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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 Prompt to Policy: Using AI to Draft and Revise Policies Aligned with ATRA Standards of Practice
Session Description
(For Virtual Presentation Only)This session will show recreational therapists how to use AI to draft and revise policies that are aligned with the ATRA Standards of Practice, as well as organizational, accreditation, and regulatory requirements. The session will provide a brief overview of the key components for policy writing, as well as education on how to create prompts that will generate policies for their RT program. Considerations for use of AI will also be discussed, including ethical and responsible use, disclosure statement, and checking for accuracy.
Learning Outcomes
Verbalize two ways that AI can be used to enhance compliance with the ATRA SOP Verbalize two ways that AI can be used for policy creation/revision Verbalize at least three key considerations for policy writing. Verbalize at least three considerations for ethical/responsible use of AI in policy writing.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Behavioral Health
Business/Private Practice
Child and Adolescent
Community
Higher Education
Management
Military/Veterans
Older Adults
Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine
Schools
Target Audience
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cef9d88136c523628d4da61e9f80c8d2.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Dr. MaryJo Archambault, EdD; CTRS, Southern Connecticut State University")
Dr. MaryJo Archambault, EdD; CTRS, Southern Connecticut State University
Biographical Information
MaryJo Archambault is a professor at Southern Connecticut State University. She is the undergraduate coordinator for the recreational therapy programs. She serves as the co-chair of the ATRA Standards of Practice Committee and has been an active member since 2019. MaryJo has practiced recreation therapy in the field for over 25 years. Her experiences range from Skilled Nursing, Psychiatric Hospitals, Physical Rehabilitations Hospitals, and Community Programming
Co-Presenter/Panelists
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a98916e8f9cd7c810f73f71f06088c70.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Heather Bright, PhD, CTRS, FDRT, Slippery Rock University")
Heather Bright, PhD, CTRS, FDRT, Slippery Rock University
Credentials
PhD, CTRS, FDRT
Biographical Information
Heather Bright is an Associate Professor at Slippery Rock University (SRU) in the Recreational Therapy program. Heather has an undergraduate degree from SRU in Therapeutic Recreation, a Masters from East Carolina University in Recreational Therapy Administration, and a doctorate from Clemson University. Work experience includes, physical rehabilitation (brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, chronic pain, etc.), long-term care, PACE programs (programs for all-inclusive care for the elderly), and an accessible camp for children and adults with disability and chronic illness. Heather became chair of the ATRA Standards of Practice committee in 2018, after joining the committee in 2014.