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.
If You Build It, They Will Benefit: Advancing Recreational Therapy in Schools
Session Description
Recreational Therapy (RT) is a powerful yet under-recognized service that supports students with diverse physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs. This session explores the legislative foundations of RT in schools, highlights its role and benefits, and addresses systemic barriers limiting its visibility and implementation. The presentation showcases innovative teaching in higher education, including a university-led service-learning project that bridges academic training with real-world school practice. Attendees will review current research on school-based RT to advance evidence-based practice and examine emerging research on how school personnel’s perceptions can shape the future of RT in educational settings. A facilitated discussion will invite participants to share experiences, challenges, and innovations, fostering collaboration and peer learning. This session offers a comprehensive look at how RT can transform student outcomes and provides insight into future directions for RT in schools through practice, partnership, and advocacy.
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify at least two student outcomes associated with school-based RT from the
research provided in the session.
2. Name at least two strategies to overcome a systematic barrier that impacts the
implementation of RT in schools
3. Identify one strategy to advocate for school-based RT.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Higher Education
Research
Schools
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLd7SDuFkiOzuxIF-cuL0GMN3S3XQwjwON3NS4I86rYkKDZfg=s50-mo "Angela Wozencroft, Ph.D., CTRS, University of Tennessee, Knoxville")
Angela Wozencroft, Ph.D., CTRS, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Biographical Information
Dr. Angela J. Wozencroft is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies at the University of Tennessee. Her research focuses on professional issues in Therapeutic Recreation, organizational management and compassion fatigue of Therapeutic Recreation professionals, and the benefits and outcomes of two major service-learning programs offered in the Therapeutic Recreation concentration at the University of Tennessee.
Co-Presenter/panelists
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4cd5bcdfd832ac5ea437bd3b12508c95.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Ashley Hamilton, MS, CTRS, University of Tennessee at Knoxville")
Ashley Hamilton, MS, CTRS, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Biographical Information
Ashley Hamilton is a Lecturer/Director of Field Education and a doctoral student in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her research interests include organizational culture/behavior and professional identity in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy, team building, and outdoor recreation.
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/63919025e2735943f79d786c23d50555.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Alice Dupree, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville")
Alice Dupree, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Biographical Information
Alice Dupree is a doctoral student in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her primary research interest is in school-based recreational therapy with the hope of advancing and expanding RT in schools.