Thank You, Tye!
April 4, 2022
Candlelight Ranch would like to give a big shout out and thank you to our wonderful intern Tye Caskey for her hard work and immense dedication to our children and families this spring semester! Tye is receiving her Clinical Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy (OTD) at University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA) and will graduate in May 2022.
Tye chose to complete her final capstone experience at Candlelight Ranch because of the diverse populations we serve and the experiences we provide for people of all abilities. In her own words Tye reflects on her experience. “As an OT student my main goal was to provide additional evidence behind skill-based services in the natural environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The most rewarding part about this experience thus far has been to see the positive and life-lasting impact our services leave on these individuals even after such a short period. Nature is truly an immense therapeutic tool that has been so underutilized. I have been grateful to help those see the importance of it and the benefits it offers.”
As part of her internship, Tye focused on the completion of her PHD Capstone Project, here she shares more about her focus while at Candlelight Ranch. “The purpose of my current study is to investigate how nature therapy offers therapeutic benefits for adults with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD), especially regarding sensory processing disorders, motor coordination and social skills. There are currently very few research studies conducted associated with this population and the impact nature has on them. I hope to aid in the increase in literature revolving around nature therapy and adults with special needs. Overall, the addition of OT practice into the programs offered at Candlelight Ranch will be able to address additional skill-based goals that enhance occupational performance, socioemotional health, and social awareness while immersed in nature and outdoors.”
We are very thankful for everything Tye has accomplished during her time with us and wish her the very best on her future career!