2024 ATRA Annual Conference - Together We Thrive, Together We Rise

MPA, CTRS

This session highlights the study abroad programs and research efforts of the esteemed teams at Temple University, Central Michigan University, and Clemson University.

Guided by Nikki Abbott, a PhD student at Clemson University, whose research focuses on the crucial intersection of recreational therapy, nature, and social determinants of health. Nikki holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Public Administration from Grand Canyon University.

Drawing from professional experiences in neurorehabilitation, psychology, and community inclusion programming, Nikki currently serves as a graduate research assistant for Dr. Čedomir Stanojević. In support of Dr. Stanojević's investigations into cross-cultural experiences in disability and international research, Nikki aims to advance understanding of how cultural contexts shape perceptions and experiences of disability, fostering greater inclusivity and accessibility worldwide.

PhD

Bryan McCormick is a professor in the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in the College of Public Health at Temple University and a Principal Investigator with the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion. Dr. McCormick is a past president of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association and is a fellow in the Academy of Leisure Sciences and the National Academy of Recreational Therapists. He is the author or co-author of over 90 peer-reviewed publications, 5 books and 22 book chapters. He has led RT student study abroad programs in the UK, Finland and Serbia. He is a two-time recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship to conduct research and provide lectures on psychiatric services in Serbia (2010) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2017). Dr. McCormick has provided trainings in the US and internationally on the use of recreation as a form of psychosocial intervention in psychiatric rehabilitation. His teaching focuses on recreational therapy in psychiatric rehabilitation, and intervention research methods. 

PhD, CTRS

Shay Dawson is an Associate Professor of Disability Studies & Community Inclusion as well as Recreational Therapy and Rehabilitation at Central Michigan University. Dr. Dawson received his PhD from Indiana University’s School of Public Health-Bloomington. His research interests focus on the development of evidence-based psychosocial support programs for clients impacted by disability and chronic illness. Shay offers a faculty led study abroad trip each summer focused on disability in Southeast Europe and also leads a Disability and Medicine Seminar Series in the College of Medicine at Central Michigan University. Dr. Dawson is the former Director of Bradford Woods, Indiana University’s 2,500 acre universally designed outdoor center offering pediatric medical specialty camps through Riley Hospital for Children as well as therapeutic programs focused on veterans, families, and equine-assisted activities. Leadership roles include the former Board Chair for NCTRC, Recreational Therapy Undergraduate Academic Coordinator at Central Michigan University and Indiana University, Supervisor for the Therapeutic Services Behavioral Health Department at Bethesda Hospital, and as an Associate Editor for both the American Journal of Recreation Therapy and the Therapeutic Recreation Journal. Shay has co-authored the 9th edition of the textbook Therapeutic Recreation Processes and Techniques: Evidence Based Recreational Therapy. Dr. Dawson has received the Michigan Association of State Universities Distinguished Professor of the Year Award, David Austin Member of the Year Award from the Recreation Therapists of Indiana chapter, as well as the Unsung Hero Award and two adjunct teacher of the year awards from Indiana University’s School of Public Health.

PhD, CTRS

My ongoing research centers on interventions aimed at elevating the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, specifically exploring the impact of emerging technologies on health outcomes for this population. The core methodologies driving my investigations involve the amalgamation of behavioral observations and physiological recordings while identifying sampling strategies to collect relevant information from the participants. I utilize ecological momentary assessment (EMA) philosophy as the guide in research design and tend to collect participant interaction data in real-time while characterizing variations in behaviors within a participant over time. This approach minimizes susceptibility to biases associated with traditional observational methods, enhancing the sensitivity and reliability of findings. My interdisciplinary approach to research relies on collaboration with a diverse team of subject matter experts. Research contributions of such collaborative effort revolve around advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Digital Health (DH) systems, with a specific emphasis on their potential in healthcare delivery and care management. These systems, comprising a fusion of technologies, AI, and physiological biomarkers, hold promise in supporting individuals with various health conditions. Within the broader DH spectrum, my focus extends to Digital Therapeutics (DTx), which represents a more targeted set of technology-enabled interventions designed to yield measurable therapeutic effects.

MA

Krista Schline is currently a student in Temple University’s MSRT program, expected to graduate with her MS in Recreational Therapy in May 2024. She has an MA in Human Services Counseling with a specialization in Public Health and Wellness from Liberty University. Krista is a graduate research assistant for Dr. Bryan McCormick. As his research assistant, Krista supports Dr. McCormick in his research surrounding the potential long-term effects of study abroad in healthcare professions. Krista recently received the KCP Endowed Scholarship from Temple University due to her assistance in Dr. McCormick's valuable research efforts.