Julie Castro graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Leisure Services with an emphasis in Therapeutics. She has practiced as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for over 30 years. She is a member of American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) as well as the state affiliated chapter. She started her career working with Developmentally Disabled adults and taught swimming along with participating as a Special Olympics coach for track, softball, ice skating and cross country skiing. Over the past 30 years she has also worked as a Director of Recreation Therapy and Activities in Long term care & Physical Rehab also as a therapist in Geri-psych and Pediatric on a Special Needs Unit (SNU). She has created programs such as; Horticulture, Community Re-entry, Pet Therapy and facilitating opportunities for interdisciplinary programming with OTs, PTs, SLPs and Neuropsychologist in working with the variety of patients, members or person’s being served. She started using music as one of the many modalities that is offered to work with the current population she serves. When she isn’t working you can find her shooting pool with friends, going to the movies, playing with her dogs or perhaps crocheting a new project.
