DEBRA ANN HELMS 204 Combs Street Oxford, Mississippi 38655 Telephone: (662) 234-7825/662-816-1764 Email: [email protected]

OCCUPATIONAL INTEREST

The career path that I chose took me through a thirty-five year journey working with, and experiencing the many facets of life, related with individuals who live their lives while dealing with intellectual, and many times, physical challenges. I began this, my first job, as the Music Director for the newly opened, North Mississippi Regional Center. The NMRC is a residential, educational, and community based facility for persons with developmental disabilities. Within the first year of employment, I was asked to take the Director’s position with, what is now known as the Recreation Therapy Department. I was responsible for programs which included motor therapy, aquatics, adapted physical education, Special Olympics, camp and outdoor programming, recreation techniques, leisure programming, music, and community leisure integration for clients throughout the spectrum of physical and mental challenges. The administrative part of this position allowed me to gain insight regarding budget and finance, personnel, facility management, training employees, networking with all agencies and programs related to our operation and administrative duties related to state and federal operations. One of my more futuristic projects was to help coordinate and supervise the first Human Performance Lab to be established in Mississippi. This was through a joint partnership with the University of Mississippi and the Department of Mental Health. This lab provides assessments, evaluations, and prescriptive based programming for clients at NMRC, as well as testing, research and training for students in the field of health, exercise science, and recreation.

I have been serving as a consultant for the activity therapy programs at area nursing homes, skilled nursing units, and the Baptist Acute Rehabilitation Unit in Oxford for more than twenty-five years. Duties include reviewing prescribed documentation, sharing current trends in therapeutic recreation, developing appropriate program integration, reviewing daily activity programs, and providing materials and training for the on-sight staff. My most recent career opportunity came in November 2010, when I was offered the position as director of the newly established department, Leisure Lifestyles of Oxford, through the City of Oxford and the Oxford Park Commission. This program is dedicated to providing recreation, leisure outlets, and, health and wellness opportunities for retirees and persons forty and over.

DEBRA ANN HELMS

Additionally, as an Adjunct Instructor for the University of Mississippi, I assist with developing, updating, and instructing courses related to therapeutic recreation and administration. I have been a member of the Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management since 1986. During this time I have had the pleasure of working with staff and administrations who are dedicated to the principles of learning and promoting the many professional fields that benefit from this department. I also appreciate the opportunities given me to serve on advisory committees, preparation and presentation of materials for national certification, teaching opportunities throughout the department, and being allowed to share our view and methods with our surrounding community, throughout the state and nationally.

My personal lifetime recreational interests present/past included: golf, softball, basketball, dance, music, drama, art, jogging, hunting, fishing, canoeing, camping, tennis, swimming, travel, concerts, musicals, social events, sports events, family, and friends.

EDUCATION The University of Mississippi, Masters of Education (Therapeutic Recreation/ Administration), School of Education - Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, 1975.

The University of Mississippi, Bachelor of Music (Instrumental Music), School of Education - Department of Education, 1973.

Pontotoc High School, 1970.

CAREER EXPERIENCE

DIRECTOR OF LEISURE LIFESTYLES OF OXFORD - OXFORD PARK COMMISSION, CITY OF OXFORD, NOVEMBER 2010 –PRESENT

DIRECTOR OF RECREATION THERAPY, DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, NORTH MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL CENTER, OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI, AUGUST 1974 - JUNE, 2008

ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR, Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, University of Mississippi, August 1984-Present

DEBRA ANN HELMS

CONSULTANT, Activity Therapy Yalobusha County Hospital, 1984-Present Tallahatchie County General Hospital, 1984-Present Graceland Nursing Home 1989-1997 Hermitage Gardens 2000-2001

CONSULTANT, Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi ICF Unit, 1979-1982 Skilled Care Unit, 1996-2002 Acute Rehabilitation Unit, 2008-2013

EXTENSION TEACHER, Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Itawamba Junior College, Spring Semester 1981; Summer Session 1982

Music Director, North Mississippi Retardation Center, 1973-1974

DEBRA ANN HELMS

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

University of Mississippi - School of Applied Science, Board Member, 2006 – Present

University of Mississippi –Department of Health, Exercise Science, Recreation Management, Park and Recreation Management Advisory Board, 2000 - Present

Mississippi Recreation and Park Association State Certification Committee, 1976-1977; 1977-1978 Executive Secretary, 1977-1978; 1978-1979 State Therapeutic Chairperson, 1982-1983; 1992-1993; 2001-2002 District II Chairperson, 1994-1995 District II Therapeutic Recreation Chairperson, 1997-2001; 2002-2004 District II MRPA Member, 1974-Present

Oxford Park Commission Board Member, 1998-2009 Chairperson, 1999-2001; 2004-2005 Vice-Chairperson, 1998-1999; 2002-2003 Treasurer, 2007-2008

Mississippi Special Olympics Area IV Director, 1975-1976 Area IV Secretary, 1976-1977 Chairperson for Lafayette County Chapter, 1977-1978 Lafayette County Director, 1979-2000 Area IV Board of Directors, 1979-2000 Area IV Volunteer/Coach, 1974-Present

Mississippi Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance Chairperson for Adaptive Physical Education, 1982-1983 Chairperson for Adaptive Physical Education, 1983-1984 Chairperson for Adaptive Physical Education, 1988-1989

American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance Member, 1976-1998

DEBRA ANN HELMS

Mississippi American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance Member 1975 – 1986 Chairperson 1978 – 1980

