PhD, LRT/CTRS

Jo Ann was the Leisure Services coordinator for about 15 years at a large comprehensive agency serving persons with developmental disabilities in Illinois. More than 20 years ago she made a career change. She traveled to Utah to get her PhD and begin a teaching career at the college level. During the time in Utah, she worked as a recreation therapist at an inpatient psychiatric hospital and a residential facility for youth. She maintains her license in Utah and North Carolina as well as remains a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She has been at Winston-Salem State University since 2007. Her current role is Chair of the Therapeutic Recreation Department as well as Clinical Coordinator. She serves on the Board for Solutions for Independence, a Center for Independent Living, an editor for the Therapeutic Recreation Journal, and as an advocate for her students beyond graduation. Areas of research interest include people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, persons on the Autism Spectrum, best practices for fieldwork and experiential learning, Interprofessional Practice and Education, sports, outdoor recreation/adventure, and other various modalities for Behavioral Health interventions.