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

MPH, CTRS, FDRT

Thea Kavanaugh, MPH, CTRS, CHES, FDRT, is a recreational therapist with over 20 years of experience in the field. While working full-time as a recreational therapist, Thea embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, starting as a sole proprietor by providing subcontracted services on the side. After gaining valuable experience for five years as a subcontractor, Thea established her own S Corporation, REAL Therapeutics, LLC (Restoring and Enhancing Active Lifestyles). Today, REAL Therapeutics, LLC has a contract with the New Mexico Department of Health’s Developmental Disabilities Supports Division. The company is also an approved Medicaid Provider for Socialization and Sexuality Education, a Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver Service. Additionally, REAL Therapeutics, LLC has been contracted to conduct RT assessments, planning and treatment services for an acute- and residential behavioral health care facility as well as contracted by a local community organization to develop and implement an inclusive adapted T-ball league. Through her entrepreneurial venture, Thea has combined her extensive recreational therapy expertise to successfully meet her community’s needs, on her own terms.

LPC, CTRS, SCL

Steve Wheeler has been a Recreational Therapist since 2012, receiving his degree from Central Michigan University. He has since worked in a variety of settings, including home and community, inpatient/partial psychiatric hospitals, physical medicine & rehabilitation, Michigan Department of Corrections Prison Facilities, and K-12 education settings. Steve holds his Professional Counselor and School Counselor Licenses in the state of Michigan. He is the owner of Grounded Therapy Network, LLC providing school consultation, community education, Recreation Therapy & Professional Counseling services.

CTRS/L

Lilli is a graduate from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in
Therapeutic Recreation and an emphasis in Psychology. Lilli is the Founder and
Executive Director of Together Just, INC. Together Just is the first Recreational Therapy
private practice in the state of Oklahoma and serves children, families, and young adults
with various mental health struggles. Lilli has advanced experience working with children and adults who have behavioral issues, mental illness diagnoses, and autism spectrum disorder. Lilli has work experience in many different settings, including Residential Behavioral Health Treatment, Acute Behavioral Health Treatment, and Community-Based Treatment. She served as a board member of the Oklahoma Recreational Therapy Association for 5 years and continues to serve as the Medicaid Waiver chair. Lilli is passionate about reforming mental health and is actively involved in advocating for mental health in Oklahoma. For her efforts in advocacy, she was recognized by the Oklahoma Recreational Therapy Association as the 2019 Young Professional of the Year, the Oklahoma State University Alumni spotlight, 2022 SMART Entrepreneur, and awarded 2021 Oklahoma 30 under 30.

MS, CTRS

Frances Molina is the founder and owner of Rec Therapy Now, LLC, a recreational therapy practice based in Fort Worth, Texas. With over 30 years of experience, Frances is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and holds a Master of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of North Texas. Her path began working in a psychiatric hospital with adolescents and adults. However, the high turnover and short stays left Frances seeking a field where she could build longer-term relationships with clients and witness their transformation. This experience prepared her well for recreational therapy, allowing her to work closely with individuals over time. Frances’ approach is defined by her ability to develop personalized goal-driven plans tailored to each client's unique needs. She excels at one-on-one engagement and adapting activities seamlessly to accommodate her clients. Frances is driven by observing the positive life changes that recreational therapy can inspire. Over the decades, Frances has honed her expertise in creating inclusive programs that boost independence, build confidence, and facilitate social connections. Established in 2006, Rec Therapy Now provides services to clients of all ages with developmental disabilities. Frances leads a team of 9 subcontractors, who share her passion for improving quality of life through engagement in meaningful leisure activities united by their commitment to empowering individuals through meaningful recreation. Key specialties include aquatic therapy and inclusive community programming. Core values of honesty, integrity, adaptability, trust, dependability, and compassion guide Frances’ work.

MS, MTRS, CTRS, PhD Candidate

Ashley Bowen is an instructor with the University of Utah Recreational Therapy program. She is also a PhD candidate in Recreational Therapy at Clemson University. Additionally, she is co-owner of Rec Therapy Solutions, offering recreational therapy consulting services in Utah. She has practiced as a recreational therapist for almost 20 years in many settings, including mental and behavioral health treatment and with older adults, with a majority of her career being spent working in community-based settings focused on adaptive sports and recreation programming with a variety of disability groups and ages. Ashley shares her love for recreation with her family and friends in the form of traveling, hiking, camping, playing soccer, and snowboarding.