Association for Retarded Citizens Member, 1976-1978

American Red Cross – Lafayette and Oxford, Mississippi Chapter Board Member, Chairperson/Vice Chair 1986 – 1993 Instructor: Swimming for Handicapped, WSI, Small Water Craft, 1974 – 1992 Certification: Basic First Aid, CPR 1974 – Present

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS (Continued)

Mississippi Arts Fair for the Handicapped NMRC Facility Coordinator, 1976-2008

Mississippi Very Special Arts NMRC & District Coordinator 1976 – 1998

Governor's Council for the Handicapped Clear Creek Park Project Chairperson, 1979-1980 Special Projects Chairperson, 1980-1981

United Way of Lafayette County Board Member for Special Olympics, 1984-1997

American Association of Mental Retardation Chairperson for Therapeutic Recreation, Mississippi, 1982-1983 Chairperson for Therapeutic Recreation, Southern Region, 1983-1984 Chairperson for Therapeutic Recreation, Mississippi, 1994-1995 Chairperson for Therapeutic Recreation, Mississippi, 1997-1999

Retired Senior Volunteer Program Advisory Board Member, 1984-1997; 2010 - Present

Foster Grandparent Program Advisory Board Member, 1987-2008

DEBRA ANN HELMS

CERTIFICATION AREAS

JOHN C. STENNIS INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT State Executive Development Institute of Mississippi, May 2005

CERTIFIED PUBLIC MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST Mississippi State Personnel Board, May, 2001

CERTIFIED SUPERVISORY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST Mississippi State Personnel Board, May, 1996

CERTIFIED MENTAL RETARDATION THERAPIST Mississippi Department of Mental Health, March, 1998

CERTIFIED THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALIST National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Since 1986

CERTIFIED LEISURE PROFESSIONAL Mississippi Recreation and Park Association, 1986 - 2003

MUSIC CERTIFICATION Music Education - Keyboard, vocal, woodwind, brass, string and percussion, Since 1973

AMERICAN RED CROSS Basic First Aid, 1974 - Present

Water Safety Instructor for the Handicapped - American Red Cross and Mississippi Project Aquatics, 1976-1986

Canoeing for the Handicapped - American Red Cross and Mississippi Project Aquatics, Since 1978

Respiratory and Circulatory Emergencies (CPR), 1986-Present

CERTIFICATION AREAS (Continued)

DEBRA ANN HELMS

UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED PROGRAMMER Division of Mental Health, 1976-2008

DRIVER’S EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR, University of Mississippi Since 1975

SPECIAL OLYMPIC COACH Mississippi Special Olympics, 1974-2008 Swimming, Canoeing, Softball, Soccer, Tennis, Skating, Track & Field, Bowling, Croquet, Horseshoes, Basketball

MISSISSIPPI TEACHER ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS EVALUATOR (MTAI) Mississippi Department of Education, Since 1988

DRIVER TRAINING FOR THE EXPERIENCED DRIVER Mississippi Tort Claims Board, Since 1995

COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE Class B Vehicle Certification, 1976-Present Passenger Endorsement School Bus Endorsement Air Brake Endorsement

HIGHWAY WATCH PROFESSIONAL Homeland Security, 2006

DEBRA ANN HELMS

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Sensory Stimulation: Working with Persons with Developmental Disabilities, Department of Mental Health, AAMR, November, 2004

Programming for Geriatrics Using Therapeutic Recreation Techniques, Nursing Homes of north Mississippi, August, 2004

An Overview of Therapeutic Recreation: Working with Persons with Mental Retardation. November, 2003

What is Therapeutic Recreation: Integration Into the Community, University of Mississippi, School of Applied Science Park and Recreation Management Seminar, September 2002

Adaptive Physical Education Programs for the Mentally Retarded, University of Mississippi, Interdisciplinary Approach to Genetic Case Studies: Focus on Families, Department of Mental Health, April,1992

Programming for Persons with Prader-Willi Syndrome, AAHPERD Conference – Atlanta, Georgia 1984

Gymnastics for Special Populations, Very Special Arts Festival, Biloxi, Mississippi, Spring, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985

Fitness and Nature Trails for Special Populations, Mississippi Land Use Seminar, May, 1983

Fitness Programs for State Employees, Department of Mental Health, March, 1983

Playground and Park Design for the Handicapped and Special Children, Mississippi Land Use Seminar, August, 1980

An Experimental Progressive Program for Stunts and Tumbling Program for Handicapped Children, AAHPERD Conference – New Orleans, Louisiana 1979 DEBRA ANN HELMS

HONORS AND AWARDS

The University of Mississippi – School of Applied Sciences, “Thomas A. Crowe” Outstanding Alumnus Award, Alumni Association – For Meritorious Accomplishments in Professional Leadership and Service, February 15, 2012 Rho Phi Lambda Honorary Recreation Professional, Parks and Leisure Services Fraternity, April 2003

MRPA Therapeutic Recreation Professional of the Year, 1978, 1979, 1992, 2006

American Red Cross Service Award, 1992 City of Oxford & Lafayette County – Mississippi

Spirit of Service Award - Health Services, 1991 Outstanding Volunteer Health Service – Oxford, Mississippi

Community Government Services Award, 1988 City of Oxford and Lafayette County, Mississippi

Outstanding Young Women of American Award, 1979, 1983

Outstanding Therapeutic Award, 1978, 1979 National Therapeutic Recreation Society – Mississippi

Tau Beta Sigma Award, 1970 National Band Member Award, Mississippi