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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.
The Impact of a Preferred Music Intervention in Recreational Therapy on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms
Session Description
More than 15 million Americans living with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder experience one or more symptoms. When left untreated, adults have lower earning potential, poorer physical health, and interpersonal difficulties. Approximately 1 in 3 individuals with ADHD take medications, but there can be negative side effects. Further research on nonpharmacological interventions is needed. A recent study supported music as a means to improve stress levels in individuals with ADHD, but no known research has studied the effectiveness of listening to preferred music in a recreational therapy intervention, chosen by the individual, for improved attention to task during academic work. This research study investigated the effectiveness of preferred music intervention for college students with ADHD.
Learning Outcomes
The participant will be able to: 1. identify at least 3 symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder that may be impacted by listening to preferred music during academic tasks. 2. Describe at least two benefits of listenting to preferred music intervention during academic tasks. 3. Determine two implications of preferred music intervention during academic tasks.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Community
Research
Schools
Target Audience
Educators/Researchers
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/29e5d1c22de8104f8b93690c7a4c31dc.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Betsy Kemeny, PhD, Slippery Rock Univeristy")
Betsy Kemeny, PhD, Slippery Rock Univeristy
Biographical Information
Betsy Kemeny is Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Certified Professional Gerontologist with 36 years of professional experience. Her work experiences have included outpatient rehabilitation, adult day, assisted living, hospice, and long-term care. Her scholarship includes more than 30 publications and 70 presentations. As Professor and Program Director of Recreational Therapy at Slippery Rock University, she is also a Fellow, Distinguished in Recreational Therapy. She currently serves as co-chair of the Scientific Advisory Council for Horses and Humans Research Foundation. Dr. Kemeny received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Wake Forest University, her master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. From 2014 to 2022, Dr. Kemeny has served on the board of directors for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association as Member at Large, Secretary, and President. She was the President of the National Academy of Recreational Therapists from 2022-2025.
Co-Presenter/Panelists
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cd708b7eb92b83a2e699aac42ff937cd.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Natalie Krulac, Slippery Rock University")
Natalie Krulac, Slippery Rock University
Credentials
RT Student
Biographical Information
Natalie Krulac is a recreational therapy student who has worked with Dr. Kemeny on faculty/student research. She conceptulized the study due to her obserations in the filed.