Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Our people
Department Chair
2044 Health Science Center
lharmon@uwlax.edu
608.785.8213
Specialty areas:
My primary areas of research are social-psychological outcomes of nature-based recreation including how we come to know and get connected to places, technology and the outdoors, and the scholarship of teaching & learning. I particularly enjoy the work I do using underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to get youth and adults connected to aquatic environments.
Academic Department Associate
Internship Coordinator Assistant
Department People
Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Associate Teaching Professor
tdelong@uwlax.edu
Specialty areas:
Mental Health, Health education, capacity building, group facilitation, trauma informed care, and cultural humility
Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Assistant Teaching Professor
jevans@uwlax.edu
Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Professor
kevans@uwlax.edu
Specialty areas:
Issues of social justice in leisure, outdoor adventure recreation, women’s physically active leisure, non-profit leadership, youth development, and leisure education & student engagement
Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Professor
lharmon@uwlax.edu
Specialty areas:
My primary areas of research are social-psychological outcomes of nature-based recreation including how we come to know and get connected to places, technology and the outdoors, and the scholarship of teaching & learning. I particularly enjoy the work I do using underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to get youth and adults connected to aquatic environments.
Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Associate Professor
nkil@uwlax.edu
Specialty areas:
- Evidence-based therapeutic interventions (e.g., nature and forest therapy, forest bathing, ecotherapy, mindfulness) for individuals of all ages and abilities, including older adults
- Interactions between humans and the environment (e.g., nature connectedness, place attachment, place meanings, community attachment)
- Healthy aging
- Health and well-being
- Measurement and evaluation
- GIS applications to community integration/inclusion, health promotion, and recreation resource planning and management
Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Assistant Teaching Professor
lkirschbaum@uwlax.edu
Specialty areas:
Developmental/Physical Disabilities, Sensory Integration, Assistive Technology/Adaptive Equipment, Sibling Support
Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Associate Professor
bkumm-schaley@uwlax.edu
Specialty areas:
* Community Recreation and Social Belonging
* Leisure and Culture
* Theories of Affect
* Qualitative and Postqualitative Inquiry
* Deleuze & Deleuzian approaches to research and leisure
Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Assistant Professor
wmeans@uwlax.edu
Specialty areas:
-Philosophy of Science, Paradigms, and Epistemological Anarchy
-Constructive Developmental Theory
-Meaning Making and Leisure
-Developmental Disability and Camp
Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Associate Professor
dplunkett@uwlax.edu
Specialty areas:
Event planning, event management, tourism, outdoor recreation, place attachment, social media use in recreation/tourism
Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Associate Teaching Professor
lsavarese@uwlax.edu
Specialty areas:
Adapted sports and recreational therapy
Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Assistant Professor
jtaylor@uwlax.edu
Specialty areas:
Director, Health Science Interprofessional Research Center
"Dr. Wags" Facility Service Dog Program
Meet Our People
Discovering Passion and Purpose: Lindsey Kirschbaum's Journey in Recreational Therapy
Meet Lindsey Kirschbaum, an esteemed faculty member in the field of Recreational Therapy at our university. With over two decades of experience and a genuine passion for her profession, Lindsey's journey into Recreational Therapy is as inspiring as it is enlightening. We recently got a glimpse into her remarkable career and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way.
Q: What inspired you to get into the profession of Recreational Therapy?
Lindsey: My journey into Recreational Therapy began with majoring in PE with a focus on adaptive PE, but I found myself yearning for something more. It wasn't until an unexpected encounter at a summer camp, where I crossed paths with a Rec. Therapy major, that my interest was piqued. As I delved deeper into the profession, guided by mentors and by my own discovery, I realized that Recreational Therapy was the missing piece.
Q: What do you love most about what you’re currently teaching?
Lindsey: For me, the heart of teaching lies in community engagement and hands-on learning. I thrive on witnessing students grow from their first tentative steps into the field to their confident strides as budding professionals. Emphasizing active participation over passive lectures, I try to foster an environment where vulnerability is celebrated, and growth is inevitable.
