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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.
The Effects of a Theme-Based Movement Intervention with Older Adults in a Veteran Long-term Care Community
Session Description
Apathy is one of the most prevalent symptoms of dementia, often co-occurring with depression and negatively impacting engagement in care. While movement-based and reminiscence interventions independently demonstrate benefits for psychosocial and cognitive outcomes, their combined application remains underexplored, particularly among older male Veterans. This session will present findings from a 12-week, theme-based movement-with-reminiscence intervention implemented in a long-term care setting. Participants will learn how choreographed, music-based movement, paired with structured reminiscence prompts, can enhance mood, increase engagement, and reduce apathy in adults with dementia. The intervention integrates person-centered care principles by incorporating participant preferences, life histories, and meaningful themes into session design. Outcomes from the study demonstrated significant improvements in apathy, mood, engagement, and grip strength, supporting the value of this low-cost, non-pharmacological approach. In addition to reviewing results, this session will provide practical strategies for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRSs) and interdisciplinary professionals to implement similar programming across settings. Attendees will gain insight into session structure, facilitation techniques, and methods for adapting interventions to meet diverse cognitive and physical abilities.
Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the impact of apathy on individuals with dementia and explain the rationale for using combined movement and reminiscence interventions in recreational therapy practice. 2. Identify at least three key components of a theme-based movement with reminiscence intervention, including session structure, use of music, and incorporation of person-centered prompts. 3. Apply practical strategies to adapt and implement movement-based reminiscence programming to improve mood, engagement, and functional outcomes among older adults with dementia in a variety of care settings.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Military/Veterans
Older Adults
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKEXDLeJotVdUrepKgW18hwKbN1NaDXeGhDy22GXKKATZF1L8uj=s50 "Shelly Bates, University of South Alabama")
Shelly Bates, University of South Alabama
Biographical Information
Shelly Bates, Ph.D., CTRS, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport at the University of South Alabama. With over 20 years of experience in recreational therapy, she has worked primarily with older adults across long-term care, behavioral health, and hospice settings. Dr. Bates holds degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, Clemson University, and the University of South Alabama. Her research focuses on older adults, veteran-centered care, intellectual disability, and recreational therapy education. She is actively involved in community partnerships and serves as President of the Recreational Therapy Foundation and with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association’s Older Adults Special Interest Group.