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 has approved all sessions for CEUs.
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.
The Future in Focus: A 20-Year Hybrid Analysis of Recreational Therapy Research and Practice
Session Description
Recreational Therapy (RT) scholarship has expanded in clinical, community, and wellness sectors over the last twenty years; however, research inadequately informs professional development and practice. A hybrid bibliometric and content analysis of RT research from 2005 to 2025 was performed to investigate longitudinal trends, theoretical frameworks, and evidence-based practices in the discipline. This analysis employs more than 24,000 publications from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed to integrate quantitative bibliometric mapping (publication trends, keywords, collaborations) with qualitative content coding (populations, settings, interventions, outcomes, and theories). Preliminary findings indicate that research on community-based, lifespan, and inclusive leisure is underrepresented, whereas digital health, adaptive sport, and mindfulness are gaining prominence. The session subsequently analyzes the initial results of a national RT practitioner survey, which investigates how professionals acquire, interpret, and implement research in practical contexts. This data offers an extensive overview of the evidence landscape and methods to enhance research, practice, and education. Participants will explore future trends in RT, identify neglected populations and contexts, and deliberate on how professional advocacy and collaborative research can foster a more cohesive, evidence-based profession.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Explain the primary trends, gaps, and theoretical advancements identified in 20 years of recreational therapy research through a hybrid bibliometric–content analysis methodology.
2. Analyze the extent to which research patterns correspond to or deviate from the current evidence-informed practices and practitioner experiences in RT settings.
3. Utilize insights from research and practitioner perspectives to develop strategies for enhancing research-to-practice connections in professional RT contexts.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
All
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://8ca84662c5b8f0cff50d-4baaaf97d63fd7b01243e1b1c57f0cc1.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/3074/profile_d282687757c7039082e54d9189238317.png "Christina J Coleman, PhD, CTRS, Dr. Christina J. Coleman is an Assistant Research Professor and Postdoctoral Fellow at Arizona State University, specializing in leisure across the lifespan, inclusive recreational therapy practices, and arts-based inquiry. With over 15 years of experienc")
Christina J Coleman, PhD, CTRS, Dr. Christina J. Coleman is an Assistant Research Professor and Postdoctoral Fellow at Arizona State University, specializing in leisure across the lifespan, inclusive recreational therapy practices, and arts-based inquiry. With over 15 years of experienc
Biographical Information
Co-Presenter/panelists
![[photo]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKa61uY0jNq9nCRzeLizvEF58EcVSXnPs8jDNr8UsSzxsYKs0yi=s50 "Alicia Pola, Regis College")
Alicia Pola, Regis College
Biographical Information
Dr. Alicia Pola is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Community Resources and Development at Arizona State University. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) for nine years and an educator in higher education for seven, she brings a strong commitment to advancing recreation therapy through teaching, scholarship, and community engagement. Dr. Pola is passionate about creating learning spaces where students explore the value and impact of recreation therapy services while critically engaging with issues of equity and social justice. Her teaching emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices that center leisure, play, recreation, and health as vital components of well-being. Her professional pursuits focus on amplifying voices within the field, fostering dialogue, and promoting equitable models of service delivery. By bridging theory and practice, Dr. Pola aims to prepare future practitioners to meet diverse community needs and contribute to a more just and accessible approach to health and recreation.
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/41b04f0d2ba3074f7f902e363abb3863.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Ashley Bowen, MS, MTRS, CTRS, Clemson University")
Ashley Bowen, MS, MTRS, CTRS, Clemson University
Biographical Information
Ashley Bowen, PhD, MTRS, CTRS is an Assistant Professor with the University of Utah Recreational Therapy program. She is also co-owner of Rec Therapy Solutions, offering recreational therapy consulting services in Utah. She recently received her PhD from Clemson University and she has practiced as a recreational therapist for almost 20 years in many settings, including mental and behavioral health treatment and with older adults, with a majority of her career being spent working in community-based settings focused on adaptive sports and recreation programming with a variety of disability groups and ages. Ashley shares her love for recreation with her family and friends in the form of traveling, hiking, camping, playing soccer, and snowboarding.