From Practice to Influence: Sustainable Leadership and Advocacy in Recreational Therapy

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

Recreational Therapists already demonstrate leadership through clinical practice, management and system-level thinking. Yet many struggle to leverage these skills strategically or sustainably within their organizations and the broader field. This session explores how RTs can transform existing clinical skills and values into effective leadership and advocacy without burning out, integrating real-world advocacy and national public policy examples to illuminate leadership in action. This session is designed for experienced clinicians, supervisors, and managers seeking to lead with intention and sustainability and will include interactive self-reflection opportunities to apply to your practice.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe how core recreational therapy skills connect to transformational and organizational leadership behaviors that drive advocacy and organizational change. 2. Analyze burnout as it relates to advocacy, and apply at least one strategy to sustain leadership effectiveness. 3. Identify 2 personal opportunities for leadership and advocacy for the future.

Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply

Target Audience

Primary Presenter

Brittany Oom, American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)

Biographical Information

Brittany Oom is a recreational therapist with 13 years of experience in community and pediatric settings, with a passion for aquatic therapy. Her work has increasingly focused on education, leadership, and professional development to support the sustainability and growth of the field. She has contributed to national education and professional development initiatives through her work with ATRA. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and is based in Grand Rapids, MI.

Co-Presenter/Panelists

Dr. Dawn DeVries, American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)

Credentials

DHA, CTRS, FDRT

Biographical Information

Dr. Dawn DeVries serves as ATRA's Advocacy and Legislative Affairs Director, where she serves as eyes and actions on federal advocacy and public policy for the organization. In addition, she is a Professor and Program Director of Recreational Therapy at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI.

ATRA SoCal : 2026 Session Description

October 17–19, 2026

The Embassy Suites, Brea, California

2026 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions