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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.
Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Programming in Schools: A Guide to Promoting School Connectedness, Social-Emotional Health, and Self-Determination
Session Description
This session will introduce Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Programming (TIRP) in schools as a way to mobilize collective efforts to increase access to comprehensive, quality programming that promotes school connectedness, social-emotional health, and self-determination. TIRP is defined as recreation-based activities designed to support the social, emotional, physical, and academic growth of all students through adaptable, student-centered, and engaging experiences. Grounded in the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) framework, this session presents findings from a multi-year design-based mixed methods study conducted in Arizona schools. The research examined program delivery and student outcomes using observations, journals, surveys, and iterative collaboration with community partners to refine implementation. The session introduces the Guide to Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Programming in Arizona Schools as a tool to support implementation across school settings. The guide outlines key guiding principles (e.g., student-centered, equitable, collaborative) and programming components (recreational therapy, activity-based learning, recreation instruction, and play) necessary to establish comprehensive and sustainable programming.
Learning Outcomes
• Attendees will be able to describe the principles and programming components of exemplary Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Programming (TIRP) to promote school connectedness, social-emotional health, and self-determination before, during, and after school. • Attendees will be able to explain how coordination of process, practice, policy, and funding supports the evidence-based implementation and sustainability of TIRP in schools. • Attendees will be able to identify strategies to advocate for and advance the integration of therapeutic and inclusive recreation in schools to enhance school connectedness and student health outcomes.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Community
Higher Education
Schools
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://8ca84662c5b8f0cff50d-4baaaf97d63fd7b01243e1b1c57f0cc1.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/1695/profile_21e7ab1264b28674c962c7ba64738ecf.png "Kelly Ramella , Arizona State University")
Kelly Ramella , Arizona State University
Biographical Information
Dr. Kelly Ramella is a Clinical Professor in the School of Community Resources and Development within the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University. She serves as director of the recreational therapy program, leading curriculum development and fostering university and community partnerships to cultivate innovative learning experiences. Through community-engaged scholarship, she enhances teaching practices, prepares students with interprofessional competencies, and advances inclusive and healthy communities.