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Longwood University
Therapeutic Recreation Alumni Council Conference Program
September 24-25, 2026
WELCOME BACK ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
It is with great pleasure that the TR Alumni Council and Longwood TR Faculty extend a warm welcome to all colleagues. We know through your interest and the number of practitioners that have registered, that there is a future for conferences and workshops to be able to network and socialize – something virtual conferences just didn’t offer.
This year’s program extends to you an opportunity to build your strengths, polish your skills, and to connect with other professionals around the state. We are excited that you are dedicating yourself to this time to grow, to experience new techniques in the professional field, and to provide people a better chance for joyous and healthier lives. We hope your visit to Longwood and Farmville will be fulfilling.
We want to personally thank the many individuals who made this possible:
Program Committee CEU Committee
Mariellen Combs (LU Alumni Council) Curtis Robb (LU Alumni Council)
Erika de Witt (LU Alumni Council)
Susan Lynch (Longwood University – LU)
Registration Committee Social Committee
Sarah Sprague (LU Alumni Council) Jennifer Cava (LU Alumni Council)
Bill Parker (LU Alumni Council) Sara Stiltner (LU Alumni Council)
Reilly Paz (LU Alumni Council)
Jennifer Vass (LU Alumni Council)
Marketing Committee Room Host/Monitors
Jennifer Cava (LU Alumni Council) Longwood University Students
Sarah Sprague (LU Alumni Council) Longwood Faculty
Erika de Witt (LU Alumni Council)
Bill Parker (LU Alumni Council) Evaluation
VASTRA Cathy Orletsky (LU Alumni Council)
VRPS Kathy Williams
CEUS
If you attend all sessions, you will receive a total of 1.0 CEU for the Conference. In order to qualify for CEU’s you need to be in the session for at least 45 minutes out of an hour. The CEU process will include people signing in on a sheet at the beginning of a session & submitting the session evaluation. The room monitor will give these out - they will be session specific. We want to thank the Longwood University students for agreeing to be Room Hosts/CEU Room Monitors, and TR faculty for arranging this process.
Parking
Please make sure you are parking in the designated parking spots or you will receive a ticket.
Internet
Visitors can use the LancerNet Visitor wireless network and do not need to obtain any prior approvals for this access. The visitor wireless network will appear in your available wireless connections list as "LancerNetVisitor." Connecting - A web authentication page will display prompting you to register by entering an email address.
Social Event
Thursday night, September24 from 6:15-8:15
Come mix and mingle with fellow CTRS conference participants at the LU Alumni Social. Location will be Three Roads Brewing Company. Pizza will be provided. Alcoholic beverages are available for individual purchase. We look forward to seeing you there!
Meals
Snack -3:20 pm Thursday in Blackwell Ballroom Foyer
Breakfast – 7:00 AM, Friday in Blackwell Ballroom Foyer
(V) Assorted Danish
(V) Assorted Muffins served with Butter
(V) Assorted Bagels served with Butter, Cream Cheese and Jam
Seasonal Fresh Fruit Platter
Assorted Juice
Bottled Water
Gourmet Coffee, Decaf and Hot Water with Tea Bags
Lunch – 12:30 PM, Friday in Blackwell Ballroom Foyer
Boxed Lunch: Santa Fe Ham Ciabatta: Ham, Black Bean Spread, Roasted Corn Salad, Barbecue Chipotle
(EW) Boxed Lunch: Thai Beef Wrap: Roast Beef, Cucumber, Cabbage and Carrot topped with a Thai-inspired soy sauce with Basil, Cilantro, Mint and Crushed Red Pepper
Boxed Lunch: Turkey, Bacon and Cheddar Baguette with Mesquite Mayonnaise
Boxed Lunch: Chicken Caesar Wrap
(V) Boxed Lunch: Greek Salad Wrap with Crumbled Feta, Black Olives, Fresh Cucumbers, Plum Tomatoes and Red Onion
Program at a Glance
September 24, 2026 - Thursday
Opening Session – 12:00-1:00
Speaker: Marieke Van Puymbroeck, Ph.D., CTRS, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Title: Oh, the Places You Can Go with a Recreational Therapy Degree!
