Strive Recreational Therapy Staff Members

Stella Husch - Stella, also the President and Owner of Strive, graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Parks and Recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation. She received a Master of Science Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. She has been working in the Parks and Recreation field for about 13 years total and has been working in the Therapeutic Recreation Field (inpatient and in home)for 11 years. Stella has also been previously employed at Autumn Woods Healthcare Facility, William Beaumont Hospital, City of Oak Park, Oakland County Parks and other recreation and park organizations. Stella was most recently named the Games Director for the Michigan Victory Games, a Nationally recognized competitive sporting competition for athletes with disabilities.

She is active with Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) where she has held many board and committee member positions and is also a current member of Michigan Therapeutic Recreation Association (MTRA), American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), Adaptive Sports Coalition, and National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA) along with many other organizations. Awards received include The Outstanding Achievement Award (MRPA ), The Young Professional Award (NRPA Ethnic Minority Society), Outstanding Coach Award (Michigan Disability Sports Alliance), 2007 American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration Externship Scholarship, and others.

Jessica Hohenberger - Jessica Hohenberger graduated from Eastern Michigan University in the spring of 2000 with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation and was certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in the fall of 2000. She has worked in many different settings with many different populations including pediatrics, brain injury, psychology and physical med/rehab. She has experience in both clinical and community recreation with a strong background in aquatic therapy. She has also recently completed a Masters Degree in Special Education at Eastern Michigan University with a concentration in Cognitive Impairments and plans to utilize this knowledge as a tool to further assist her clients in a unique and personalized way.

Michele Lynk - Received her Bachelors of Arts with Recreational Therapy Major; Gerontology minor at Central Michigan University in 1985.  Has worked 13 plus years in psychiatry with Geri-psych to children.  Several years experience working with Substance Abuse. Experience working with the frail and elderly along with Long Term Care.  Has also worked with Children's waiver program for Macomb county with autistic and developmentally disabled children up to 16 years of age.  Currently working in a Semi-Independent Closed Head Injury Program as the Site Supervisor and with Strive since 2005.

Nicole Messina - Recreational Therapist since 1994. Nicole has worked in community recreation since 1987. She has worked in various positions in various city parks and recreation departments starting as a playground leader. She is currently a Director at a Senior Center in the metro Detroit Area. Nicole is a Graduate of Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration. Nicole currently works with seniors and developmentally disabled people of all ages.

Amy Barbieri - Amy received a Bachelors in Science from Central Michigan University in 1999 in Therapeutic Recreation, a Masters of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University in 2009, and Post-Masters Specialist Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology in July 2011. She plans to receive her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2013. She has extensive background in Recreational Therapy within the geriatric population with aq specialty in dementia care. She also has experience working with individuals with traumatic brain injury and other physical and rehab issues, mental illness and the developmentally disabled population. Amy has presented at conferences and is active on committees within professional organizations.

Brooke Crawford - Graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation in 2007. Volunteer and work experience in many settings including children with physical disabilities, autism, psychiatric illnesses and TBI. Currently working as a recreational therapist at Harbor Oaks Hospital, lead facilitator at S.T.E.P.S, Inc. an adventure challenge company, and STRIVE, Inc. as an independent contractor. Enjoys mountain biking, ultimate frisbee, crocheting, scrapbooking and organizing.

Marian Fink - CTRS- Marian graduated from Central Michigan University in 2004 with a Bachelors of Applied Arts in Therapeutic Recreation. Along with working at STRIVE, Inc she also works as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with Rehab Without Walls.  She has worked in both clinical and community based setting. She has experience working with individuals with TBI, spinal cord injuries, adolescent psychiatric population, autism and physical med/rehab. She holds certifications for aquatic therapy through ATRIC. She is an avid runner and in her spare time you will find her outdoors gardening, camping, and traveling with friends and family.

Cindy Guzi - Cindy Guzi holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation and Youth Leadership with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from Michigan State University. She has been working in the Parks and Recreation field for over 25 years. During that time she has worked with both physically and cognitively impaired children and adults through the Sterling Heights Special Recreation Program. During this time the Special Recreation Program won the prestigious National Gold Medal Award.

Cindy has worked on many different boards during her career, including the Michigan Wheelchair Athletic Association, the Michigan Victory Games, The Michigan Parks and Recreation Association, and the Michigan Wheelchair Basketball League. Awards include the Wayne Lee Award (MWAA), Program Leadership Award (MRPA) and the Outstanding Acheivement Award (MRPA). She was also a coach at the Barcelona Paralympics for field events.

Amy Sue Melville- AmySue graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science in Therapeutic Recreation in the summer of 1999. Within this time period, she has gained experience working with individuals with traumatic brain injuries. She was worked in both the clinical and home/community recreation environments servicing children and adults. AmySue was instrumental in initiating and developing a Recreational Therapy Department at an inpatient rehabilitation facility in Lansing, MI. She also has experience with supervising a department that housed 5 CTRS, 2 Recreational Therapy Assistants and a Horticultural Therapist. AmySue enjoys spending time with her husband and her two sons, camping, card making, gardening, traveling and photography.

AmySue believes that "Recreational Therapy treats the "HEART and SOUL" of every individual and that everyone has the right and abilities to live a meaningful and enhanced life!"

Mari Kay Savatsky- Mary Kay Savatsky has a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in psychology from Michigan State University and a MAsters of Arts in Recreation from Wayne State University. She has over 25 years of experience in psychiatric illness, autism and sensory processing disorder. She also has experience working with populations including geriatrics, children, traumatic brain injury, and developmentally disabled. She is a member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, served on the board of Great Lakes Recreation Leaders Laboratory for a number of years. She is also a Certified CranioSacral Therapist.

Sara Ingle - Sara graduated from Michigan State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Parks and Recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation. She has worked in both the community and clinical settings servicing adults and children. She has experience working with a variety of populations including those with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness, traumatic brain injury and geriatrics. She is currently a member of the Michigan Therapeutic Recreation Association (MTRA). Sara enjoys traveling, hiking, skiing, gardening and spending time with family and friends.

Jenna Rausch - Graduated from CMU with a BAA in Recreation Parks and Leisure Services with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation in 2010.  Have volunteer and work experience in many environments including; youth at risk, geriatrics, psychiatric illnesses and TBI.  Free time is spent with family and friends, soccer, volleyball and fun in the sun.

Patty DeShetler - Patty has 20 years of experience in Human Resources and Payroll in the Automotive Field, and has been with Strive Recreational Therapy Services, Inc. since 2009. She utilizes her work experience and expertise in the office of Strive as the Client Care Manager. Patty attends and presents at conferences for Strive throughout the state of Michigan and Florida. She is very active with the American Cancer Society and currently serves on it's board. She is happily married with one son, and in her spare time enjoys reading, spending time with family, boating, and riding motorcycles.

Deanna McGowen C Ht. - Deanna worked previously as a Real Estate Agnet, a licensed Broker servicing clients for over 8 years, and during that time she also worked as an approved real estate instructor teaching pre-licensure, Con-Ed, and Pathways to Success classes. In 2007, she became a certified Hypnotherapist. In her free time, Deanna loves spending time with her family and friends.

Paige Feliks - Paige will be attending Oakland Community College in the fall of 2011 to begin working towards a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She has been working with Strive Recreational Services, Inc. since the spring of 2010. She has volunteered for the Michigan Victory Games a few years and enjoys it more every year. In her free time Paige enjoys reading, classic movies, and spending time with her large family and beloved pets. She is looking forward to attending conferences with Strive and upcoming volunteer opportunities.