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.
"Breaking Barriers: Advancing Group Programming in Recreational Therapy with Evidence-Based Strategies"
Session Description
Recreational therapists frequently face both perceived and actual barriers when delivering effective group programming. This session will explore practical strategies to minimize these barriers and improve patient outcomes using evidence-based tools and resources. Attendees will examine how group interventions can support falls prevention, promote neuroplasticity, and reduce behaviors, social isolation, and loneliness.
An in-depth example will be shared of a community-based recreational therapy program developed for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. While this example focuses on older adults, the session will emphasize best practices that are adaptable across various settings and populations. Participants will leave with the knowledge and confidence to develop new group programs or enhance existing ones, ultimately advancing patient-centered care through recreational therapy.
Learning Outcomes
Identify perceived and actual barriers to implementing group programming in recreational therapy across various settings.
Explain the therapeutic benefits of group-based interventions targeting falls prevention, neuroplasticity, behavioral symptoms, social isolation, and loneliness.
Design or enhance a recreational therapy group program using evidence-based practices, with adaptable applications for diverse populations, including individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Behavioral Health
Business/Private Practice
Community
Older Adults
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1d4e4fb3bc3e0c06a74b53997db7acd1.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Laura Kelly, Empower Recreational Therapy, LLC")
Laura Kelly, Empower Recreational Therapy, LLC
Biographical Information
Laura Kelly is the Owner of Empower Recreational Therapy, LLC with 15 years of experience providing recreational therapy services in diverse healthcare settings, including private practice, long-term care, sub-acute rehab, behavioral health, and the senior living industry. She also taught recreational therapy courses as an Adjunct Instructor for 5 years at Georgia Southern University. Throughout her career, she has served on professional state and national boards. She founded Empower RT in 2020 to improve the accessibility of recreational therapy services to older adults throughout the North Atlanta community.