Melinda Alushaj is a Leisure + Wellness Engagement Lead in aged care, supporting multiple residential homes and multidisciplinary teams across New South Wales and the ACT. With over 20 years of experience in the aged-care sector, she is deeply passionate about enhancing quality of life and meaningful engagement for older adults. Melinda leads the development and statewide rollout of the Vibrant Living wellbeing and engagement framework, integrating therapeutic recreation principles, dementia-friendly design, and resident-directed practice. In her role, she provides strategic guidance, coaching, and quality oversight to ensure consistent implementation across both jurisdictions. She specializes in staff capability building, culture development, and embedding meaningful, evidence-informed engagement aligned with the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

Valerie Antonsanti, MSRT Student holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education for Special Needs from the University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón, and is a Master of Science Candidate in Recreational Therapy at Temple University. She serves full-time as a Life Skills Teacher at Commonwealth-Parkville School in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Valerie actively volunteers with the Community Living Center (CLC) at the San Juan Veterans Affairs Hospital, applying clinical experience in recreational therapy. She is also an active member of the Asociación de Terapistas Recreativos (ATR) in Puerto Rico. Her background in adaptive physical education, combined with her advanced study in recreational therapy, makes her a strong asset for programs focused on adaptive and holistic wellness.

Kyra Baker has a decade of experience supporting young adults with mental illnesses to identify and pursue their interests and passions, and connect with the people and places in their communities. As a person with lived experience of mental health challenges, Kyra believe in the power of connection and meaningful participation as a pathway to mental health recovery.

Heather Burket, MEd, CTRS, CCLS is an instructor and field coordinator in the Recreational Therapy program at Temple University. She is a dually certified Therapeutic Recreation and Child Life Specialist who has worked in the field of pediatric therapeutic recreation and child life for nearly 20 years. She has been employed in a variety of pediatric service domains including medical daycare, step-down intensive care, acute rehabilitation, as well as behavioral and community health. She has had exposure to multiple acute care service arenas including but not limited to oncology, neurology, ICU, emergency care, and outpatient clinic services. Heather is a Past-President for the New Jersey Eastern Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Association, has served as an NCTRC and CLCC exam item writer, is the Delaware state representative on the Joint Taskforce for the exploration of RT licensure, is a past Peg-Connelly Scholarship Recipient of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. She has additionally had training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, and is a Life is Good Playmaker. Heather has research interests in trauma informed care, neurodiversity in girls and women, coping with adverse childhood experiences, leisure awareness, social skill development, and interprofessional collaboration/education.

Crystal-Jade Cargill (she/they) is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and a PhD student in the Public Health Sciences program at the University of Waterloo. She holds a Master of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Recreation, both from the University of Waterloo. As a Recreation Therapist, Crystal-Jade currently supports individuals living with anxiety, mood, and concurrent disorders in an in-patient mental health setting. In addition to their academic and clinical work, Crystal-Jade is a dedicated advocate for the advancement of Therapeutic Recreation through ongoing research and volunteer efforts.

Olivia Cheskey, CTRS, MSRT Student has been working as a certified therapeutic recreation specialist since June of 2024. She earned her Bachelor of Science in the Health Sciences from Old Dominion University (ODU) where she majored in Recreational Therapy. Currently, she is working towards her Master of Science in Recreational Therapy from Temple University while working full-time on the brain injury unit at Sheltering Arms Institute in Richmond, VA. Olivia has presented at the Southern Gerontological Society and the ODU Recreational Therapy Symposium on topics such as interdisciplinary education, post-traumatic amnesia, and recreational therapy education.

Nancy Cinto is a Certified Recreation Therapist and Manager for the Inglis Assistive Technology Program at Inglis House. Nancy joined Inglis in 2017 as the lead CTRS for Inglis’s Enhanced Day Program. In 2024, Nancy transitioned to the Assistive Technology Department and is currently on track to sit for the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) exam. Passionate about fostering independence and inclusion, Nancy oversees AT Services at Inglis House, which includes an Open Computer lab, the innovative AT Helpdesk Service, and the Research and Design Lab to promote technology confidence to the residents of Inglis House.

Andy Connell, MSRT Student has a background in Secondary Education with experience in all levels of education as well as extensive experience in youth summer camp programs. He is currently working as lead program coordinator for the Delaware National Guard’s Child and Youth program delivering resilience training to the children of Guard dependents across the state.

