Valentina Pagan, CTRS

Valentina graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy. While at IU, she was a member of the Marching Hundred and the Big Red Basketball Band, also serving as part of the undergraduate staff. Through these roles, she became a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, where she promoted the arts on campus, volunteered, and engaged in musical activities within the community.

During her junior year, Valentina gained valuable hands-on experience as a Direct Support Professional. She later completed her Recreational Therapy internship at Bloomington Meadows Hospital, an acute inpatient behavioral hospital serving children, teens, and adults with mental health disorders. She describes this experience as an eye-opener that deepened her passion for improving others’ well-being. Valentina was hired on after completing her internship and shortly after, passed the NCTRC exam, receiving her CTRS credentials before relocating back home.

Upon returning home, Valentina continued work in a psychiatric hospital, where she facilitated groups for adults with Alzheimer's, Dementia, intellectual disabilities, and severe mental health disorders. In 2024, she transitioned to working with individuals on the Medicaid Waiver. Valentina is passionate about inclusion and strives to create meaningful, rewarding experiences for those she works with. She finds joy in watching clients build confidence and independence through Recreational Therapy. Valentina is dedicated to helping others achieve their goals while ensuring they have fun in the process.

In her free time, Valentina enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Michael, their chihuahua, Sweetie, and their family. Valentina loves to attend concerts throughout the year and especially loves adding to her plant collection, baking, thrifting, being outdoors, and cheering on her nieces and nephews at their sporting events.