Passer au contenu principal
logo

ATRA San Antonio : 2025 Session Descriptions

du 18 au 20 October 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 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.

 

Reviving State Affiliations in Recreational Therapy: The ASTRA Blueprint for Rebuilding

samedi 18 octobre 2025 à 11:00–12:00 CDT
Minuet
Session Description

Presentation Focus:
Future of the Profession, Future of Advocacy, Future of Education, Organizational Leadership

Across the country, many recreational therapy professionals are feeling the effects of systemic transitions—closures of academic programs, legislative setbacks, and declining participation in state associations. This session shares the journey of the Arizona State Therapeutic Recreation Association (ASTRA), which faced potential dissolution but was brought back to life by a passionate, grassroots group of RTs.

Featuring a short video documentary, followed by a storytelling panel, this session will explore how ASTRA was rebuilt through intentional leadership, member-centered redesign, and a renewed commitment to inclusivity. Led by Beth Dietrich and a team of dedicated professionals, this effort illustrates how change is possible when advocacy meets collaboration.

Participants will walk away with an understanding of what it takes to reimagine a professional organization under pressure—and why the future of the field may depend on these localized ecosystems of support.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

Explain the systemic factors affecting state RT associations and their professional ecosystems.

Identify replicable strategies used by ASTRA to rebuild organizational infrastructure and membership engagement.

Engage in collaborative design thinking to create a plan for local, regional, or state-level RT advocacy and sustainability.

Reflect on their own role in professional stewardship and how to activate leadership at any career stage.

Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply

All

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

Primary Presenter

[photo]
Christina J Coleman, PhD, CTRS, Arizona State University
Biographical Information

Christina Coleman, PhD, CTRS
Co-Director of Public Relations and Communications, ASTRA
Dr. Christina Coleman is an Assistant Research Professor at Arizona State University whose work focuses on leisure, built environment accessibility, and disability well-being. As ASTRA’s Co-Director of Public Relations and Communications, she brings expertise in strategic messaging, community engagement, and advocacy for inclusive RT practice.

Co-Presenter/panelists

[photo]
Dr. Kelly Ramella, Arizona State University (ASU)
Biographical Information

Dr. Kelly Ramella is a Clinical Professor and Program Lead in Recreational Therapy at Arizona State University, serving at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. She is dedicated to developing innovative curricula and advancing interprofessional education to prepare students for impactful community health and therapeutic recreation careers.
Committed to community engagement, Kelly fosters partnerships that expand services and promote inclusive, healthy communities. She is actively involved with the Arizona Therapeutic Recreation Association (ASTRA) and is the Co-Director of Public Relations and Communications for ASTRA. Strengthening connections among students and professionals and advocating for mentorship and national collaboration.
A passionate educator and leader, Kelly’s work inspires students and advances the field of recreational therapy through community-driven initiatives and professional development.

[photo]
Dr. Beth Anne Dietrich, Ed.D, Phoenix VA Medical System
Biographical Information

Dr. Beth Dietrich, CTRS, is the Recreation Therapy Section Chief at the Phoenix VA, where she has worked for 16 years and has led the section for the past 3 years. She is also a faculty associate at Arizona State University, teaching in the Recreation Therapy Department for over 20 years.
With over 25 years as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Beth brings extensive clinical, organizational, and leadership expertise. She has served as ASTRA President three times and is currently the Board Chair. Her dedication and institutional knowledge were key in rebuilding ASTRA in 2024, ensuring the organization's inclusive, historically grounded, and future-focused recovery.

[photo]
Suzanne Stratton, MSHCA, Phoenix VA Health Care System
Biographical Information

Suzanne Stratton is a seasoned recreational therapy professional whose early engagement in ASTRA shaped her leadership path. From conference planning to serving on the NCTRC board and ATRA host committees, her career reflects a legacy of professional mentorship, networking, and community building. Suzanne brings a historical perspective to ASTRA's development and a commitment to empowering future leaders to her new role as professional development director of ASTRA

[photo]
Delinda Carr, Honor Health
Biographical Information

Delinda Carr is a long-standing RT practitioner known for her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy across Arizona. Her contributions to ASTRA have helped guide its philosophy of sustainable growth, integrity, and consistent communication. Delinda champions mentorship and encourages inclusive leadership models for both students and professionals at all stages of their careers.

[photo]
Leanne Murrillo, Ability 360
Biographical Information

Leanne Murrillo is the Program Coordinator at Ability 360 in Phoenix, Arizona, specializing in socialization through recreation. She has been dedicated to therapeutic recreation since 2000 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from Arizona State University.
In addition to her role at Ability 360, Leanne is a student mentor to practicum students and internship supervisor, supporting the next generation of recreation therapists. She has extensive experience in the field and has served on the ASTRA board as Treasurer for several years. She has recently returned to her role as Treasurer and is also serving as the organization's Secretary, continuing her commitment to advancing recreation therapy and professional collaboration.

Chargement en cours …