Diane Wagner-Heffner

Masters Degree in Counseling
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Diane received a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy from Central Michigan University, a master’s Diane received a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy from Central Michigan University, a Master’s in Counseling from DePaul University and a Master’s in Public Health certificate from Illinois Benedictine University. Diane has worked in a variety of settings throughout her career as a therapist, case manager, admissions, marketing, and managed care coordinator and clinical/team coordinator. She enjoyed many years working in inpatient rehabilitation in Chicago before moving to Michigan and working with Rehab Without Walls. Diane started Home & Community Recreation Therapy in 2006 with 2 therapists based on a clear need for this service and level of care. HCRT now utilizes over 30 Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists throughout the state. She feels strongly about being professionally active and was fortunate enough to serve on the Board of Directors for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association as well as the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, Illinois Chapter. Diane also served on the Board of Directors for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) and is currently on the NCTRC research committee. She also believes in “practicing what we preach” and enjoys fitness, yoga, reading, pottery, cooking, traveling, and music as well as her many activities with her husband and 2 children.

“Recreational therapy can make a significant impact on a client’s life especially in the home and community setting. We focus on working with the functional skills that a client has and utilizing recreation to not only improve the skills but allow the client to participate in meaningful activities that they enjoy. We aren’t focusing on what they can’t do but developing skills and positive activities that they can succeed at and will continue to do.”