Liz Creasman, MS, CTRS, C-IAYT is the Therapeutic Recreation Advisor at Sheltering Arms Institute in Richmond, Virginia. She is also Certified Yoga Therapist. As a member of the clinical science team at SAI, she provides guidance to the Therapeutic Recreation Specialists to implement evidenced based practices, program development, and knowledge translation. Her professional experience also includes community recreation and trauma informed care. Liz holds a Master of Science from Maryland University of Integrative Health and a Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University. Liz enjoys creating art, practicing yoga, seasonal activities with her toddlers, and trying new ice cream shops.

Laura Cuadrado, CTRS holds a BS in Recreational Therapy from Radford University and is on track to complete her MSRT in May 2026. Laura has presented at Temple University’s RT Evidence-Based Practice Conferences in both 2024 and 2025, and her work is published on RT Wise Owls, with an upcoming article in the Therapeutic Recreation Journal (expected 2026 issue). Her graduate studies have focused on the impact of recreational therapy within the perinatal population. Passionate about creative, holistic care, Laura hopes to collaborate with local organizations that support pregnant and parenting individuals to expand their access to meaningful, person-centered services.

Dr. Gwendolyn S. Dawkins is a dedicated educator, researcher, and advocate with extensive experience in horticultural and recreational therapy. Her work focuses on evidence-based interventions that improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Dr. Dawkins has led numerous community and therapeutic initiatives promoting wellness, inclusion, and empowerment. She is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and developing programs that foster growth, independence, and meaningful engagement through therapeutic recreation and horticultural practices.

Olivia Demmler, CTRS, MSRT Student received her Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy from Temple University in May of 2025. She is now working as a graduate student research assistant at Temple University’s Collaborative on Community Inclusion. Through this she has gained experience working with adults in the Philadelphia area who have mental health diagnoses. She has prior experience working with children and adolescents both in and outside the recreational therapy field. Olivia is pursuing her Master’s in Recreational Therapy while working as a graduate student research assistant.

Dr. DeVonda Elliott is a respected scholar and practitioner with expertise in therapeutic interventions, disability services, and community-based programming. Her work emphasizes holistic care, inclusion, and evidence-based approaches that support physical, cognitive, and emotional wellness. Dr. Elliott is dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and advancing practices that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve meaningful life outcomes through innovative and supportive therapeutic environments.

Katherine Griffiths, CTRS, ATP, earned her B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation from Temple University in 2009 and became a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in 2010. She obtained her Assistive Technology Professional certification through RESNA in 2015. Katherine has extensive experience supporting individuals with complex physical disabilities and specializes in Assistive Technology at Inglis in Philadelphia, PA. As an AT Educator for Inglis Assistive Technology Solutions, she provides evaluations, training, education, and device acquisition. Her work ranges from teaching basic smartphone communication skills to helping clients implement comprehensive smart‑home systems that enhance independence and safety at home.

Laurna Heathcott, MSRT Student received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Science from the College of Nursing and Healthcare Professions at Immaculata University. Currently, she is working towards her Master of Science in Recreational Therapy from Temple University while working full-time as a Recreation Assistant at the Voorhees Pediatric Facility which provides skilled nursing and respiratory care for children.

Kelsey Jardine is a senior Rec therapy student with a minor in American Sign Language graduating this semester. Kelsey just completed her senior internship in Atlanta, Georgia at the Shepherd Center, an inpatient rehab hospital working with patients with acquired brain injury. She has a passion for working with older adults and outdoor and adventure recreation, hoping to bring these together in future roles.

Dr. Patricia R. Kennedy is an experienced professional in therapeutic and recreational services, specializing in program development and evidence-based practice. She has worked extensively with diverse populations, promoting person-centered care and functional outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Dr. Kennedy is committed to research, education, and community engagement, helping professionals integrate effective therapeutic strategies into practice while improving participant well-being, independence, and social participation.

