RTD was founded in 2020 with a mission to unite the recreational therapy community through education, research, and advocacy. We strive to provide the best research-based information supporting client outcomes and progress in the field of therapeutic recreation. We believe in collaboration by connecting our site visitors with qualified professionals and leaders in the field. We are here to unify students with working professionals and help provide resources to help improve the field of therapeutic recreation.
FOUNDERS
Ethan Pickett, MA, CTRS received a Bachelor’s of Science in Recreational Therapy from the University of Toledo. He received a Master’s of Arts in Recreation Administration and Leisure Studies from UT in 2013. He is the founder of Pure Abilities Therapeutic Services, a Medicaid Waiver provider which offers recreational therapy, behavior management, and music therapy services. He also co-founded Rec Therapy Directory. Ethan is a board member for Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana (DSANI), Autism Society of Indiana member at large, and an advisory board member for the University of Toledo Recreational Therapy program. He is committed to improving the lives of the developmental disability population in his community.
STAFF
Marilee Ashby graduated from Brigham Young University in Recreational Management with an emphasis in Recreational Therapy and Business Management. She worked as a Rec Therapist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital with specializing in eating disorders, physical rehab, neurology and some behavioral health. She resides in the beautiful state of Utah and loves being outdoors and living close to the mountains. Marilee has lived all over the world and across the USA. Through her travels she has experienced a passion for diversity and culture that has helped influence her to be a big advocate and bring awareness about autism and mental health. She is on the planning committee for the annual Smart CEUs Hub retreat. She has volunteered to work with individuals with autism and muscular dystrophy. She currently owns two small businesses.
Nathan Lamaster is a nationally Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) from Tyler, Tx who has started a handful of both TR and non-TR businesses throughout his career. His current TR businesses are SMART CEUs Hub (an online, NCTRC pre-approved source for Recreational Therapy continuing education), My CEU Wallet (a mobile app for managing your CEUs), and Rec Therapy Directory. He is the author of the book “The Entrepreneur Rec Therapist: The Business Education You Missed In School” as well as the creator/moderator for the TR Entrepreneur Connection Facebook group that connects RT entrepreneurs/educates them. During his career as a practitioner in Recreational Therapy, he has held jobs in clinical and community settings. Nathan is also involved in volunteering in Young Life Capernaum, (a Christian ministry for teens who have developmental disabilities)