Embracing Growth and Innovation in Recreational Therapy at Capitol Lakes

Recreational therapy is essential to improve the quality of life for individuals in healthcare settings. At Capitol Lakes, where the environment is designed to be nurturing and engaging, one person exemplifies dedication and innovation—Dawn Vandre, CTRS. As the Recreational Therapy Director for Capitol Lakes' Health Center and Assisted Living for nearly eight years, her commitment to professional development and mentorship has profoundly impacted the lives of residents and interns alike.

Dawn's continuous pursuit of knowledge is supported through the many people who give to the Capitol Lakes Foundation. Thanks to your support, the Capitol Lakes Foundation is able to award professional development scholarships to excellent team members like Dawn, allowing her and others like her to enhance their skills and provide better service to residents.

Learning Through Experience

With her scholarship, Dawn recently attended the “Seasons of Growth” 2025 conference, an event organized by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the Wisconsin Therapeutic Recreation Association. This gathering opened the door for Dawn to explore the latest trends and best practices in recreational therapy.

At the conference, she participated in sessions that emphasized the American Therapeutic Recreation Association’s goals in advocacy and education. One notable session focused on creating safe therapeutic environments, which can lead to improved outcomes for residents. One of Dawn’s significant takeaways was learning how to empower residents by recognizing their unique abilities. Encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones fosters independence and self-worth.

Dawn’s insights from the conference also deepened her understanding of effectively supervising interns. Among the most impactful moments was a quote from Tara Delong, an Internship Supervisor at UW-La Crosse, who said, “People become who you think they can be.” This perspective highlights the responsibility of mentors to believe in their interns. By fostering a supportive atmosphere, mentors like Dawn can significantly influence the growth of their mentees and develop the next generation of Recreational Therapists.

Exploring Innovative Tools in Recreational Therapy

The conference also highlighted innovative tools that can transform recreational therapy. For example, advancements in AI have introduced chatbots and documentation programs that streamline therapy outlines, session plans, and evaluations. Dawn discovered that these tools could save therapists over an hour each week through automation. This efficiency allows therapists to spend more time with residents, enhancing the therapeutic experience.

By integrating these tools, Capitol Lakes can improve care for its residents. As therapists spend less time on paperwork, they can focus on creating individualized recreation plans tailored to the specific needs of each resident, resulting in a more personalized therapeutic experience.

A Commitment to Professional Development

Dawn Vandre’s dedication to her profession and her commitment to continuous learning exemplify impactful leadership in recreational therapy. She actively pursues growth opportunities, benefiting herself, her staff and interns, and Capitol Lakes residents. The proactive support of the Capitol Lakes Foundation plays a vital role in facilitating these experiences, allowing dedicated professionals like Dawn to enhance their skills consistently. As she says:

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend continuing education conferences, as they allow me to stay connected with the Recreational Therapy field—both nationally and here in Wisconsin. As the profession continues to evolve, it’s essential to remain informed about evidence-based practices and innovative interventions. These conferences not only keep me current, but also give me the chance to engage with peers, share ideas, and learn from leaders in the field.

This year’s inaugural conference was held at UW–La Crosse, the only university in Wisconsin that offers both Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Recreational Therapy—a program I’m proud to have graduated from and hold in the highest regard. It was a valuable opportunity to collaborate with professors who are at the forefront of the field, and to connect with current undergraduate students about potential internships at Capitol Lakes.

Thanks to the support of the Capitol Lakes Foundation, I’m hopeful I’ll be able to attend next year’s conference as well and continue expanding my knowledge and connections within the profession.

Thank you for your generous support which makes providing these professional development opportunities possible for staff like Dawn, benefiting our residents in the process. Together, we truly do enhance the living experience.