ATRA SoCal : 2026 Session Description

Dr. Lee is an associate professor in Recreation and Leisure Studies at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He is interested in understanding the roles of leisure in the health and well-being of people with and without disabilities. Specifically, his research concentrates on examining individuals’ leisure behaviors and perceptions and how they utilize them to cope with their life transitions and conditions. Additionally, Dr. Lee has been involved in numerous community-based projects serving a diverse population, ranging from individuals with chronic diseases to older adults with Parkinson’s disease.

Ph.D. & CTRS

Dr. Heewon Yang is Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where he has served on the faculty since 2016. He teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in general recreation and therapeutic recreation, with a strong commitment to integrating theory, research, and practice. Within the department, Dr. Yang currently serves as Recreation Therapy Coordinator and Recreation Therapy Internship Coordinator. Dr. Yang earned his Ph.D. in Leisure Behavior with a concentration in Recreation Therapy from Indiana University in 2002. Prior to joining CSULB, he held faculty appointments at Kent State University (2001–2004) and Southern Illinois University (2004–2016). Dr. Yang has been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) since 2001. His professional practice is closely connected to service-learning and community engagement. He has developed and led numerous applied programs, including respite and recreation services for adopted children with special needs, aquatic programs for older adults, and brain fitness programs for individuals with brain injuries. Nationally recognized for his scholarship and leadership, Dr. Yang has received multiple honors, including the Researcher of the Year Award from the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (2010), designation as a Fellow Distinguished in Recreation Therapy (FDRT) by the National Academy in Recreation Therapy (2012), the Professional of the Year Award from the Illinois Recreation Therapy Association (2014), and the Outstanding Faculty Award from the California Parks and Recreation Association (2019).

Ph.D. & CTRS

Dr. Jaehyun (Jay) Kim earned his Ph.D. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management from Pennsylvania State University, with a focus on Leisure, Health, and Wellness. After completing his Ph.D., Dr. Kim pursued a second master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation at Texas State University, becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. His overarching mission as a professional is to design and implement effective therapeutic interventions for diverse, often underserved groups, including people with disabilities, immigrants, and older adults. Dr. Kim's research focuses on the efficacy of technology-based interventions, such as nature-based virtual reality and virtual reality Tai Chi programs, for older adults with dementia and individuals with physical disabilities. He engages both graduate and undergraduate students in his projects, providing them with valuable hands-on experience in the recreation therapy field. Dr. Kim actively collaborates with colleagues in the Department of Recreation Sciences and the College of Health and Human Performance, as well as with institutions in the US and South Korea, to further his research. He is a member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and he regularly presents his research at state, national, and international conferences.

Ph.D. & CTRS

Yongseop Kim, PhD, CTRS, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies at the University of Utah. His research focuses on technology-based and nonpharmacological interventions that support cognitive and psychological health in vulnerable populations, particularly older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. His work emphasizes the use of virtual reality, mobile health, and recreational therapy approaches to promote cognitive engagement, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Dr. Kim’s teaching and scholarship are grounded in person-centered care and the therapeutic use of meaningful activity. He is especially interested in developing innovative recreational therapy interventions that are both engaging and clinically relevant for aging populations. Through his research, he aims to expand the role of recreational therapy in dementia care, cognitive health promotion, and community-based practice.

Ph.D. & CTRS

Junhyoung “Paul” Kim, PhD, CTRS, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Behavior at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health and is affiliated with the Center for Community Health & Aging. His research focuses on technology-based interventions, healthy aging and disease prevention, dementia prevention, health equity, and behavior change. Dr. Kim’s scholarship emphasizes innovative, nonpharmacological approaches to support older adults and people living with cognitive impairment, including digital health, mobile interventions, and multisensory cognitive support tools. He has also served as a principal investigator on major dementia-related projects, including National Institute on Aging–funded work on Jigsawdio, a personalized multisensory puzzle system for people living with dementia. As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Dr. Kim brings an interdisciplinary perspective that connects public health, aging, and therapeutic recreation. His experience aligns closely with presentations focused on cognitive health, technology-based interventions, and innovative practice approaches for older adults.