Kirstin Berg

I started my career as a recreational therapist after discovering the field during my time at University of Wisconsin La Crosse. I initially went to school for physical therapy, but after struggling with OChem, I panicked and pivoted, randomly coming across recreational therapy. It was one of those moments where I just knew that was the right path for me. Recreational therapy is all about people, and it's about meeting people where they're at, whether they have a disability or not, or going through a mental illness struggle or not. It's just meeting them where they're at and helping improve their lives as a whole. I worked in clinical mental health settings in Wisconsin at Gundersen hospital, where my co-worker Michelle and I totally revamped an entire program to make it more evidence-based rather than just giving people stuff to do while they're in the hospital. We created a department manual and had everything backed up by evidence and research. Because I got to do that with her leading that initiative, I was able to lead that initiative at another hospital in Chicago. I transitioned into working in employee engagement because I really felt like I'm a people person, so I wanted to grow my skills as a recreational therapist and bring some of that recreational therapy into corporate America, which was a rare opportunity. Now at NinjaTrader, I use my recreational therapy skills for planning all of the employee events, engagement opportunities, wellness programs, and all things related to helping improve employees' lives while at work. I also have a part-time job working for Caliber Therapies, where I see one veteran a week as a recreational therapist, typically veterans with Wounded Warrior.