Holly Lynn enjoys long walks with her puppy, Ivy, anything outdoors water-related, and pushing herself outside her comfort zone in the sport of climbing. While she doesn’t consider herself an expert in that or any other space, she has over 15 years of experience as a coordinator and director in the youth camping and student activities world and is passionate about eliminating access barriers to nature. Holly has worked, studied, and volunteered both abroad and stateside, focusing on equitable, transformative adventure programming. On Ambler Campus you may find Holly at the outdoor pool, the low ropes challenge course, or talking with students as her title “Assistant Director of Campus and Student Affairs” includes many hats. If you’re hoping for a chat, a salted-caramel coffee, a pretty plant, or a fun new twist on a game are great ways to catch her interest!

Sarah Malogrino, CTRS, MSRT Student earned her Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy from Slippery Rock University in May of 2021 and has been practicing as a certified therapeutic recreation specialist since September 2021. She has primarily worked with older adults but also has experience working with adolescents. Sarah is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Recreational Therapy at Temple University while working full-time as a Recreation Therapy Manager at Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople, Pennsylvania.

Bryan P. McCormick, PhD, CTRS is a professor in the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in the Barnett College of Public Health at Temple University. He is the principal investigator of a NIDILRR funded Field Initiated Project (FIP) Community Participation Navigators: Testing a Peer Intervention for Adults with Serious Mental Illnesses, which is currently testing an intervention to enhance community participation. He is the author or co-author of over 150 peer-reviewed publications and research abstracts, and his teaching has principally been around research and evaluation. Dr. McCormick is a past president of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association.

Robin McNeal, CTRS, FDRT, ICE-CCP, is the Director of Credentialing and also a Credentialing Specialist at NCTRC. As the Director of Credentialing, she serves as the primary contact for all internal procedures regarding the NCTRC Credentialing program. She is also responsible for reviewing certification applications and answering questions about each application process. Prior to joining NCTRC, she had many years of clinical experience working in various settings including physical rehabilitation and long term care. Robin has her Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Ithaca College. She has presented at regional, national and international conferences, as well as to colleges and university programs on NCTRC Certification, Recertification and Areas of Specialization.

Gabriella Mistalski is a Senior in the undergraduate Recreational Therapy Program at Temple University. She expects to receive her Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy in May 2026. Gabriella completed her junior internship at Friends Hospital, where she provided game-based activities to patients in a behavioral health setting, took assessments, and reviewed progress notes. Gabriella is completing her senior internship at Gemma Services, where she is providing activities of a multitude of modalities and writing session notes for pediatric care in a behavioral residential care setting. Gabriella previously served as the special events coordinator for the Temple University Recreational Therapy Student Association (RTSA). She volunteered previously at the Temple University Amblers Evidence-Based Practice Conference. After graduation, she plans to sit for the NCTRC exam to become a CTRS.

Jodi Obeid is a PHD Candidate in Dance Studies at Temple University, with a focus on adaptive dance education practices and movement, cognition, and learning. She is a first-year teaching fellow at Temple in the College of Performing Arts. Alongside her studies in the department, Jodi is working with the PA state department of education to rewrite the standards for arts education K-12 committee, trains new dance education teachers within the school district of Philadelphia, and works in community programs through dance and movement in partnership with multiple area nonprofits. Previously, she worked with students and teachers to develop movement programs in Special Education classrooms, taught dance and performance at Rowan University, and is certified in Yoga. She has an MA in Dance Education and a BA in Dance and French. She is interested in interdisciplinary work in education, recreational therapy, and dance.

MaryKate O’Donnell is a Senior in the Recreational Therapy program at Temple University and expects to receive her Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy in May 2026. She completed her junior internship at SPIN Frankford, assisting Special Education teachers in Early Intervention and Autistic Support classrooms while facilitating play-based activities, and at the Speech-Language-Hearing Center at Temple University, where she facilitated group recreational therapy sessions for children with autism, assisted with group sessions, and documented clients' progress. MaryKate is currently completing her senior internship at Weisman Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, an inpatient physical rehabilitation facility for children with various physical disabilities, where she leads individual sessions using various modalities to meet program goals. MaryKate previously served as the President of the Recreational Therapy Student Association (RTSA).

Christina Rennie is an Assistive Technology and Home Modification Specialist and a certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). A graduate of Temple University’s Class of 2020, she later pursued a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Technology at the University of Pittsburgh. Christina began her career as a recreational therapist working with older adults and individuals with traumatic brain injuries, supporting meaningful engagement and functional independence. She brings this clinical foundation to her current work, collaborating with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized technology solutions that promote safety, accessibility, and improved quality of life.

