In this episode of Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story , we sit down with Vicky Pitner , a seasoned CTRS and dementia support coach, to discuss a paradigm shift in how we support families living with memory loss. Drawing from over four decades of experience and her own personal history, Vicki introduces her LOVE Approach —a humanistic model that moves beyond the clinical "caregiver" label to focus on the health of the entire family ecosystem. Whether you are a practitioner looking to deepen...
Apr 06, 2026•58 min
This episode of Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story explores how sensory activation and nature-based therapeutic techniques can enhance client engagement and support positive outcomes within recreational therapy practice. Guest Sami Dowling , founder of ReTx Yourself , joins the show to discuss foundational concepts of sensory activation, practical examples of nature-based interventions, and the research supporting biophilic engagement. Participants will gain practical tools applicable to b...
Mar 02, 2026•1 hr 1 min
CEU pre-approval is pending for this episode. The learning platform will be updated when In this conversation, Julie shares her journey from a business and art background to becoming a Recreational Therapist and founding Arts and Rec. She discusses the therapeutic power of art, the importance of individualized goals, and the challenges of running a community-based program. Julie emphasizes the need for accessible services for adults transitioning out of school and the impact of her work on the l...
Mar 09, 2025•49 min
This episode was not approved for CEUs. In this conversation, Maggie Bayerl interviews Tyra and Nora, two students from Longwood University studying Therapeutic Recreation. They share their personal journeys into the field, their impactful experiences during a study abroad trip to Guatemala, and the importance of cultural insights in therapeutic practices. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of working with diverse populations, including children and older adults, and emphasizes...
Feb 28, 2025•36 min
In this conversation, Maggie and Lake discuss the intersection of bibliotherapy, youth services, and mental health. They explore the importance of representation in literature, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, and how reading and writing can serve as therapeutic tools. Lake shares personal experiences with mental health and the role of writing groups in fostering creativity and emotional expression. The discussion also highlights the valuable resources libraries offer, including community support ...
Jan 14, 2025•44 min
To earn CEUs for this episode, please visit our podcast page . In this episode, our guest, Jeff Witman, explores the powerful themes of teamwork, leadership, and community engagement in the field of Recreational Therapy. Jeff shares insights on the role of personal stories in shaping professional perspectives and the impact of organizations like the Woodlands Foundation in promoting inclusivity and support. He emphasizes the importance of connection and support within organizations, offering pra...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 9 min
This podcast episode is available for 0.1 CEUs. Visit ATRA's learning platform for more information. In this conversation, Steve shares his journey from a leisure-focused upbringing to becoming a recreational therapist and counselor. He discusses the evolution of recreational therapy, the importance of addressing mental health in rural areas, and the significant role of recreational therapists in suicide prevention. Steve emphasizes the need for authentic connections to combat loneliness and the...
Oct 28, 2024•46 min
This episode is available for 0.1 CEUs. Visit ATRA's learning platform to learn more. In this conversation, Jen Phillips and Stephanie Darnell from Keshet share their journeys and the mission of Keshet, an organization dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities. They discuss the importance of inclusion, the various programs offered by Keshet, and the unique aspects of their overnight camps. The conversation highlights the community's commitment to creating a sense of belonging and the in...
Oct 14, 2024•58 min
Previously Aired during ATRA's 2023 Conference Replay, Brent sits down with Lonnie Bedwell, a blind military veteran, and extreme adventure athlete. With homespun charm and humor, Lonnie shares his personal story of overcoming adversity as it relates to teamwork, leadership, and motivation. His tales of the accident that took his sight, his courageous recovery, and his extreme sport adventures inspire his audiences to find the strength and determination to overcome any challenge they face. His t...
May 24, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Today, Maggie is chatting with ATRA's Education Specialist, Brittany Oom, about the impact of connecting through education. We are delighted to announce the launch of a mini-series of podcasts and content by ATRA, aimed at engaging and connecting with professionals like yourself. Our primary objective is to cultivate a strong sense of community within the field. Through thoughtful discussions, we will explore pertinent topics such as reconnection, communication strategies, advocacy efforts, educ...
May 17, 2024•44 min
Today, Maggie is chatting with ATRA's current President, Jennifer Hinton, about the impact of staying connected to your profession We are delighted to announce the launch of a mini-series of podcasts and content by ATRA, aimed at engaging and connecting with professionals like yourself. Our primary objective is to cultivate a strong sense of community within the field. Through thoughtful discussions, we will explore pertinent topics such as reconnection, communication strategies, advocacy effort...
May 10, 2024•33 min
Today, Maggie is chatting with ATRA's Marketing Coordinator, Tara Shibbani, about engaging with your profession in meaningful ways. We are delighted to announce the launch of a mini-series of podcasts and content by ATRA, aimed at engaging and connecting with professionals like yourself. Our primary objective is to cultivate a strong sense of community within the field. Through thoughtful discussions, we will explore pertinent topics such as reconnection, communication strategies, advocacy effor...
May 01, 2024•29 min
Join Dawn DeVries, Associate Professor and Program Director at Grand Valley State University, as she shares her expertise and passion for advocacy in Recreational Therapy. In this episode, Dawn discusses the industry's evolution, emphasizing community-based services and evidence-based practice. She highlights the importance of self-care for professionals and advocates for active engagement within the profession through organizations like ATRA. Tune in for valuable insights and inspiration! Socia...
