QUALIFICATIONS

"Owner, Katherine Locarno, is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with extensive experience in providing personalized recreational therapy."

Art Therapy

This approach uses creative arts like drawing, painting, or sculpting to help individuals express emotions, improve self-awareness, and reduce stress. It’s especially effective for those who find verbal communication challenging.

Adventure Therapy

Combines outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, or team-based challenges to build self-confidence, improve problem-solving skills, and encourage teamwork. It's particularly helpful for promoting resilience and stress management.

Music Therapy

Involves listening to, creating, or performing music to promote emotional well-being, improve cognitive skills, and enhance social interaction. It’s often used for stress relief, pain management, and emotional expression.

Horticulture Therapy

Involves gardening and plant-based activities to promote relaxation, improve motor skills, and boost mood. Working with plants can reduce stress, encourage mindfulness, and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Who We Help

Ignite serves individuals of all ages, offering tailored support to meet diverse needs:

Children:

• Physical disabilities

• Neurodiversity (e.g., autism spectrum disorder)

• Developmental delays

• Cognitive impairments

Adults:

• Physical disabilities

• Mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression)

• Developmental disabilities

• Neurodiversity (e.g., ADHD, autism spectrum disorder)

• Stroke recovery

• Brain injuries

Seniors:

• Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease

• Physical disabilities

• Cognitive impairments

• Mobility challenges

Key Services Overview

Ignite Adult Day Program

For individuals aged 18 and older, our program offers a comprehensive, strength-based approach that focuses on the whole person and their unique needs:

Hours: 8:30AM-4:00PM

• Recreational Therapy: Activities are carefully tailored to align with each participant’s interests, abilities, and personal goals. We believe in empowering adults by offering them choice and control over their recreational experiences, ensuring that every activity promotes growth and enjoyment.

• Community Engagement: Our outings and social opportunities are designed to foster inclusion and connection. Participants engage with the broader community, building meaningful relationships and expanding their horizons.

• Skill Development: By focusing on building independence, confidence, and personal growth, we aim to equip individuals with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of life. Activities are designed to highlight and enhance each person’s strengths while encouraging further development.

• Holistic Approach – The Five Domains of Health: Our programming takes a whole-person approach, addressing the five domains of health: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive well-being. We aim to create balance and wellness in each participant’s life, ensuring all aspects of their health are nurtured.

Adaptable Programming: Our diverse range of activities is designed to accommodate a variety of interests and abilities. Our team of professionals is committed to adapting the programming to best meet individual needs, ensuring participants experience the highest level of independence and success.

Special Note for Teens: During school breaks, such as winter and March break, teens who meet the program criteria are invited to join us for a variety of enriching activities designed to support their growth and well-being.

Tailored Therapeutic Services for All Ages

At Ignite Therapeutic Recreation, we believe in creating personalized care plans to support each individual’s unique goals. Our process begins with understanding your needs and aspirations, then developing a customized plan that is designed to help you achieve your goals through therapeutic interventions.

At-Home Therapeutic Services
We work with you in the comfort of your home to create a personalized care plan that aligns with your goals. Whether you're working on improving mobility, social skills, or emotional well-being, our team tailors interventions to meet your specific needs.

Community-Based Services
Our community-based services are designed to help individuals engage meaningfully with the world around them, build connections, and develop important life skills. Some of the activities we offer include:

• Nature Walks

• Accompanying Elderly Clients to Appointments

• Swimming Lessons and Water-Based Workout Programs

• Integration into Community Groups

• Cooking Classes

• Community Outings

• Life Skills Development

• Gratitude Journaling

• Sourcing Home Interventions

• Creative Therapies (Painting, Music, Dance, and More)

Additional Creative Therapeutic Activities:

• Gardening Therapy: Engage in therapeutic gardening to promote mindfulness, physical activity, and a sense of accomplishment.

• Therapeutic Storytelling: Encourage self-expression and communication skills through personal or creative storytelling.

• Pet Therapy: Benefit from the emotional support and companionship provided by animal-assisted activities, fostering relaxation and social interaction.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and guided meditation to manage stress and enhance emotional well-being.