Description: A degree in Recreational Therapy opens doors far beyond traditional clinical practice. This session will explore the diverse career pathways available to Recreational Therapy professionals, highlighting how the knowledge, skills, and competencies developed through RT education translate to a wide range of settings. Participants will examine the transferable skills gained through Recreational Therapy—including leadership, program development, assessment, communication, advocacy, research, and problem-solving—and how these skills support success in graduate education, administration, higher education, healthcare leadership, community organizations, and other professional roles. Through real-world examples and career mapping activities, attendees will gain a broader understanding of the versatility of the Recreational Therapy profession and identify opportunities to leverage their education and experience in both traditional and non-traditional career paths.
Time: Thursday, Session 1 - 1:10-2:10
Speaker 1: Alexis S. McLaughlin, CTRS, Staff Therapist for Mental Health Substance Abuse and IETP
Central Virginia VA Healthcare System
Speaker 2: Curtis Robb, A., CTRS RT Internship Coordinator and RT Lead Therapist- In-Patient Programs, Central Virginia VA Healthcare System
Title: How to Assist Special Operations Servicemen Adjust Their Approaching Retirement as a Civilian Through Recreation Therapy Services
Description: This session will provide a brief description of the life of a Special Forces Operator, and the evidence-based treatment interventions that the Recreation Therapist provides to teach the purpose/benefits of leisure, while not only teaching new skills, pacing/coping techniques and strategies, but also helping the Service member emotionally adjust to becoming a civilian and how to balance work and family life without feeling guilty.
Time: Thursday, Session 2 - 1:10-2:10
Speaker: AJ McCage, M.S., CTRS, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator II, Henrico Recreation and Parks
Title: Building Inclusive Play: Integrating Therapeutic Recreation Team Building and Adaptive Games in Parks & Recreation Settings
Description: Therapeutic Recreation professionals play a key role in creating spaces and programs that foster inclusion, wellness, and connection. This interactive session explores how therapeutic recreation practices and adaptive game design can be combined with effective team-building strategies to strengthen both program impact and participant engagement. Attendees will learn to modify activities for diverse ability levels and training efforts, and experience firsthand how inclusive games can build stronger teams, communities, and individual confidence.
Time: Thursday – Session 3 - 2:20-3:20
Speaker: Laura Bennett, M.A. Founder & CEO Blue Octopus Consulting
Title: Known, Valued, Safe: How Therapeutic Recreation Prevents Abuse
Description: Therapeutic recreation professionals are uniquely positioned to prevent abuse. Through trusting relationships, structured social settings, and participant-centered planning, TR practitioners already build many of the protective factors that keep youth with disabilities safer. This session connects that everyday work to a public health prevention framework and gives attendees practical, ready-to-use strategies for teaching consent, communication, and boundaries; building belonging; and creating a culture of safety across youth, families, volunteers, and staff.
Time: Thursday – Session 4 - 2:20-3:20
Speaker: Whitney Kallenbach, CTRS, Clinical Educator of Therapeutic Recreation, Longwood University
Title: Level Up Your Impact: Leveraging LinkedIn for Growth in Therapeutic Recreation
Description: In today’s connected world, a strong professional presence extends far beyond your workplace. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for therapeutic recreation (TR) professionals to build networks, advocate for the field, share evidence-based practices, and open doors to new career opportunities. This session will help TR specialists, students, and educators understand how to use LinkedIn strategically. Participants will leave with practical tools to enhance their professional brand, connect with peers to elevate the visibility of therapeutic recreation.
