Denisa oversees the Recreational Therapy department. Denisa is a Masters graduate in Recreation Administration.

Payton oversees the Direct Supports department. Payton graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a Special Education license in 2023. Payton’s advocacy for the individuals she supports is impeccable.

Reagan graduated from Indiana University with Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credentials in May of 2023. Outside of community-based services, Reagan is working on developing a partnership with the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department to provide Recreational Therapy and adaptive sports through the city. She enjoys spending time working out and trying new recipes.

Ms. Whitener graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Psychology in 2009 and received her Master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Clemson University in 2021. Patti began her professional experience in physical rehabilitation, psychiatric care and substance abuse. Ms. Whitener has a passion for research and evidence-based practices. While working with older adults, Ms. Whitener received an award for the WVN Wheelchair Bike Program with the Duet Wheelchair Tandem Bike. Patti became certified within the Dementia Practice Guidelines while working in long-term and memory care for almost ten years before transitioning to home and community-based programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Patti is dedicated to the field of Recreational Therapy and is currently a board member for the Recreation Therapists of Indiana (RTI) and co-chair of the Licensure Task Force. She teaches the CPR certification classes for Assisted Independence and supports individuals within the Indianapolis area. Patti’s interests include nature, biking, archery, flow arts, dancing, board games, mediation/mindfulness, and spending time with her family and animals.

Elizabeth currently works in Muncie, Indiana. Elizabeth is a strong advocate of people with disabilities, using her experience to raise awareness to the general public. Elizabeth is the founder of the Assisted Independence Support Group for caregivers, parents, and others.

Lauren is an Indiana University graduate and currently works in Bloomington, IN. She has worked with individuals with disabilities for many years and is a dedicated CTRS. Lauren is always finding new and creative interventions to help support her people.

Zack currently works in Northern Indiana. Zack is a dedicated therapist and is often found enjoying the outdoors. Zack has experience with traumatic brain-injury (TBI) rehabilitation, as well as mental health.

Mary currently works in the Valparaiso, IN area. Mary is an experienced recreational therapist with youth at risk, mental health, and developmental disabilities.

Jaime graduated in 1999 from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation with an emphasis on Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Psychology. I have worked in Long Term care, Mental Health, and have 15+ years of experience in the community-based waiver program serving individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. In my personal time, I enjoy traveling to the beach and camping with my family (husband, daughter, and a son), attending the kids’ sporting events, dance competitions, and scouting activities. I love to go running in the outdoors, hiking, gardening, and spending quality solo time in my hammock reading a good book on occasion.

Reagan graduated from Indiana University and completed her internship with us. She currently works in the Bloomington area. She has worked in the service industry since she was 15 years old providing supporting to all individuals. She has a great work ethic and people skills.

Priscilla currently works in Bloomington, Indiana. Priscilla is familiar with many aspects of Medicaid waiver support, as she worked in the residential settings. Priscilla worked as a peer mentor tutor throughout high school. Ms. Laird volunteered at Bradford Woods for many summers as well as visiting Serbia for multiple weeks to work in group homes and school for individuals with disabilities. Priscilla has also done work in mental health facilities and worked in inpatient hospitals for two years.

Marissa started working with individuals with disabilities in 2016, beginning with the Best Buddies program in high school. Ms. Seguin has had the great opportunity of working with the Veteran population as well, daughter of a Veteran herself! Ms. Seguin enjoys gardening, animals, cooking, hiking, traveling, being active, and being creative! Ms. Seguin is also currently a board member working with Indiana’s Gennesaret Free Clinics Organization to help provide free healthcare to Hoosiers in need.

Miranda Seguin is an Indiana University graduate student. Ms. Seguin enjoys being outdoors and being creative. Engaging in new ideas excites her! Since Ms. Seguin began the journey in Recreational Therapy, Ms. Seguin truly feels aligned with her life’s purpose. Ms. Seguin finds ultimate intrinsic satisfaction in helping others feel connected to their purpose too. Ms. Seguin is also a board member working with the Gennesaret Free Clinic organization to help provide free healthcare to Hoosiers who don’t have access.

Laura Nickell is an Indiana University graduate. She has experience in various Geriatric settings, behavioral health, and community-based waivers. Ms. Nickell is a proud mom of two girls. Some of Laura's leisure interests include spending time with her family, wanting to adopt every dog, house hunting/remodeling, gardening, bird watching, various art/graphic design, and newly learned golf. Laura is driven to adapt activities and technology to meet the needs of individuals.

Sammi graduated from Indiana University in 2016 and currently works in Bloomington, Indiana. Since graduation, Sammi has experience in Boulder, Colorado, in community-based services, Tampa, Florida, in a psychiatric hospital, and Bloomington, Indiana, in home and community-based waiver services. Sammi loves anything related to Indiana University. In her free time, Ms. Pierce attends various sporting events. Ms. Pierce loves to complete jigsaw puzzles, binge-watch television shows with her husband, and cuddle with her cat, Oliver.

Tess graduated from Indiana University and completed a Recreational Therapy internship with Assisted Independence. Tess currently works in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tess enjoys the outdoors and trying new activities.

Alexa is an Indiana University graduate and works in Lafayette. Ms. Weber is a dedicated Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Ms. Weber enjoys the outdoors as well as crafts and finding creative ways to have fun!

