Jan Bookwalter

1.

I initially entered college unsure of my path but eventually discovered recreational therapy at Brigham Young University.

2.

After graduating, I worked in adolescent residential facilities and a hospital's psych unit, where my passion for mental health deepened.

3.

I left the workforce to raise my children and allowed my certification to lapse—a decision I wouldn’t recommend because it was tough to regain it later.

4.

Once my kids were older, I got re-certified, working in physical rehab before transitioning back to mental health.

5.

A leap of faith led me to a six-month temporary role in adventure therapy, which soon turned into my full-time dream job.

6.

Now, I combine my love of the outdoors with therapy, using activities like rock climbing to help teens build confidence and manage anxiety.