Success Stories: Anita Sutton (Therapeutic Recreation Assistant)
Anita Sutton Found A ‘Perfect Fit’ at WPCC
Morganton — Anita Sutton radiates confidence and compassion when she speaks. It’s hard to believe that just a few short years ago, she felt like a failure.
Her career began as a secretary for Longview Elementary School in Catawba County where she remained for seven years until she was moved into the position of treasurer at Hickory High School. Because she did not have education or work experience in finance, Anita felt out of place and her spirits dropped.
“The treasurer position was not a good fit for me,” Sutton explained. “I felt like a failure when I couldn’t accomplish the duties assigned to me.”
Feeling discouraged, Anita left that position and stayed home for a few years with her young son. When he went to kindergarten, her thoughts turned to going to school too. “I visited Western Piedmont Community College to check out the design program,” she explained. “But I learned it was no longer available. The WPCC recruiter suggested I talk to Cindy Konarski about the Therapeutic Recreation Assistant program she coordinates there. In talking with Cindy, I quickly remembered the rehabilitation services my Father received in Georgia. Then I knew I wanted to purse WPCC’s Therapeutic Recreation Assistant degree.”
And that is just exactly what Anita did. When she received her degree in December 2011, she already had experience that she gained through a four-month internship at The Cognitive Connection, a Catawba County company that helps improve the lives of adolescents and adults living in the Unifour area. A part-time job there after graduation led to a full-time position as a case manager for the organization’s SMART (Students Making A Right Turn) program.
“After completing my Therapeutic Recreation degree, I learned that I still have something to give to the community,” said Sutton. “I have a way to serve others. It is an interesting twist in my life to now help through my work with the SMART program some of the students I met when I worked at Longview Elementary.”
It’s easy to see the source of her confidence and compassion. Anita has learned a lot about life through her journey to a new career. “There is a job out there for everyone,” she said. “You just have to find out what drives you and then use your passion to make it your career.”
WPCC’s Therapeutic Recreation Assistant curriculum prepares individuals to plan, implement, and document therapeutic recreation interventions, according to national standards of practice. The curriculum emphasizes the use of recreation as treatment designed to (re)habilitate a client’s level of functioning and independence. Graduates should qualify for a LRTA license from the North Carolina Board for Recreational Therapy Licensure. Employment opportunities include group homes, retirement facilities, agencies serving people with developmental disabilities, psychiatric or mental health agencies, and other rehabilitation facilities. We invite you to learn more about the Therapeutic Recreation Assistant program. To speak with someone about the program, contact Cindy Konarski, program coordinator, at 828-448-3504 or by e-mail at ckonarski@wpcc.edu.
You can also get information about becoming a student at WPCC.
Western Piedmont Community College enrolls approximately 4,000 students annually in pursuit of college transfer degrees, two year associate degrees and diplomas. More than 10,000 students enroll each year in continuing education courses for professional development and personal enrichment. The College also provides programs for high school completion. Western Piedmont received recognition for Exceptional Institutional Performance based on standards established by the North Carolina General Assembly.
CONTACT PERSON: LIBBY BARGER, 828-448-3121