Whitney Byrd
About Whitney Byrd
Whitney Byrd is a Recreation Therapist currently employed at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, where she has worked since 2016. She has a diverse background in recreational therapy and related fields, having held various positions in multiple states since 2008.
Work at National Institutes of Health
Whitney Byrd has been employed at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a Recreation Therapist since 2016. In this role, she contributes to the therapeutic recreation programs designed to enhance the well-being of patients. Her work at NIH is focused on utilizing recreational activities to improve patients' physical, emotional, and social health.
Previous Experience in Recreation Therapy
Prior to her current position, Whitney Byrd worked as a Recreational Therapist at Regional Health from 2011 to 2013. She also served as a Rehabilitation Therapist at Oregon State Hospital from 2014 to 2016. These roles involved implementing therapeutic recreational activities aimed at supporting patients' recovery and rehabilitation.
Internship and Early Career
Whitney Byrd began her career with an internship at Whitestone: a Masonic & Eastern Star Community in 2008, where she worked as a Community Life Services Intern for three months. She also held a position as a Survey Assistant at Western Carolina University in 2008, which lasted for 11 months. These early experiences provided her with foundational skills in community services and therapeutic practices.
Educational Background
Whitney Byrd studied at Western Carolina University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from 2005 to 2008. This educational background equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary for her career in recreation therapy and related fields.
Additional Work Experience
In addition to her roles in recreation therapy, Whitney Byrd worked as a Certified Nurse Aide at Golden Living from 2009 to 2010. This position involved providing direct care to patients, further enhancing her understanding of patient needs and care practices.