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

MS, CTRS, RRT

Rita Penniman, MS, CTRS/RRT is the Manager of Therapeutic Recreation at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital and co-director of the MedStar NRH Adaptive Sports & Fitness Program in Washington, DC. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Recreational Therapy from Clemson University. Rita has worked as a recreational therapist in a variety of settings, with an emphasis on community-based adaptive sports programs and inpatient physical rehabilitation, most specifically with spinal cord injuries and physical disabilities. She has presented on recreational therapy and adaptive sports at the Annual ASIA Scientific Meeting, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference, the SCI Model Systems Therapy Leadership Forum, and the Move United Education Conference. Her background advocating for a sibling with a physical disability and experiencing the benefit of adaptive sports has prompted a lifelong passion for facilitating inclusive sports and recreation programs, and serving as an ally to the disability community.

MS, CTRS/RRT

Elizabeth Parker, MS, CTRS/RRT is a Recreation Therapist at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital's National Center for Children's Rehabilitation in Washington, D.C. Elizabeth has a Bachelor of Science from Bridgewater College in Family Studies and Human Development with concentrations in Family Life Education and Child Development and a Master of Science in Recreational Therapy Administration from East Carolina University. She has many years of experience working with both adults and children with complex medical conditions and physical and cognitive disabilities in clinical settings and within the community. As a part of her role at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, she is the manager for their competitive youth Sled Hockey team within the community Adaptive Sports Program. Elizabeth has obtained additional training in a multitude of areas including aquatic therapy, the therapeutic use of horticulture and multiple adaptive sports. As a second generation Pediatric Recreation Therapist, she is passionate about providing evidence-based practice and collaborating with other disciplines to be a well-informed and well-rounded clinician.