Creative Treatment, Meaningful Outcomes
Kim Watkins, Executive Program Director
Maureen Magrath, ACSW, CCM
ResCare Premier, MO
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Kimberlee Watkins is an Executive Program Director for ResCare Premier and oversees ResCare Premier’s operations in Sedalia, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, Altoona, Iowa, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Downers Grove, Illinois. A graduate of the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Ms. Watkins has worked in human services and rehabilitation since 1984. In 1995, Ms. Watkins opened Premier’s first Medicaid program for brain injury in Missouri. Ms. Watkins is on the Board of Directors of the Missouri Brain Injury Association.

Ms. Magrath is a Senior Program Director for ResCare Premier’s St. Louis, Missouri program. Ms. Magrath received her bachelor and masters degree in social work from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri. She has her certification in social work and case management and is a member of the board of the Case Management Society of America, St. Louis Chapter, where she serves as the Education Chairperson. Ms. Magrath also serves as the Chairperson for the Information and Referral Committee of the Missouri Brain Injury Association, St. Louis Chapter, and was recently elected to the Board of the Missouri Brain Injury Association. Ms. Magrath is certified as a Clinical Examiner by the American Academy for the Certification of Brain Injury Specialists.

Non-Traditional Treatment

Tai Chi has therapeutic benefits for a wide range of intervention needs. For instance, the music and breathing exercises can have a calming effect on individuals who are easily over-stimulated. Tai Chi involves a great deal of balance and planning, which address even the highest level of physical therapy issues. In addition, the repetitive and sequencing movements involved in Tai Chi help to develop memory and cognitive skills. Specific target objectives often include sequencing, upper extremity range of motion, hand movement, sustained movement, organization, planning, endurance, standing balance, deep breathing, counting to control emotions, and sustained attention. Finally, many participants who participate in Tai Chi exercises experience feelings of novelty and "sophistication," which significantly contribute to their feelings of individuality and importance.

Tai Chi

Balance
Endurance
Sequencing
Anger management
Esteem

Fishing

Physical-balance, endurance, strength,
gait, ambulation,
functional mobility
Motivation
Community reintegration

Park

Outside
Strength
Balance
Endurance
Community pragmatics

Art

Fine motor skills
Expression
Esteem
Task maintenance
Recreation
Awareness of deficits
Sitting balance

Computer Tasks

Alternative Recreational Behavior
Planning
Organization
Sequencing
Problem solving
Task maintenance

Swimming Pool
In depth community assessment

Hunting
Real test of return to premorbid lifestyle

Shooting Pool
“Can you shoot pool without a beer?”

Journal Group
Skills address
Fine motor skills
Planning
Organization
Visual scanning
Goal setting
Deficit awareness

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