Meet the Team
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Melissa (Mel) Turnage, CTRS
Owner/Recreational Therapist
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Candice (Candi) Brammer, CTRS, QMHP
Recreational Therapist
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Cameron Clark, CTRS
Recreational Therapist
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Takeyra Coats, Ph.D., CTRS
Recreational Therapist
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Savannah Combs, CTRS
Recreational Therapist
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Cameron Davis, CTRS
Recreational Therapist
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Morgan DeCastro, CTRS
Recreational Therapist
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Victoria Diaz, CTRS, QMHP
Recreational Therapist
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Sarah Greaves, CTRS
Recreational Therapist
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Zhenja Lourenco, CTRS
Recreational Therapist
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Rianna Pellino
Administrative Assistant
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Emily Toney, M.P.A.
Administrative Assistant
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Kristen Wise, CTRS
Recreational Therapist
Meet the Owner
Melissa (Mel) Turnage, CTRS
Mel has been providing therapeutic consultative services to individuals through the Medicaid DD Waiver since 2021. She started her own company, RT and Wellness, in 2024 after seeing the need for therapeutic recreation services in the Hampton Roads area. Mel has a Bachelor’s in Recreation Therapy from Old Dominion University (ODU), a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies from Virginia Tech and a Master’s in Sport and Recreation Management from ODU. During her time at ODU, Mel launched the first Adapted Recreation Expo in collaboration with departments across the University. Mel is passionate about ensuring the neurodivergent population has the leisure resources they need to bring them joy and improve their overall well-being.
Mel also works as an Adjunct Instructor in which she teaches recreational therapy courses for the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at ODU.
In her free time, Mel loves to spend time with family and friends, go to the beach and festivals, read, play games and exercise.
Candice Brammer, CTRS, QMHP
Candice (Candi) is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and a registered Qualified Mental Health Professional (with the state of Virginia). She earned her bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Special Education from Old Dominion University. Candice has 20 plus years of experience working in mental health and substance abuse as a CTRS. Her approach in offering Recreational Therapy services is to establish a therapeutic rapport and use interventions based on the 5 behavioral domains and leisure education to help individuals improve wellness, functioning, and quality of life.
In her free time, Candice enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, supporting ODU sports, going to concerts, and cooking.
Cameron Clark, CTRS
Cameron is a dedicated Recreation therapist with over 30 years of experience working in Behavioral Health at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. A graduate of Virginia Wesleyan University, she has built a career around her passion for helping others heal and thrive through therapeutic recreation. She finds immense fulfillment in watching patients progress and regain their independence through therapy. She is especially proud to have founded the Pet Therapy Program at the Naval Hospital, bringing the healing power of animals to patient care.
When she's not at work she enjoys spending time with her family, going for walks with her golden retrievers, traveling and home projects.
Takeyra Coats, Ph.D., CTRS
Dr. Coats is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who obtained a Bachelor’s in Recreation Therapy from Virginia Wesleyan University, a Master’s in Recreation & Tourism Studies and a Doctorate in Sport and Recreation Management from Old Dominion University. She has been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for over 17 years and spent most of her career as an educator. Her most recent position was as the Recreation Therapy Supervisor at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs.
Dr. Coats is an author and accomplished speaker with over 50 presentations and co-presentations at the state, regional, and national levels. Dr. Coats has served the profession in multiple capacities. Past leadership positions include Co-President of the Virginia State Therapeutic Recreation Association (VASTRA). Takeyra is also a recipient of numerous awards, with highlights such as the 2018 National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Young Professional Fellowship Recipient and the 2018 Virginia Wesleyan University Faculty Service and Community Engagement Award. Dr. Coats’ published research focuses on topics that include Recreational Therapy, Service-Learning, Homelessness, and Medical Specialty Camps.
Savannah Combs, CTRS
Savannah is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Recreational Therapy from Virginia Wesleyan University in 2025. She has experience working with diverse populations, including older adults in memory care, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and both adults and youth in behavioral/mental health settings.
Savannah brings an inclusive, strengths-based approach to her work and is passionate about advocating for individuals of all abilities to access meaningful and engaging experiences. She values building authentic connections and creating creative, personalized interventions that promote confidence, self-expression, and overall growth.
Outside of work, Savannah enjoys staying active, going to the gym, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. She loves spending time at the beach, practicing self-care, and discovering new and unique places to eat and shop! With a strong passion for creativity, she enjoys music, film, art, fashion, hands-on projects, and is always on the lookout for new inspiration through style, design, and meaningful everyday experiences!
Cameron Davis, CTRS
Cameron is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with over five years of experience supporting children and adults through individualized, goal-focused recreational therapy. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University in 2022 and has experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum as well as in behavioral health settings. Cameron emphasizes inclusive, person-centered programming that promotes access to meaningful recreation and leisure opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
In his free time, Cameron enjoys playing volleyball and pickleball and staying active in the community through mentoring.
Morgan DeCastro, CTRS
Morgan DeCastro is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) dedicated to building genuine, meaningful connections with individuals by meeting them where they are on their journey. She earned her Associate of Science degree from Tidewater Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Therapy. She has experience working in pediatric behavioral health, specifically in the medical-psychiatric and neurodevelopmental units. Through meaningful therapeutic experiences, she helps patients build coping skills, foster self-expression, strengthen social connections, and navigate challenges related to their mental, emotional, and developmental well-being.
