Melinda (Mindy) Baldassarre

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Music Therapy Studies

Mindy graduated from Grand Valley State University with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation in 1998. Mindy also studied music therapy for several years at Michigan State University prior to studying Recreational Therapy. Mindy has spent over 2 decades working with adults and children with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other diagnoses. Mindy has experience in aquatics and fitness modalities, music and relaxation, horticulture therapy, community reintegration training, pediatric developmental skills, and cognitive therapeutic use of common board and card games. Mindy is an active member of the Michigan Brain Injury Association & the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. Prior to working as a Recreation Therapist, Mindy worked in the computer field and gained technological experience which she is able to utilize when working with individual's with cognitive deficits. 

Mindy enjoys spending time with her 2 children, playing fiddle, bagpipes, & singing celtic music in a local band, cycling, swimming, gardening, and organizing game nights with friends. Mindy believes that Recreation Therapy is a natural step in the continuum of healing. 

“As a Recreational Therapist, I assist my clients in taking that next step from working in a clinic on skills, to integrating them into their every-day lives. My focus with them is on improving quality of life, providing opportunities for meaningful success, and assisting my clients in regaining some control in their lives.”