Break: Blackwell Foyer
Time: Thursday – Session 5 - 3:35-4:35
Speaker 1: Erika de Witt, CTRS, MT, Reading Specialist
Speaker 2: Emma C de Witt, SLP Undergraduate Student, Longwood University
Title: Clinical Roots to Community Fruits - How Collaboration Between SLPs and CTRSs, Create Real-World Community Engagement for Children with Autism
Description: This session focuses on the need for providing extra support for children with autism as they utilize skills built from therapy sessions in the clinic and attempt to use those skills in the community. Too often students meet therapy goals in the controlled, structured environment of the clinic but fail to transfer those skills into authentic situations in the community. One way to provide extra support is to equip the students with experiential learning opportunities in real-world settings utilizing a collaborative approach with Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Recreation Therapists (CTRSs). This session will also discuss the challenges of using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices with neurotypical individuals, how to foster genuine relationships, and how to provide strategies to promote positive social interactions.
Time: Thursday – Session 6 - 3:35-4:35
Speaker: William “Bill” Parker, CTRS Therapeutic Recreation Specialist II, City of Virginia Beach, Dept. of Parks & Recreation- Therapeutic Recreation Programs & Inclusion Services Unit
Title: From Student to Retiree: Building Your Unique Legacy in Therapeutic Recreation
Description: Join us for an inspiring and interactive session designed for students and professionals in the Therapeutic Recreation field. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or are a seasoned expert, this session will guide you through the full career progression of a Recreation Therapist—from Student to Entry-Level, Mid Career, Senior/Expert, and even the Transition to Retirement. You’ll gain clear insight into each phase, discover practical strategies for advancing your knowledge, skills, and abilities, and hear real examples shared by both the presenter and fellow attendees. Together, we’ll explore how purposeful growth can elevate your career and expand your impact. We will also highlight key NCTRC Job Analysis areas, including Administration of TR/RT Programs and Advancement of the Profession, giving you a roadmap to thrive in your current role while preparing for what’s next. Come ready to learn, connect, and leave motivated with a vision for your professional future.
Time: Thursday – Session 7 - 4:45-5:45
Speaker: Ann Bailey Yoelin, CTRS, EdD Therapeutic Recreation Professor Longwood University
Title: Keeping Minds Active: Best Practices for Designing Effective Cognitive Stimulation Programs for Older Adults in Therapeutic Recreation Services
Description: Join this interactive session to explore the design and implementation of effective cognitive stimulation programs for older adults in therapeutic recreation. Participants will learn about assessment strategies, program protocols, and methods for evaluating meaningful outcomes.
Time: Thursday – Session 8 - 4:45-5:45
Speaker 1: Jody Young, MS CTRS, LNHA Director of Resident Services, The Virginia Home
Speaker 2: Sara Stiltner, CTRS, Recreation Therapist, Social Media Associate, The Virginia Home
Title: Accessible Travel for Adults with Physical Disabilities in Therapeutic Recreation Settings; Everyone Deserves a Vacation!
Description: The Virginia Home’s Therapeutic Recreation Travel Scholarship Program and it’s success 10 years later. Attendees will learn about accessible travel and how this therapeutic recreation program got up and running. We will discuss travel by bus, train, and plane, what it means to be truly accessible, the types of medical equipment necessary to have a successful trip, staffing, with a focus on a recent Disney vacation.
Time: Thursday – Session 9 – 4:45-5:45
Speaker: Katie Harmon, CTRS Health and Wellness Coordinator, Shepherd Center
Title: Leisure on a Budget: Teaching Clients to Use Finances to Further Their Therapeutic Recreation Endeavors
Description: A frequent barrier to leisure and therapeutic recreation participation are finances. For individuals with disabilities, this can become a bigger barrier to access to their leisure and recreation. This presentation will focus on ways to reduce the stress of financial barriers by reframing one’s approach to leisure and therapeutic recreation, learning about ways to offset costs, and discussing potential grant and scholarship opportunities. This presentation will empower clinicians to be a better advocate for their facility as well as their clients while navigating potential leisure and recreation opportunities.
