American Therapeutic Recreation Association

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Reston, VA
American Therapeutic Recreation Association

ATRA is the largest national membership organization representing the interests and needs of recreational therapists.

Recreational therapists are healthcare providers who use recreational therapy interventions for improved functioning of individuals with illness or disabling conditions. ATRA, was incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1984 as a non-profit, grassroots organization in response to growing concern about the dramatic changes in the healthcare industry.

06/20/2026

LISTEN, LEARN, AND EARN CEUS! 📣

Earning high quality CEUs is easier than ever with ATRA's podcast! Just listen to a recent episode of Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story then complete a short Knowledge Check Quiz on ATRA’s learning platform to receive an instant CEU certificate (0.1 CEU per episode).

Listen to Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story on Spotify or on ATRA's learning platform for free. Enjoy unlimited podcast CEUs for just $25 annually (ATRA members) or $10 per episode à la carte. Learn more and start listening now at the link below. 🧡

https://www.atra-online.com/podcast

06/15/2026

ATRA BOARD OF DIRECTIONS ELECTION! 📣

It's time to vote! ATRA members are invited to vote in the 2026 Board of Directors Election using the link sent via email. Voting is open until July 17, 2026. Please take a few moments to complete your ballot! 🙏

Make your voice heard. 🧡

06/10/2026

ENJOY EARLY BIRD RATES UNTIL 7/30! 📣

Registration is now open for ATRA SoCal! We hope you'll join us in Brea, Orange County, California (October 17-19, 2026) for an unforgettable conference centered on belonging, connection, and systems change.

This year, in addition to our main conference, we're offering four exciting post-conference workshops on 10/20 and a virtual on-demand add-on (1.0 CEUs). Not planning to attend ATRA SoCal? No problem, you can purchase ATRA SoCal On-Demand separately and enjoy a meaningful sampling of key conference concepts wherever you are! 🧡

Enjoy Early Bird Rates until 7/30! Learn more and register now at the link below. See you in sunny SoCal! 🌴

https://www.atra-online.com/so-cal

06/09/2026

MAY ATRA ADVOCACY UPDATE! 📣

In May, ATRA provided a variety of resources on ATRA Connect, attended various meetings, and endorsed nine sign on letters. There are two new Action Alerts:

Action Alert - Please take 10 minutes to complete the Current Procedural Terminology coding survey developed by the ATRA CPT Work Group.

Action Alert - Please use the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) tracker to document the impact of changes to HCBS.

Read the full May 2026 Advocacy & Legislative Update and learn more about the Action Alerts at the link below. Be Proactive. Stay Informed. YOU are ATRA and this is ! 👏

https://www.atra-online.com/advocacy

06/08/2026

NEW ATRA PODCAST EPISODE! 📣

In this episode of Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story, we sit down with Nicole Entrup, MPS, LRT, CTRS, from Wounded Warrior Project, to explore the critical role of the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in moving beyond activity facilitation toward intentional wellness integration. The discussion analyzes common wellness gaps in veteran populations and provides a framework for embedding micro-education and skill translation into adaptive sports. Participants will learn how to leverage the "aha moments" of clinical practice into broader advocacy efforts that advance the profession.

You can earn CEUs by listening to this episode! Don't have Spotify? No problem—you can listen for free on our learning platform. Start listening now at the link below. 🧡

https://www.atra-online.com/podcast

06/02/2026

ATRA ADVOCACY MEMO! 📣

ATRA submitted comments to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding their request for comments on inpatient settings covered by Medicare for the 2027 fiscal year. Comments were submitted for hospice, inpatient psychiatric facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and skilled nursing facilities.

Read ATRA's comments and stay current on important advocacy issues at the link below. 👏

https://www.atra-online.com/advocacy

05/29/2026

NEW ATRA STAFF MEMBER! 📣

We're excited to introduce Jourdan O'Connor, CTRS, as ATRA's newest staff member! Jourdan joins the team as our Administrative & Engagement Coordinator, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the field and a passion for empowering recreational therapists. Please join us in welcoming Jourdan to the ATRA team! 🧡

Welcome, Jourdan! 👏

05/28/2026

JOIN US ON THURSDAY 6/4! 📣

New to ATRA? We'd love to meet you! Not new but want an update on your ATRA benefits? We'd love to say hello! You're invited to join ATRA's Executive Director, Brent Wolfe, on Zoom for ATRA New Member Class! Brent will review the benefits and resources that accompany your ATRA membership, answer any questions you may have, and connect you with other members and/or opportunities! 🧡

New Member Class takes place on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30PM ET on Zoom. We hope to see you on Thursday, June 4th. We're excited to connect with you. 🫶

Please visit the link below for the Zoom link and details! ⬇️

https://www.atra-online.com/live-events

05/27/2026

CALL FOR AWARD NOMINATIONS! 📣

Just one week left to nominate yourself or your colleagues for the 2026 ATRA Awards! The ATRA Awards Program is comprised of twelve awards that recognize and celebrate excellence in recreational therapy advocacy, education, leadership, practice, and research.

Professional recognition is vitally important, and the nomination process has never been easier—you may nominate yourself or a qualified colleague. If you wish to nominate a colleague, you only need to complete a basic nomination form; your nominee will then be invited to provide more in-depth information. Quick, easy, and so meaningful.

Who do you admire? Nominations are due by Friday, June 5th. Learn more and nominate someone now at the link below. 🌴

https://www.atra-online.com/awards

05/25/2026

ATRA honors the tremendous courage and sacrifice of our fallen heroes this Memorial Day. 🇺🇸🙏

Address

Reston, VA

Website

http://www.atra-online.com/

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