With a background working in Activities, I am always a bit (a lot!) partial to stories, people, and businesses that support and expand the scope of the Recreation Department.   A Recreational Therapist has a unique opportunity to get to know older adults living in a skilled nursing center not only by their diagnosis but also by their hobbies and life stories.

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association defines Recreational Therapy as a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being. However, close ties to Bingo and ball bouncing often limit the perception of the job description.

Just like those in the medical profession, a Recreational Therapist is trained and certified to provide care and are also required to maintain Continuing Education Units or CEU’s to retain their certification.  Busy schedules, limited budgets, and even a lack of awareness of the profession often create barriers for professionals to obtain the necessary number of CEU’s, which can be both frustrating and detrimental to their career.  In steps, SMART CEUs Hub.

Nathan and Nikki Lamaster started SMART  CEUs Hub because they saw a need for accessible educational resources for recreational therapist all over the country. I learned about SMART Hub through their active social media presence on Instagram and after speaking with founder Nathan Lamaster quickly realized that this married duo have the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that is just what the aging services needs!

With a profound respect and understanding for the needs of older adults and the desire to help others, this dynamic pair is expanding their reach in the aging services and helping Recreational Therapist all over the country stay current and productive within their profession. I had the chance to ask Nathan and Nikki about how they got started in the field and why they believe the work is so important.

SMART CEUs Hub Explainer Video

How did you get your start in the aging services?

Well, this is funny actually. My aunt Karen works as the Director Of Social Services at a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) in California, and when I was a young kid, I got the chance to sing and entertain the residents. I even got the opportunity to dress up as Santa Clause one year and help bring the Christmas spirit to the people living there. As for jobs in the field, I got my first job in aging services at the age of 16 working as a server for a 5 star Assisted Living Facility (ALF). Then when I graduated College with my undergraduate degree, I worked as the Director Of Activities for a few SNFs in California and now part of my job in Texas is working on specifically the behavioral health portion of geriatrics.

Why do you think recreation is so important for our elders?

I believe what we do helps give purpose to our lives whether that be entertainment, hobbies, volunteering, our faith, or anything that gains our focus. One of the biggest issues I have seen affecting the senior population is feeling like their best days are behind them and that they have a hard time seeing their purpose. As a Recreational Therapist, we get to help people in all areas of their lives including physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. I believe God has given me this mission field to work in.

Where did the idea for SMART Hub come from?

SMART CEUs Hub came from seeing a need in the Recreational Therapy field for quality, affordable, online, educational presence specifically designed for Recreational Therapists, as well as giving job opportunities to Recreational Therapists through our SMART Instructor Program.

How does your business enhance the field of aging?

Our SMART Instructors are all considered experts in their specific areas of Recreational Therapy. The knowledge that they bring to the table helps other Recreational Therapists to be the best at serving their clients like a ripple effect.

Are you interested in becoming a SMART Instructor?  You can sign up here for more information.

How do you for see SMART Hub expanding in the future?  

SMART CEUs Hub has some big plans scheduled to be happening in October this year which is our 2 year anniversary of being in business. Our goals are to reach as many Recreational Therapists throughout the country as possible to help spread the knowledge of best practices in Recreational Therapy and gain more online exposure for our field. Who knows? Maybe traveling conferences are in the future for us!

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Founder Bio: Nathan and his wife Nikki relocated from California to Tyler, Texas in 2013 right after they were married for his wife’s Christian radio career. While living in Texas Nathan found that very little people knew what Recreational Therapy was as compared to in California. A lack of awareness of the profession meant that positions were limited. As many Recreational Therapist across the country were in the same situation, Nathan began to think of ways to help his profession gain more exposure through a greater online presence. This was when he decided to create a quality, affordable, online, educational presence specifically designed for Recreational Therapists and taught by Recreational Therapy Experts (known as SMART Instructors) throughout the country. Thus in 2015 SMART CEUs Hub was born and continues to grow its influence.