Central Recreation Therapists

Jake Newhard graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Therapeutic Recreation as Indiana Tech's Therapeutic Recreation Graduate of the Year in 2005. While at Indiana Tech Jake served as Vice President of Phi Epsilon Kappa (professional fraternity for recreational and leisure students) and played four years of college basketball. Jake developed his passion for Recreational Therapy while volunteering at a recreation center for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities in Adelaide, Australia from 2000-2002. Upon certification, Jake worked at Crossroad Children's home in Ft. Wayne, IN working with at risk youth from 2005-2010. Jake Newhard joined Ferraro Behavior Services in March of 2010 and in 2011 was named the FBS Recreation Therapist of the Year. Still with FBS, Jake moved to Indianapolis to expand the company's Rec. Therapy service area in 2016. In addition to serving his own full-time caseload, he recruits, interviews, trains and supports the FBS Recreational Therapists in Central Indiana. Since 2012, Jake as served as an Internship Supervisor for several TR interns from multiple universities. Jake has presented three consecutive years (2016-2018) at the Great Lakes Recreational Therapy Student Conference. Jake is serving a three-year term (2019-2021) on the Indiana University Recreational Therapy Advisory Board. 

Abbey Korte is a Certified Recreational Specialist who graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy. While attending Indiana University, Abbey had many volunteer opportunities to work with individuals with various disabilities in which she has found her true passion. One of Abbeys favorite volunteer opportunities was at a 96-team wheelchair basketball tournament in Louisville, KY. Abbey completed her 15-week internship with Ferraro Behavior Services and shortly afterwards joined the company. During her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, listening to music, traveling, crafts, cooking, and is an animal lover. Abbey is excited to grow within the amazing field of Recreational Therapy with Ferraro Behavior Services.

Amanda Umphres graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure studies with a concentration in Recreational Therapy from Middle TN State University in 2010. She received her CTRS certification in 2011. While at MTSU, she completed her internship at Skyline Madison, a psychiatric hospital in Nashville, TN. After graduation, Amanda worked at Williamson County Parks and Recreation, providing programs for seniors and people with disabilities. She helped organize and run a camp for individuals with disabilities ages 6-23. Amanda has worked with individuals on the waiver program for a total of 3 years. During her leisure time, she enjoys being active, crafting, reading and outdoor recreation. Amanda chose this field to help others achieve the best quality of life possible through recreation. 

Caitlin Hochstetler is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who graduated from Indiana University (IU) with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy in August 2018. During her time as an undergrad, Caitlin worked as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist in Bloomington, IN and volunteered for an assisted-living facility and a nonprofit therapeutic riding center. Caitlin's passion for recreational therapy grew when she participated in her service learning for IU with the largest service provider for individuals with developmental disabilities in South Central Indiana. During this service learning, she was able to play a role in preparing, empowering and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to fully participate in the life of the community. Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree, Caitlin completed her 600-hour internship with Ferraro Behavior Services where she gained experience in community-integrated recreational therapy. During her leisure time, Caitlin enjoys being outdoors as much as possible hiking, fishing, swimming, spending time with her family and friends. Caitlin is excited to enrich the lives of individuals of all abilities through recreational therapy.

Colin Davis graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in recreational therapy in 2018. Upon graduation, Colin received his CTRS title in August of the same year. Colin developed a passion for helping individuals with disabilities at a young age. Growing up, Colin participated in Boy Scouts and eventually became an Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Colin built two raised garden beds with a wheelchair accessible path around them so that it is accessible for all individuals. Through this project and volunteering at a local assisted living facility in Bloomington, IN for individuals of all disabilities, Colin found his passion. Colin completed his internship at Ferraro Behavior Services and shortly after joined the company as a recreational therapist. During Colin's free time, he likes to hike, play basketball, golf, swim and participate in outdoor recreation.

