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.
ET in RT: Where Technological Wonder Meets Human Vulnerability
Session Description
What happens when ET's glowing finger meets the heart of recreational therapy? This thought-provoking general session explores the sweet spot where cutting-edge technology enhances rather than replaces the human connection at the core of our profession.
Drawing from both pop culture metaphors and real-world innovations (Khalid et. al, 2024), this session explores a balanced approach where technological capabilities amplify rather than replace the human-centered core of recreational therapy. Through compelling case uses and forward-looking analysis, attendees will examine current Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications while confronting essential questions about maintaining therapeutic authenticity in an automated world (Maggio et al., 2023; Radanliev et al., 2023).
But technology without wisdom is just expensive distraction. We'll tackle the thorny ethical questions head-on: How do we preserve privacy when everything is tracked? Who gets left behind in the digital divide? Can algorithm-driven therapy ever capture the spontaneous magic that happens in human connection?
This isn't just crystal ball gazing. This general session offers practitioners, educators, students, and researchers a roadmap for navigating a future where technology and therapeutic presence coexist in complementary rather than competitive ways. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how AI might reshape professional identity, practice standards, and educational preparation while ensuring that recreational therapy remains fundamentally human-centered in an increasingly technological world.
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify at least one specific AI application(s) currently being implemented in recreational therapy settings and explain their impact on assessment, intervention, and documentation processes.
2. Differentiate between three ethical considerations unique to AI implementation in recreational therapy using a provided ethical decision-making framework.
3. Develop a personal professional development plan that includes two specific action steps for integrating AI competencies into their recreational therapy practice or education within the next six months to a year.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
All
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLU1VNoC_n3EzwnVOePrzuGZkA_s2AfWvcimGZxWGYBvzCcKt9qRQ=s50 "Susan Purrington, Northern Arizona University")
Susan Purrington, Northern Arizona University
Biographical Information
Dr. Susan Purrington is a pioneer in the integration of artificial intelligence within recreational therapy education and practice. As an Associate Teaching Professor at Northern Arizona University, she developed and teaches "AI and the Future of Fun," the nation's first AI literacy course focused on leisure and recreation. Dr. Purrington's innovative work extends beyond the classroom through her creation of "RT Buddy," a free specialized Claude-powered chatbot serving recreational therapy professionals and students.
Her extensive presentation portfolio includes keynotes and workshops on AI applications in therapeutic recreation at national and international conferences. Dr. Purrington chairs the AI Community of Practice at Northern Arizona University and has completed multiple AI-focused professional development certifications, including EDUCAUSE Teaching with AI and ACUE AI Quick Study Series. She is currently researching student perspectives on custom GenAI chatbots for simulated experiences in recreational therapy education and professional attitudes toward AI adoption in recreation and leisure workplaces.