All Sessions
logo

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.

ATRA Standards of Practice: How do I use this in my setting

Monday, November 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM–Monday, November 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
Virtual On Demand Only
Session Description

FOR VIRTUAL PRESENTATION ONLY: The ATRA Standards of Practice are applicable to every setting where Recreational Therapy services are offered. Even if your official title is not "Recreational Therapist" the ATRA SOP manual is a valuable tool for the provision of quality RT services. Participants will gain a better understanding of each standard and how it applies to all settings where recreational therapy is a provided service. NCTRC Job Analysis: Foundational Knowledge and Advancement of the Profession.

Learning Outcomes

1. Verbalize one way the ATRA SOP manual can be used in your setting 2. Identify at least one example of how each standard applies to your setting 3. Verbalize the at least three reasons why professional standards of practice contribute to quality RT services

Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply

All

Target Audience
Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals

Primary Presenter

[photo]
Heather Bright, PhD, CTRS, FDRT, Slippery Rock University
Biographical Information

Heather Bright is an Associate Professor at Slippery Rock University (SRU) in the Recreational Therapy program. Heather has an undergraduate degree from SRU in Therapeutic Recreation, a Masters from East Carolina University in Recreational Therapy Administration, and a doctorate from Clemson University. Work experience includes, physical rehabilitation (brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, chronic pain, etc.), long-term care, PACE programs (programs for all-inclusive care for the elderly), and an accessible camp for children and adults with disability and chronic illness. Heather became chair of the ATRA Standards of Practice committee in 2018, after joining the committee in 2014.

Co-Presenter/Panelists

[photo]
Dr. MaryJo Archambault, EdD; CTRS, FDRT, Southern Connecticut State University
Credentials

EdD; CTRS, FDRT

Biographical Information

MaryJo Archambault is an associate professor at Southern Connecticut State University. She is both the undergraduate and graduate coordinator for the recreational therapy programs. She has been an active member of the ATRA Standards of Practice Committee for over three years. MaryJo has practiced recreation therapy in the field for over 25 years. Her experiences range from Skilled Nursing, Psychiatric Hospitals, Physical Rehabilitations Hospitals, and Community Programming

[photo]
Joan Langella Sutton, UNCG
Credentials

MS, LRT, CTRS, CDP, FDRT

Biographical Information

Joan L. Sutton is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Fieldwork Supervisor for the Department of Community and Therapeutic Recreation at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG). She has an undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina and holds a master's degree in Recreational Therapy Administration from East Carolina University. She is a Licensed Recreational Therapist, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Joan currently serves as Executive Director for the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure (NCBRTL). In addition, she serves as a member of NCBRTL's internship task force and has developed and presented internship supervision training. Joan is a member of ATRA's Standards of Practice Subcommittee and is the co-chair of ATRA's Quality Internship Subcommittee and has created specific internship training content focusing on motivations, teaching styles, and learning stages.

[photo]
Sarah R. Fischer, PhD, LRT, CTRS-BH, Catawba College
Credentials

PhD, LRT, CTRS-BH

Biographical Information

Dr. Sarah R. Fischer is an assistant professor and the Chair of Recreational Therapy Department at Catawba College. As a CTRS with 29 years of professional experience, much of her work has focused on adults with SMI, especially in forensic and correctional settings. Additionally, Dr. Fischer has functioned in several administrative roles, further contributing to her diverse background and skills. Her research interests include behavioral health, nature-based interventions, and higher education in RT. She is passionate about RT and committed to mentoring students and emerging professionals.

Loading…