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The National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART) is thrilled to share highlights from two events held during the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) Annual 2025 Conference in San Antonio this past weekend. These gatherings brought together Fellows, inductees, and supporters to reconnect and socialize while also celebrating the induction of new members into the Academy. Induction Ceremony: Welcoming New Fellows On Sunday evening, October 19, Fellows and gu

The National Academy of Recreational Therapists is proud to recognize Lauren Bade, MS, TRS, CTRS, as the 2025 NART Future Scholar. Lauren graduated in August 2025 with a Master of Science in Recreational Therapy from the University of Utah and holds a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and Management from Brigham Young University. Her clinical experience spans diverse settings and populations across the lifespan, encompassing both clinical and community-based recre

Marcia Carter (left) and Lori Koplin (right) stand together at the ATRA Annual 2025 Conference Awards Ceremony. Note: Tania Santiago Perez, while honored at this ceremony, was not present for the photograph. The 2025 award is presented to Lori Koplin, CTRS, CPRP, CYSA, CARRS , City of Ormond Beach and  Tania Santiago Perez, PhD, CTRS, WSI, is an Associate Teaching Professor of Rehabilitation and Recreational Therapy at Florida International University for their manuscript "P

As professionals from across the country gather in San Antonio for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) Annual Conference from October 17–20, the National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART) is proud to host two special events that celebrate leadership, scholarship, and community within the field of recreational therapy. National Academy of Recreational Therapists Induction Ceremony Sunday, October 19 5:30–7:00 PM CST Crockett Tavern, 320 Bonham Sui

Casey Weidner is pursuing her master’s degree at East Carolina University, where she also received her bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy in 2023. She completed her clinical internship at UNC Hospital and is currently a graduate and teaching assistant in the ECU Department of Recreation Sciences. She holds the following credentials: National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (2023), North Carolina Recreational Therapy license (2023), and Certified Adaptiv

The 2024 award is presented to Mikayla Soli, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University, and Rhonda...