The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is excited to announce “Radiant Minds: Nurturing Mental Health for All” as the theme for the 2024 Virtual Summit. "Radiant Minds: Nurturing Mental Health for All" will allow you to discover the latest insights and strategies for promoting mental and behavioral health and well-being, fostering resilience, and enhancing mental health for individuals of all backgrounds.
This summit brings together practitioners, experts, caregivers, clients, advocates, and researchers to explore the diverse facets of mental health, share innovative approaches, and ignite discussions aimed at building a brighter, more inclusive future for mental wellness. Don't miss this opportunity to engage and join with thought leaders and practitioners toward radiant minds and thriving communities.
This virtual event will run February 1 - 29, 2024 on ATRA's virtual learning platform. Additional sessions may be added so please check back regularly to view the program.
Keynote Session: A Story of Personal Resiliency
Session Length
60 minutes
Description
A big part of what we want to do is leave an impact in the sand - to touch others' lives and make a difference. To do this, we must connect with our humanity and identify how we want to effect the world. We are interconnected and rely so much on each other to get through life. Gratitude and appreciation, how we show up for others, and how we engage and connect with the world around us truly influence our being.
Join Dan Bigley, the "bear man", to hear his story and be challenged on how we can show up for others to build community to respond to the world and life around us.
In addition to Dan's recorded keynote session, Dan will be joining us for a 1 hour Zoom question and answer session during February - date to be determined.
Focus of Presentation
Other
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the value, role, and potential of recreation and leisure in people's lives
2. Describe the benefits of nature and music to provide hope and inspiration
3. Explain ways to help people "experience their humanity"
Presenter
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/13020dea1a2bdf9c31e277a9ec4b2401.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Dan Bigley, Beyond the Bear: How I Learned to Live and Love Again After Being Blinded by a Bear")
Dan Bigley, Beyond the Bear: How I Learned to Live and Love Again After Being Blinded by a Bear
Biographical Statement
Before the bear, with a degree in natural history from Arizona’s Prescott College, I’d landed the most challenging and rewarding job I’d ever had, taking severely emotionally disturbed children on recreational outings for Alaska Children’s Services. After the bear, I got a master’s degree in social work from the University of Alaska-Anchorage. I’m now director of therapeutic foster care for Denali Family Services, the largest therapeutic foster-care provider in the state. My wife, Amber Takavitz Bigley, and our two young children, Alden and Acacia, live in Anchorage, Alaska.
Head Shot
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