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
RT and Equine-Assisted Services: ATRA's EAS Task Force
Session Description/Research Abstract
This session will provide an overview of the Equine-Assisted Services Consortium definition and ATRA's work on solidifying RT role in EAS. Not only will the definition and literature review be discussed, the findings from the ATRA EAS and RT task force will be described.
Future implications for the recreational therapists who work with EAS will be explored.
Learning Outcomes
The session participants will be able to:
1. describe the consortium definition of EAS and the changes proposed through ATRA's advocacy
2. list the evidence in the literature that supports EAS in the field of RT
3. explain future implications for RT working with EAS.
Population/Setting:
Behavioral Health
Child and Adolescent
Community
Military/Veterans
Older Adults
CEUs:
0.1
Primary Presenter
Betsy Kemeny, PhD, Slippery Rock University
Credentials
PhD, CTRS
Biographical Information
Betsy Kemeny, PhD, CTRS, FDRT, CPG is an Associate Professor at Slippery Rock University in Recreational Therapy and American Therapeutic Recreation Association President (2020-21), serving on the ATRA board since 2014. Betsy is a certified professional gerontologist, a Fellow of Distinction in Recreational Therapy, a member of the International Society for Autism Research, and serves on the Horses and Humans Research Foundation Scientific Board. Her research interests focus on Equine Assisted Services with youth on the autism spectrum and older adults. She also served as a co-investigator with Drs. Hawkins and Porter on the ATRA Delphi and Competencies Studies. Prior to graduate work, she worked full-time for more than 25 years with frail older adults in various settings along the care continuum (adult day, assisted living, skilled nursing, hospice). She has authored/co-authored 2 technical reports, 21 peer-review journal articles, a textbook on Recreational Therapy for Older Adults, 2 book chapters, and 10 research abstracts. Currently, she facilitates student service-learning programs at local assisted living and skilled nursing facilities and collaborates with Storm Harbor Equestrian Center for the Adaptive Sports programs for disabled veterans. Since 2012, she has facilitated an after-school program for youth on the autism spectrum called TRAILS at Storm Harbor Equestrian Center, at Slippery Rock University.
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Co-Presenter/panelists
Dr Blair McKissock, PhD, Indiana University Bloomington
Credentials
PhD, CTRS, CTRI-ES
Email Address
Biographical Information
Blair McKissock Ph.D. CTRS is a recreation therapist with over 25 years in animal-assisted therapy and adventure therapy focusing on mental health. Her main area of expertise is in equine-assisted services. She has been a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist with PATH Int'l since the late 90s holding additional training and certifications through EAGALA, Equine Guided Education, and others. She has a Master’s in Education and Ph.D. in Applied EcoPsychology, studying the biopsychosocial impact of equine-assisted work on those with trauma. She also holds certifications as a certified trauma specialist, yoga teacher trainer, wellness coach, and FLOW Coaching. She is active professionally serving on the ATRA EAS Task Force, as the co-chair of the PATH Int'l Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) tasks force and EAL Committee Chair, Veterans Administration Equine Consortium, and sits on the Idyll Arbor publishing advisory committee. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed publications and textbooks, supporting the efficacy of equine-assisted work as a mainstream intervention option for learning and therapy. She is a passionate international speaker and advocate for the benefits of the human connection with nature, specifically equine interaction speaking at over 55 domestic and international conferences and has authored/co-authored six evidence-based EAS curricula. Blair currently serves as the Director of Education and Research at Strides to Success and co-founder of HorseWork where she and her ao-founder provide online and in-person training in equine-assisted learning and therapeutic riding.
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Taylor Rae Hooker, MS, CTRS, Clemson University and VA Health Care System
Credentials
MS CTRS
Email Address
Biographical Information
Taylor Hooker Recreational Therapist and Health Systems Specialist for the Office of Health Equity in the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Administration. She is a 3rd year Ph.D. student at Clemson University and lecturer for several universities’ RT departments. She is the President and Founder of T-Squared Solutions, Inc., a continuing education and career development firm focused on recreation professionals and their continued career advancement. Taylor’s studies center around nonpharmacological approaches for veterans health and wellness, namely Equine Assisted Services. She is a skilled presenter speaking on a number of topics ranging from population specific recreation and leisure, evidenced-based practice, career advancement and much more.
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Courtney Gramlich, Slippery Rock University
Credentials
CTRS
Email Address
Biographical Information
Courtney Gramlich is a CTRS and Director of Storm Harbor Equestrian Center, a PATH Premier Accredited Facility. She has more than 20+ years of equine-assisted experience. She manages and facilitates equine-assisted services in specific programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, veterans with mental health conditions, women with trauma, and youth at-risk. She is also certified as leadership facilitator.