Education
Ph.D. in Health Studies, Temple University
M.Ed. in Therapeutic Recreation, Temple University
BME in Music Education/Music Therapy, Wartburg College
Scholarly Contributions
Dr. Nelson’s scholarly activity is concentrated in three main areas: (1) technology-based recreation interventions, (2) evidence-based protocols and resources in recreational therapy, and (3) best practices in recreational therapy education. She has over 40 peer reviewed publications in a variety of journals and has completed over 180 professional presentations. Dr. Nelson is the founder and director of RT2: The Recreational Therapy Research and Training Lab that fosters research partnerships involving faculty/researchers, students, practitioners, and RT consumers/clients. The lab’s projects and publications emphasize Dr. Nelson’s commitment to mentoring students and practitioners in research endeavors that advance the RT profession.
Featured Publications
Nelson, R., Cardell, B., & Rigby, J. (2025). Exploring transitions of care through an interprofessional education track. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 59(2), 147-162. https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2025-V59-I2-12596
Nelson, R. & Hummel, E. (2022). Using multisensory interventions to address anxiety, agitation, and pain in adults receiving treatment for a substance use disorder. [Special Issue ATRA Annual] Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 56(4), 522-539. https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2022-V56-I4-11579
Nelson, R. & Westenskow, R. (2022). Evaluation of a robotic pet intervention protocol for older adults with dementia. Canadian Journal of Recreation Therapy, 1(1), 88 – 104. https://js.sagamorepub.com/cjrt/article/view/11452/8352
Leadership & Professional Service
Dr. Nelson’s leadership and professional association involvement has included service as the Chair of CARTE, Treasurer of CARTE, President-Elect of NART, and President of NJ/EPA TRA. Dr. Nelson is a Site Visitor for CARTE and served as a Commissioner to CAAHEP. She has been an Associate Editor for the ATRA Annual, abstract reviewer for the ATRA Research Institute, and a manuscript reviewer for numerous journals. During her career, Dr. Nelson has served on a variety of professional committees and has been recognized as Member of the Year by URTA and with the Excellence in Therapeutic Recreation Award by NJ/EPA TRA.
Professional Awards & Recognition
Dr. Nelson is an award-winning educator, mentor, and researcher. Her honors include the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, Temple University’s College of Health Professions and Social Work Excellence in Teaching Award, the ATRA Scholarly Achievement Award, the Marcia Carter Best Paper Award, and four separate recognitions for Best Poster in the ATRA Research Institute. Dr. Nelson was inducted as a member of the Provost’s Teaching Academy and as a Founding Member of the Provost’s Undergraduate Mentors at Temple University and received a Faculty Fellow Award at the University of Utah.