Meet the Team
Quyên Lê-Kim, CTRS
Director & Supervising Recreation Therapist
Quyen has been transforming lives through recreation therapy since 2015. In 2017, she founded Courage Recreation Therapy Services Inc. with the belief that life is meant to be enjoyed and not endured.
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Specializing in art and expression modalities through a trauma-informed lens, Quyen empowers individuals—especially those with developmental disabilities—to build skills, confidence, and independence through play. ​​Quyen’s philosophy centers on the idea that we each deserve to pursue joy and personal growth—not conformity.​​​
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Outside of work, Quyen enjoys creating, performing improv, playing the ukulele and piano, dancing, whimsical adventures with her child, and snuggles with her cat—living by the same values she brings to her practice: connection, creativity, and joy.
Miley Chang, CTRS
Recreation Therapist
Miley is an independent contractor and recreational therapist who has worked with diverse populations since 2017. She currently serves as Director of Recreation at a behavioral health facility, where she designs therapeutic programs to support individuals with special needs.
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Bilingual in Hmong and English, Miley is passionate about creating safe, empowering environments for individuals to grow and thrive through recreation. She brings a strong sense of cultural awareness and empathy to every session.
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In her free time, she enjoys arts and crafts and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Britney Aritonang, CTRS
Recreation Therapist
Britney brings warmth and creativity to her work as a recreation therapist. With experience supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those receiving psychiatric care, she values helping each person feel seen, capable, and connected through meaningful recreation.
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She enjoys incorporating arts and crafts into her sessions, using creative expression to highlight individual strengths and spark joy. Diamond art, in particular, is one of her favorite tools. Its vibrant, shimmering designs often foster focus, pride, and a sense of accomplishment.
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Guided by empathy and a passion for person-centered care, Britney believes recreation therapy is about more than activity: it’s about creating moments of confidence, connection, and joy that help people thrive.
Kacie Newton, CTRS
Recreation Therapist
Kacie discovered recreation therapy during her college search and hasn’t looked back since. She chose her university specifically for its Recreation Therapy program and has since built a career rooted in creativity, flexibility, and empathy.
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Kacie has experience working with individuals in memory care, veterans with PTSD, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and individuals with complex mental health and legal histories. She specializes in emotional regulation, social skills building, and community reintegration, often incorporating animal-assisted interventions into her sessions.
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Kacie joined Courage Recreation Services in 2024, where she rediscovered her passion for the field. Known for her casual and welcoming style, she encourages clients to explore new interests and find joy in the process. Outside of work, Kacie enjoys spending time with her animals, paddle boarding, camping, and staying active outdoors. A true extrovert, she thrives in social settings and loves being around friends and family.
Maribel Garcia, CTRS
Recreation Therapist
Maribel was drawn to recreation therapy for its holistic approach to promoting well-being through leisure. Since then, she has worked across a wide range of settings, including senior centers, psychiatric hospitals, schools, and correctional institutions.
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She joined the team in April 2024 and brings with her a strong commitment to inclusivity and client-centered care. Maribel is passionate about ensuring that physical or mental disabilities never stand in the way of participating in meaningful leisure activities. Whether she’s leading arts and crafts, music groups, or trivia games, she focuses on tailoring sessions to each client’s interests and goals.
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Outside of work, Maribel enjoys baking, crocheting, hiking, reading, and connecting with local craft clubs—reflecting her belief that there is something for everyone when it comes to recreation.
Jacqueline V. Brown, CTRS
Recreation Therapist
Jacky is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with over 6 years of experience supporting individuals in clinical, community, and long-term care settings. She specializes in designing and leading both individualized and group-based recreational therapy programs that promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being.
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Jacky holds a degree in Recreational Therapy from California State University and is credentialed through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). She is known for her compassionate, client-centered approach and integrates evidence-based practices such as adaptive sports, creative arts, leisure education, and mindfulness into her sessions.
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Deeply committed to inclusion and empowerment, Jacky continuously seeks innovative ways to connect with clients and improve their quality of life through recreation.
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Alyssa Martinez, CTRS
Recreation Therapist
Bio coming soon.
Ella Gritsak, CTRS
Recreation Therapist
Bio coming soon.