Meet Diana Proemm | Recreation therapist (Certified Therapeutic Recreational Therapist – CTRS)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana Proemm and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diana, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I have many thoughts on risk. Mainly the perception of risk. Is it real or perceived? After working, training, and playing in the outdoor industry for the last 25+ years, I realized that perception is everything. Risk to me versus someone else is very different. I learned that fear can be a powerful deterrent to our ability to take action. So, when I was faced with a project or challenge, I had to shift my focus and mindset quickly to the task at hand, rather than being paralyzed by doubt or anxiety. If I could see the end game, I went for it. If I didn’t, it was better saved for another day. That attitude has carried over into my professional life and helped me make big decisions quickly and efficiently.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have retired from recreation therapy as I knew it. I was burnt out from working with people with disabilities for fifteen years on the ski slopes and off the slopes on a one-on-one basis. It was a great and heart-filling experience, but it took an immense amount of energy to ground myself when I was around my clientele. They deserved to have the best of me and my abilities to work with them, but it slowly drained me. I took a step back and realized that it was ok to retire and move on to the next life adventure. I am working on a book with the goal of inspiring others, especially women, to get out and explore the world on their own. Along the way I realized that life can be challenging and that it’s important to forgive yourself. This has helped me figure out what I want to do next. I also want to provide outdoor leadership retreats and recreation therapy resources that will be accessible to more people, not just those with disabilities. In addition, I am developing creative products that involve my photography.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Bozeman, Montana. It is an outdoor mecca! If I were to take you on a week-long trip, I would spend two days exploring Yellowstone National Park. We would start the drive from Bozeman to Livingston. Heading south through the park’s north entrance and into the Lamar Valley in search of wildlife. We’d spend a night in the park, Yellowstone Falls, Old Faithful, and exit the west gate along the Madison River. We’d head up 191 and stop in Big Sky, Montana, for a couple of days of activities. Staying at Big Sky Resort at the base of the mountain there is a downhill mountain bike park, hiking trails, a trip to Lone Peak, and zip lining. We’d have lunch at Yeti Dog and dinner at Alberto’s Mexican and Lotus Pad. We’d spend the last couple of days exploring downtown Bozeman, shopping staying at The Lark. Downtown is filled with many delicious treats, but my favorite is Seven sushi and a pre-game cocktail at Devil’s Toboggan. My favorite coffee shop is Treeline Coffee Roasters, next to the Lark. There are many hikes in the area we could choose from, and we would go to Hyalite Lake for a paddle. The Museum of the Rockies offers a great rainy day option.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey has had many mentors in it. Bill Bowness played a huge role in my education and teaching of adaptive sports for people with disabilities. This became my soul profession over the years, and many people played a part in my knowledge of the sport. The people involved with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) on a national and regional level helped guide me when I was a board member and going through my certifications. In specific: Robin Conners, my program director at Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra, and Jennifer Dawn, my former business coach. Mostly, the participants with disabilities I worked with over the years were my greatest teachers about living life with a positive attitude no matter your situation.

Website: https://youradventurerx.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diana.proemm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianaproemm/