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 4
Session Description
Research Institute 4 contains the following research oral presentations and researchers:
1. "Short and Long-Term Psychosocial Outcomes Associated with Recreational Therapy Programming for Military Veterans with Disabilities
Researchers: Brent L. Hawkins PhD, LRT, CTRS, FDRT, Jasmine Townsend PhD, CTRS, CARSS-II, FDRT, Yishi Wang PhD, Alaina Wilson, CTRS, Brienne Costa,CTRS, Justin Rujawitz, LAC
2. "Examining the Impact of Adaptive Sports and Recreation for Veterans"
Researchers: Ashley Bowen PhD, MTRS, CTRS, Dr. Jasmine Townsend PhD, CTRSS
3. "Exploring the Characteristics Contributing to the Impact of Adaptive Sports and Recreation Experiences for Veterans"
Researchers: Ashley Bowen PhD, MTRS, CTRS Clemson University / University of Utah Dr. Jasmine Townsend PhD, CTRS
Each oral presentation will last 15-20 minutes followed by a cumulative facilitated Q&A at the end of the session.
Learning Outcomes
1. Describe key design elements and characteristics of adaptive sports and recreation therapy programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
2. Differentiate between types of experiences—ordinary, memorable, meaningful, and transformative—and explain their relevance in recreational therapy settings.
3. Identify appropriate outcome measures and evaluation tools for assessing psychosocial and experiential impacts in recreational therapy programs for veterans.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Community
Higher Education
Military/Veterans
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine
Research
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals