ATRA SoCal : 2026 Session Description

Suzanne Stratton is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with a specialization area in behavioral health through NCTRC. She currently works at Phoenix VA in the role of Well-Being Coordinator within the Whole Health team, working to integrate Whole Health transformation across the Phoenix VA Health Care System to improve the health and well-being of Veterans through self-empowerment, skill building, and a focus on self-care. Prior to working with Whole Health, Suzanne worked for almost eleven years with the Recreation Therapy team providing outpatient RT services to Veterans with complex medical and mental health diagnoses. A passion for improved health, well-being, and quality of life for America’s Veterans is a driving force for the work she does within VA. She is actively involved in the local Recreational Therapy Academic Program at Arizona State University as a mentor and internship supervisor as well as with the local and national recreational therapy organizations.

EdD, CTRS, FDRT

Dr. Kelly Ramella is a Clinical Professor with the School of Community Resources and Development at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University. She serves as the coordinator of the therapeutic recreation program leading curriculum development and establishing university and community partnerships to cultivate innovative learning experiences. Through community-engaged scholarship, she prepares students with interprofessional competencies while developing inclusive and healthy communities.

EdD, CTRS

Dr. Beth Dietrich is the Section Chief of Recreational Therapy for the Phoenix VA as well as a faculty associate at Arizona State University. She has over 20 years’ experience in RT practice as well as RT education. Dr. Beth has served on ASTRA’s board of directors for several years and is the current president.

MS, CTRS

Delinda serves as a full-time Recreation Therapist in a 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital. In addition to her RT duties, she chairs the Spiritual Support Committee, leads the New Patient Orientation program and teaches the patient experience portion of the New Employee Orientation. Delinda just celebrated 40 years as a CTRS and has seen the positive impact of Recreational Therapy on patients, family members and even staff and colleagues. She also has over 33 years of experience in Disability Ministry Training locally, nationally and internationally. She has served as team leader in Poland and Zambia distributing wheelchairs, educating churches and providing training for Family Retreat for families affected by disability. She loves to motivate others to fulfill their purpose and to engage fully in all areas of life. Delinda’s newest role is a Quality Internship Supervisor. She just finished supervising her first intern and has found another wonderful avenue to encourage and motivate young professionals to become their very best. Her professional goal since becoming a CTRS has been: To improve the quality of life for people affected disability. As a Recreation Therapist she knows the inherent value of recreation on quality of life. As a Christian, she understands the deep impact faith can have on overall health and well-being as individuals strive for deeper purpose and greater meaning.

CTRS

Leanne Murrillo is the Socialization through Recreation Coordinator at Ability360 for the past 25 years where she has dedicated her time and passion to enhancing the skills of individuals with disabilities to reach the goal to experience the highest level of independence possible. Leanne shares passion and purpose in her work, developing and coordinating social and recreation programming for adults.