2025 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions
October 18–20, 2025 | San Antonio, TX
The following is the Session Descriptions for the 2025 ATRA Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX. All sessions, times, and presenter information have been confirmed, though final adjustments may occur due to unforeseen circumstances onsite.
For a visual Calendar view, please visit: Schedule at a Glance
For information on our Bonus Day at Morgan's Sports on Friday October 17th, please visit: ATRA San Antonio Bonus Day: Morgan's Sports
Continuing Education (CEUs):
NCTRC approval is currently pending. Please check back for updates prior to the conference.
Note: Poster presentations may be eligible for CEUs in 2025. Final determinations will be reflected once CEU approvals are finalized.
For questions related to specialty certification areas, please refer to the PDF version of the program for designation icons and CEU-eligible sessions.
Code of Conduct:
All attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and guests are expected to uphold the ATRA Conference Code of Conduct.
To review the Code, view it here.
Note on Non-ATRA Activities:
Please note that any events or activities not listed in the official ATRA San Antonio program are independently organized and not affiliated or sponsored by ATRA. ATRA is not responsible for independently coordinated events, meetups or activities not articulated in this program. Individuals interested in non-ATRA sponsored activities should contact their respective organizations directly for details.
Cultural Awareness in Recreational Therapy: Identifying Mental Health and Suicide Risk Across Ethnic Groups
Session Description
This presentation will focus on the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and suicide risk among diverse ethnic groups within the context of recreational therapy. Mental health challenges and suicide ideation can manifest differently depending on cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and recreational therapists play a vital role in identifying these concerns early. By integrating cultural awareness and competency into therapeutic practices, recreational therapists can better understand the unique needs and expressions of distress within various communities. The session will explore culturally specific signs of mental health struggles, provide strategies for early identification, and offer practical approaches for therapists to support clients, colleagues, interns, etc. from all backgrounds. The goal is to enhance the cultural sensitivity of recreational therapy interventions, promote early intervention, and reduce suicide risks within ethnically diverse populations.
Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will enhance their cultural competency in recreational therapy by gaining the knowledge and skills to recognize mental health issues and suicide risk in diverse populations. This session will equip recreational therapists to identify at least three culturally specific signs and symptoms associated with mental health challenges and suicide risk across various ethnic groups. By applying this knowledge in case-based discussions, participants will strengthen their ability to deliver culturally responsive care in therapeutic settings.
2. Participants will improve their ability to identify and intervene early in cases of mental health distress and suicidal ideation. This session will equip recreational therapists with practical strategies and tools to recognize at least three early indicators of psychological distress and suicide risk in clients from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. By the end of the session, participants will be able to accurately identify these warning signs in case-based scenarios and outline appropriate, culturally responsive intervention steps to support early and effective care.
3. Participants will learn to promote inclusive therapeutic practices by developing and demonstrating culturally sensitive recreational therapy interventions and communication strategies. By the end of the session, participants will be able to design at least two intervention plans that address the unique cultural needs of clients from diverse ethnic backgrounds. They will also practice and evaluate at least two communication techniques that support client engagement and therapeutic alliance. Through interactive activities and case-based discussions, participants will demonstrate an understanding of how these inclusive practices can improve client participation and mental health outcomes.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Community
Higher Education
Management
Older Adults
Research
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/dd6cc699b129d11509bed28243cad3ac.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Brittany Mays, Langston University")
Brittany Mays, Langston University
Biographical Information
Dr. Brittany Mays is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at Langston University in Oklahoma. Brittany is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and currently works as a CTRS at a Psychiatric Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She earned her B.S. in Kinesiology at the University of Central Oklahoma, her MS in Leisure Studies and PhD in Health and Human Performance at Oklahoma State University.
Co-Presenter/panelists
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1c96ee771e3d2e238bcff35723b68332.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Shelby Sharpe, Texas State University - San Marcos")
Shelby Sharpe, Texas State University - San Marcos
Biographical Information
Shelby Sharpe is currently faculty at Texas State University teaching recreational therapy courses and coordinating internships for undergraduate RT students. She obtained her Ph.D. At Oklahoma State University, has her master's in public administration from Northeastern University, and earned her bachelor's in recreational therapy at Texas State. Shelby has been a recreational therapist for 12 year. Her primary experience has been in the community, acute behavioral/mental health, and military settings. Shelby is a young research focusing on special populations and community connection, with a specific interest in military service members. Her passion for research, teach, and the field drives her to support advancement in RT professionals and programs in all settings and populations. Shelby is excited to share her knowledge and assist in facilitating growth within the profession.