Heather R. Porter, PhD, CTRS, FDRT - Heather is a professor in the recreational therapy (RT) program at Temple University and a fellow in the National Academy of Recreational Therapists. Her scholarly activity focuses on meaningful recreation and leisure activities as therapeutic tools for individuals with physical and neurological health conditions. She operates RT Wise Owls (an RT database and evidence-based practice resource center) and mentors graduate students in teaching pedagogy and research/manuscript development. She’s received multiple teaching awards and has authored 5 textbooks, 25+ journal articles, 50+ book chapters, and has given 90+ presentations.

Anne Richard, MS, LRT/CTRS is currently the Executive Director of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Over her 26+ year career as a recreation therapist, she’s worked as a therapist, supervisor, consultant, and educator, primarily in mental health and long term care for older adults. She has presented on a variety of topics including international therapeutic recreation practice, professional certification and recertification, leadership, and the role of therapeutic recreation in resident quality of life.

Julia Schulze is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation at Temple University. She completed her junior internship at Variety – The Children’s Charity, where she supported students with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Julia is currently completing her senior internship at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation in Elkins Park on the SCI (spinal cord injury) unit. Throughout her studies, she has been actively involved in the Recreational Therapy Student Association (RTSA), where she served as the 2025 Communications Chair, and continues to work as an employee with Variety. She previously served as the 2023-2024 Temple Student Government Accessibility and Well Being Committee as well as formerly supporting students enrolled in The Institute on Disabilities through peer mentoring - supporting students educational and social goals. Her professional interests include physical rehabilitation, assistive technology, and working with individuals on the autism spectrum or those with an IDD. Julia will graduate in May of 2026 and plans to sit for the NCTRC exam in the near future.

Janet Shoemaker graduated from Temple University in 2018 with a degree in Recreational Therapy. She began her career that same year with Inglis, supporting residents with physical disabilities at Inglis House. In 2021, Janet earned her Assistive Technology Professional credential, expanding her expertise in helping individuals access tools and technology that enhance independence and quality of life. Since 2023, she has served as an Assistive Technology Educator for the greater Philadelphia area, collaborating with individuals, families, and interdisciplinary teams to identify personalized technology solutions. Janet is passionate about empowering people through adaptive technology and promoting greater accessibility and participation in everyday life.

Gretchen Snethen is the associate director for the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion and a professor in the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. One of her roles within the Collaborative is to oversee the knowledge translation plan. In this role, she has developed, overseen, and disseminated a number of microtrainings focusing on strategies to support community participation among individuals with serious mental illnesses.

Gena Bell Vargas, PhD, CTRS, is the MSRT Program Director and an Associate Professor of Instruction in the RT program at Temple University. Her clinical background includes an urban acute psychiatric inpatient setting working with people experiencing symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, as well an inpatient physical rehabilitation with persons that have experienced strokes, TBIs, SCIs, and amputations. Recently, Gena has been getting back into the world of adventure programming, and continuing her learning in aromatherapy, while also pursuing the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Aurora Verlin, MS, CTRS, is the BSRT and Minor Program Director and an Instructor in the RT Program at Temple University. Prior to her work at Temple, she worked with older adults in a variety of settings around the Philadelphia area, as both a recreational therapist and a personal care home administrator. Aurora is one of the authors of the Engagement in Preferred ActivitieS Scale (EPASS), as well as one of the authors of the upcoming book Leisure Education: Contemporary Concepts and Activities coming in Summer 2026.

Paige Yancer is a senior BSRT/MSRT student in the Recreational Therapy program, a part of the 4 + 1 program, at Temple University. She is completing her senior internship at Vorhees Pediatric Facility and hopes to work in pediatrics after graduating with her master's degree. She is also taking the required courses in preparation to become a Certified Child Life Specialist. Previously, she completed her junior internship at SPIN Frankford, where she worked with children who had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or developmental delay. Alongside coursework and internships, she has worked in multiple settings with pediatrics including a YMCA, daycare, and a dance studio. She is now completing her senior internship at Vorhees Pediatric Facility, where she is working with children who have medically complex diagnoses. After graduation, she plans to become a dually certified CTRS/CCLS and work with children and their families to provide the services needed.