Our Stories
By American Therapeutic Recreation Associaiton
Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association
Our StoriesApr 19, 2024
Believing in the Impact You Make with Dawn
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!
Social: @atrainaction
Email: info@atra-online.com
Embracing Change: The Path to Resilience with Dyann
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: @atrainaction
Email: info@atra-online.com
(Re)Connections and Community in Recreational Therapy with Brent Wolfe
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, advocacy efforts, educational insights, and the invaluable trait of resiliency.
At ATRA, we recognize the importance of actively listening to the needs and challenges of therapists. Through avenues such as state conferences, social media platforms, and direct communication channels, we eagerly seek your input and feedback. We encourage you to reach out and share your experiences with us.
Social: @atrainaction
Email: info@atra-online.com
From Business Mogul to Camp Founder with Dick Sesler
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 education. Prior to starting Camp Blue Skies, Dick worked in commercial real estate and investment business. In 2008, he retired from Guggenheim Real Estate where he had been a founding partner.
How to Find your Niche, and have a Purpose Driven Career during the Hard Days with Meagan Young
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 for her Therapeutic Recreation inspired blog, GrowThroughFlow.com, which has allowed her to connect with Recreation Therapists around the world. Meagan sits down with ATRA to discuss her experiences in the field and how she has used her niche to have a purpose driven career despite the hard days.
Accepting Life After Brain Injury with Carole Starr
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 and Leadership Group. Carole is passionate about using her brain injury experience to help others as an educator, advocate, and mentor. Join us to listen to Carole's story and how she got to where she is today.
Why Be Involved? with Dawn DeVries
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.
Try New Experiences! with Sami Santana, Sorrell Santos, and Christine
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.
Bonus Episode: Office Hours with Dyann!
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 be available every week at the following times:
Every Monday from 2:00-3:00pm ET
Every Wednesday and Friday from 12:00-1:00pm ET
Every Thursday from 6:30-7:30pm ET
You can join any of these office hours by clicking this link. The meeting password is 148772. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Mental Health, Burn Out, and Finding your "Why" with Veronica Rosales
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 president-elect for the Bay Area Therapeutic Recreation Association. Join us in listening to this conversation!
Get out of your comfort zone, take a calculated risk with Chelsea Farrington
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 as a board member holding positions as a treasurer, president elect and president. Chelsea talks with us about how she has stepped out of her comfort zone and taken calculated risks in her own life, while sharing what to look for if you are on the fence about taking a risk!
How to Live Again with Dan Bigley
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.
Practicing Empathy with Eric Oba
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.
Staying Curious with Stefan Wickli
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.
2023 Recreational Therapy Month Mini-Series: Paving the Way with Tracey Crawford
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.
2023 Recreational Therapy Month Mini-Series: Pioneering the Profession with Martha Judge
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 conference, this scholarship provides financial resources for individuals who have never attended an ATRA conference. Through the prompting of Dr. Tim Passmore, this scholarship was officially named in honor of Martha at the 2022 Annual Conference in Birmingham, AL.
2023 Recreational Therapy Month Mini-Series: Staying Open to Opportunity with Dr. Breliesha Gilbert
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.
2023 Recreational Therapy Month Mini-Series: Mentorship with Debbie Robinson and Kelsey Shull
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.
Episode 10: Recreational Therapy with Refugees with Emily Kegel and Vincenza Alfano
Episode 9: A Catalyst for Adventure with Eric Gray
On this week's episode of Our Stories, Brent sits down with Eric Gray (@catalyst_sports) to talk about his story of finding adventure through adaptive sports. Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to be shared, please email education@atra-online.com.
Episode 8: Reimagining our Identity with Taylor Hooker Burns
On this week's episode of Our Stories, Maggie sits down with Taylor Hooker Burns (@therttutor) to talk about finding identity in our profession, reimagining what our lives can be, and Taylor's obsession with cows. Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to be shared, please email education@atra-online.com.
Episode 7: Monster Trucks and Motivation with Christopher Byrd
On this week's episode of Our Stories, Maggie sits down with Christopher Byrd (@chrisbyrd_) to talk about growing up in Detroit, living authentically, and of course Christopher's most prized childhood possession. Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to be shared, please email education@atra-online.com.
Episode 6: Making the World a Better Place with Randa Branson
On this week's episode of Our Stories, Brent sits down with Randa Branson to talk about the teachers and coaches who shape us, pursuing wellness every day, and leaving a lasting legacy. Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to be shared, please email education@atra-online.com.
Episode 5: Who has time for play? with Brent Wolfe
On this week's episode of Our Stories, ATRA sits down with our very own Brent Wolfe to talk about his story of leadership and family. Plus, we get to learn about Brent's fabulously nerdy hobby.
Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to be shared, please email education@atra-online.com.
Bonus Episode: RT Month Recap and Podcast Reflection
Surprise! This bonus episode is a little peek behind the scenes of some of the work we are doing here at ATRA for our members. Listen in as we reflect on RT Month, Black History Month, and the launch of our podcast.
Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to share, contact education@atra-online.com.
Episode 4: Finding Community with Rocio Alfaro-Miller
On this week's episode of Our Stories, ATRA sits down with Rocio Alfaro-Miller to talk about finding and creating community for children with disabilities and their families.
Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to be shared, please email education@atra-online.com.
Episode 3: Pursuing Joy with Jeremy Maddox
On this week's episode of Our Stories, ATRA sits down with Jeremy Maddox to discuss life with spinal cord injury and the pursuit of joy.
Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story that you would like to be shared, please email education@atra-online.com.
Episode 2: Chronic Illness and Slow Leisure with Brandie Magee
On this week's episode of Our Stories, ATRA sits down with Brandie Magee to discuss chronic illness and pursuing wellness through leisure.
Our Stories is a production of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you have a story to share, connect with us at education@atra-online.com.
Pilot Episode: Adaptive Sports with Dave Mengyan
On this week's episode of Our Stories, ATRA sits down with Dave Mengyan to talk about all things wheelchair sports and Paralympics.