need to be successful in their everyday leisure. In my leisure time, I enjoy dancing, spending time with my family and friends, and doting on my cats.
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).
Yazmine 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.