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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.

Using Community Re-Integration to Promote Buy-In and Participation-Based Outcomes: Promoting Engagement, Social Participation, and Restoration of Meaningful Roles and Routines Following Brain Injury

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

This session explores the use of community reintegration as a powerful strategy to foster patient buy-in among individuals with brain injuries. Recognizing that no two brain injuries are alike, presenters will highlight the importance of individualized, holistic approaches that address each patient’s unique physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs. Attendees will learn how integrating community-based experiences into the therapeutic process can enhance social support networks, improve adherence to treatment recommendations, increase functional carryover and reduce risk of regression. Practical strategies and real-world applications will be shared to support clinicians in effectively incorporating community reintegration into their treatment plans.

Learning Outcomes

1. Upon completion of the session, participants will be able to describe the role community reintegration in promoting patient buy-in and engagement in the therapeutic process for individuals with brain injuries 2. Upon completion of the session, participants will be able to identify three strategies recreation therapists can use to address the diverse needs of patients through community-based interventions. 3. Upon completion of the session, participants will be able to develop a graded approach to community outings that supports cognitive, emotional, and functional carryover from inpatient to real-world environments.

Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Child and Adolescent
Community
Older Adults
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine
Target Audience
Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Mid-Career Professionals

Primary Presenter

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Meaghan Conway, Shepherd Center
Biographical Information

Meaghan Conway, MS, LRT, CTRS, CBIS, is a Recreation Therapist for Shepherd Center’s Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Day Program in Atlanta, Georgia. In this role, she facilitates both group and individual interventions for individuals with acquired and traumatic brain injuries, contributes to program development, and serves on the adolescent committee to support specialized programming. Meaghan also serves on the Georgia Therapeutic Recreation Association Board of Directors as President-Elect. Meaghan was first introduced to recreation therapy through coaching adaptive swimming at the local, national, and international levels—an experience that shaped her commitment to inclusive, person-centered care. She received her Bachelor of Science from Pacific University and her Master of Science in Parks and Recreation Management with a concentration in Recreation Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her clinical experience spans pediatrics, spinal cord injury, older adults, physical medicine and rehabilitation with a specialized focus on brain injury recovery. Meaghan is particularly passionate about community reintegration, empowering individuals, and rebuilding meaningful roles and connections following injury.

Co-Presenter/Panelists

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Kayla Ogle, Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital
Credentials

MS, CTRS, CBIS

Biographical Information

Kayla Ogle, MS, CTRS, CBIS is a Recreation Therapist at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, specializing in brain injury and orthopedic rehabilitation. She provides individual, group, and interdisciplinary co-treatment sessions for patients navigating brain injury, major multiple trauma, amputations, and other complex neurologic conditions. She serves on both the Quality Improvement and Research Councils at Brooks and is the current GRACE Research Project recipient of the year. Her ongoing research examines how home evaluations impact patient and caregiver preparedness, quality of life, and discharge outcomes. Kayla received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Salem College and her Master’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management with a concentration in Recreation Therapy from University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She discovered recreation therapy during an undergraduate internship focused on accessibility in parks and playgrounds, which inspired her passion for making meaningful activities more accessible to all. Her clinical interests include community reintegration, home evaluations, cooking, and gardening, with a focus on helping patients reconnect with meaningful roles, routines, and passions after injury.

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