She believes that trust, empathy, creativity, and authenticity are the foundation of effective therapeutic relationships. Drawing from her personal faith, values, and person-centered approach, Morgan helps individuals discover their strengths, develop healthy coping skills, and work towards positive growth and lasting change. Morgan utilizes a strengths-based, person-centered approach to foster emotional wellness, social connection, coping skills, and personal growth. She collaborates closely with interdisciplinary treatment teams to develop and facilitate therapeutic interventions that align with each individual’s interests, abilities, and treatment goals.
Outside of her professional role, Morgan enjoys embracing the outdoors, whether spending time by the ocean, relaxing in nature, or anywhere she can appreciate the beauty of creation. She has a passion for art and creativity, and enjoys live music. Morgan is committed to lifelong growth and finds fulfillment in deepening her faith through personal study, service, and meaningful connections with others.
Victoria Diaz, CTRS, QMHP
Victoria is a dedicated and passionate professional with over five years of experience advocating for individuals with diverse abilities and needs. Victoria is a proud 2020 graduate from Old Dominion University’s Therapeutic Recreation B.S. program and has been registered with the state of Virginia as a Qualified Mental Health Professional since 2022. She has been providing Recreational Therapy (RT) consultative services to individuals and families via the Medicaid DD waiver since 2023.
Victoria has always valued a holistic and diverse approach to care as she has served her local community in various roles over the years. Between providing direct support services as a DSP; carrying out intensive in-home services to youth and their families; and co-running an RT department in an adolescent behavioral health facility, Victoria’s hands-on experience has shaped her into a compassionate, empathetic, and person-centered advocate for underserved communities, particularly individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges. She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at Virginia Commonwealth University and hopes to continue addressing social justice- and policy-based issues impacting the disability community following graduation.
When she is not working, Victoria enjoys practicing yoga, exploring nature, listening to podcasts, working on personal projects, and spending time with family.
Sarah Greaves, CTRS
Sarah is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. She has extensive experience providing recreational and behavioral services to youth and adults in community and home based settings. She earned her Bachelor's in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Psychology from Longwood University in 2013. She earned her Master's in Special Education with a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2019 and a Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders in 2021 from George Mason University. She is currently working on her Master's in Sport and Recreation Studies with a concentration in Individualized Study in Sport, Recreation, and Tourism from George Mason University. She is the current President of the Virginia State Therapeutic Recreation Association.
Sarah believes all individuals deserve meaningful opportunities to participate in recreation and leisure activities that reflect their interests, abilities, and goals. She is committed to creating inclusive environments where all individuals feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to engage in experiences that enhance their well-being and quality of life. She strives to put the "fun" into "functional".
In her free time, Sarah enjoys recreating with friends and family. Whether adventuring through the great outdoors or watching a good movie with popcorn, Sarah enjoys a grand and relaxing time. Sarah also firmly believes in physical movement and exercise. She is a certified Pure Barre and Zumba instructor and provides adaptive education in these exercise formats for successful participation.
Zhenja Lourenco, CTRS
Zhenja is a proud graduate of Old Dominion University and has over a decade of experience working with individuals with diverse abilities and support needs across both the public and private sectors. Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to grow, connect, and experience greater fulfillment in their everyday lives.
Her approach to Recreation Therapy is person-centered and purpose-driven, grounded in the belief that meaningful growth begins with understanding the individual—their interests, strengths, goals, and what matters most to them. She brings a passionate, empathetic, and understanding approach to her work, meeting each person where they are while supporting opportunities for growth, happiness, connection, and meaningful participation. At the heart of her practice is a simple philosophy: helping people reconnect with what matters most.
When she isn’t working, Zhenja enjoys the outdoors, trying new foods, reading, music, spending time with family and friends, and going on adventures with her beloved pets Olive and Nutmeg.
Rianna Pellino - Administrative Assistant
Rianna Pellino is a wife, mom, former sales executive, and performer who genuinely loves working with people. Throughout her career, she’s developed a reputation for building lasting relationships through exceptional customer service, clear communication, and a positive attitude.
Whether helping clients navigate a process, solving challenges, or simply making someone feel heard, Rianna believes every interaction matters. Her background has taught her how to connect with people from all walks of life, while motherhood strengthened her patience, organization, and ability to juggle multiple priorities with grace.
Friendly, dependable, and service-driven, Rianna is passionate about creating an experience where every client feels welcomed, supported, and cared for.
When she’s not with her family or up on a stage, you can find her in her garden Doing her part for the pollinators, or curled up with a good book, preferably one with epic worlds and wings.
Emily Toney, M.P.A. - Administrative Assistant
Emily graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Health
Science, concentrating in Health Service Administration, from Old Dominion University. She went on to earn her Master’s in Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with her family
exploring the community and going on new adventures. In her free time, she loves to unwind with a good book and get creative through arts and crafts.
Kristen Wise, CTRS
Kristen is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with extensive experience supporting individuals of all ages and abilities through personalized, goal-driven recreational therapy. Kristen earned her Bachelor’s in Recreational Therapy from Old Dominion University. She specializes in working with individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, and physical impairments. Her consultative approach emphasizes collaboration with caregivers, staff, and interdisciplinary teams to implement meaningful activities that align with each client's interests and therapeutic goals.
Kristen enjoys fishing, listening to live music and spending time with family and friends.