Sean Skala, MS, CTRS

Sean first graduated from Harper College in Illinois in 2013 and worked as a pool manager turned special education paraprofessional for 5 years each, respectively. After discovering recreational therapy, he dove back into college at Florida International University earning his Bachelors and Masters degrees, as well as his CTRS as soon as possible. He worked in Illinois at NWSRA as one of a team of Recreation Specialists, planning and leading recreational programs for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities out in the community. During his time at NWSRA, he led a variety of general group community and in-house programs, worked 1:1 with participants in designated technological-therapy programming, led Friday night social clubs, was a Special Olympics coach for basketball and soccer, and traveled with participants cross country for the annual Long Trip. Sean is passionate about recreational therapy because he knows that play, and having a high overall sense of enjoyment in the things we choose to do, are the best ways to enrich our lives. Spending time with a casual hobby, being involved in athletics, or discovering something new that you want to experience are the things that make us come alive. Sean enjoys opening the curtain wide on recreation, drawing out that interest, and allowing his clients to be as independent, autonomous, and explorative as possible in their recreative passions. Sean also enjoys utilizing his proficiency with American Sign Language for those who need an assist in communicating, as well as for individuals who are fluent signers. Sean's hobbies include watching movies, playing games, reading, hiking, boating, and archery shooting.