Education
BS Recreation with TR Concentration - University of Colorado Boulder;
BA Psychology - University of Colorado, Boulder; MA Recreation/Therapeutic Recreation;
PhD Recreation Therapy- Clemson University
Scholarly Contributions
Twelve peer-reviewed articles, 36 professional publication articles, seven conference abstracts/funded study reports, five book chapters.
Featured Publications
Wenzel, K.C., Van Puymbroeck, M., Gagnon, R., Lewis, S., McGuire, F., Vidotto, J. (2024). The attributes of leisure activity engagement that foster cognition in aging; A scoping review. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, 8: 118-154. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41465-024-00286-1
Wenzel, K.C., Van Puymbroeck, Lewis, S., McGuire, R., Vidotto, J. (2024). Characteristics and cognition of older adults engaged in lifelong learning. Educational Gerontology, 50(5), 423-442. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2023.2299647
Wenzel, K.C., Townsend, J.N., Hawkins, B.L., Russell, B., (2020). Changes in family leisure following a family camp for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 54(1) 17-31. https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2020-V54-i1-9418
Leadership & Professional Service
National Therapeutic Recreation Society - President (1997-1998), National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification - Chair (2003-2004), American Therapeutic Recreation Association -Chair Annual Conference (1992, 2002), Colorado Therapeutic Recreation Society - President (1989-1990), Legacy Labyrinth Project - Board Member/Officer (2018-present), National Academy of Recreational Therapists - Chair Ad Hoc Committee (2025-present).
Professional Awards & Recognition
2025 Innovative Research in Aging Silver Award (Mather Insititute), 2024 Innovative Research in Aging Award (Mather Institute), Fellow Distinguished Recreational Therapy (2019), NTRS Distinguished Service Award (1996), ATRA Presidential Award (2000), Distinguished Service Award New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association (1998), Colorado Therapeutic Recreator of the Year (1991, 2011).