September 25, 2026
Continental Breakfast: 7:00-8:00
Time: Friday – Session 10 – 8:00-9:00
Speaker: Kari Decker, MS, CTRS, ADS, TICP, Well-being Navigator at Carilion Clinic
Title: Happier, Stronger, Healthier, & Better Connected, Creating an Individual Leisure Plan
Description: This presentation will allow participants to complete a leisure plan based on the research of Jane McGonigal (SupperBetter) and DeQuincy Lezine (Planning for Safety and Post-traumatic Growth), as well as leaving with leisure the tools to implement this with their participants/clients/residents/patients in therapeutic recreation.
Time: Friday – Session 11– 8:00-9:00
Speaker: Jennifer Gerlach, Ph.D., NCC, Associate Professor in Counselor Education, Project Director for the Southside Mental Health grant at Longwood University
Title: Suicide Prevention Strategies: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) for Therapeutic Recreation Programs (Part 1)
Description: This is an evidence-based training provided by the QPR Institute to help recreation therapists learn how to safely and effectively broach the difficult topic of suicide and assist those in need of mental health support. This session is appropriate for people of all backgrounds, and the skills learned can apply to both personal and professional settings. Attendees will learn myths and facts about suicide as well as research-supported intervention methods. No prior mental health knowledge or training needed to learn and practice the three steps of question, persuade, and refer.
Time: Friday – Session 12– 8:00-9:00
Speaker: Brandt Auston Brickell, PhD, CTRS Assistant Professor and Recreational Therapist Radford University
Title: Recreational Therapy Treatment within the Population of Individuals with Brain Injuries (Part 1)
Description: Information on brain injury rehabilitation and treatment within the context of recreational therapy treatments will be presented. Both acute and chronic aspects of treatment will be discussed such as potential symptoms, prognosis, and treatment focuses/potential goals. The example of a treatment session will incorporate lecture and activity as the presenter will go into detail of the treatments briefly discussed during the lecture portion of the session. After a 10-minute discussion of the specific treatment and how to implement said treatment, a group activity will follow. This will repeat three times for a total of 30 minutes of lecture and 30 minutes of activity. The treatment activities to be demonstrated and participated in by attendees will be the following. Balance Stances (Brandt Says), Boxing (Fighting for Function), and an Obstacle Course (Walk and Think at the Same Time).
Time: Friday – Session 13– 9:10-10:10
Speaker: Jennifer Gerlach, Ph.D., NCC, Associate Professor in Counselor Education, Project Director for the Southside Mental Health grant at Longwood University
Title: Suicide Prevention Strategies: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) (Part 2)
Time: Friday – Session 14– 9:10-10:10
Speaker: Brandt Auston Brickell, PhD, CTRS Assistant Professor, Radford University
Title: Recreational Therapy Treatment within the Population of Individuals with Brain Injuries (Part 2)
Time: Friday – Session 15– 9:10-10:10
Speaker: Brent Wolfe, PhD, LRT, CTRS, FDRT Executive Director and Associate Professor American Therapeutic Recreation Association and UNCG
Title: Leveling Up: Practical Career-Building Habits for Recreational Therapists
Description: Recreational therapists and recreational therapy assistants bring compassion, creativity, and clinical skill to their work, yet many feel unsure about how to grow professionally or advance their careers. This session focuses on five practical career-building habits that strengthen confidence, visibility, and influence in any setting. Participants will explore how strategic continuing education, effective communication, purposeful networking, micro-advocacy, and saying yes to growth opportunities can expand their impact and open new doors. These habits are simple, realistic, and accessible to clinicians at all levels. The session emphasizes a supportive, encouraging approach and highlights ways the national professional community, including ATRA, can support ongoing growth.
Attendees will leave with concrete strategies they can implement immediately to increase their professional presence, build stronger connections, and take meaningful steps toward advancing their careers in recreational therapy.
