The Ohio Department of Health requires all skilled nursing units to have a certified activity specialist on staff. Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist Traci Bernard enthusiastically embraces that role at Aultman Woodlawn.

“I started my freshman year at Kent State University without declaring a major,” she recalled. “I spoke to a wonderful academic counselor who took time to get to know me and my interests. She thought a career in recreational therapy would be a good fit for me. After doing a little research, I completely agreed.”

As part of her training, Traci completed student internships in various clinical settings. “I had every intention of working with kids until I had an internship at a nursing home,” she said. “It was a ‘happy accident’ that I discovered I really liked working with the older population. Something just clicked.”

Traci completed her final internship in the Aultman Hospital transitional care and rehab units in 2001, providing recreational therapy at the main hospital while Aultman Woodlawn was being built. “I got to transition to Woodlawn after the facility opened in 2003,” she said, “and I’ve been there ever since.”

Traci meets individually with each patient in the 60-bed Transitional Care Center at Aultman Woodlawn. She assesses their needs, discusses interests and offers recreational therapy resources. She also organizes group activities including musical entertainment, bingo, trivia and card games on a “smart board,” ice cream socials, holiday crafts, prayer groups and Bible studies.

“I really enjoy being able to help patients work through difficult times in their lives while doing something they enjoy,” Traci said. “I get to focus on the whole person: physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. It’s an honor and a pleasure to interact with so many interesting patients from our community.”

It takes a dedicated team of employees and volunteers to make the Aultman Woodlawn recreational therapy program successful. “I’m grateful to the diverse and talented Woodlawn staff for encouraging the patients’ involvement in leisure activities,” Traci shared. “We’re also blessed with many great volunteers, ranging from local musicians to our spiritual volunteers to Aultman College students who obtain service learning hours by volunteering at Woodlawn. Many people assist me and make what I do possible.”

Andrew Hare is recovering at Aultman Woodlawn from total knee replacement surgery. He commends Traci and the entire Aultman Woodlawn team for creating a positive healing environment. “I’ve never been a patient at Aultman Woodlawn before, and it’s amazing,” he said. “Traci is wonderful and so kind. From the administrators to the aides to the housekeepers, everyone goes out of their way to smile and say hi. Those little connections make a big difference.”