Q: Outside of teaching, what are one or two other parts of your academic life that you enjoy?
Lindsey: Beyond the classroom, I find joy in advising students and navigating the intricate puzzle of academic schedules. With a knack for problem-solving, I relish the opportunity to guide students on their educational journeys, ensuring they make informed decisions that align with their goals. Additionally, I has discovered a newfound passion for curriculum development, a skill honed through my own academic endeavors.
Q: When you have a day (or a minute) away from your UWL responsibilities, what rejuvenates you?
Lindsey: Students tell me I’m a "self-care guru" and I do prioritize my own well-being through consistent exercise and regular walks. For me, starting the day with a 5 am workout sets the tone for success, while midday strolls offer a much-needed mental reset. As I strive to reintegrate reading for pleasure into my routine, I find solace in moments of quiet reflection and personal indulgence.
Q: To wrap up our conversation, could you share a few words of “life advice” that you would like people to consider or remember?
Lindsey: I’d like to advocate for resilience and forward momentum, by reminding people to “fail forward”. Equally important is the notion of self-compassion and "giving yourself grace." As I reflect on my journey, I'm reminded of the importance of embracing every twist and turn. Life is an adventure, and I'm grateful for every moment of it. Here's to chasing dreams, embracing challenges, and never forgetting to enjoy the ride.
Embracing these guiding principles, Lindsey encourages others to navigate life's challenges with courage, kindness, and a touch of adventure. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and her unwavering commitment to personal growth shine through. Through her inspiring journey, she reminds us that the path to fulfillment is often paved with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
Embracing the Outdoors: Jon Evans' quest to Recreation Management
Embark on a journey of inspiration and dedication with Jon Evans, an experienced professional in the field of Recreation Management at the University of Wisconsin Lacrosse. From his early experiences in southeastern Kentucky to his current role as a respected educator, Jon's story is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance.
Q: What inspired you to get into the profession of Recreation Management?
Jon Evans: My journey into Recreation Management began with a childhood immersed in the natural beauty of southeastern Kentucky's landscapes. Nature was my playground, and the mountains, forests, and rivers were my entire life. After serving in the military, I rediscovered my love for the outdoors and realized that I wanted to turn my passion into a profession. It was a natural progression that led me to pursue a degree in Recreation, a decision that changed the course of my life.
Q: What do you love most about what you’re currently teaching?
Jon Evans: What resonates with me the most is the opportunity to impart practical, hands-on skills to my students. Whether it's teaching budgeting, youth development, or camp administration, I strive to create an environment where learning is immersive and meaningful. Witnessing the transformation of my students, from eager learners to proficient professionals, fills me with immense pride and satisfaction.
Q: Outside of teaching, what are one or two other parts of your academic life that you enjoy?
Jon Evans: Beyond the classroom, I find fulfillment in serving as an internship coordinator. Facilitating real-world experiences for students and watching them flourish in professional settings is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, I'm deeply invested in experiential learning, a philosophy that underpins my approach to education. Seeing the light bulbs go off in students' minds as they connect theory with practice is truly gratifying.
Q: When you have a day (or a minute) away from your UWL responsibilities, what rejuvenates you?
Jon Evans: My rejuvenation rituals revolve around two things: family and nature. Whether it's spending time on our boat with my wife and children, or enjoying a relaxing evening in our backyard, surrounded by laughter and good food, these moments ground me and replenish my spirit. And once in while, a walk in the Cooley experimental forest offers solace amidst the whispering trees and chirping birds.
Q: To wrap up our conversation, could you share a few words of “life advice” that you would like people to consider or remember?
Jon Evans: My advice to everyone is simple yet profound: Embrace Adventure. Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and it's up to us to seize every opportunity that comes our way. Whether it's traveling to new places, trying exotic cuisines, or simply saying hello to a stranger, embrace the unknown with open arms.
In Jon Evans' narrative, we find a testament to the transformative power of passion and purpose. Through his unwavering commitment to his craft and his boundless enthusiasm for the great outdoors, Jon reminds us that life's greatest adventures await those who dare to explore.