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Therapeutic Recreation Experiential Education Team

The Therapeutic Recreation Experiential Education Team, or TREE, is composed of graduate students from the University of Tennessee who have very witty senses of humor but take their jobs very seriously.

 

Jay Hoppes

Jay is from Taylorsville, North Carolina and graduated from Appalachian State University in December 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in health studies. He discovered his passion for working with individuals with disabilities by working as a camp counselor and director for KE Camps in Beech Mountain, North Carolina. This will be his first year on the TREE team where he will be pursuing his master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation. When Jay is not in the office, you can find him playing volleyball, reading, or exploring Knoxville.

Robert “Harrison” Strobel

 

Harrison has recently finished his bachelor’s degree at the University of Mississippi in Exercise Science with a minor in Therapeutic Recreation. He is a first year graduate student in the Therapeutic Master’s program and serves with the TREE Team. He looks forward to a great two years at the University of Tennessee.

David Bissada

David is from Nashville, Tennessee, and received his bachelors degree from UTK in Therapeutic Recreation. He is interested in running a camp that serves veterans and/or individuals with disabilities. In he spare time, he enjoys playing volleyball, soccer, basketball, and being out in nature. He tends to be an adrenaline junkie!

Alice Dupree

Alice is from Rio de Janerio, Brazil, and has lived in Knoxville for the last 10 years. She graduated from UTK with a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and is interested in working in a post-secondary program for individuals with disabilities. She loves to crochet, go to concerts and be outdoors!

Kayley Siler

Kayley has recently finished her bachelor’s degree at UTK in Kinesiology. She hopes to become a Recreational Therapist and work with children with disabilities. Kayley’s favorite thing to do is scuba dive and she is a Certified Divemaster!

Marcy Ward

Marcy was born in Payson, Arizona, graduated from Northern Arizona University with her bachelor’s degree in Fitness Wellness and Psychological Sciences. She hopes to become a Recreational Therapist working with kids with disabilities. When Marcy isn’t in the office, she enjoys reading, writing, playing basketball and soccer, and trying out different forms of art!