Staci Walsh

Background

About Staci Walsh

The opportunity of being a collegiate student athlete taught me many lessons. I learned how to handle adversity, become a leader and supportive teammate, manage high stress environments, grow and learn after losses, and enjoy everyday. Throughout my four years as a collegiate volleyball player at Grand Valley State University I was elected 1x an All-American Honorable Mention, 4x All Regional team, 4x First Team All GLIAC team, 1x GLIAC Freshman Of The Year and 2x GLIAC All Academic Team. I was also voted team captain for my senior season in 2018. Throughout my coursework, I learned how to utilize the APIED process to provide engaging, beneficial, and evidence-based interventions specific to the client's needs. I have been able to take in-depth courses regarding physical disabilities and mental illnesses as well as practice various interventions including but not limited to- adventure therapy, aquatic therapy, therapeutic use of music/art, and practice various adapted sports. I was very fortunate to be able to practice several of these skills during my fieldwork in Carbondale, CO at Ascendigo Autism Services. I had the opportunity to work with a variety of individuals with Autism and assist them in reaching their individual goals. I completed my internship at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in the inpatient recreational therapy department in summer/fall 2020. During this time I received hands on experience treating individuals with SCI, TBI, amputations, multiple traumas, and mental health problems. I was able to manage a caseload of 12-18 patients with my supervisor guiding me and then allowing me to assess, plan, and implement various interventions to reach the client’s goal. I was able to implement therapeutic use of aquatics, community reintegration, kitchen safety, problem solving, social interactions, arts, and games, to name a few. I also developed a Mindfulness Resource guide for patients to have and utilize to help regulate emotions at the hospital and everyday life. I plan on transferring my experiences from volleyball, classes, and jobs towards those I will be serving. I want to help everyone increase their quality of life and find joy everyday. I enjoy meeting new people and listening to their stories. I’ve always been someone that likes to listen and get to know people for who they are and what they like and don’t like. I’ve tried so many new things because of stories people have shared with me that they loved doing and I had to try it for myself!