ABOUT ME

I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and currently reside in Iowa City, where I am completing my undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation at the University of Iowa on the NCTRC certification track. After graduation, I plan to pursue professional certification and work with communities of color in rehabilitation settings. I hope to contribute to inclusive, culturally responsive therapeutic recreation practices that recognize the diverse experiences, needs, and strengths of the individuals and communities I serve.

Thank you for taking the time to explore my portfolio and learn more about my academic, research, and professional experiences. If you have any questions, would like additional information about my projects, or are interested in discussing potential collaborations or service opportunities, please feel free to contact me. I appreciate your interest and look forward to connecting with you!

What I bring to the table

As a Black queer person born and raised in Iowa, I understand how discrimination can shape an individual’s experiences, opportunities, and sense of belonging. These lived experiences inform my commitment to creating inclusive, affirming spaces where individuals feel safe to express themselves authentically and without fear of judgment. Through my therapeutic recreation services, I strive to support individuals in embracing their identities, building meaningful connections, and engaging in leisure experiences that promote personal growth and well-being.

I incorporate the Flourishing Through Leisure Model into my practice to support meaningful leisure engagement and enhance overall quality of life. Additionally, I integrate culturally responsive practices and cultural competency principles to make my services as accessible, affirming, and inclusive as possible. My goal is to provide individualized experiences that recognize and respect each person’s unique identity, lived experiences, strengths, and needs.

Culturally Competency

My lived experiences have shaped my understanding of identity, discrimination, accessibility, and the importance of belonging. These experiences inform my approach to therapeutic recreation and my commitment to creating inclusive, affirming environments where individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered to express themselves authentically.

Conflict Resolution

I believe effective conflict resolution requires cultural humility, emotional awareness, and a commitment to maintaining safe and inclusive environments. In therapeutic recreation and rehabilitation settings, I aim to use these skills to support positive interpersonal relationships, address concerns constructively, and encourage meaningful participation. My goal is to approach challenging situations with patience and professionalism while prioritizing the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of everyone involved.

Team Building

Through my academic and practical experiences in therapeutic recreation, I have developed an appreciation for the role that collaborative activities and shared experiences can play in strengthening relationships and promoting social connection. I aim to incorporate team-building strategies that encourage cooperation, problem-solving, trust, and effective communication while remaining attentive to individual needs and accessibility. My goal is to facilitate inclusive recreational experiences that support teamwork, personal growth, and collective well-being.

Get in touch

Phone Number: (515)-525-6025

Email: Nailaclarkson7@gmail.com

Create Your Own Website With Webador