Leah Babb
Hartsville
Summary
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with over 20 years of experience working with the elderly in various care settings and has a strong background in developing and implementing therapeutic activities tailored to individual needs. Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring effective treatment and consistent results. Skilled in patient assessment, program development, and therapeutic intervention. Reliable and adaptable, always ready to meet changing demands and deliver impactful outcomes. Skilled in assessing and determining the best setting and care for residents based on the least restrictive environment and promoting dignity when those needs change.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Waitress
Big's Meats and More
McBee, SC
02.2021 - 10.2025
- Provided exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive dining experience for all guests.
- Managed multiple tables efficiently during peak hours, maintaining high standards of service.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, fostering repeat business through effective conflict resolution.
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards even during busy shifts.
- Exhibited strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple tables and orders while delivering prompt service.
- Supported teamwork atmosphere among staff members through clear communication and collaboration during shifts.
- Collaborated with team members to consistently provide efficient service during peak hours.
- Built rapport with regular customers through friendly interactions and attentiveness to their preferences.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
Residential Care Counselor
Trent Hill Center
Hartsville, SC
01.2018 - 06.2021
- Facilitated daily living activities for residents, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices for resident engagement and behavioral management techniques.
- Monitored resident progress, documenting changes and adjusting care plans as necessary for continued improvement.
- Organized recreational activities to promote socialization and enhance residents' quality of life.
- Conducted regular safety assessments to identify risks and improve overall facility safety protocols.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, ensuring the safety of both residents and staff members.
- Conducted thorough assessments upon admission to determine appropriate level of care needed based on individual mental health status.
- Supported residents in achieving personal goals, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride.
- Developed strong rapport with each resident, building trust and encouraging open communication about needs and concerns.
- Maintained confidentiality of resident information in accordance with HIPAA regulations, safeguarding their privacy rights at all times.
- Facilitated constructive conflict resolution among residents, promoting healthy relationships within the community.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Norris Health And Rehab
Clinton, TN
06.2013 - 08.2014
- Designed and implemented individualized therapeutic recreation programs to enhance client engagement and well-being.
- Evaluated client progress through assessments, adapting programs to meet changing needs and abilities.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for diverse populations.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on therapeutic techniques and program delivery best practices.
- Reduced patient anxiety and depression through group therapy sessions and recreational activities.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trustful relationships essential for successful therapy outcomes.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices through regular continuing education courses and workshops.
- Improved overall well-being of patients by providing a diverse range of recreational activities, including arts and crafts, sports, and music therapy.
- Evaluated patient progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans as needed for optimal results.
- Managed inventory of supplies and equipment necessary for successful program implementation.
- Participated in case conferences to discuss patient progress, challenges, and potential solutions with other healthcare professionals.
- Initiated partnerships with local organizations to provide additional resources for patients participating in recreational therapy programs.
- Contributed to the development of marketing materials promoting the benefits of therapeutic recreation services to prospective clients.
- Documented all patient interactions and observations in detailed reports for insurance purposes and other healthcare professionals'' reference.
- Enhanced patient recovery by implementing individualized therapeutic recreation programs.
- Promoted social interaction among patients by organizing community outings and special events.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills when presenting program updates at staff meetings, ensuring all team members were informed of patient progress and relevant therapeutic interventions.
- Supervised volunteers during activities to maintain a safe environment while encouraging maximum patient participation.
- Scheduled and led specialized programs allowing participants to engage in exercise and recreation, supporting social and physical wellbeing.
- Conducted patient evaluations to identify mental, emotional, social and physical aptitudes, assess abilities and identify conditions suitable for recreational interventions.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
LIFE Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
10.2010 - 08.2012
- Analyzed feedback from clients to refine programming strategies, ensuring high satisfaction levels among participants.
- Advocated for the integration of innovative therapeutic approaches within existing recreational services framework.
- Conducted assessments of potential clients' skills within their home settings to identify necessary care requirements for effective onsite treatment.
- Facilitated client support in home environments to ensure necessary adaptations and modifications for safe independent living.
- Ensured compliance with local regulations by conducting regular safety inspections of recreational facilities and equipment.
- Increased patient satisfaction with customized treatment plans tailored to specific needs and interests.
- Developed schedules of activities and events to create expressive outlets for residents.
- Educated patients on creating positive coping skills and healthy personal goals through leisure and recreation modalities.
- Facilitated individual and group recreation therapy sessions to promote independent community-based recreation.
- Supervised and directed four recreation assistants to provide assistance in implementing, planning and leading activities focusing on the mental, spiritual, cognitive, physical and social welfare of clients.
- Implemented tailored assessments to effectively manage care plans and accurately record data for residents with varying needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for diverse populations.
- Reduced patient anxiety and depression through group therapy sessions and recreational activities.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices through regular continuing education courses and workshops.
- Improved overall well-being of patients by providing a diverse range of recreational activities, including arts and crafts, sports, and music therapy.
- Evaluated patient progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans as needed for optimal results.
- Participated in case conferences to discuss patient progress, challenges, and potential solutions with other healthcare professionals.
- Contributed to the development of marketing materials promoting the benefits of therapeutic recreation services to prospective clients.
- Instructed patients in activities and techniques such as dance, music or art designed to meet specific physical or psychological needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Recreation Therapy
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WVSkills
- Customer service
- Strong multitasking
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Decision-making
- Sales techniques
- Relationship management
- Time management
- Complaint resolution
- Handling complaints
Certification
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist (not current) - 2009-2015
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Waitress
Big's Meats and More
02.2021 - 10.2025
Residential Care Counselor
Trent Hill Center
01.2018 - 06.2021
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Norris Health And Rehab
06.2013 - 08.2014
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
LIFE Pittsburgh
10.2010 - 08.2012
Bachelor of Science - Recreation Therapy
Shepherd University