HMS Spotlight: Recreational Therapy

Today is the last day of Recreational Therapists Month! Most people know what physical, occupational, and speech therapists do, but what about recreational therapists?

Well, our own Director of Recreational Therapy, Kevin Kramer puts it best:

“Physical therapy will give you the strength to get out of bed, occupational therapy teaches will teach you how to get out of bed, and recreational therapy will give you a reason to get out of bed.”

From our Friday Afternoon Assemblies, special guests, and exciting and engaging activities, rec therapists are behind so much joy here at HMS! In honor of Recreational Therapists Month, we caught up with Mia Meccariello, the newest addition to our rec team, and Charlie Harris, the most veteran member of our rec team, about their experiences at HMS.

Mia Meccariello

 When did you first come to HMS?

I initially came to HMS in September 2019 as an intern under Kevin. After my internship, I worked as a recreation therapy aide in the residence until May 2021. In October 2022, I was happy to join HMS again as a teacher assistant. Last month, became a permanent part of the expressive arts department as a Recreation Therapist. It’s been a journey to get back to HMS but I’m happier than ever!

What drew you to working at HMS?

I’ve always loved the feeling of community and family at HMS. Everyone is here for the kids. Everyone shows up every day with innovative ideas to make sure our students get top of the line treatment and education. I get to learn so much every day, from the other therapists and specialists within my department. They all have an abundance of experience and knowledge and I love getting to work with them.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is the kids. There is no better feeling then when I see a student get excited about an activity or project that I have created for them. Whether it is a highly structured group activity or just 1 on 1 time spent bonding or talking with the student, that time I spend getting to know them and just letting them know they are heard and loved is my favorite part of the job.

What’s the most challenging thing about rec therapy?

The most challenging part of Recreation Therapy is that we aren’t very well known and by default can sometimes be undervalued. Few outsiders know the clinical elements of our job and how our position on each student’s treatment team is crucial to them thriving at HMS and in the outside world.  Children learn through play, and no one knows the benefits of play more than a recreation therapist. I read this quote once and it has always had significance to me, it goes like this “physical therapy helps you get strong enough to get out of bed. Occupational therapy teaches you how to get out of bed, and recreational therapy gives you a reason to get out of bed”.

What was your favorite memory from HMS?

This is a hard one, but my dad and his band came out to play at HMS during my internship for one of the special graduate events. My dad is in a Queen Tribute band and one of our students loved Queen. To get to show the people that I love the most, the place I love the most was just so special. My dad is the one who taught me to be the loving and caring person I am today, so teaching him about what I do was not only a highlight of my time at HMS but a highlight of my life.


And now a very special section called….

Charlie Through The Years!


Charlie Harris

When did you first come to HMS?

I first came to HMS in the Fall of 1982 as a TR Junior Intern from Temple University. The following year, there was an opening in the Recreation Department for a Recreational Therapist. A former classmate of mine was leaving the position and knew I did my internship here. She contacted me about the job. I interviewed and accepted the position and started on November 7, 1983.

What drew you to working at HMS?

As mentioned above, I was familiar with the Home of the Merciful Saviour. I knew the Supervisor at the time, Phyliss Dupuis. She was great to work with during my first few years. She had a wealth of knowledge of community activities and outside performers who could to the school for the students. The school had mostly residents in the beginning but started accepting day students as the resident population decreased. 

What is your favorite part of the job?

The students are my favorite part of the job. I have been part of many students’ lives over these years. I was here for the first graduation at the school. That student resides now at the Mary Campell Center in Delaware. I have learned many things from the students. I have learned to be more patient, more creative in activities, to be a better listener, to work with all students , helping the students feel empowered, and advocating for them when needed, just to name a few.

What’s the most challenging thing about rec therapy?

There are many challenges while working with our students. First, is trying to make sure each student is able to interact in an activity to the best of their abilities. Second, is to work on their individual goals in group sessions which may have as many as 6-8 students at a time. Third, to try and incorporate other therapy and educational components in each session. Fourth, to make sure the students have fun, and every student is enjoying the activity being presented.

What was your favorite memory from HMS?

I have many favorite memories over these many years. Trips have always been part of this. Some include: Horseback riding; swimming; sporting events (Phillies/Flyers games, college basketball and college football games); UCP Track and Field events; Neil Young concerts; Arden/Walnut Street Theater productions; Lunch and Dinner outings; Linvilla Orchards; Longwood Gardens; Movies; Great Adventure; and a wild one-day trip to Universal Studios in Florida with three students (leaving early morning and returning late that night). And many other trips not mentioned. Many awesome memories with all the staff I have work with over the years too!


Interested in working with HMS? Visit our Career Opportunities page to see what positions may be right for you!