2022 ATRA Annual Conference IN-PERSON Intensives and Workshops Proposal

EdD, CTRS

Dr. Rachel Smith is an Instructional Assistant Professor and Senior Internship Coordinator of Therapeutic Recreation in Kinesiology and Recreation at Illinois State University. She earned her B.S. degree in Psychology and M.S. in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration both from Western Illinois University. She earned her Ed.D. from Illinois State University in Teaching and Learning.

Dr. Smith teaches Therapeutic Recreation and Tourism courses. Her research is varied and includes universal design, specific facilitation techniques in recreational therapy, equity in higher education, and the Cruise Line Industry. She has published books, chapters, and articles and often presents at conferences locally and nationally.

Smith is a longtime Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (1995), member of Rho Phi Lambda, and recipient of the Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Innovators Award. Smith is an active member of professional organizations serving on boards for Illinois Recreational Therapy Association (ILRTA), American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). She is a lifelong learner, loves taking cruises, and volunteers for Healing Rides, an adaptive bicycle program in her community.

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Ph.D., LRT/CTRS, FDRT

Jennifer Hinton took her first class as a therapeutic recreation major in 1987. She obtained a bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in recreational therapy, with her terminal degree obtained at Clemson University in 2000. She has been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for over 30 years and has spent most of her career as an educator. She is currently a Professor and Program Director in the Recreational Therapy Program at Western Carolina University.

Hinton is also a licensed recreational therapist in North Carolina, a distinguished fellow in the National Academy of Recreational Therapists, and an accomplished speaker with over 80 presentation and co-presentations at the state, regional, and national levels. Hinton has served the profession in multiple capacities. Currently she leads the Quality Internships Subcommittee for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. Past leadership positions include Member at Large for the Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education and Chair of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification Board of Directors.

Hinton has received multiple teaching and service awards, including specific recognition for curricula and service learning. She passionately serves her community in rural Jackson County, NC where she resides with her family. This small haven in the mountains of Southern Appalachia immerses her in many interests including hiking, investigating nature’s small miracles, and growing things. She is a fan of all types of outdoor exploring that allow one to get lost in the forest or in destinations far away and off regular beaten paths.

CTRS

Rachel’s 15 years of professional experience started in March 2007 as a Recreation Specialist, an entry level position at Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA). NWSRA was formed in 1973 to provide outstanding recreational opportunities to children and adults with disabilities. NWSRA is a partner of 17 member park districts in the northwest suburbs of Chicago committed to supporting community access for leisure and recreation for people with disabilities. In March 2010 she was promoted to an Inclusion Coordinator and in October of 2015 she was promoted to Manager of Inclusion Services. Currently, as the Superintendent of Recreation since February of 2018, Hubsch oversees two full-time Managers of Special Recreation that collectively supervise ten entry level Recreation Specialist, who directly run all Recreation Therapy programs offered at NWSRA. Hubsch oversees and mentors Therapeutic Recreation Interns from various Colleges and Universities.

Rachel earned a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Iowa. She obtained her Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in January 2007 and became a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) in March of 2012.

She is involved in professional organizations through Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Section (ITRS), Illinois Recreational Therapy Association (ILRTA), American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), as well as, The Past President of Woman in Leisure Services (WILS), a national organization of professional women in park and recreation. Hubsch is also the Secretary of the Rotary Club of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates.

LRT, CTRS

A North Carolina native and double Pirate, Rebecca Burnworth graduated from East Carolina University with a BS in Recreational Therapy and a MS in Recreation, Leisure, Facilities, and Tourism. Her career began at Pitt County Memorial Hospital (PCMH), now known as Vidant Health Medical Center, where she specialized in psychiatry. Mrs. Burnworth spent several years mentoring recreational therapy students through various practicums and internships in the behavioral health setting. As a faculty member in the Department of Recreation Sciences at ECU, she coordinates and supervises recreational therapy internships and has partnered with the ECU Lab School, a collaboration between East Carolina University and the Pitt County public schools. Rebecca is committed to the RT profession and has served as a member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association and is Past President of the North Carolina Recreation Therapy Association. She currently serves on the North Carolina Board Recreational Therapy Licensure Internship Committee and is the current treasurer of the Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys outdoor activities on the Pamlico River with her husband, two stepsons and their golden retrievers.