NCTRC® Funded Research Projects: Investing in the Power of Research within the Therapeutic Recreation Profession

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.

Session Description

There is an increasing number of research studies that demonstrate the impact that recreational therapy services can have on overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Let’s explore a few of the research topics that National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) has funded over the past few years and how the NCTRC Research Grant Program continues to open new doors for current recreational therapy practitioners as well as those pursuing careers in the field. This session will include a brief overview of the types of research funded by NCTRC, eligibility criteria, application process and submission deadlines. Consider attending this session if you a practitioner wanting to do you own program evaluation , or a researcher or research assistant interested in funding.

Learning Outcomes

Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply

Target Audience

Primary Presenter

Kerry Steeb, National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification

Biographical Information

Kerry Steeb is a Credentialing Specialist for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification with her focus being on Continuing Education Pre-Approvals and the organization's Corporate Social Responsibility Programs. Kerry started her Therapeutic Recreation Career at Dalhousie University in her home province of Nova Scotia. Her internship took her to Missouri State University’s teaching hospital and has kept her south of the border ever since. Kerry has been a CTRS for 24 years and her “eclectic” career has led her all over the USA for jobs with various populations. Her 3 top loves are: 1) advocating for the profession 2) gaining wisdom from clients and 3) sharing knowledge.

ATRA SoCal : 2026 Session Description

October 17–19, 2026

The Embassy Suites, Brea, California

2026 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions