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.
Research Institute 2
Session Description
Research Institute 2 contains the following research oral presentations and researchers:
1. "Understanding the role of Recreational Therapy in facilitating physical activity and health outcomes among school-aged youth with disabilities in New England."
Researchers: Patti Craig Ph.D., CTRS/L, FDRT, Mr. Matthew Frye M.S., CTRS/L, Scott McNamara Ph.D., CAPE, Megan Henly Ph.D., Jill Gravink, CTRS/L M.S.
2. "Drowning Prevention and Autism: Evaluating the Impact of Adapted vs. Standard Swim Lessons
Researchers: Lisa Mische Lawson PhD, CTRS, FDRT, LAUREN H FOSTER, OTD, OTR/L, Kayla C Hamner MOT, OTR/L, Caitlin Lisk, PhD, MSW, Mikayla Knabe, OTS
3. "Recreational Therapist Job Task Associations with Burnout"
Researchers: Ashley Helmi, CTRS University of Utah
Each oral presentation will last 15-20 minutes followed by a cumulative facilitated Q&A at the end of the session.
Learning Outcomes
Identify current research topics in recreational therapy related to youth, physical activity, and workplace well-being.
Describe findings from recent studies addressing inclusion, safety, and participation in school and community-based RT settings.
Explain how research informs recreational therapy practice, including collaboration, intervention planning, and workforce sustainability.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Child and Adolescent
Community
Higher Education
Management
Research
Schools
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals