Rina

My name is Rina Hempel and I thought I would pop on and introduce myself. I am the Recreation Therapist behind Connect Leisure Services. I have been working in recreation for 32 years, where I have designed and implemented leisure activities for diverse populations of individuals. Born and raised in Strathmore I feel a very strong attachment to the people in this great community and I strive to create a strong voice for families who need extra support.

For 12 years I have worked within the school system, with children with neurological diverse needs in a great program called Project H.O.P.E. As the kids grew older, I continued to facilitate learn and experience through recreation for some of the very same people outside of school. For the other 20 years I have worked and continue to work with seniors in, supportive living, memory care and long-term care environment.

Mission:   Using the Recreation Therapy model, “Connect” will inspire moments of optimism and happiness in mind, body, and spirit by providing quality therapeutic programs that will engage participants thereby improving abilities cognitively, socially, physically, and emotionally while building on life skills to create positive changes in participants’ confidence and overall well-being.  Connect will create a community of supportive families that will grow and blossom into supportive networks for each other with the ability to grow along with the ever-changing needs, to support their adult child in every phase of their life.

Vision:   Connect will provide quality therapeutic programming to adults with neurological atypical diversities, facilitating connection, engagement, and interactions among themselves and with their community socially, physically, cognitively, and emotionally in an innovative, supportive, encouraging, and engaging environment.

Create a cohesive community among families that shares information, supports new families embarking on the adulthood transition, shares strategies that deflate barriers and lastly, supports the greatest fear families are faced with, which is “what happens to my child when I grow old.”

Guiding Principles

• Teamwork-Creating a relationship with Families, Participants, and organization.
• Trust– Trust between organization, family, and participants
• Respect- advocating family philosophies, participant’s choices and organizations expectations.
• Safety- Creating a safe and encouraging atmosphere where risk is always mitigated with
• engagement and participants’ choice
• Inclusion and Community- creating meaningful connections within our community and within our program community. Facilitating connections
• Building skills– creating and environment that facilitates learning and nurturing individual’s life skills, cognitive abilities, social skills, physical abilities, and internet safety
• Self-reliance– building skills and building confidence in those skills.

Meet Emily: A Passionate Mother and Outdoor Enthusiast Emily has been with us since 2022. Emily is a devoted wife and mother of four who embraces life with energy, love and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.  Whether she’s chasing after her kids at the park, going for an early morning run with her dogs or soaking in nature’s beauty, staying active and healthy is a core part of who she is.

Beyond her love for health and movement, Emily finds joy in reading-diving into stories that inspire, educate and entertain.  Books offer her a moment of reflection and escape balancing her fast-paced, family filled days. She is hardworking and a caring individual, always looking for ways to uplift those around her supporting others to live their best life through acts of kindness, or simply being there when someone needs support, Emily leads with a compassionate heart but above all, Emily’s greatest passion is being with her family-her happy place. Emily thrives in the simple, meaningful moments-whether its sharing a meal, cheering on her kids, or creating lasting memories together.

 

Meet Seanna: A Heart Full of Generosity, Energy, Love and Generosity, 

Seanna is a devoted wife and mother of 2 who brings warmth, enthusiasm and a boundless spirit to everything she does.  With a deep love for both animals and people, she radiates kindness and connection, always making those around her feel valued and appreciated

Her outgoing nature and high-energy personality makes her a joy to be around.  Whether she is engaging with friends, supporting her family, or meeting new people, Seanna’s positivity is infectious. She is not only hardworking and eager to learn but also someone who goes the extra mile in every aspect of life.

One of Seanna’s greatest gifts is her ability to celebrate others.  She takes genuine joy in recognizing those around her,  lifting them up with encouragement and generosity. Giving is at the heart of who she is-whether through her time, or kind words, she is always looking for ways to make a difference

 

Meet Amanda: A Hardworking and Lively Mom with a Big Heart

Amanda is a devoted mother of two energetic kids, always on the go and embracing the joys of parenthood with enthusiasm.  She has a natural gift for connecting with people, making those around her feel valued and understood. Whether she’s juggling responsibilities, sharing a laugh, or lending a helping hand, Amanda’s warmth and honesty shine through.

Hardworking and full of common sense, she approaches live with a practical yet thought-provoking mindset. She isn’t afraid to ask the important questions, challenge perspectives, or inspire other to think in new ways.  At the same time, Amanda knows how to have fun-bringing energy, laughter, and a sense of adventure to any situation.

With a heart full of care and a mindset of wisdom, Amanda is not just incredible mother but a loyal friend, a trusted confidante, and a source of positive and strength in the lives of those who know her.

 

Meet Dusty: A Devoted Mother and a Compassionate Caregiver

Dusty is a hardworking mother of two who embraces life with energy and purpose.  She thrives on staying busy, always seeking new adventures, whether through travel, outdoor activities, or simply finding ways to make each day meaningful. The outdoors is her happy place, where she can explore, recharge, and create lasting memories with her loved ones.

With a heart full of kindness and compassion, Dusty has a natural gift for caring for others. Whether its family, friends, or those in need, she is always ready to offer a helping hand. Her unwavering dedication to the people she loves makes her a source of strength and comfort, always available when someone needs her.

Above all, Dusty treasures her family. She pours love into every moment she spends with them, ensuring they feel supported, cherished, and uplifted.  Hardworking, selfless and full of heart, Dusty is the kind of person who makes the world a better place just by being in it.

 

Meet Dani : A Devoted Wife, Loving Mother, and an Adventurous Spirit

Dani is a dedicated wife and mother of one, deeply committed to her family and always cherishing the time she spends with them.  She values strong connections and makes it a priority to create meaningful moments with her loved ones.

She thrives on being around others, enjoying the energy and excitement that comes from social connections. Dani is always up for trying new-whether its a new activity, picking up a new hobby, or pushing herself outside her comfort zone.  She embraces adventure with an open mind and  spirit

With a love for fun and entertainment, Dani bring enthusiasm and joy  to every experience.  Her ability to step outside her comfort zone and embrace life’s opportunity makes her an inspiring presence, both for her family and everyone lucky enough to know her.