Margaret McQuinn Mitschele is an example to those of us who cannot pin down what it is we want to do. For her the answer became clear:"Try it all!" To that end, she qualified as a Registered Maine Guide, leading trips in her native state and became certified in EMT and Wilderness EMT. She works as an American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguard and Instructor and as an ARC Professional Rescuer and Instructor. She is certified Level III High Angle Rescue and is a Leave No Trace Master Educator.
Margaret changed her major "many, many times," before eventually graduating with a degree in therapeutic recreation. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP). For the past five years, Margaret has run the recreation therapy program at KidsPeace of New England, a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping children, preteens, and adolescents develop the confidence and skills they need to overcome crisis in their lives. She proudly displays her KidsPeace Kindness Award.
Margaret has been working in the outdoors for 15 years and plans on keeping it that way. Once she gets done playing at work, she can be found climbing, paddling, and having fun outside.
In Her Own Words
The Job
"I am in charge of the recreation therapy program at a residential treatment center for adolescents with behavioral problems. We do day activities at Acadia National Park, including mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, etc., and have many extended expeditions as well. Some of my favorites are a seven-day Allagash Wilderness Waterway trip, schooner expedition along the coast, llama treks, and therapeutic horseback. We also do some activities on campus or close by for the kids who have a more difficult time in the community. We have a climbing wall on campus and do a lot of canoeing on Graham Lake where we are located."
How She Got There
"I love doing things in the outdoors with kids. I began my career during my internship experience at Bradford Woods in Indiana. Summer camps are a great place to work; everyone should work at one before they die. Camp is a life changing experience—tiring, but so very worth it.
"As a child I was always outside trying to prove myself to my big brothers. Well, I do believe I have more than proved myself. I wanted a career helping people, but before I found out about therapeutic recreation and its emphasis on the outdoors, I was discouraged. I felt as though I would only find a job at a nursing home or on a locked psychiatric unit. I have found the job of my dreams using clinical skills in an outdoor setting.
"There are benefits from having the clinical skills as well as outdoor skills. Getting my degree in Therapeutic Recreation was key for the population I work with. My husband has his degree in Outdoor Recreation and that doesn't fly with Medicaid reimbursement."
How to Get Her Job
"There are some jobs out there for therapeutic recreation professionals in the wilderness. You have to search for them, but for me it has all been so very worth it."
Pros
"I get to be the one to play with a lot of children who never had a childhood."
Cons
"They act out at times and can say some hurtful things, but, you know, they have never had any adults in their life that they had a reason to respect or trust."
Salary Range
"Starting at about $20,000—$24,000 to up to $48,000 (so I have heard!)"
Her Dream Job
"I'd love to guide trips (canoeing, climbing, etc.) for groups of people with many disabilities. I would enjoy the challenge of a mixed bag, including CP, eating disorders, MR, substance abuse . . . you get the drift. You name it, I'd love the challenge! Other than that, being a stay-at-home mom and midwife would be nice."
Do you think there's any danger in your passion becoming your career?
"No, not for me, because I am a different person when I am with the children. I have very little time to focus on myself when I am with them. When I leave work, 'me' time is very important."
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