Time: Friday – Session 16– 10:20-11:20
Speaker: Rachel Cervantes, The Grit and Grace Way Behavior Consultant
Title: More Than Benchmarks: Planning with Heart and Development in Mind in Therapeutic Recreation Practice
Description: Developmental benchmarks help guide our work, but they should never define the people we serve. Meaningful progress is often found in moments that can't be captured on a checklist: a new friendship, increased confidence, a willingness to try something new, or a sense of belonging. This session invites recreation therapists to look beyond milestones and embrace a strengths-based, relationship-centered perspective that recognizes the whole person. Together, we'll explore the role of developmental benchmarks, discuss their limitations, and discover practical strategies for recognizing and documenting meaningful growth that reflects participation, engagement, self-determination, and quality of life. Participants will leave with actionable tools they can immediately apply in practice while continuing to meet assessment and documentation requirements.
Time: Friday – Session 17– 10:20-11:20
Speaker: Jennifer Cava, MS, CTRS Dementia & Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay
Title: Enhancing Quality of Life Through Person-Centered Care: Leading Innovative Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Individuals Living with Dementia Through Recreational Therapy
Description: As dementia care continues to evolve, recreational therapists play a vital role in leading innovative, non-pharmacological approaches that enhance quality of life and promote person-centered care in long-term care settings. This presentation explores how Trauma-Informed Care, Life Course Perspective, and an understanding of dementia progression can guide meaningful interventions tailored to each resident’s strengths, experiences, and needs. Participants will learn strategies for understanding and responding to complex reactions, including changes in sexual expression, while promoting dignity, safety, and resident rights through interdisciplinary collaboration. The session will also highlight approaches for gaining staff and leadership support, navigating ethical challenges, and advocating for creative, evidence-informed practices that improve outcomes for individuals living with dementia.
Time: Friday – Session 18– 11:30-12:30
Speaker: Kristen Fedesco, PhD, LRT, CTRS, Assistant Professor, Longwood University
Title: Exploring School-Based Recreational Therapy
Description: Have you ever been curious about what it's like to practice as a Recreational Therapist in a school setting? This session explores the role of Recreational Therapy (RT) in schools and provides participants with an introduction to school-based practice. Attendees will learn how RT became established as a related service through federal legislation and gain an understanding of how the APIED process is applied in the school setting. Participants will also explore practical strategies for initiating, developing, and expanding RT services within school systems. Whether you are considering a transition into school-based practice or looking to strengthen existing services, this session will provide foundational knowledge, practical resources, and implementation strategies to help you get started.
Time: Friday – Session 19– 11:30-12:30
Speaker 1: Brianna Wike, CTRS, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist – Inclusion, City of Norfolk Therapeutic Recreation Center
Speaker 2: Molly McDonald, CTRS Therapeutic Recreation Specialist – Inclusion, City of Norfolk Therapeutic Recreation Center
Speaker 3: Tyler Kurtz, CTRS, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist – Inclusion, City of Norfolk Therapeutic Recreation Center
Title: From Learning to Leading: Reflections on Role Progression in Recreation Therapy Internships (Lessons from Both Sides of the Desk)
Description: Strengthen your confidence as a Recreation Therapy Internship Supervisor through diving into the world of supervisor and supervisee as we share personal experiences, provide tips and tricks, and help you turn your program into the most successful possible. Feel capable in your ability to guide a student as you gain tools, knowledge and learn how to identify resources to set your agency and student up for success.
Lunch – Boxed Meal – preorder boxed lunch pickup Blackwell Foyer
Closing Session, Friday 12:40-2:00
Speaker: Susan Lynch, PhD, CTRS Professor Longwood University
Title: Reflective Lessons from a Lifetime of Practice: Saying Goodbye to the Work that I Love
Description: Serving in the field of recreation therapy as a practitioner and as a professor for over four decades has been the honor of my life, shaped by the incredible people I met along the way. Using previous presentations and through interactive activities, I hope to look at the bigger picture of our TR profession in education and in the real world, and the impact we can have on the next generation.