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ATRA San Antonio : 2025 Session Descriptions

October 18–20, 2025

The Menger Hotel, San Antonio, TX

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 has approved all sessions for CEUs.

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.

 

The Current and Future State of Recreational Therapy Education

Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 8:00 AM–9:30 AM CDT
Ballroom ABC
Session Description

Education is the starting point of all recreational therapists; therefore, strong academic programs are critical to the success of the profession. Over the years, RT programs, faculty, and students have experienced a variety of successes and challenges, pushed through with perseverance, and evolved over time. This session will address the current state and future of RT education.

Learning Outcomes

Identify 2 or more major events impacting higher education in RT
Discuss 3 or more trending topics in higher education in RT
Identify 1 way they can help support RT students and academic programs.

Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply

Higher Education

Target Audience
Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Primary Presenter

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Brent L. Hawkins, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Biographical Information

Brent Hawkins, PhD, LRT, CTRS, FDRT is a Professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and serves as the Coordinator of the Recreation Therapy Degree Program. Brent serves as the Chair of the ATRA Higher Education Committee.

Co-Presenter/Panelists

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Kirstin L Whitely, Longwood University and American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
Biographical Information

Kirstin Whitely, DHA, CTRS is an Associate Professor at Longwood University in the Therapeutic Recreation Program and Coordinator of the Therapeutic Activities Minor. Kirstin serves as a Member of the ATRA Higher Education Committee.

[photo]
Susan Purrington, University of Norther Arizona
Biographical Information

Susan Purrington, PhD, CTRS is an Associate Teaching Professor at Northern Arizona University and Program Coordinator for the Graduate Certificate in Recreational Therapy. Susan serves as a Member of the ATRA Higher Education Committee.

[photo]
Erik Luvaas, University of Idaho
Biographical Information

Erik Luvaas, PhD, CTRS is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Movement Sciences and Director of Interdisciplinary Training at the Center on Disabilities and Human Development at University of Idaho. Erik serves as a Member of the ATRA Higher Education Committee.

[photo]
Gena Bell Vargas, Temple University
Biographical Information

Gena Bell Vargas, PhD, CTRS is an Associate Professor of Instruction at Temple University and serves as the Graduate Program Director for their online Master of Science in Recreational Therapy. Gena serves as a Member of the ATRA Higher Education Committee.

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