Demi Oxley is from southern Indiana. Ms. Oxley graduated from Indiana University in May of 2023 and is currently in Evansville, Indiana, earning a master’s degree. Demi has the most experience in Recreational Therapy with geriatrics and mental health populations. Demi loves sports and being outside!

Katie is an Indiana University graduate and currently works in Bloomington, Indiana. Katie has experience working as a camp counselor and Direct Support Professional (DSP) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In her personal time, she loves to travel and be with friends and family. Katie also enjoys being outside, cooking, playing games, and exercising.

Hanna Gossman has a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from Indiana State University. Ms. Gossman has had Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credentials for one year and has been practicing for one year. Hanna has worked as a Recreational Therapist in the community-based field and at an inpatient Psychiatric Unit. Ms. Gossman is a family of three with her fiancé, and their toddler. Hanna’s hobbies include all things that include physical activity, and she loves spending time with family! Hanna absolutely loves the Recreational Therapy field and serving others will always be her passion.

Daniel likes to be outside exploring as much as possible and curating meaningful connections along the way. He is also a big fan of art and good food.

Rachel moved to Indiana 4 years ago. She recently got married to her husband and has 3 dogs, 2 cats and a pet snake. She became a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in July of 2019. She has experience working with individuals with various abilities, mental health/addictions and geriatrics. In her free time she loves spending time with her friends, painting pottery and traveling with her dogs whenever she gets the chance.

Wendy is married with 3 adult children. Wendy owned her own successful business for 18 years while she was also raising a son with physical and developmental disabilities. Wendy has worked as a DSP for her son as well as sitting on community committees. Wendy is currently an executive board member on the Arc of Bartholomew County.

Andra’s diligence and passion help others serve our patients with thoroughness and accuracy. Andra is also an experienced Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Noah works in Columbus, IN. Noah is active at the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Columbus and is dedicated to supporting others.

Norma has 17+ years experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Norma works part-time with Assisted Independence, while also working through the local school system. Norma’s tenure is unmatched. Norma is reliable, trustworthy, and thorough. Norma’s care and compassion for the individuals she supports is strong, as she has built strong bonds. Norma is fluent in English, American Sign Language, and Spanish. Her organization and time ma

Kymber is dedicated towards supporting individuals with Autism. Kymber is attentive, showing a strong desire to help others.

Kathy is works in Columbus, IN. Kathy is a joy to be around, as she puts a strong effort into assisting those with Autism.

Sharon works nearly everywhere. There is no person more dedicated towards helping others with Autism. Sharon is an expert in communication for individuals with Autism. In fact, Sharon founded the non-profit Sharon’s Web Autism Foundation. Her heart is as big as a lion’s.

Kat is an outgoing and dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP). Kat is innovative when it comes to helping others reach independence. Kat holds others accountable and is a valued employee at Assisted Independence.

Debra is a great advocate for individuals with disabilities. Debra often initiates action to help the Columbus community improve. Debra is also recognized for her incredible help for Native American Indians.

Katie is a physical therapist who works part-time as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Katie is a joy to be around, always sporting a smile and befriending those around her.

Mrs. Jensen works as a teaching assistant, and also works part-time as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Mrs. Jensen is supportive. Mrs. Jensen is organized and always on-top of work.

Raeanna recently graduated from IUPUC and received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Raenna is a sixth-grade teacher at Hope Elementary School. Raeanna is a high energy person who loves to bring her classroom knowledge to the individuals she supports in the community setting.

Ana received a bachelor’s degree in special education and Deaf Education from Ball State University. Ana is currently a teacher at Southside Elementary school where she is the teacher for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Ana is fluent in ASL. Ana is always on the go and uses her high energy to bring individuals out of their comfort zone in the community.

Laurie is passionate about assisting individuals with disabilities. Laurie has been a member of the Columbus City Council. Additionally, Laurie has helped with many community projects in Columbus, including Freedom Field and the R.E.A.C.H. program.

Mrs. Eagle is a retired school teacher who takes her work as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) seriously. Mrs. Eagle recognizes the need for Autism supports in our community.

Meredith is a graduate of Ball State University. Meredith is patient, kind, and caring. Meredith uses her experience as a sibling to an individual with disabilities to provide the best care to the individuals she supports.

Amy is a former nurse at Eskenazi Health. Amy supports facilitated communication, which has empowered so many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to communicate freely.

Amber is dedicated in helping individuals with developmental disabilities. Amber is thorough and does not miss a beat.

Carolyn knows how to stay busy. She is adventurous and makes the most of her opportunities. Carolyn is determined is assisting individuals with disabilities to become independent.

Landon is a bundle of energy who brings joy to all of the individuals that he supports. Landon enjoys outdoor activities and sports. Landon has many great assets that he brings to our team and the individuals he supports.

Abbigail has a wide range of achievements some including National Honors Society, President of Student Council, and Columbus Youth Development Ambassador. Abbigail recently received her Associated degree from Grace College while still attending High school. Abbigail has experience with children from working at a daycare and providing support to her sibling.

Natasha attended Indiana University where she received a bachelor’s degree in history. Natasha is currently working as a registered behavior technician for an ABA company while working towards her master’s degree in Behavior Analysis. Natasha is hard working and determined and has an abundance of experience.

Kora is currently doing online courses to receive a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Kora is also a Special Education Teacher’s assistant at Central Middle School. Kora has experience as Direct Support Professional (DSP) and has experience with individuals with disabilities in a various settings.