Courtney Britzman is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreational Therapy in May of 2019. While attending Indiana University, Courtney enjoyed volunteering at an assisted living facility where she aided with the implementation of recreational therapy for older adults with disabilities. She also had the opportunity to volunteer at Bradford Woods where she supervised and provided a fun camp experience for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. Courtney completed her 15-week internship with Ferraro Behavior Services in the spring of 2019 and happily joined the company soon after. During her leisure time, Courtney enjoys being active, listening to music, playing board games, participating in outdoor recreation, and spending time with family and friends. Courtney is excited to help her clients grow, become more independent, and celebrate the little victories while reaching goals. Courtney looks forward to growing as a professional with FBS and continuing to advocate for individuals who have disabilities.

Jacklyn Moleski is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy in May 2019. During her time as an undergrad, Jacklyn volunteered for Kids Play Gym, Hearthstone Health Campus (an assisted living facility), Bradford Woods, and Stone Belt. Jacklyn's passion grew for recreational therapy when she was chosen to be a part of lab staff for an Adaptive Physical Education course at Indiana University. During this service learning, Jacklyn implemented and planned adaptive programs for individuals with disabilities, supervised and taught skills to other recreational therapy students, and supervised/mentored various populations of individuals with disabilities in the IU program. Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree, Jacklyn completed a 600-hour internship experience with Ferraro Behavior Services where she gained experience in working with individuals with disabilities in the community. During her leisure time, Jacklyn enjoys being around animals and friends/family, visiting different parks, shopping around town, visiting local farmers markets, cooking, live music events, and arts and crafts. Jacklyn believes being a recreational therapist is one of the most rewarding jobs and is thrilled to make a positive impact on the lives of those who cross her path. 

Jake Miller is a certified therapeutic recreational specialist who graduated from Indiana University in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy. While attending Indiana University, he volunteered at a local assisted living facility and worked with elderly patients with various disabilities. Jake was also on many intermural sport teams, such as basketball, football, floor hockey, and ultimate frisbee. Jake completed his internship with Ferraro Behavior Services and shortly afterwards joined the company. During his leisure time, he likes to play basketball, hockey, golf, and hike. Jake is very passionate about this field of work and enjoys helping others achieve the best quality of life through recreational therapy.

Jillian Welk is a CTRS who graduated from Indiana University in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in Recreational therapy. While attending Indiana University, Jillian volunteered at several different places including Bradford Woods, a local assisted living facility, and a people and animal services facility, assisting people with various ages and disabilities. Jillian served her internship at IU Health Bloomington Hospital, working with adults in the psychiatric setting. Following her internship, Jillian got a job at one of Indiana's psychiatric hospitals and worked with inpatient children with psychiatric illnesses. During her leisure time, Jillian loves to do any kind of physical activity and enjoys being outdoors. Jillian believes that being a recreational therapist is one of the most rewarding experiences in life and is excited to continue to change clients' lives with Ferraro Behavioral Services.

Katy is a 2014 graduate from Indiana University, Bloomington with a bachelor's degree in science, focused on Therapeutic Recreation. While attending Indiana University, she was a member of Delta Zeta, participated in IUDM and volunteered as a facilitator for those with divorced families, indulged in outdoor recreation with individuals with disabilities throughout the west coast, and introduced individuals with disabilities to the community through specific and unique recreational wants and needs. She completed her internship in Salt Lake City, Utah at The Kostopolus Dream Foundation where she found a passion for outdoor recreation and adventure therapy. During her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, traveling, climbing, swimming, hiking, baking, and rooting on the local sports teams. She has a love for improving the quality of life for individuals of all abilities, family time, exploring with her Great Dane, Moose, interior decorating, aromatherapy, live music (Sam Smith,) and animals. 

Lydia Conner graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy and a minor in Psychology. She completed her professional internship with Ferraro Behavior Services before being hired on as a CTRS. She has a long history of working with children and adults of all abilities. Lydia enjoys spending time with family, hiking, swimming, puzzles, and watching movies. She is excited to grow within the field of Recreational Therapy and improve the lives of clients.

