CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2017 AWARD WINNERS!

The ATRA Awards Committee, lead by Matt Frye, worked very hard to put together an exceptional group of awardees for ATRA’s 2017 Annual awards. ATRA regrets that our members were not able to be recognized at this year’s Annual Conference. It is with great honor that we announce this year’s award recipients:

THE ATRA INDIVIDUAL CITATION DESCRIPTION

This citation may be made annually to one non-member of ATRA. Nominees must meet two or more of the following qualifications:

• Preparing/sponsoring legislation
• Supporting and promoting recreational therapy
• Serving as a volunteer in recreational therapy
• Professional research, writing, and/or presentation(s)

THE ATRA INDIVIDUAL CITATION RECEPIENT(S)

Representative G. K. Butterfield and G.T. Thompson

For their continued support of recreational therapy by sponsoring House of Representatives’ bill, HR 626, the Inpatient Rehabilitation Act of 2017. Representatives Butterfield’s and Thompson’s efforts are appreciated as they co-sponsored HR 1906 in 2015, and reintroduced the bill as HR 626 in 2017. Representatives Butterfield and Thompson continue to help ATRA’s efforts to have recreational therapy recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as a medically necessary treatment modality within inpatient rehabilitation settings when deemed appropriate by a physician. 

THE ATRA ORGANIZATIONAL CITATION DESCRIPTION

This citation is defined as any group who advocates, promotes and/or supports the delivery of services to persons with disabilities. This includes any public, private, or   voluntary group organized under a charter, permit, certificate, or incorporation.

THE ATRA ORGANIZATIONAL CITATION RECIPIENT

Camp Aranzazu

Camp Aranzazu is a summer camp located on 104 acres in Rockport, Texas, serving children and adults with various special needs. The camp is a 501(c)3, not for profit that integrates therapeutic recreation programs into their camp where they serve children and adults with chronic illnesses and special needs. It is accredited by the American Camp Association. Last year, the organization completed an $11 million fundraising campaign to increase the number of beds, to add programs and improve the camp’s waterfront area.

The camp served over 20,000 campers since they began in 2006. Special camps are held throughout the summer for individuals with various disabilities, such as heart week or asthma week. One unique aspect of Camp Aranzazu is their focus on “intentional camping”, a philosophy integrated into their practice that includes purposeful design of the camp experience individualized for each camper and their specific needs. Elements of this philosophy include: environmental appreciation, spiritual awareness, team building and sports, art and social experiences.

The camp employees at least three CTRSs in key leadership positions. The CTRSs on staff conduct assessments, develop goals and treatment plans, and evaluate campers’ progress. They also provide outstanding internship and fieldwork level placements for therapeutic recreation students, supporting the development and growth of young professionals and enriching the lives of those served.

THE ATRA SCHOLARLY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD DESCRIPTION

This is awarded to one member of ATRA who has contributed significantly to the field   of knowledge of recreational therapy.   

THE ATRA SCHOLARLY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT

Jasmine Townsend
Jasmine is an assistant professor at Clemson University. Her research commonly works hand- in-hand with non-profit organizations who provide therapeutic recreation services to veterans and their family and other social supporters. Her research helps to understand the individual and family-level health benefits of recreation and therapeutic recreation, which helps provide RT practitioners with the evidence they need to inform and justify their services.

 
Her most recent and notable work in this area has been with the R4 Alliance, an alliance of non-
profit organizations who provide recreation, therapeutic recreation, and other supportive services for veterans. In addition to her research, she has also been an advocate and
programmer for adapted sports and inclusive recreation programs.

THE ATRA CHAPTER AFFILIATE AWARD DESCRIPTION

This award is given to the outstanding chapter affiliate of ATRA who has made significant contributions to the profession of recreational therapy.

THE ATRA CHAPTER AFFILIATE AWARD RECIPIENT

Arizona State Therapeutic Recreation Association

ASTRA held their annual conference last year with the largest attendance in the history of the chapter. They renewed their partnership with the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association and have enhanced the chapter’s ability to educate professionals outside of recreational therapy.

The chapter continues to encourage and make the annual conference accessible and affordable to students. ASTRA continued to demonstrate increased promotion and awareness of recreational therapy and professional development through improved social media presence, with their quarterly newsletter, and other methods of communication, education, and outreach. ASTRA’s dynamic, enthusiastic, motivated board which will continue bring even more positive influence and support to the Therapeutic Recreation community.

THE ATRA EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD DESCRIPTION

This awarded is given to a clinical agency or institution of higher education that has distinguished itself through outstanding contribution(s) to the recreational therapy profession.

THE ATRA EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD RECIPIENT

University of New Hampshire

UNH’s curriculum does an incredible job of preparing students to work in a variety of professional settings, and due to affiliations with community organizations, every student who comes out of UNH’s Therapeutic Recreation program has an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with older adults, children, and adults with brain injury or intellectual / developmental disabilities. For those with a stronger interest in physical disability or veteran populations, UNH has a unique program in Northeast Passage as part of the department.

