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 5
Session Description
Research Institute 5 contains the following research oral presentations and researchers:
1. "Promoting health, improving resiliency, and living in recovery for adaptive sport athletes: A qualitative analysis using a participatory action research design"
Researchers: Dr. Kaitlin Mueller Ph.D., LRT., Dr. Allie Thomas Ph.D., CTRS, Dr. Derek Whaley Ph.D, CTRS
2. "Few Shot Learning – Novel Machine Learning Approach to Support Recreational Therapy Process"
Researchers: Čedomir Stanojević PhD, CTRS, Nikki Abbott MPA, CTRS, Casey Bennett PhD
3. "Exploration of Shared Leisure of the Neurological Care Dyad: Perspectives From The Care Recipient"
Researchers: Melissa L Zahl PhD, MTRS, CTRS, FDRT, Hannah Dellenbach TRS, 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 emerging research and innovations in adaptive sports, digital health, and shared leisure that support holistic, inclusive, and person-centered recreational therapy practices.
2. Identify key findings, methodologies, and implications from recent studies related to adaptive sports engagement, socially assistive technology, and shared leisure experiences.
3. Explore future directions and practice recommendations for applying research-informed interventions across diverse populations in recreational therapy.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Behavioral Health
Research
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals