ATRA SoCal : 2026 Session Description

Dr. Ashley D. Hamilton is a Lecturer and Director of Field Education in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. A self-described “pracademic,” she brings experience as a recreational therapist in physical medicine and rehabilitation to her academic work, preparing future professionals through teaching, experiential learning and supervision, and field education leadership. Dr. Hamilton holds a Ph.D. in Sport Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and a Certified Adaptive Recreation and Sport Specialist (CARSS II). Her scholarly and professional interests include recreational therapy workforce and professional issues, professional identity development, strengthening the visibility and impact of recreational therapy across settings, and organizational factors that shape practice, including organizational behavior, team dynamics, and group cohesion and resiliency in the workplace. Using mixed methods approaches, her work bridges research and practice to support professionals and organizations in building effective, sustainable teams. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Hamilton enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors, playing board games, and having impromptu dance parties!

PhD, CTRS, CARSS II, FDRT

Dr. Angela J. Wozencroft is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies at the University of Tennessee. Her research focuses on professional issues in Recreational Therapy, organizational management and compassion fatigue of Recreational Therapy professionals, and the benefits and outcomes of two major service-learning programs offered in the Recreational Therapy program at the University of Tennessee.

PhD, DMin

Dr. Steven Waller is a Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Recreation and Sport Management at the University of Tennessee. A scholar-teacher with more than 15 years of faculty experience, Dr. Waller teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in research methods, organizational behavior, finance, personnel management, and the administration of recreation services, helping students connect theory to the complex realities of sport and public recreation organizations. Dr. Waller’s research examines organizational behavior in recreation and sport settings, with particular attention to organizational climate and culture, thriving, access and engagement, equity and inclusion, and the impacts of “institutional evil.” He also studies structural barriers to career advancement for women and minoritized professionals in public recreation and intercollegiate sport, religious socialization as a constraint to participation, and professional issues in sports chaplaincy, including training, identity development, and professionalization. He is Co-Director of the Sport and Religion Research Alliance (KRSS).

PhD

Leia K. Cain, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Evaluation, Statistics, and Methodology and Coordinator of the Qualitative Research Methods in Education graduate certificate. Dr. Cain primarily uses creatively-driven qualitative methodological approaches in her research (e.g., Arts Based Research, Narrative Inquiry), which is informed by theorists such as Gloria Anzaldúa, bell hooks, and Patricia Hill Collins. Her scholarship is divided into two lines of inquiry: (1) methodological and ethical reasoning in research and (2) examining the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout higher education spaces. Her work has been featured in peer reviewed journals such as Departures in Critical Qualitative Research, the International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, Disability & Society, and the Journal of Career Development. In addition to publishing in highly respected qualitative journals, Dr. Cain works alongside various campus partners to create and implement pathways for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff to succeed and thrive within post-secondary academic institutions. She has presented her work across the United States, Japan, and Trinidad and Tobago, and maintains active engagement with AERA, AEA, and ICQI.

PhD

Dr. Jeffrey A. Graham, is an Associate Professor of Sport Management in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University. Dr. Graham’s research examines the work–life interface in sport organizations, environmental sustainability in sport, and the organizational behavior of coaches and administrators. His work has appeared in leading journals, including the Journal of Sport Management, European Sport Management Quarterly, and the Journal of Athletic Training. He has presented at numerous national and international conferences and has held leadership roles with the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM), where he is a Research Fellow. Outside academia, Dr. Graham enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and watching sports of all kinds.