Carissa Ronish Joins The Nathaniel Witherell

Therapeutic recreation is a crucial service for the elderly, proven to enhance emotional and physical well being. The Nathaniel Witherell, widely recognized for its excellent therapeutic recreation program that features fitness classes, art and music therapy, pet therapy, events and celebrations, and spiritual services, recently announced the appointment of Carissa Ronish of Greenwich, CT as its new Administrator of Therapeutic Recreation.

“Carissa brings an impressive background in creating new and engaging therapeutic programs for the elderly to the Witherell and has experience working with those with physical and cognitive challenges,” says the Witherell’s Executive Director Allen Brown. “She’s a dynamic leader who will support the wonderful culture and energy that the Witherell is known for.”

Consistently ranked “one of the best nursing homes in Connecticut” by U.S. News & World Report, the Witherell’s therapeutic recreation program is designed to keep residents active and engaged, and is tailored to individual needs. As Therapeutic Recreation Administrator, Ms. Ronish will supervise over 100 programs and events, managing a team of six staffers as well as regular volunteers. Current therapeutic recreation programs include fitness classes (chair dancing, stretching, movement, Zumba), interactive musical events, bingo, and music, art and pet therapy.

Prior to joining the Witherell, Ms. Ronish was Therapeutic Recreation Director & Volunteer Coordinator at Benchmark Senior Living at Edgehill in Stamford, CT. In addition, she worked as a private art therapist for children with special needs. Prior to that, Ms. Ronish was a therapist at SuperKids in Norwalk, CT.

A graduate of University of Pittsburgh, Ms. Ronish holds a B.S. in Psychology and received an M.S. in Art Therapy/Counseling from the College of New Rochelle. Ms. Ronish also worked as an art therapy intern at The Henry Ittleson Center in the Bronx, and at St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health in Westport, CT. Ms. Ronish began her career as a Vision Therapy Provider at the Center for Visual Management in Tarrytown, NY. There she specialized in treating individuals with autism, learning disabilities, and emotional behaviors.