Megan is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with her Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy in 2018. She developed her passion for assisting individuals with disabilities while volunteering at Agape, a therapeutic horseback riding program, at Bradford Woods during her undergrad. Megan also volunteered at Larue D. Carter Memorial Hospital where she helped plan and implement recreational therapy programs for patients with mental illness. Megan completed her 15-week internship at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana where she worked with patients with diagnoses such as brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, and medically complex. She had the opportunity to assess new patients, organize and lead one-on-one and group treatment sessions, and evaluate patients' progress towards their goals. She also developed a seated volleyball clinic that is now incorporated as a part of RHI's Sports Program. Megan is eager to grow as a professional with Ferraro Behavior Services and continue to advocate for the independence and well-being of individuals of all abilities through her recreational therapy services. 

Melanie Gimenez was hired in May of 2019 to open the Muncie and Anderson regions as a Recreational Therapist for Ferraro Behavior Services. Melanie graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy and a minor in Psychology. She has an older brother with a disability and has worked with people of all abilities since her teenage years. Melanie is an active therapist, helping to engage her clients with healthy physical and eating habits, gain independence and self-confidence, and find the small victories within their everyday lives. In her own leisure time, she enjoys watching and trying to play sports, working out at the gym and in the community, followed by fueling her body with appropriate nutrition, exploring life again with her son, born in February of 2018, listening to music and dancing like nobody is watching, and including laughter and joy in her day-to-day activities. She is thrilled to be in her dream career and strives to enrich the lives of all who cross her path. 

Merritt Gee is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreational Therapy. While attending IU, Merritt was able to volunteer at agencies that enabled her to work with individuals with various disabilities. One of Merritt's favorite volunteer opportunities was at an equine-assisted riding facility located in Bloomington, IN. While volunteering at People & Animal Learning Services (PALS), Merritt was able to provide hands-on assistance to individuals with emotional, cognitive, and physical disabilities. Merritt completed her 15-week internship at Ferraro Behavior Services in the summer of 2019. During her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, swimming, listening to music, and exploring new places around central Indiana. Merritt also enjoys spending time with family, friends, and animals. Merritt's passion is utilizing recreational therapy in helping to improve the quality of life for all individuals.

I’m SaVannah McCain. I recently graduated from Indiana University majoring in Recreational Therapy. I began my healthcare career as a CNA at 16 years of age. I decided to continue my education and pursue a nursing degree, but I soon learned nursing wasn’t the career for me. I wanted a career that required me to be hands on and witness the growth of the people I serve. Recreational Therapy has truly grown on my heart and given me the opportunity to witness these aspirations. It offers me the independence, competence, and ambition I desire. Gaining the ability to learn firsthand about others and myself.

 Certified Recreational Therapist who graduated from Indiana University in 2022 with a degree in Recreational Therapy. Cassie has experience working with a wide variety of populations throughout her undergraduate and professional internship, which she completed with FBS in the Fall of 2021. Cassie has a passion for working in the communities around her to provide meaningful, therapeutic services to individuals looking to meet new goals or to continue to make progress in different areas of living. In her free time, Cassie likes to stay active through activities like yoga and taking her Brittany Spaniel out for long walks. She also enjoys sports along with being with friends and family. Cassie strives to bring a positive attitude and looks to provide purposeful experiences through Recreational Therapy. 

Emma McCormick is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who graduated from Indiana State University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science, focused on Therapeutic Recreation. While attending Indiana State, she was able to work at The Arc of Vigo County, as well as the Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana. Emma completed her 15-week internship at Ferraro Behavior Services during the spring of 2022. Her interests include traveling, being outdoors, playing board games and card games, arts and crafts and running. She is excited to grow as a professional and help others to be as independent as possible.

Tania Ewing is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who graduated from Indiana University in December of 2023. While attending Indiana University, Tania volunteered and worked at several assisted living facilities and gained experience working in a geriatric setting. Tania has also worked in a school setting as an Instructional Assistant in a Life Skills class, where she was able to work closely and get hands-on experience with multiple disabilities. Tania completed her internship with Ferraro Behavior Services and shortly afterwards joined the team. Tania grew up playing many sports, such as basketball, volleyball, boxing, football, track and field, and dance. For leisure, she enjoys spending time with family, working out, listening to music, baking, trying different foods, and going for walks outside. Tania has a passion for helping others and improving their quality of life through Recreational Therapy. She is excited to work in the field and use her skills to positively impact others’ lives.