The following is the FINAL program and schedule for the 2024 ATRA Annual Conference in Kansas City, MO. Presentations, times and other details have been finalized but may change onsite due to unforeseeable circumstances.
Regarding CEUs, NCTRC has pre-approved all educational sessions. Poster presentations are not eligible for CEUs. For specialty certification designation, please check the pdf version of the program.
Please note that all attendees, exhibitors, and guests are expected to follow the ATRA Conference Code of Conduct. To review this, please visit https://www.pathlms.com/atra/courses/63978/documents/98441
AI-Powered Policy Development for Standards of Practice
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a98916e8f9cd7c810f73f71f06088c70.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Heather Bright, PhD, CTRS, Slippery Rock University")
Heather Bright, PhD, CTRS, Slippery Rock University
Credentials
PhD, CTRS
Biographical Information
Heather Bright is an Assistant Professor at Slippery Rock University (SRU) in the Recreational Therapy department. Heather has an undergraduate degree from SRU in Therapeutic Recreation, a Masters from East Carolina University in Recreational Therapy Administration, and a doctorate from Clemson University. Work experience includes, physical rehabilitation (brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, chronic pain, etc.), long-term care, PACE programs (programs for all-inclusive care for the elderly), and an accessible camp for children and adults with disability and chronic illness. Heather became chair of the ATRA Standards of Practice committee in 2018, after joining the committee in 2014.
Co-Presenter/panelists
![[photo]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLU1VNoC_n3EzwnVOePrzuGZkA_s2AfWvcimGZxWGYBvzCcKt9qRQ=s50 "Susan Purrington, Northern Arizona University")
Susan Purrington, Northern Arizona University
Credentials
PhD, CTRS
Biographical Information
Susan Purrington, Ph.D., CTRS is an innovative educator and researcher in the field of therapeutic recreation. She currently serves as an Associate Teaching Professor at Northern Arizona University and owns two businesses - SuPurr Innovations, LLC and Take Your Time, LLC. Her research interests include generative AI, inclusive customer experiences, professional preparedness, fieldwork, and wearable technology in therapeutic recreation.
Purrington has an extensive background in higher education, having previously held faculty positions at SUNY Cortland, Douglas College, and Indiana University. She has taught a wide range of courses related to recreation, leisure studies, and therapeutic recreation interventions and assessments. Her commitment to teaching excellence is evident through her continual professional development presenting and publishing in the field.
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cef9d88136c523628d4da61e9f80c8d2.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Dr. MaryJo Archambault, EdD; CTRS, Southern Connecticut State University")
Dr. MaryJo Archambault, EdD; CTRS, Southern Connecticut State University
Credentials
EdD, CTRS
Biographical Information
MaryJo Archambault is an associate professor at Southern Connecticut State University. She is both the undergraduate and graduate coordinator for the recreational therapy programs. She has been an active member of the ATRA Standards of Practice Committee for over three years and is currently the co-chair of the committee.. MaryJo has practiced recreation therapy in the field for over 25 years. Her experiences range from Skilled Nursing, Psychiatric/Behavioral Health, Physical Rehabilitations Hospitals, and Community Programming