JONAS ELY

• Performed comprehensive assessments and developed individualized, evidence-based treatment plans for inpatient and outpatient Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), incorporating functional needs, clinical diagnoses, and personal interests.
• Ensured continuity of care for Veterans by applying the Recreation Therapy APIE (Assessment, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation/Discharge) model throughout the treatment process.
• Planned and led diverse recreational therapy programs across inpatient (group,1:1), outpatient, and community-based settings to promote physical health, psychosocial well-being, and independence.
• Outpatient programs included:
• Adaptive sports and community outings such as fishing, skiing, biking, archery, scuba diving, Rockies baseball games, adaptive fitness, and local excursions.

Inpatient programs included:

• Therapeutic activities such as boccia ball, virtual reality, wood burning, leatherworking, music therapy, ping pong, gardening, adaptive biking, poker, and disc golf, mouth stick painting.
• Adapted treatment goals and interventions to support Veterans transitioning from inpatient rehabilitation to outpatient care, ensuring continuity and relevance across the care continuum.
• Facilitated six weekly outpatient recreation therapy clinics focused on assessments, adaptive equipment trials, and therapeutic interventions to promote reintegration and quality of life.
• Collaborated with support staff and management to optimize clinic scheduling, enhance productivity, and ensure efficient utilization of available resources.
• Partnered with the SCI/D psychologist to design and implement innovative recreation therapy events that brought inpatient and outpatient Veterans together in community environments to enhance socialization and reduce isolation.
• Designed and implemented a patient-centered Inpatient Outing Program by conducting focus groups with SCI/D inpatients to align programming with their interests and reintegration goals. Collaborated with the SCI/D therapy and transportation teams to coordinate accessible community outings, including visits to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Botanic Gardens, Sand Creek Park, Rockies games, and Bass Pro Shop.
• Built and maintained strategic partnerships with adaptive sports and recreation providers (e.g., NSCD, NeuAbility, Project Healing Waters, Adaptive Adventures, BOEC, River Deep, Angletech Bike Shop, and the City of Denver), resulting in cost-free therapeutic opportunities for Veterans.
• Coordinated with Veteran service organizations such as the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Elks Club, American Red Cross, Soldiers’ Angels, and the Fenwick Foundation to support special events and resource access for SCI/D Veterans.
• Collaborated with SCI/D occupational and physical therapists to deliver co-treatment sessions, allowing Veterans to address physical, occupational, and recreational therapy goals simultaneously through integrated programs.
• Co-founded the SCI/D Rehabilitation Sports Equipment (RSE) Team, working in partnership with a physical therapist and rehabilitation engineer to evaluate and prescribe individualized adaptive sports equipment.
• Developed and implemented a structured RSE process for trialing, assessing, and issuing equipment, ensuring clinical appropriateness and interdisciplinary coordination.

· Maintained accurate records of participant attendance, equipment inventory, and program expenses, ensuring proper budget management.

• Participated as a SCI/D coach for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (2024,2025) and for the National Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (2024,2025)
• Recruited SCI/D Veterans for participation in national events and assisted with registration and logistical coordination. Facilitated preparatory programming to help Veterans train and practice for their events. Provided travel support and accompanied Veterans to and from national events, offering on-site assistance and encouragement throughout the experience. Guided Veterans through the scholarship application process for travel and lodging support. Documented Veteran progress toward individualized treatment goals during event participation.
• Served as the Performing Arts Chairman for the 2024 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in Denver, Colorado.
• Maintained effective communication with Veterans and their family members to coordinate safe transportation, encourage family involvement, and ensure a positive experience and high satisfaction with outpatient recreational therapy programs.
• Presented during CARF unit meeting, providing staff with overviews of inpatient and outpatient recreational therapy programs, the consult referral process, and the Rehabilitation Sports Equipment (RSE) evaluation and issuance procedures
• Worked closely with VA Media to create quarterly SCI/D Recreational Therapy Newsletters for veteran to provide them with outpatient program schedule and local adaptive sports resources.
• Led informative adaptive sports sessions for inpatients to introduce and educate them on a wide range of adaptive sports opportunities tailored to their abilities and interests.

• Company Overview: Colorado Department of Human Services
• Plan, directed and implemented independent and/or group recreational programs for veterans with physical and cognitive disabilities in short term rehab and long-term care
• Conduct annual and quarterly MDS and initial activity assessments
• Updated, created and implemented resident care plans (goals, objectives, interventions) to Colorado State and VA standards
• Work with interdisciplinary health team to meet needs and expectations of residents
• Coordinate, plan and transport residents to adaptive sports outings throughout Denver area
• Supervise CTRS Intern in creating care plans, conducting assessments and program development

• Provide adaptive ski and snowboard lessons to individuals (all ages) with various physical and intellectual disabilities using wide range of adaptive equipment
• Modified adaptive equipment to meet the needs of individual clients
• Completed daily progress notes recording their advancements based on their individual personal social, and ski/snowboarding goals.
• Coordinate and guide white water rafting, adaptive rock climbing, canoeing, and horseback riding
• Assisted families in group adaptive recreational opportunities
• Facilitated overnight camping trip: meal prep, clean up and administering prescribed medications for campers
• Reported data and statistical information to NSCD Reservations and Grant Writers

• Coordinate volunteers and fundraisers
• Instruct snowboard and ski lessons using 4-track system, Bi-ski and mono ski equipment
• Created progress notes and developed lesson plans based on individual needs
• Provided excellent customer service to give clients a memorable trip