Celebrating the Impact of Recreation Therapy at HMS School
February marks National Therapeutic Recreation Month, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to help our students achieve their fullest potential. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Sarah Kozack, one of three of our talented Recreational Therapists at HMS School, who brings fun and purpose to everything she does.
The Role of Recreation Therapy
Recreation therapy is more than just play. At HMS, it’s an essential part of our students’ holistic development, focusing on all five domains of wellness: physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual. Sarah explains, “Recreation therapy works in every setting here at HMS. We help our students develop play skills, socialization, and life skills. Skills that transfer into real-life activities and community participation.” Whether it’s through sports, music, or creative activities, recreational therapy is tailored to each student to ensure they are engaged, excited, and learning.
Sarah’s approach to therapy is unique because it blends fun and function. “In physical therapy, a student might be working on balance, and we can set up an activity, like a game, that focuses on improving balance but is also enjoyable,” she says. This collaboration with other departments ensures that therapy remains engaging while simultaneously helping students develop crucial life skills.
Sarah’s Path to Recreational Therapy
Sarah’s journey to becoming a Recreational Therapist wasn’t always a clear path. “At first, I thought I wanted to be an occupational therapist because it’s such a well-known field,” she recalls. “But after talking with my advisor, I realized that recreational therapy could combine my passion for helping others with the joy of making therapy fun.” Sarah’s passion for the field is evident in the way she approaches each day, and her motivation is driven by the desire to see students light up as they engage in activities they enjoy.
Why Recreation Therapy Matters
Recreation therapy is more than just a way for students to have fun, it’s about providing them with the tools to succeed in all areas of life. “Physical therapy helps you get where you want to go, occupational therapy helps you do what you want to do, and recreation therapy helps you enjoy the journey,” Sarah explains. It’s the role of recreation therapy to ensure that students experience both the enjoyment and the growth that comes from play and leisure activities, both active and passive.
The Rewards of Recreation Therapy
Sarah’s favorite part of her role at HMS is seeing the students’ reactions when they engage in a new activity or revisit a favorite one. “When a student lights up while participating in a preferred activity or learns something new, it’s the most rewarding feeling. It’s about expanding their leisure repertoire and helping them feel confident and capable,” she shares.
At HMS, every activity is carefully planned with the goal of ensuring students are not only enjoying themselves but also working toward their personal goals. Whether it’s through sensory activities, team games, or creative projects, Sarah, along with our other Recreational Therapists, ensure that the activities are engaging, functional, and tailored to the needs of each student.
As we celebrate Recreation Therapy Month, we honor the valuable contributions of therapists like Sarah who help our students grow, learn, and thrive in a supportive and fun environment.
Thank you, Sarah, for all the joy and progress you bring to HMS!
