Recreation Therapists of Indiana, Inc.

President: Lori Schweyer, CTRS

Lori graduated from Indiana Tech in 2006. Before graduating, Lori completed her internship on the transitional care unit of what was then St. Joe Hospital in Fort Wayne. After obtaining her CTRS credentials, Lori began working on the Indiana Medicaid Waiver in 2008. After holding multiple positions in the field, including Director of Recreation Therapy and Internship Supervisor, Lori went on to become one of the three founders and owners of New Leaf Recreation LLC in 2019. Lori continues to provide recreational therapy services for individual with disabilities to this day. Lori has a passion for helping others and for the field of therapeutic recreation. She hopes that through her position held on the RTI board she can make an impact on recreation therapy in Indiana through advocation of the profession and its practitioners.

Past-President: Kelsey Thompson, CTRS

Kelsey received a Bachelor of Science in Sport & Recreation Management with a focus in Recreational Therapy from Indiana State University. Kelsey has been a CTRS for 10 years now and has worked with the IDD population as a CTRS all 10 years. Kelsey is currently employed at Embracing Abilies and works as a community/home based therapist. Kelsey is certified in Chair Chi, Quality Internship Supervisor Certification,and has developed and ran an adapted sport league called Meaningful Adapted Sports.

President-Elect: Juanakee Durden, MA, MS, CTRS 

Juanakee has over 11 years of experience in the field. Her professional journey includes a 10-month tenure as a Behavior Consultant, where she applied her expertise in Analytical Behavior Analysis to support individuals in need. Juanakee holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Grand Valley State University, a Master’s of Science Degree in Park, Recreation, and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University, and a Master's of Art with an emphasis in Analytical Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Juanakee has extensive experience across several sectors, including Parks and Recreation, Treatment and Detention Centers for Sex Offenders, Behavioral Health Facilities, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Centers, and Community Recreation Programs. This broad range of experiences has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of therapeutic recreation and behavior analysis, enabling her to effectively support and rehabilitate diverse populations.

Secretary: Autumn Dishroon, CTRS

Autumn became a CTRS in 2020 after completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreational Therapy at Indiana University in Bloomington. She has since been working on the Indiana Medicaid waiver where she works as a community-based recreational therapist serving individuals with disabilities. Autumn is a Qualified Internship Supervisor certified through ATRA and she also holds certifications in ChairOne and Chair Chi. In Autumn’s free time, she enjoys spending time outside, preferably camping or at the lake with her family and friends, wokring in her garden with her mom, visiting local farmers markets on the weekend, and spending time at home with her two cats.

Treasurer: Bailey Harkins, MS, CTRS

Bailey graduated from Indiana University in 2020 with a Masters in Recreational Therapy, where she received the Lebert H. Weir Masters Student Award and the Outstanding Graduate Student Award in Recreational Therapy. She currently works on the Indiana Medicaid waiver in Indianapolis in a community-based setting, working with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Along with being a CTRS, Bailey has three other certifications in Bibliotherapy, Chair Chi, and Chair One Fitness.

Member at Large: Cassidy Honeycutt, CTRS

Cassidy graduated from East Carolina University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy and also Minored in Psychology. Since gaining her CTRS certification she has been a therapist on the Indiana Medicaid waiver working for New Leaf Recreation LLC for 3 years working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disorders. She has a passion for using her career and skill set to advocate for inclusion for all and making everyone feel accepted no matter her background. She enjoys getting to watch her clients grow and flourish over time and expressing themselves as individuals. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend Bradley and two dogs, Gabby and Zara, going to the race track with her boyfriend’s family or enjoying a nice weekend at home watching a TV series or traveling.

Member at Large: Haley Ochoa, CTRS

Haley graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreational Therapy in 2020 and was an active member of the Recreational Therapy Club. Haley has been a CTRS working under the waiver for 3 years and has over 5 years of experience as a DSP. Haley is particularly fond of working with those who have severe intellectual or developmental disabilities to be able to increase their quality of life as well as promote inclusivity within their community. When she is not working, Haley can be found spending time with her boyfriend, Ron, taking care of her fur babies, and tending to her plants.

Member at Large: Kristen McCarrick, CTRS 

Kristen graduated from Indiana State University in 2004 with a degree in Recreation and Sports Management with an emphasis in Recreation Therapy and a minor in psychology. She has been a CTRS for 29 years working in a variety of settings, including Medicaid Waiver, a developmental therapist for Indiana First Steps, ABA Therapy, and working in mental health with dual diagnosis clients. Kristen currently works for Embracing Abilities as a community based therapist for individuals with disabilities. She loves being able to engage clients in their own communities and to encourage them to try new things while learning the importance of advocating for themselves. Kristen resides in Indianapolis with her husband, Matthew, and three children. In her free time she enjoys traveling, crafting, board games and cheering on various Indiana sports teams.

Member at Large: Taylor Stieb, CTRS

Taylor graduated from the University of Toledo with her Bachelors of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation in 2015 and is a recreational therapist on the Indiana Medicaid waiver and a co-owner of New Leaf Recreation LLC. Taylor has a passion for helping others achieve their goals and loves watching her clients grow and thrive. She also has a passion for advocating for not only her clients but for recreational therapists around the state of Indiana and beyond, and hopes to continue educating others about the therapeutic recreation profession and how vital our services are for others. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, going to the lake, reading, video games, and spending time with family, friends, her partner Nate, and her two rescue doodles, Sasha and Nora.

Member at Large: Trisha Bell, CTRS

Trisha graduated from East Carolina University with her Bachelors of Science degree in Recreational Therapy in 2021. After graduation, Trisha has been working on the Indiana Medicaid Waiver as a Recreational Therapist for New Leaf Recreation and is continuing to build her skills as a therapist and individual. In November of 2023, Trisha was promoted as an Onboarding Trainer. Trisha is a go-getter and ambitious individual who has a passion for helping others work towards achieving their goals. She enjoys being able to watch her clients grow and prosper over time as Recreational Therapy can be a lifelong service. In her free time, Trisha enjoys reading, going to the lake, and spending time with her pups Maggie and Sadie, her fiancé Trevor, and friends/family. Trisha is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys many sports such as softball/baseball, basketball, and football.