American Therapeutic Recreation Association

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Reston, VA
American Therapeutic Recreation Association

ATRA is the largest national membership organization representing the interests and needs of recreational therapists.

Recreational therapists are healthcare providers who use recreational therapy interventions for improved functioning of individuals with illness or disabling conditions. ATRA, was incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1984 as a non-profit, grassroots organization in response to growing concern about the dramatic changes in the healthcare industry.

10/30/2026

JOIN US ON THURSDAY 11/5! 📣

New to ATRA? We'd love to meet you! Not new but want an update on your ATRA benefits? We'd love to say hello! You're invited to join ATRA's Executive Director, Brent Wolfe, on Zoom for ATRA New Member Class! Brent will review the benefits and resources that accompany your ATRA membership, answer any questions you may have, and connect you with other members and/or opportunities! 🧡

New Member Class takes place on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30PM ET on Zoom. We hope to see you on Thursday, November 5th. We're excited to connect with you. 🫶

Please visit the link below for the Zoom link and details! ⬇️

https://www.atra-online.com/live-events

10/28/2026

VIRTUAL 1.0 CEU OPPORTUNITY! 📣

Looking for convenient, high-impact CEUs? Join us for a meaningful virtual sampling of connection-centered sessions carefully curated to bring you the heart of ATRA SoCal's theme wherever you are!

ATRA SoCal On-Demand is a perfect option for virtual learning whether you joined us in-person or not! While our main conference and on-demand event share a common theme, ATRA SoCal On-Demand features unique educational sessions that were not offered at our in-person event.

November 2-30, 2026 | 1.0 CEUs | $150 ATRA Members | $225 Non-Members

Learn more, review the ATRA SoCal On-Demand program, and register now at the link below! 🌴

https://www.atra-online.com/socal-on-demand

10/20/2026

ATRA SoCal has come to an end—what an unforgettable experience! We co-created connection, community, and meaningful momentum. We hope you left feeling renewed, valued, validated, and uplifted by your fellow recreational therapists. We're stronger together! 🌴

Thank you to all attendees, presenters, exhibitors, and sponsors for joining us in SoCal. As you settle in at home, we hope that the essence of ATRA SoCal stays with you. You make the world a better place. You matter. You belong. 🧡

10/19/2026

ATRA SoCal Day 3 | Connection Question

In our closing general session, we’ll explore how individuals and recreational therapists together can transform hope into tangible progress in advocacy for people with disabilities. The power of aligning personal values with collective action, demonstrating how everyday advocates—professionals, caregivers, and community members—can influence systems, policies, and perceptions.

What is an advocacy issue in RT that you’re passionate about? Please share your thoughts below! 🧡

Where Connection Creates Meaningful Change 🌴

10/18/2026

ATRA is pleased to recognize the 2026 ATRA Award Recipients! Please join us in celebrating the recipients’ contributions to the field of Recreational Therapy. 🧡

Distinguished Fellow: M. Jean Keller
Outstanding Professional: Susan Purrington
Member of the Year: Allie Thomas
Organization/Institution Citation: Organization/Institution Citation: Pacific Islands Recreation Therapy Program (AMVETS Hawaii, Big Tire Boot Camp and VA PIHCS)
Certificate of Recognition: Kristin Greenlee
Frank N. Basile Clinician of the Year: Katie Vara
Excellence in Education: University of Toledo Recreational Therapy Program
Scholarly Achievement: David P. Loy
Chapter Affiliate of the Year: Arizona State Therapeutic Recreation Association
Advocacy Award: Tyler Neimeyer
Emerging Leader of the Year: Lauren Bade

Congratulations to all! 👏

A very special thank you to our Award Ceremony Sponsor Rec Therapy Today. 🌴

10/18/2026

ATRA SoCal Day 2 | Connection Question

In our morning general session, we’ll explore how recreational therapists access, interpret, and apply research evidence and theoretical frameworks in their practice. Research helps us understand why what we do matters—and how we can continue improving what we do.

What’s an area of Recreational Therapy you wish there were more research on? Please share your thoughts below! 🧡

Where Connection Creates Meaningful Change 🌴

10/17/2026

MEET THE SCHOLARS! 🧡

Congratulations to the 2026 Martha Judge Scholarship Recipients:

Anette Alvarez, Professional
Madison Coomes, Professional
Genevieve Jennai, Professional
Carly Morin, Professional

Where Connection Creates Meaningful Change 🌴

10/17/2026

MEET THE SCHOLARS! 🧡

Congratulations to the 2026 Peg Connolly Scholarship Recipients:

Julia Brissie, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Amber Cantu, Texas State University
Elley Holder, Oklahoma State University
Micah Imbus, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Adia Lee, Arizona State University
Bailey Palmer, University of Utah

Where Connection Creates Meaningful Change 🌴

10/17/2026

ATRA SoCal Day 1 | Connection Question

In our morning general session, we’ll explore the concept of mattering and the role recreational therapy can play in creating meaningful social connection. What’s one small thing an RT can do to help someone feel that they matter? Please share your thoughts below! 🧡

Where Connection Creates Meaningful Change 🌴

10/16/2026

MEET THE ATRA STAFF! 🌴

Did you know—ATRA has passionate part-time staff who keep everything running behind the scenes? From education, to marketing, to advocacy and beyond, ATRA staff are working hard to . ATRA staff are here in SoCal and would love to meet you and answer any questions. Come say hello! 🧡

https://www.atra-online.com/so-cal

Address

Reston, VA

Website

http://www.atra-online.com/

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