Our Empowering Team

Program Manager

Brianna Panosian, CTRS

Brianna manages our team of Recreation Therapists and Exercise Specialists. She obtained her B.S. in Recreational Therapy (RT) from East Carolina University in 2017. She has over six years of experience working with seniors in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, independent living, assisted living, and memory care in both operational, and sales management roles. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and a Certified Delay the Disease Instructor. Brianna has demonstrated leadership experience serving four years on the Board for the Georgia Therapeutic Recreation Association and presenting at both professional state and national conferences. She also hosts a local Parkinson's Support Group for the American Parkinson's Disease Association and has served on various committees for the Parkinson's Foundation - Georgia Chapter. Brianna's advocacy for the profession, diverse work experiences, and passion for community engagement exemplify our core values. We are proud and grateful to have her lead our empowering team!

Team Recreation Therapist

Katie Harmon, CTRS

Katie coordinates community health and wellness programming for individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities. She brings over a decade of experience as a Lead Recreation Therapist at a physical rehabilitation hospital specializing in adaptive equipment, leisure education, leisure skill development, and community reintegration for people with physical disabilities and neuromuscular conditions. Her strong program planning and problem-solving skills are a valued asset to our team.

Team Recreation Therapist

Nina Singleton, CTRS

Nina is a Recreation Therapist at a physical rehabilitation hospital specializing in improving outcomes for individuals living with MS, PTSD, Dementia, Spinal Cord Injury, and Traumatic Brain Injury. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Nina uniquely brings her love for dance and fitness to improve the quality of life for people with physical disabilities and neuromuscular conditions.

Team Recreation Therapist

Jenny Dilaura, CCLS, CTRS

Jenny brings over fifteen years of experience specializing in neurological rehabilitation as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Certified Child Life Specialist. Her passion is providing education, community resources, and optimizing health and wellness outcomes for individuals and children with physical disabilities and illnesses. Jenny also serves as a Board member on the Trellis Horticultural Therapy Society in Atlanta.

Team Recreational Therapist

Kate Lipton, CTRS, CPT, RYT

Kate is a dynamic professional bringing over twenty years of experience as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, fourteen years as a Certified Personal Trainer, and almost a decade as a Registered Yoga Teacher. Kate also specializes in facilitating Animal Assisted Therapy with her certified therapy dog, Lyla. She currently serves on the Board for the Georgia Therapeutic Recreation Association and is a program coordinator consultant at a non-profit camp. Her strong understanding of integrating wellness and strength-based approaches align with our empowering service model.

Team Aquatic Instructor

Maria Bias

Maria is a health and fitness professional with over a decade of experience delivering individual and group aquatic programming in both rehabilitation and community settings. She specializes in providing aquatic programming to individuals with various physical and emotional disabilities. Maria is a National Water Fitness Instructor with the Aquatic Exercise Association.

Team Recreational Therapist

Samantha Scalise, CTRS

Samantha specializes and has a passion for outdoor recreation and adaptive sports. She holds certifications in adaptative swimming and adaptive paddling. Her experience includes managing adaptive sports teams, leagues, and special events. Her ability to adapt and communicate effectively with clients is a valued asset to our team. Sam also currently serves on the Board for the Georgia Therapeutic Recreation Association.

Blog Content Creator

Kate Darcangelis, MA, CNP, AAP-BC

Kate is a Healthcare Aging Advocate sharing her knowledge, passion, and innovation in the realm of aging services. Consistent with our core values, Kate creates blog content inspired by her marketing expertise, gerontology background, and experience in providing leisure services.

Organizational Development Consultant

Katie Mitchell, MS, CTRS

Katie integrates and operationalizes evidence-based theories and practices into organizational design to ensure quality service standards. She also plays a vital role in continuing to grow our research related initiatives, such as supporting our annual Empower Recreational Therapy Research Grants.