Every student in the therapeutic recreation program must complete a 45-hour practicum experience, 100 -150 hours of program leadership and treatment in the Junior TR labs, and a minimum 560-hour internship before graduating. This hands-on learning, is the core of UNH.The UNH curriculum is well-rounded. With faculty a mix of tenured and tenure-track faculty as well as clinical faculty who really help to translate concepts into practice.

UNH is one of only six universities to earn CARTE Accreditation since its inception. This accreditation represents a commitment to undergraduate education that is reflected in the department’s high rates of NCTRC certification, job placement, and overall satisfaction with student preparation on the part of internship supervisors and employers.

In addition to a very strong undergraduate program, UNH offers a Master’s Degree in

Therapeutic Recreation Administration. TheM.S. program provides graduate students with a strong foundation in how to conduct research while developing students’ skill sets related to the provision of RT services in a community setting.

THE ATRA FRANK BASILE CLINICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD DESCRIPTION

This award recognizes the recipient’s outstanding contribution to recreational therapy through creative and innovative programming in a clinical setting through promotion of the profession and service to developing professionals.

THE ATRA FRANK BASILE CLINICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENT

Abby Pestak

Abby has made an outstanding contribution to recreation therapy through creative and innovative programming in a clinical setting. She has diligently promoted the profession. In addition she has provided great service as the committee Chair of the Child and Adolescent Section and Chair of the Peg Connolly Scholarship Committee.

Abby is an extremely committed clinician who has impacted the field of pediatric behavioral health practice as a recreational therapist. Abby obtained certifications in Child Light Yoga and has implemented yoga in her practice. Abby is the type of clinician who is continually growing professionally and wants to improve her practice. She has updated her assessment process while advocating for recreational therapy to be represented during the change over to electronic medical records. Abby never stops adding new interventions and adapting to what her patients needs at the particular time.

Abby is a fantastic role model and teacher for Therapeutic Recreation students. As an internship supervisor, she sees her role as developing the intern. She has high standards and always treats the students with fairness and kindness.

THE ATRA OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL AWARD DESCRIPTION

This award given to one member of ATRA for outstanding contributions to the ATRA such as preparing or sponsoring legislation, professional research, writing or presentation, exceptional committee work and supporting advancement and promotion of the profession.

THE ATRA OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL AWARD RECIPIENT

Thomas Skalko

Dr. Thom Skalko is well known within the recreational therapy profession. He has served ATRA as President, and has been chair/co-chair of the ATRA Federal Public Policy committee for ten plus years. Dr. Skalko is currently serving his second term as the President of CAAHEP, a significant achievement for any healthcare professional and one of great importance in the recognition of recreational therapy at the national level. As ATRA Public Policy chair, Dr. Skalko has led recent initiatives, particularly HR 1906, to achieve the recognition of recreational therapy within inpatient rehabilitation settings by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He has dedicated hours or service in meeting with legislators in Washington DC, and representing ATRA to multiple coalitions and disability organizations.

THE ATRA DISTINGUISHED FELLOW AWARD DESCRIPTION

This is the highest recognition award given by ATRA. The award recognizes exceptional accomplishments within the field of recreational therapy.

THE ATRA DISTINGUISHED FELLOW AWARD RECIPIENT

Missy Armstrong

Missy began her work as a recreation therapist 40 years ago. Throughout this time she has served the profession and has been promoted to management and administrative positions at Harborview Medical Center. Missy has been a member of ATRA since 1988. She has been actively involved at all levels of the organization through committee work, leadership appointments, and elected offices. Missy has demonstrated the same dedication on the state level, as a member of the Washington Therapeutic Recreation Association. Missy is highly respected in her state and remains as a primary contact in the state of Washington regarding therapeutic recreation concerns.

Missy’s service and leadership is endless. She has tirelessly been engaged in important conversations about therapeutic recreation, involved in conferences, served on committees and task force appointments. She has also served as co-chaired of the Joint Task Force on Credentialing, worked on the State Recognition Sub-Committee for Title Recognition and was a member of the Public Policy Committee for many years.

Missy has served as Secretary, President Elect and President for the ATRA Board of Directors, guiding the organization through some difficult times. Missy’s body of work in research, publications and presentations is also very note-worthy. She has published “A Community Integration Program”, “State Recognition Options in Therapeutic Recreation: An Educational Resource” What is sometimes overlooked but important to recognized is Missy’s contribution in writing written plans operations, policies and procedures, strategic plans, training manuals, job descriptions, accreditation reports, and risk management plans. Missy’s scholarship for Harborview Medical Center is used as a template across the country for other organizations, in their PT, OT and RT Departments.

Missy’s contribution as a speaker is also well represented. It is quite often you will Missy speaking at an ATRA conference and her expertise in management, credentialing, and rehabilitation has made her a sought out speaker across the country. Above all these incredible contributions, Missy’s most admired attributes is her ability to listen, respect differences, and demonstrating professional integrity in her words and actions.