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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.
From Research to Recreation: Practical EBP Strategies for TR Professionals
Session Description
This session provides therapeutic recreation professionals with a practical framework for integrating three evidence-based practices (EBP) into daily clinical decision-making. Presenters will demonstrate how TR specialists can translate evidence into individualized interventions that promote engagement, functional gains, and long-term leisure participation. Presenters will explore three evidenced-based intervention techniques: DIR Floortime®, parent/caregiver coaching, and adaptive cycling. Using three detailed pediatric case studies, participants will learn how to evaluate research and apply the 5 A’s EBP process. Cases emphasize foundational recreational therapy concepts and demonstrate the APIE process in real-world clinical decision-making to create treatment goals and measure meaningful client outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
Identify the 5 A’s structured process of evidence-based practice. Describe three evidenced-based interventions recreational therapists can use in daily practice Develop one or more measurable goals that can be used in their populations served based on one or more of the interventions discussed.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Behavioral Health
Child and Adolescent
Community
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine
Research
Target Audience
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6d59a61cdfcf82752a65ac35cc67ab88.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Christine Havach, Nationwide Children's Hospital")
Christine Havach, Nationwide Children's Hospital
Biographical Information
Christine Havach, MA, CTRS, has been practicing as a certified therapeutic recreation therapist since 2008. She has worked extensively with adult and adolescent behavioral health but joined Nationwide Children's Hospital in November 2019. She works primarily in the outpatient clinic but regularly assists with a variety of other populations/diagnoses. She also continues to work contingent at an adult behavioral health hospital. She has experience using adaptive technology and equipment and does evaluations for adaptive cycling and gaming. She is the secretary and continuing education committee member of the Ohio Recreation Therapy Association. When not at work she enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys.
Co-Presenter/Panelists
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfa1605ade4d6b658d8cc1f0d8edf74f.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Rochelle Krouse, Nationwide Children's Hospital")
Rochelle Krouse, Nationwide Children's Hospital
Credentials
CTRS, Specialty Certification in Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation
Biographical Information
Rochelle Krouse, CTRS-PM/R graduated from Indiana University in May of 2004. She completed her internship at Nationwide Children's Hospital from May-August. She began work in outpatient aquatic therapy, acute care, pulmonary rehab and outpatients in September of 2004. She then transitioned to her current role as one of the Therapeutic Recreation Specialists on the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation unit in 2005 where she still is currently. She loves working with the children and is inspired by her patients' hard work and determination through their recovery.