Evidence in Action: How Recreational Therapy Professionals Use Research, Theory, and Practice Knowledge

2026 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions

October 17–19, 2026 | Brea, CA

The following session descriptions represent the planned educational program for the 2026 ATRA Annual Conference in Brea, CA. While every effort has been made to provide accurate information, session content, presenters, schedules, and locations remain subject to change.

For a visual Calendar view, please visit: Schedule at a Glance

Continuing Education (CEUs):
NCTRC pre-approval is pending for all sessions for CEUs.

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 SoCal 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.

Session Description

As the emphasis on evidence-based and evidence-informed practice continues to grow, understanding how Recreational Therapy (RT) professionals engage with research in real-world settings is critical. This interactive session presents findings from a national survey of RT practitioners examining how professionals access, interpret, and apply research evidence, theoretical frameworks, and professional experience in practice. In addition to presenting findings, this session actively engages participants through live polling and structured reflection to capture real-time practitioner perspectives. These interactive components are designed to validate, extend, and contextualize survey findings, contributing to ongoing research refinement and future dissemination. Attendees will not only gain insight into national trends in evidence use, but will also contribute to a broader understanding of how knowledge is applied in practice. This session is part of a complementary set of presentations examining the RT evidence ecosystem, linking research production, dissemination, and utilization across the profession.

Learning Outcomes

Analyze how Recreational Therapy practitioners use research, theory, and experiential knowledge in real-world practice, based on national survey findings Identify key barriers and contextual factors that influence the integration of evidence-informed practice across RT settings Apply strategies to strengthen the translation and use of research evidence within their own professional practice

Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply

Target Audience

Primary Presenter

Christina J Coleman, PhD, CTRS, Arizona State University | University of Wisconsin- La Crosse

Biographical Information

Christina J. Coleman, PhD, CTRS, is an Assistant Professor in Recreation Management and Recreational Therapy at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. Her research focuses on recreational therapy, inclusive leisure, and community-based well-being for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. Dr. Coleman’s work integrates large-scale data analysis, evidence-informed practice, and knowledge translation to strengthen the connection between research and practice in recreational therapy. She collaborates across academic, clinical, and community settings to advance equitable and accessible health and wellness initiatives.

ATRA SoCal : 2026 Session Description

October 17–19, 2026

The Embassy Suites, Brea, California

2026 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions