Education
BS in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation emphasis, University of Florida
MS in Recreation Studies, Therapeutic Recreation emphasis, University of Florida
PhD in Public Health, Social Behavioral Health Science emphasis, Temple University
Scholarly Contributions
Dr. Messina's research has focused on the use of leisure as coping, leisure participation among marginalized population groups, and the use of Recreational Therapy and related programming within correctional and behavioral health settings. Her publications also include topics related to service learning and community engagement within the classroom. Dr. Messina's recent scholarship includes preservation of stories from pioneers within the field of Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy. Dr. Messina has served as the Co-Editor of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual since Spring 2024.
Featured Publications
Messina, E., & Davenport, B. (2024). Domain-Specific Service-Learning Student Reflections in Therapeutic Recreation Curriculum. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 58(1).
Messina, E., D’Eloia, M. H., & Austin, D. R. (2024). A contextual history of how ATRA became the sole professional membership organization for recreational therapy. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 23, 9–16.
Messina, E., & Iwasaki, Y. (2013). Analysis of participation levels in activity programming at a correctional mental health facility. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 47(3), 197-211.
Leadership & Professional Service
Dr. Messina currently serves as Co-Editor of the ATRA Annual. This past year she served as Member at Large on the CARTE Executive Board. Dr. Messina has served as an Educator Representative on the CARTE Board since the summer of 2022; as part of her duties with the CARTE board, Dr. Messina is also a member of the ATRA Quality Internship Subcommittee and the CARTE newsletter committee. Previously, Dr. Messina served on the COAPRT Guidelines for Learning Outcomes for Therapeutic Recreation Education 2020-2021 Update/Revision Task Force and as President and webmaster for the Washington State Therapeutic Recreation Association.