• Sensory Exploration: Engage in sensory activities to stimulate cognitive and emotional responses, such as textured crafts, aromatherapy, or sound-based activities.

Each service is uniquely tailored to meet the individual’s abilities, interests, and needs, ensuring the most enriching and fulfilling experience possible.

Mission Vision and Values

Key Features:

Ignite offers inclusive, person-centered therapeutic and recreational services designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages and abilities. We provide a range of programs that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being, tailored to each participant's unique strengths, goals, and needs.

• Therapeutic Interventions: Evidence-based strategies to address individual challenges and support personal growth.

• Recreational Activities: Engaging opportunities that encourage skill development, creativity, and meaningful connections.

• Holistic Approach: A focus on physical, emotional, and social health to promote balanced well-being.

• Inclusive Environment: A welcoming space where everyone feels valued, empowered, and respected.

Benefits for Our Clients:

• Enhanced independence and self-confidence.

• Improved physical health, social skills, and emotional resilience.

• A sense of belonging within a supportive and inclusive community.

• Access to professional, high-quality care grounded in the latest therapeutic practices.

Whether you are looking for one-on-one support, Appointment Transportation, workout programs, swimming lessons/ aqua workout, group programs, or virtual sessions, Ignite is here to help you or your loved one thrive.

Vision

At Ignite, we envision a community where every individual, regardless of age or ability, experiences growth, connection, and well-being through personalized therapeutic services. We aim to cultivate an inclusive environment where people thrive through meaningful activities, gain independence, and experience the fulfillment of reaching their personal potential. By blending recreation, therapy, and support, we create a space where every person feels valued, empowered, and capable of achieving their best self.

Values

Person-Centered Care: We are committed to understanding the unique needs, goals, and preferences of each individual. Our therapeutic services are tailored to empower participants through choice, respect, and active involvement in their own care and growth.

Holistic Wellness: We recognize the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and social health. Through a blend of therapeutic interventions and recreational activities, we promote the overall well-being of each participant, helping them develop skills and enhance life quality in a balanced, comprehensive way.

Empowerment Through Independence: Our goal is to support individuals in making choices that foster autonomy and self-confidence. We use recreational therapy to strengthen decision-making, problem-solving, and daily living skills, helping participants achieve greater independence.

Inclusive Community: We believe that everyone, regardless of ability, has a meaningful role in our community. We embrace diversity and create a welcoming space where individuals are respected, supported, and encouraged to participate fully in all aspects of the program.

Excellence in Care: We are dedicated to providing high-quality therapeutic services that are grounded in best practices and the latest evidence-based approaches. Our commitment to ongoing professional development ensures that every participant receives the best possible care.

Respect & Dignity: We honor the inherent dignity of every individual, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. Our team is dedicated to treating everyone with kindness, empathy, and compassion, ensuring that each person feels seen, heard, and valued.

Mission

Our mission is to provide person-centered, therapeutic services that enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages and abilities. We create an empowering, inclusive environment where each participant unique strengths and needs are celebrated. By combining evidence-based therapeutic techniques with engaging recreational opportunities, we promote physical, emotional, and social well-being, fostering independence, confidence, and a sense of purpose in every individual.

Key Features:

Ignite offers inclusive, person-centered therapeutic and recreational services designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages and abilities. We provide a range of programs that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being, tailored to each participant's unique strengths, goals, and needs.

• Therapeutic Interventions: Evidence-based strategies to address individual challenges and support personal growth.

• Recreational Activities: Engaging opportunities that encourage skill development, creativity, and meaningful connections.

• Holistic Approach: A focus on physical, emotional, and social health to promote balanced well-being.

• Inclusive Environment: A welcoming space where everyone feels valued, empowered, and respected.

Benefits for Our Clients:

• Enhanced independence and self-confidence.

• Improved physical health, social skills, and emotional resilience.

• A sense of belonging within a supportive and inclusive community.

• Access to professional, high-quality care grounded in the latest therapeutic practices.

Whether you are looking for one-on-one support, group programs, or virtual sessions, Ignite is here to help you or your loved one thrive.

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Have any questions?

If you have any questions about how we can help you, feel free to contact us.

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