Meet Marina Riess, CTRS
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist | Founder, KiKi's Recreation LLC
I founded KiKi's Recreation LLC because I have seen firsthand what therapeutic recreation can do for a person. I watched it give my sister joy, dignity, and connection. I have spent my entire career helping others find that same sense of purpose and well-being through meaningful activity.
I hold a Master of Science in Recreation and Sports Management with a minor in Business from Florida International University, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude. As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with four years of certification and years of hands-on experience before that, I bring both clinical expertise and genuine passion to every program I develop.
My professional journey has taken me through a wide range of settings. I began as a private caregiver in high school and college, supporting individuals with diverse needs for five years. After earning my master's degree, I joined Park Royal Hospital as an Activities Therapist and was promoted to Primary Therapist within two years. I also served as a Memory Care Director, overseeing both programming and resident activities, and later worked as a Group Facilitator at Prisma Recovery Center. Across every role, my focus has remained the same: helping people find joy, purpose, and connection through recreation.
Beyond direct practice, I have served five years on the board for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center and currently sit on the American Therapeutic Recreation Association boards for Medicaid Waivers and Reimbursement and for Private Practice. I am deeply committed to expanding access to recreational therapy at both the individual and systems level.
Outside of work, I am a lifelong learner. I read, listen to podcasts, and watch documentaries constantly, and I bring that curiosity into my programming. I love designing unique, adaptive activities and I find it endlessly rewarding to see growth, confidence, and joy emerge from each session.
At heart, I am altruistic, creative, and flexible. I believe therapy should not feel like a burden. Every person, regardless of ability or background, deserves programs that meet them where they are and help them grow.
Credentials
Master of Science in Recreation and Sports Management, Florida International University (Magna Cum Laude)
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
Former Activities Therapist and Primary Therapist, Park Royal Hospital
Former Memory Care Director
Former Group Facilitator, Prisma Recovery Center
ATRA Board Member: Medicaid Waivers and Reimbursement
ATRA Board Member: Private Practice
Former Board Member, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center (5 years)
Recreational Therapy Club President, Florida International University
“ Every person, regardless of ability or background, deserves programs that meet them where they are and help them grow.”
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Ready to bring therapeutic recreation to your facility or organization? We'd love to hear from you.