Welcome to the 2022 ATRA Virtual Conference!
The virtual conference is uniquely different from the face-to-face conference being held in Birmingham AL September 10 - 13, 2022. Attendees registered for the face-to-face conference also receive access to the virtual conference. Individuals interested in the virtual conference may register separately for just the virtual conference. To register, go to https://www.atra-online.com/page/ACON2022
Operation Growth: The Impact of Heroes on the Water Kayak Fishing Program on Post-Traumatic Growth in U.S. Military Veterans
Session Description/Research Abstract
Operation Growth is research project centered around exploring the impact of Heroes on the Water (HOW) programs on post-traumatic growth (PTG) in military veterans. HOW provides kayak fishing events to service members, emergency responders, and their families. This research project hopes to provide insight on the impact of recreation, specifically kayak fishing, on growth in hopes to emphasize the connection between recreation and PTG. This session will provide an overview of PTG, HOW, common needs and treatments of veteran population, and the outcomes of Operation Growth.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to define post-traumatic growth
Participants will be able to ID up to 5 domains of post-traumatic growth
Participants will be able to ID at least 1 need for treatment for Veterans
Participants will be able to ID at least 1 way Heroes on the Water kayak fishing programs have impacted post-traumatic growth in Veterans
Population/Setting:
Research
CEUs:
0.15
Primary Presenter
Shelby Jackson, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
Credentials
PhD(c), MPA, CTRS/L
Biographical Information
As a passionate recreational therapist for the past nine-ish years, Shelby has come to find her niche working in community programs and exploring the impact of growth. She is passionate about advocating for the benefits of RT and encouraging community programs to provide more opportunities for inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities. Shelby is also a doctoral student at Oklahoma State University, completing her degree Summer 2022. While completing her degree, Shelby has started a part-time position with Heroes on the Water (HOW) as their Research Coordinator. This role will allow her to help HOW develop a line of research to explore the impact of their programs on their participants. HOW is a national nonprofit that provides kayak fishing events to veterans, active-duty service members, emergency responders, and their families.
Head Shot
Co-Presenter/panelists
Dr. Tim Passmore, CTRS/L, FDRT, Oklahoma State University
Credentials
Ed.D. CTRS/L, FDRT
Email Address
Biographical Information
Dr. Passmore is currently a Professor at Oklahoma State University where he conducts research addressing treatment areas of individuals seeking to improve there areas of functioning. He is the Program Coordinator for Recreational Therapy and the Graduate Coordinator for the Program PhD program.
Head Shot
Joe Winston, Heroes on the Water
Credentials
Director of Therapeutic Programs
Email Address
Biographical Information
As one of the volunteers who worked in the early days of HOW alongside founder Jim Dolan, Joe has a long-time passion for Heroes on the Water. His current role as Director of Therapeutic Programs, allows him to do two things he loves – support others and kayak fish.