Taylor Hooker, M.S., CTRS, NBC-HWC
2023 Entrepreneur in Residence
Health Systems Specialist
VHA Office of Health Equity
Project: Empowering Innovation in Recreation Therapy
Taylor Hooker is a certified Recreation Therapist and Health Coach serving as a Health Systems Specialist for Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) Office of Health Equity in VA Central Office (VACO). Taylor is a 4th-year doctoral student whose studies center on nonpharmacological approaches to Veterans' lifelong health and wellness. Empowering Innovation in Recreation Therapy supports the formation of an integrative research, mentorship, evidence-based practice and dissemination program beginning at a regional, and eventually national, footprint to support the advancement of RT service provision at VHA. Through partnership with academic allies, various VHA medical centers and VACO program offices, this robust quality improvement project will lead to improved patient care, clinician & client satisfaction and increased evidence-based practice.
Their Work
2023 Service to the Citizen Award Winners announced
Taylor Hooker has been named a 2023 Service to the Citizen Award winner for her work in recreation and creative arts therapy.
VA announces 2022-2023 Innovation Fellows
Seven VA employees are joining the next cohort of VHA Innovation Fellows. These new fellows will utilize VHA Innovation Ecosystem's (VHA IE) community and resources to expand their innovations' capabilities.
30 Under 30 for 2021
Parks & Recreation magazine and NRPA's Young Professional Network launch a new program recognizing the 30 best and brightest young park and recreation professionals in the field.
Differences in Disability rates and Recreational Therapy use
This report explores the relationship between disability rates and recreation therapy programs in the VA healthcare system.
MIT Catalyst Program welcomes new VHA Innovation Ecosystem Fellows
The inaugural 2020 COVID-19 Hero Awards are a small gesture to honor the hard work of everyone fighting this pandemic.
