What does it mean to Coach?
The impact coaching has had on me as a person and as a therapist.
Matthew H – Occupational Therapist
From The Start
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to work within my community to give back. How better than to do so with the things I hold closest to my heart, sports and inclusivity. I got the opportunity when I was partnering with the youth pastor of my church in 2015 to start an inclusive sports team. This is where and when my journey with the Special Olympics started. After 2 years of assistant coaching, the youth pastor stepped down which led me to begin my role as the head coach and have not looked back since.
Coach Matt
As a coach, I am constantly learning from the athletes I work for. They have taught me through their own example to be patient, focused, driven, compassionate, and kind. These characteristics have directly impacted my skills and abilities to serve as an occupational therapist within my community by serving adults with various disabilities such as developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, and many others. Using my roles as a basketball coach and occupational therapist to improve the quality of life and independence of those I serve is something that drives me every day.
Life Off the Court
Off the court, I work at a Rehabilitation Clinic and Mental Health Facility called Life Skills Village. At the Village, I have learned to work with a variety of populations to facilitate growth and independence in adults. Areas of growth include building social skills, money management, relationship skills, leisure engagement, independent living skills, and community reintegration. I strongly believe in my role as a coach and as an occupational therapist that inclusivity should be the root of everything we aspire to do as professionals and rehabilitation programs. This is why occupational therapy, like the Special Olympics, can and will continue to serve as that bridge. When I am not coaching, you can find me at Life Skills Village, an outpatient therapy program in Oakland County!
Matt Horne
Occupational Therapist
Life Skills Village – Mind Health Group