Education
MPH, Master in Public Health, Community Health New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
BS, Therapeutic Recreation, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI
BA, Spanish,
Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI
Scholarly Contributions
Thea Kavanaugh has made contributions to recreational therapy literature through peer-reviewed research on school-based RT services and professional practice standards. Her scholarly work examines how professional beliefs and training impact service quality for students with disabilities. She co-authored the third edition of Coverage of Recreational Therapy: The Rules and Regulations and developed assessment resources for school-based practice. Beyond traditional publications, Kavanaugh has delivered over 50 presentations nationally, covering topics from RT in school settings to sexual wellness and education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Featured Publications
Kavanaugh, T., Tomaka, J., & Morales, E. (2021). Professional preparedness and psychosocial beliefs as predictors of quality physical education and recreation services to students with disabilities. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, 28(4), 414 - 431.
Passmore, T., DeVries, D., Kavanaugh, T., & Fedesco, K. (2017). Coverage of recreational therapy: The rules and regulations (3rd Ed.). Hattiesburg, MS: American Therapeutic Recreation Association.
Kavanaugh, T. (2010). Networking to promote recreation as a related service. In L. Mische-Lawson & C. Coyle (Eds.), Therapeutic Recreation in Special Education: From Legislation to Practice (p. 72). American Therapeutic Recreation Association
Leadership & Professional Service
Thea Kavanaugh's leadership includes ATRA Board Member-At-Large (2015-2020), ATRA Nominations and Elections Committee Chair (2022-2024), and ATRA Schools Setting Section Leader (2009-2014). She initiated ATRA's First-Time Annual Attendee Scholarship, now the Martha Judge Scholarship. Kavanaugh serves as NM Coordinator for the Joint Task Force for RT State Licensure and currently holds dual roles as NART Board Treasurer and Secretary (2024-Present). Additional contributions include ATRA Newsletter Editor/Co-Editor and guest manuscript reviewer for the Therapeutic Recreation Journal. Her sustained leadership across national organizations demonstrates a deep commitment to professional advancement and strengthening recreational therapy's impact.
Professional Awards & Recognition
Thea Kavanaugh is an award-winning practitioner and advocate. Her honors include the ATRA Outstanding Professional Award (2023), the Recreational Therapy Foundation Frank Basile Clinician of the Year Award (2015), and the Outstanding Student Award for Exceptional Academic Achievement in Therapeutic Recreation (2002). Kavanaugh received the NM Department of Game & Fish K-12 School Teacher of the Year Award (2015) and hosted the largest Special Olympics Project UNIFY School Competition in New Mexico (2013, 2014). Her achievements demonstrate excellence in clinical practice and education.