Education
Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management with an emphasis in Recreation Therapy from Clemson University
M.S. in Recreation and Park Administration with a concentration in Outdoor Therapeutic Recreation from Indiana University
B.S. in Leisure Studies with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation from Kent State University
Scholarly Contributions
Hinton has continued scholarship in credentialing, curriculum, and accreditation. In addition, she maintains a strong interest in nature- and adventure-based modalities and is currently involved in a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning project based on student nature journals. Hinton is an accomplished speaker, having nearly 100 state, regional, and national presentations. Recent presentations include:
Hinton, J. & Singleton, D. (2025, March). Using nature as therapy in RT settings. Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium. Greenville, SC. (Note: I was unable to present this session with my co-author due to a family emergency.)
Hinton, J., Richard, A., Burnham, C., Allsop, J. & D’Eloia, M. (2024, October). Maintaining a strong foundation for the profession: The roles of TR Organizations. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Kansas City, MO.
Hinton, J. (2024, February). The ABCs of student well-being: Anxiety, belonging, and compassion fatigue. North Carolina Recreational Therapy Association Student and Professional Issues Forum. Wilmington, NC.
Featured Publications
Dagenhard, P. & Hinton, J. (2024). Perceived skill preparation in recreational therapy: A preliminary case report. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 23 (1), 25-33.
Hinton, J., Smith, R., Allsop, J. & Lozano, D. (2023). Quality internship development and supervision: Raising the bar in therapeutic recreation. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 57 (3), 256-270.
Hahn, S.A., Hinton J. & Hallyburton, A. (2020, December 13). Emotional support
animals: An overview of practical and legal issues for social workers. Health and Social Work [online]. https://academic.oup.com/hsw/advance-article/doi/10.1093/hsw/hlaa024/6032280?guestAccessKey=634ebb6e-499d-488f-ab10-2ef7d62f1a85
Leadership & Professional Service
Hinton has served the profession in multiple capacities including President for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, Member at Large for the Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education and Chair of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification Board of Directors. In addition to these leadership roles she has served on multiple committees and task forces in an effort to advance the profession.
Professional Awards & Recognition
Hinton has received several teaching and service awards, including specific recognition for her work on curricula and in service learning. She has a passion for serving her community in rural Western NC. Recent awards include:
Community Engaged Teaching and Learning Award, WCU Center for Community
Engagement and Service Learning (Joint award WCU Recreational Therapy and
Hinds’ Feet Farm, Asheville) Spring 2024
Faculty Service Award, College of Health and Human Sciences, WCU Spring 2020
Innovative Teaching Award, Board of Governors, WCU Spring 2019
Service Learning, WCU Spring 2018
Distinguished Service Award, Clemson University Spring 2018