Apr 19, 2024•40 min
Join Maggie and Dyann in a dynamic conversation as they explore navigating change with resilience. Drawing from her background in supporting those with dementia and college students, Dyann emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions, maintaining flexibility, and nurturing relationships during turbulent times. Discover practical strategies for self-care and leveraging support networks, alongside valuable resources from ATRA for building resilience in challenging circumstances. Social: @at...
Apr 15, 2024•41 min
Today, Maggie is chatting with ATRA's Executive Director, Brent Wolfe, about ATRA's efforts to (re)connect with professionals across the country. We are delighted to announce the launch of a mini-series of podcasts and content by ATRA, aimed at engaging and connecting with professionals like yourself. Our primary objective is to cultivate a strong sense of community within the field. Through thoughtful discussions, we will explore pertinent topics such as reconnection, communication strategies, ...
Apr 05, 2024•30 min
Dick Sesler sits down with ATRA to talk about his journey from business mogul to camp founder and director. Dick is responsible for the management and sustainability of the organization, celebrating its 10th anniversary Dick Sesler is the founder and director of Camp Blue Skies Foundation, established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2009. The foundation offers camps to adults with developmental disabilities, enhancing their lives through recreation, socialization and life skills educat...
Dec 01, 2023•57 min
From Newfoundland to Florida (with many stops in between), Meagan has paired her need for adventure with her passion for recreation, leisure and play. Since graduating from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2012, Meagan had worked for several highly reputable organizations including Right to Play, Youth Villages, and the City of St. Petersburg where she currently serves as the Healthy St. Pete, Health Program Supervisor. During her non work hours, Meagan like to flex her creative muscles fo...
Oct 06, 2023•51 min
Carole Starr sustained a brain injury in a car accident in 1999, which ended her life as a professional educator and amateur classical musician. With time, strategies, and support, Carole reinvented herself. She's now a national keynote speaker and the author of the award-winning book "To Root & To Rise: Accepting Brain Injury". Carole is also active in the national brain injury community as co-chair of the Brain Injury Advisory Council and past co-lead and current member of the TBI Advisory...
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Do you have a desire to be involved in your profession? To make a difference not only for your clients but also the field at a state or national level? Dawn has ATRA in her blood. Joining ATRA as a college student, later as a treatment network coordinator, helping to start a chapter, working for ATRA, serving as President of the Board, and once again as conference coordinator, this almost 30 year journey has been more rewarding and enjoyable than she could have imagined.
Sep 08, 2023•55 min
Sami Santana, Sorrell Santos, and Christine sit down to talk about AbilityPath, the importance of trying new experiences, and how past experiences shape individuals into who they are today. Sami is a recent graduate from San Jose State University with a bachelors in recreation and a concentration in recreation therapy. Joining Sami is Sorrell who is the recreation therapy supervisor at AbilityPath. Christine also joins the conversation who is a participant at AbilityPath.
Aug 25, 2023•46 min
Dyann Seravillo is ATRA's Administrative Assistant, a Recreational Therapist, and a mom of three beautiful kids. ATRA is thrilled to introduce Dyann to you and we hope you will join office hours with Dyann soon! ATRA now has MORE weekly virtual office hours to assist you! Whether you have questions related to our online continuing education offerings, are looking to get involved, or want to be connected with others who share your practice community, we're here for you. Our Zoom office hours will...
Aug 24, 2023•38 min
Have you wondered what your "Why" is? Have you experienced burn out? Want to get involved in the discussion surrounding mental health? ATRA is joined by Veronica Rosales to discuss all these topics in this podcast episode. Veronica graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a degree in Recreation Therapy. She currently works at AbilityPath, a non-profit agency for children and adults with developmental disabilities based out of the Bay Area in California. She also serves as the ...
Jun 23, 2023•28 min
Chelsea received her bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy from York College of Pennsylvania and recently graduated with a master’s degree from Arkansas State University in Non-Profit Management. Chelsea has 7 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and is currently a Director of Recreation Therapy at AbilityPath, a nonprofit organization for people with IDD/DD. The last 4 years, Chelsea has been involved in the Bay Area Therapeutic Recreation Association a...
Jun 09, 2023•58 min
Get your copy of Beyond the Bear by Dan Bigley here. Stay tuned for more information on the film adaptation of Beyond the Bear! Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to share, please email education@atra-online.com.
Mar 31, 2023•1 hr 12 min
Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to share, please email education@atra-online.com.
Mar 17, 2023•47 min
Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to share, please email education@atra-online.com.
Mar 03, 2023•51 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to share, please email education@atra-online.com.
Feb 24, 2023•50 min
Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to share, please email education@atra-online.com. The American Therapeutic Recreation Association is excited to provide the opportunity for ATRA Student and Professional members to receive the Martha Judge Scholarship for First Time Conference Attendees. Named in honor of Ms. Martha Judge, a longtime ATRA member, past ATRA board member, and a proud attendee of EVERY ATRA confer...
Feb 21, 2023•43 min
Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to share, please email education@atra-online.com.
Feb 10, 2023•41 min
Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to share, please email education@atra-online.com.
Feb 03, 2023•48 min
