Our Commitment & Vision

Szymecko Recreational Therapy

At Szymecko Recreational Therapy, we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through innovative recreational therapy services. Our focus is on empowering individuals of all abilities to achieve their therapeutic goals, whether it's improving physical abilities, enhancing social skills, or promoting emotional well-being. We believe in the transformative power of recreation and its ability to bring joy and healing to every aspect of life.

Meet Our Team

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Matthew

Owner and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Matthew, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with ten years of credentialed experience and fifteen years working in the field, founded the practice in 2021 with a clear guiding belief: therapy is most effective when patients are actively involved in shaping their own care. He encourages individuals to participate in planning every activity, fostering independence, confidence, and meaningful engagement. Matthew’s approach emphasizes collaboration and thoughtful support, helping patients invest in their therapeutic process in ways that feel meaningful and empowering.

He began his career at a therapeutic horseback riding stable, where he saw firsthand how powerful it is when people are given opportunities to participate fully in their own healing. Over the years, he expanded his experience through contract RT work and by leading activity programs in both long‑term care and adult day care settings. These roles shaped his dedication to person‑centered treatment, structured guidance, and creating environments where patients can reach their highest level of independence.

As the founder, Matthew also advocates for his therapists, encouraging them to use creative, individualized, independence‑focused approaches that honor each patient’s strengths and goals. He strives to cultivate a supportive clinical environment where therapists feel confident applying the treatment styles they believe will make the greatest impact.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with his wife and son. His leadership reflects a blend of clinical expertise, operational clarity, and a deep respect for both patient autonomy and therapist creativity.

Kristi

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

In 2005, Kristi was involved in a car accident that resulted in multiple compression fractures in her back. Knowing firsthand how it felt to be restricted physically and the impact that had on her life socially and emotionally, it became her passion to help those whose lives have been affected by injury. Kristi received her Bachelor of Science degree in Parks, Recreation, & Leisure Services with a Therapeutic Recreation concentration and a minor in Psychology from Central Michigan University in 2011. Prior to beginning home and community based recreation for persons with traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries in 2015, Kristi worked in geriatric rehabilitation/memory care as well as volunteered at developmental disability day/weekend camps and outpatient psych community programs.

In her free time, Kristi enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends and dog, hiking the National Parks, playing sports, going to sporting events, doing arts/crafts, attending concerts, bargain shopping, and snowboarding.

Cayleigh

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Cayleigh was captain of Marygrove College’s women’s soccer team. When Marygrove shut down, Cayleigh transferred to Eastern Michigan University. Cayleigh graduated from EMU in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and became certified through NCTRC in 2020. While at EMU, her internship was at an in-home pediatrics based company where her creativity really played a huge role in all of her sessions.

In 2018, Cayleigh was hired at a facility where she gained experience working in an inpatient rehabilitation setting for adults with TBI/SCI, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. While at the facility, Cayleigh transformed a greenhouse into a Snoezelen for all of her residents to enjoy which is a safe space to explore and to relax. She strived for all of her residents to be creative, express themselves, and be mindful. After the company transitioned into an inpatient behavioral health facility, she gained experience working with a variety of populations including adults with Autism, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities. Cayleigh then started working as a self-employed recreational therapist contractor in 2022 where her independence and creativity can really flourish with all of her clients.

Cayleigh became a mom to her beautiful daughter in 2020 who she spends all of her free time with. Cayleigh got married to her husband in Costa Rica in May 2026. They go on adventures and love traveling the world. Cayleigh’s top three favorite travel destinations (so far) are St. Lucia, Bahamas, & Costa Rica. Cayleigh is also passionate about horse & animal assisted therapy, art, water activities, & throwing events/ party planning.

Shelby

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Shelby graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2016 with a Bachelor of science in therapeutic recreation. During her studies, she completed multiple fieldworks including adolescent psych, in-patient rehabilitation and geriatrics. She completed her internship at The Gilbert Residence in Ypsilanti where she focused on improving quality of life for her residents through recreation therapy. She was hired on full time and awarded Employee of the year in 2017.

Wanting to further improve her career and skills, she found her love for community reintegration with the TBI/SCI population. Shelby is passionate about empowering her clients to work towards their goals while engaging in meaningful leisure activities.

In her free time, Shelby enjoys spending quality time with her husband and son as well as cooking, kayaking, traveling, and crafting.

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