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ATRA SoCal : 2026 Session Description
October 17–19, 2026
The Embassy Suites, Brea, California
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.
From Theory to Practice: Applying PERMA in Recreational Therapy
Session Description
The PERMA model is a foundational framework in positive psychology that identifies five key elements of well-being. This session will provide an overview of the PERMA model and explore practical, evidence-informed strategies for integrating its principles into recreational therapy practice across diverse populations. Attendees will gain actionable tools to enhance client outcomes and support overall well-being through purposeful, strengths-based interventions.
Learning Outcomes
1) Explain the 5 elements of the PERMA model 2) Identify how each element can show up during Recreational Therapy sessions 3) Design at least 1 PERMA informed intervention for your patient population
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
All
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKuhAt-JjlYC_nFtVJbK6YnXrWGa2uJ2A5qe2zW0Kmf9FTIeezc=s50 "Jenny Zumwalde, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System")
Jenny Zumwalde, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
Biographical Information
Jenny Zumwalde in a Recreational Therapist for the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System and has been practicing in the field since 2011. She has worked in inpatient mental health facilities, skilled nursing, partial hospitalization program for Active Duty Service Members, and currently works at a residential treatment program for veterans with substance use disorders and PTSD. She completed her bachelor's degree in 2011 from East Carolina University and her master’s degree from Clemson University in 2020. She has presented at NCTRA Conference, SRTA Conference, and ATRA Annual Conference and has published her master’s research project titled “Mental Health Stigma in Active Duty Service Members” in Military Medicine in 2023. Her own hobbies include running, weightlifting, being involved with her kids sports, and going on adventures with her family.