2024 ATRA Annual Conference - Together We Thrive, Together We Rise

CTRS

Juliana Heimann has been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) for three years, after the completion of her bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA. Juliana has experience working with older adults, children with intellectual/behavioral disabilities, and now works on the Inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Unit at Shepherd Center. She has been at Shepherd Center for over a year and during her time there she has been involved in growing the Return to Work committee, participating in community programming and various Health and Wellness Clinics, and manage the Recreation Therapy treatment plan for 15 patients.

MA, LRT, CTRS

Anna Shaye has been a Recreational Therapist on the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) unit at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia for two years. She graduated in 2022 from East Carolina University Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreational Therapy. Anna Shaye completed her internship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Medical Center on the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation floor working with teenagers to older adults with diagnoses such as brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other neurological disorders. Upon completion of her internship and passing her certification exam, Anna Shaye accepted a position at the Shepherd Center. At the Shepherd Center, she carries a caseload of three teams which ranges from 14-16 patients, is an active member of the Patient Experience and ABI Holiday Committees, and serves as one of the champions in the recreational therapy department for Virtualis; a rehabilitative virtual reality device used for therapeutic sessions. Anna Shaye completed her Master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a primary concentration in Public and Community Health and a secondary concentration in Exercise Science from Liberty University in December 2023. Anna Shaye applies expertise from both degrees to integrate various modalities into treatment sessions with patients.

CTRS

Nikki Kiley is the dedicated lead spinal cord injury recreation therapist at The Shepherd Center, a renowned rehabilitation facility nestled in Atlanta, GA. With an unwavering passion for aiding individuals in their journey towards recovery, Nikki has seamlessly integrated herself into the fabric of the Shepherd Center team, bringing over two years of invaluable experience to her role. As a primary recreation therapist on the inpatient comprehensive rehabilitation unit, Nikki's expertise extends to serving individuals with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and multi-trauma cases. At the heart of Nikki's work lies a profound commitment to facilitating community reintegration for her patients, empowering them with the skills and confidence to resume active and fulfilling lives within their home communities. Originally hailing Kansas City, Missouri, Nikki earned her Bachelor of Science in therapeutic recreation from Northwest Missouri State University. Beyond her professional endeavors, Nikki finds solace and joy in a variety of leisure activities, including hiking, traveling, watching movies, painting, and spending time with family.