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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 is the Session Descriptions for the 2026 ATRA Annual Conference in Brea, CA. 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 On Demand Conference offerings, please visit: ATRA SoCal On Demand

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

Once the program is pre-approved; 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 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.

“Will This Help Group Help Me Get Discharged?” Group Dynamics for New Recreation Therapists Interested in Working in Acute / Chronic Inpatient Behavioral Health Settings.

Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11:45 AM–12:45 PM PDT
Laurel
Session Description

This session was designed for emerging and seasoned professionals transitioning into mental health. Participants will be provided a comprehensive overview of behavioral health programming within an acute hospital and partial hospitalization setting. Attendees will explore evidence-based group dynamics, innovative intervention strategies, and the unique role of a sole Recreation Therapist within a multidisciplinary Expressive Therapy team. NCTRC Job Analysis areas include: Planning, Implementation, Evaluation/Documentation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the session, participants will be able to identify at least three ways to manage acute symptoms/behaviors during group. Upon completion of the session, identify at least three ways that the participant can assist patients’ with building intrinsic motivation to engage in recreation therapy groups. Upon completion of the session, participants will be able to identify at least three structured task alternatives for patients to engage in during group.

Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Behavioral Health
Child and Adolescent
Military/Veterans
Older Adults
Target Audience
Students
New Graduates/New Professionals

Primary Presenter

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Felicia T. Zeigler, Adventist Healthcare - Shady Grove Medical Center: Behavioral Health
Biographical Information

Felicia Zeigler is an accomplished Recreation Therapist with 21 years of experience providing comprehensive care in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings across the lifespan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy with a minor in Drugs and Alcohol Studies from East Carolina University, as well as a Master of Science in Health Education and Promotion from Purdue University Global. Throughout her career, Felicia has specialized in diverse clinical settings, including inpatient physical rehabilitation in North Carolina, dual-diagnosis mental health in New York City and Maryland, and outpatient mental health for Veterans in Arizona and Virginia. She has also served as a valuable team member in clinical research at the National Institutes of Health. Passionate about interprofessional collaboration, Felicia focuses on delivering holistic, patient-centered care. She brings specialized experience in facilitating leisure education, stress management, and wellness groups. Furthermore, she employs a holistic approach to non-pharmacological pain management as a Reiki Level II practitioner and specializes in crisis prevention as a Certified Mental Health First Aider. Recognized as a leader amongst peers, Felicia has dedicated herself to mentoring the next generation as an internship coordinator, supervisor, and mentor for hospital volunteers. She is actively involved in professional advocacy, having served as a founding member of the New York State Licensure Committee and a former President of the Arizona State Therapeutic Recreation Association.

Co-Presenter/Panelists

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