Sessions Include:
Shake it UP! Powerful Icebreakers for the RT
Mary Palacios, CTRS, CPRP Sports Administration - Special Olympics, Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation
Participants will be introduced to meaningful icebreaker activities that can be used with varying populations and ages. The icebreakers can be used at the beginning and/or end of a therapeutic group/session. Participants will understand the value of energizing their participants and giving opportunities for meaningful self expression through the use of icebreakers.
Find Funding for your Recreational Therapy Programs
Tania Santiago Perez, CTRS, Department Chair & Associate Teaching Professor, Florida International University
This session will explore funding sources for recreational therapy programs, focusing on grants, partnerships, and community-based opportunities, such as private foundations or corporate sponsorships. Participants will work on identifying potential funders and draft a strategy or proposal to fund one of their programs.
Pickle Squad, Promoting Pickleball Skills and Self-determination Within TR
Lori Koplin, CTRS Center Coordinator, Ormond Beach Leisure Services
Tania Santiago Perez Department Chair & Associate Teaching Professor, Florida International University
This session presents Pickle Squad, a therapeutic recreation intervention that promotes self-determination while teaching pickleball skills, following the APIED process. The program focused lessons on teaching self-determination like increasing connectedness and autonomy and concluded with time playing pickleball. The program led to significant increases in both self-determination and pickleball skills.
Evidence Based Practice for the Busy Therapeutic Recreation Professional
Alyssa Elsner, CTRS Education & Community Outreach Coordinator, St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation
Meagan Young, CPRP, CTRS, Health Program Supervisor, St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation
Are you a busy recreation professional with a demanding workload and limited access to resources? Do you find it challenging to stay up on research and do the planning needed for evidence-based programming? If so - you are not alone. The reality is that we all want to be providing the very best services and level of care as possible, but it can be difficult f itting in everything we need to do in a day. During this session we will take a deep dive into what evidence based practice (EBP) is and how you can incorporate the knowledge to-action cycle into your daily routines without adding extra stress on your already full plate. By doing so we guarantee that we are serving others to the best of our ability, while also moving the field of Therapeutic Recreation forward.
Developing Therapeutic and Inclusive Programs to Slow Dementia
Katie Mikulcik, CTRS Recreation Program Specialist, Austin Parks and Recreation
This session will equip recreation professionals with the tools needed to create inclusive, high-quality programs tailored to the needs of seniors with dementia. Attendees will learn to design engaging and therapeutic programs through participation in the activities. Participants will gain strategies to address future trends and challenges in senior recreation.
Internship 360: Designing Impactful TR Internships
Sara Carlson, CTRS, CPRP, Therapeutic Recreation Program Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation
Laurel Heizelman, LRT/CTRS, CPRP Accessibility Specialist, WT Group
Katie Mikulcik, CTRS Recreation Program Specialist, Austin Parks and Recreation
Are you struggling with accepting Therapeutic Recreation interns, or has the process become monotonous? We will discuss how to revitalize and invigorate your internship program to engage the up-and-coming professionals. We’ll cover everything from building professional relationships with universities to meeting both NCTRC and university standards.
Shifting Perspectives: Programming for Individuals with Disabilities
Laurel Heizelman, LRT/CTRS, CPRP Accessibility Specialist, WT Group
At the starting line ready to offer programs to individuals with disabilities? Just need to fine-tune a well-oiled programming machine? Shifting Perspectives will put you in the driver’s seat to deliver innovative ideas to ensure your recreation offerings are accessible, engaging, and truly inclusive. Expect a mix of practical strategies, success stories, and creative approaches to drive inclusion forward.
The Power of Support Groups in Parks
Adine Sadin, Assistant Program Coordinator, Miami Parks and Recreation
Gemma Tena, Fresneda Disabilities Program Leader, Miami Parks and Recreation
This session will teach park professionals how to incorporate a Support Group in Parks for parents/guardians and families of individuals with disabilities. It provides a safe space to share experiences, receive support and empathy. The goal being to feel empowered.
Beyond the Outbursts: Navigating Behaviors in Today’s Kids
Sara Carlson, CTRS,CPRP Therapeutic Recreation Program Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation - Therapeutic Recreation Services
Rachel Hyde, MSRLS, CTRS Therapeutic Recreation Program Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation - Therapeutic Recreation Services
This session explores behavior as communication, teaching participants to interpret body language, recognize triggers, and apply practical interventions. Attendees will gain tools to promote positive behavior and create inclusive, supportive environments.
There’s No Inclusion Without Us!
Nicolle Martinez, CTRS Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Miami Parks and Recreation
What does inclusion mean to you? Join us for an informative yet practical session on the importance of inclusion in a park setting and gain better insight on how to service individuals with disabilities and getting your parks department on board.
