Education
BS Therapeutic Recreation, Lincoln University (PA)
MA Therapeutic Recreation Administration & Services, New York University (NYU)
Ed.D. Executive Leadership, St. John Fisher University
Scholarly Contributions
Dr. Battle has authored peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, educational resources, and scholarly reviews that have informed recreational therapy education and clinical practice. Her publications span higher education, mentoring, social justice, cultural competency, and long- term care. She authored the chapter on Cultural Competency in the seventh edition of Long- Term Care for Activity Professionals, Social Services Professionals and Recreation Therapists and is currently editing a groundbreaking textbook on Recreation Therapy for Older Adults, addressing the growing need for specialized educational resources that prepare practitioners and students to meet the complex needs of an aging population through evidence-based, person-centered care. Her scholarship has challenged the profession to examine the intersections of race, culture, disability, and health while promoting culturally responsive recreational therapy practice. Her influential publication, COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter: Using Social Justice to Navigate Discourse in Recreational Therapy, provided timely national leadership during one of the most consequential periods in modern healthcare and professional practice.
Featured Publications
Battle, T. (2027 in press). Introduction to recreational therapy for older adults. Human Kinetics Publishing, Inc.
Nicholson, W. M., & Battle, T. S. (2021). Adult education amidst dual pandemics: Community
college survival. Dialogues in Social Justice: An Adult Education Journal, 6(2), Article A1153
Battle, T. (2020). COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter: Using Social Justice to Navigate Discourse in Recreational Therapy. ATRA Newsletter, 36(3), 1-5.
Leadership & Professional Service
A respected national leader and educator, Dr. Battle has dedicated years of service to the New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association (NYSTRA) in numerous Board roles and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), serving as Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past President. During her presidency, she led the development of ATRA's Strategic Plan, establishing a bold vision and framework for the future of recreational therapy, its professionals, students, and the
Association. Today, she continues to shape the profession through her service as ATRA's liaison to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee, Social Prescribing Initiative, Scope of Practice Committee, and Artificial Intelligence Task Force, ensuring recreational therapy remains at the forefront of emerging healthcare practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technological innovation.
Professional Awards & Recognition
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Battle has received numerous honors recognizing her extraordinary contributions to education, scholarship, leadership, and service. Among her many awards include the American Therapeutic Recreation Association Excellence in Education Award, the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners Educator of the Year Award, the New York State Recreation & Parks Society Therapeutic Recreation Service Award, the National Association of Professional Women Award, and recognition as a Consortium of New
York Geriatric Education Scholar.