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

PhD, CTRS

Syd Sklar is a professor of Recreation Therapy at the University of St. Francis and currently serves as chair of the Recreation and Sport Management Department. He completed a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance at the University of Florida in 2005, and M.S. in Recreation Administration at Aurora University in 1997. His professional experience includes serving as a recreation therapist at Shands at Vista Mental Health Center and Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. Syd’s research includes outdoor adaptive sports, therapeutic recreation education, youth development, and therapeutic adventure. His publications include chapters in therapeutic recreation textbooks and articles in journals such as the Therapeutic Recreation Journal and the World Leisure Journal. His career includes service as an associate editor to the Therapeutic Recreation Journal, service to state and national associations, accreditation service, and he has presented at local, state, regional, national and international conferences. Syd is a certified Wilderness First Responder and has held continual certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist since 1998. Syd is also a guitarist and singer, and he enjoys providing therapeutic music sessions to older adults in senior living facilities.

EdD, CTRS

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 from Western Illinois University. She earned her Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning from Illinois State University.

Dr. Smith's curiosity extends beyond the classroom. Her research spans a wide range of topics, including universal design, specific facilitation techniques in recreational therapy, equity in higher education, quality internships, and the Cruise Line Industry. She has also published books, chapters, and articles and frequently presents at conferences at the state and national level.

Smith is a longtime Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (1995) and a member of Rho Phi Lambda. Her active involvement in professional organizations is a testament to her influence and leadership, as she serves on the Illinois Recreational Therapy Association (ILRTA) board and co-chairs committees for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). She is passionate about supporting and mentoring students and has co-coordinated several conferences, including the Great Lakes Recreation Therapy Student Conference. She is a lifelong learner, loves taking cruises with her family, and volunteers for Healing Rides, an adaptive bicycle program in her community.