Joshua Parks
Alvin C York VAMC
Summary
Compassionate and results-oriented Recreation Therapist with over 8 years of experience in patient care collaboration and therapeutic communication. Skilled in fostering connections among Veterans through tailored recreational activities, contributing to improved mental and physical health outcomes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Recreation Therapist
Veterans Health Administration VHA
Murfreesboro
11.2025 - Current
- Developed individualized therapy plans for Veterans with diverse needs.
- Facilitated group activities to enhance social skills and teamwork among Veterans.
- Documented Veteran's progress and reported findings to interdisciplinary teams.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions to promote physical and mental health.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Organized community outings to foster connection and support among Veterans.
- Provided emotional support through active listening and therapeutic communication techniques.
- Adapted recreational activities to meet the special needs of individuals with physical disabilities.
- Promoted an environment that fosters independence, creativity, and expression among Veterans.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress or changes in care plan.
- Instructed Veterans on appropriate use of adaptive equipment for independent participation.
- Assessed social, emotional, physical, cognitive, spiritual, and leisure functioning of clients.
- Ensured safety of all participants during therapeutic recreation sessions by following established protocols.
- Provided crisis intervention when needed during sessions or while participating in activities.
- Educated families about recreation therapy services and the benefits for their loved ones.
- Developed community resources to enhance leisure activities available to clients.
- Encouraged participation in leisure activities that promote self-esteem and well-being.
- Conducted activity groups focusing on areas such as stress management or relaxation techniques.
- Implemented counseling techniques and interventions to aid patients in recuperating and improving social, cognitive, emotional and physical activities of daily life.
Adaptive Sports Coordinator /Recreation Therapist
Veterans Health Administration VHA
Phoenix
07.2017 - 11.2025
- Analyzed health systems to identify areas for improvement and efficiency.
- Collaborated with healthcare interdisciplinary teams to streamline patient care processes.
- Provided support during audits by preparing necessary documentation and reports.
- Coordinated meetings with stakeholders to discuss system updates and enhancements.
- Worked closely with professionals on activity coordination to enable planning processes to meet projected outcomes.
- Assisted with the development of policies and procedures related to the use of adaptive sports equipment.
- Developed training materials for new health system protocols and procedures relating to adaptive sports and recreation therapy.
- Facilitated communication between clinical staff and administrative departments.
- Created and maintained databases for tracking patient information and clinical outcomes.
- Provided technical support to staff on the use of health systems software applications.
- Participated in project planning meetings with stakeholders across multiple departments.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to streamline patient care processes.
Education
Master of Healthcare Administration -
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ08-2026
Skills
- Project coordination
- Team collaboration
- Therapeutic communication
- Community outreach
- Task prioritization
- Relationship building
Certification
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Accomplishments
Employee of the Month - Phoenix VAHCS - April 2024
Affiliations
Two time Ironman
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Recreation Therapist
Veterans Health Administration VHA
11.2025 - Current
Adaptive Sports Coordinator /Recreation Therapist
Veterans Health Administration VHA
07.2017 - 11.2025
Master of Healthcare Administration -
Arizona State University