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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.

Transforming the Leisure Education Program for Elderly and Pre-retirees in South Korea into the Leisure Education Program for Those Individuals in the U.S.

Monday, October 19, 2026 at 11:15 AM–12:15 PM PDT
Olinda
Session Description

As the global population ages, both the United States and South Korea face critical needs for effective leisure education to ensure the well-being of the “Third Age” generation. This session will present a comparative exploration of Recreational Therapy (RT) and leisure education frameworks across both countries. In this session, one-third will focus on the leisure patterns of retirees and older adults in both countries, ongoing goal-oriented RT programs and services for this population, and the associated challenges. For example, we will explore physical health programs, such as chair exercises and swimming, that aim to improve strength, mobility, and balance, followed by a discussion of social connection programs that help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and foster a greater sense of belonging. Next, the session will shift focus to the South Korean context, addressing health and lifestyle challenges of the aging population and the preretirement cohort. We will introduce the leisure education program (Leisure School) proposed and successfully implemented by the Korea Digital Therapeutic Recreation Association (KDTRA). Highlighting innovative tools (e.g., “Leisure MBTI”), we will demonstrate how to identify participants’ potential leisure inclinations and educate them to prepare for a healthy leisure lifestyle after retirement. Finally, the session will conclude with a strategic discussion on adapting South Korean leisure education models to enhance the quality of life for pre-retirees in the United States.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify at least two components of goal-oriented programs and services designed to enhance the physical and social well-being of older adults and retirees. 2. Explain the key contents of a leisure program for a group preparing for retirement. 3. Verbally state the characteristics of the RT leisure education program model developed by KDRTA’s Leisure School. 4. Propose strategies for developing leisure education programs for the pre-retirement generation in the United States.

Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Business/Private Practice
Community
Older Adults
Target Audience
Students
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals

Primary Presenter

[photo]
Kiboum Kim, PhD, Winston-Salem State University
Biographical Information

With a 15-year background in higher education, Dr. Kim specializes in implementing theory-based interventions designed to foster active leisure engagement. His research examines the multi-level factors that impact the quality of life for specialized groups such as seniors, refugee youth, and persons with disabilities, as well as their caregiving providers.

Co-Presenter/Panelists

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Namyoon Gil, Winston Salem State University
Credentials

PhD, LRT, CTRS, CFTG, ICGIS

Biographical Information

Dr. Namyoon Gil is an Associate Professor in the Therapeutic Recreation Department at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). He taught several recreational therapy courses, including nature and forest therapy and leisure education, and joined WSSU in the fall of 2025. He is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. His current research interests focus on healthy aging and the health and well-being outcomes for people of all ages and abilities who may benefit from evidence-based intervention services and programs, such as nature and forest therapy and mindfulness, in both indoor and outdoor settings. He has implemented nature and forest therapy interventions for diverse populations, including children, adolescents, college students, veterans, and older adults, with and without disabilities.

[photo]
Jun-An Chae, KDTRA
Credentials

PhD

Biographical Information

He is the president of the Korea Digital Therapeutic Recreation Association(KDTRA) and has developed and educated many educational programs related to TR in Korea for more than 36 years.

[photo]
Seong-A Hong, KDTRA
Credentials

MS

Biographical Information

She is the director of Leisure Village at Jeju Island, S. Korea. She has developed and implemented numerous leisure education programs designed for various population groups, including healthcare providers, firefighters, prison inmates, early retirees, and the aging population.

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