ATRA SoCal : 2026 Session Description

Stephan M. Acuña, M.S., ATRIC, is a Ph.D. student in Health, Leisure, and Human Performance at Oklahoma State University in the School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation. His work focuses on recreational therapy, adapted physical activity, and community-based rehabilitation programming for individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Acuña has contributed to research and practice-based projects involving balance, mobility, adapted exercise, and community participation, including work with older adults and individuals with Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and other physical disabilities. His current work at Oklahoma State University includes assisting with community-based balance and recreational therapy programming, outcome assessment, and intervention implementation. In addition to his research experience, Acuña has clinical and instructional experience in adapted physical activity, therapeutic aquatic exercise, warm water therapy, and undergraduate teaching. His professional interests center on translating rehabilitation and movement science evidence into accessible, meaningful, and sustainable recreational therapy services.

PhD, CTRS/L

Dr. Kelley McCubbin, PhD, CTRS/L, is a Teaching Assistant Professor at Oklahoma State University. Their work focuses on child and adolescent mental health, childhood trauma, evidence-based practice, and partnerships with public school districts to examine the impact of Recreational Therapy clinical services on students.

PhD, CTRS/L, ATRIC

Reed Holt is a practitioner whose work focuses on community-based recreational therapy, Parkinson’s disease, adapted programming, and outcomes for individuals across clinical and educational settings. His published work includes studies on recreational therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and parent and teacher perceptions of recreational therapy’s impact on preschool children.

B.S.

Chase Decker is a master’s student at Oklahoma State University whose work focuses on recreational therapy, adapted physical activity, and community-based rehabilitation programming. Her research interests include balance, mobility, functional outcomes, and evidence-informed recreational therapy services for individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions.

Ed.D., CTRS/L, FDRT

Dr. Tim Passmore, EdD, CTRS/L, FDRT, is an interim head, professor at Oklahoma State University. His APDA-funded research evaluates community-based recreational therapy balance programs for individuals with Parkinson's disease across rural Oklahoma.

B.S.

Morgan S. Carr is a master’s student at Oklahoma State University whose work focuses on recreational therapy, adapted physical activity, and community-based rehabilitation programming. Her research interests include balance, mobility, functional outcomes, and evidence-informed recreational therapy services for individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions.