Advance Your Practice Virtual Summit
Healing Loneliness and Disconnection through RT
January 12 - February 7, 2026
elevate your clinical response
Be a Force for Change
ATRA is excited to announce the Advance Your Practice Summit: Healing Loneliness and Disconnection Through Recreational Therapy. In 2023, the Surgeon General released a landmark Advisory that identified loneliness and social isolation as urgent public health concerns in the United States. Recreational therapists are uniquely qualified to play a critical role in addressing loneliness and social disconnection in our communities and healthcare systems. This virtual event is designed for recreational therapists and professionals in related fields who are eager to deepen their clinical understanding of loneliness and social disconnection and want to advance their leadership on this crucial issue within their workplace and/or community.
Watch pre-recorded sessions at your own pace and tune in for live and interactive events throughout the Summit (January 12 - February 7, 2026).
Group Rates are available—please email us at info@atra-online.com to learn more or complete the Group Registration Request Form.
Program Preview
Program Highlights
- Internationally Recognized Speakers
- Expert Speakers on Loneliness & Social Isolation/Social Connection
- 14 CEU hours + Live Virtual Events
- ATRA Connect
forum for registered attendees to engage in conversation during the Summit
- Ongoing access to educational materials beyond the end of the Summit
- All CEUs are Pre-Approved by NCTRC
AYP Live Session #1
AYP Live: Connection Starts With Us
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
12:00-12:45 PM EST (Live Zoom)
Featuring Expert Speakers:
Shay Dawson, PhD, CTRS
Bryan P. McCormick, PhD, CTRS, FDRT, FALS
This live event is pre-approved with Behavioral Health Specialization Area Designation by NCTRC.
AYP Live events are included for AYP Summit registered attendees. Register for the Summit to join the live event experience. Registered Summit attendees will receive the Zoom link and instructions via email.
Join us for a live, interactive conversation with leading RT scholars exploring the science and practice behind loneliness, mattering, and connection, and why RTs are uniquely positioned to lead national solutions.
Save the Date Announcement Coming Soon for our Second AYP Live Event!
Are You Ready...
To deepen your understanding of loneliness as a clinical concern?
To learn evidence-based assessment tools and outcome measures?
To discover real-world program models that foster connection and engagement?
To align your work with national health priorities, including the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory?
To explore technology and virtual strategies to bridge social gaps?
To strengthen your advocacy, leadership, and systems-thinking skills?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, this Advance Your Practice Summit is for you!
impact real change
Who should attend?
This Summit is designed for recreational therapists and professionals in related fields who want to enhance their clinical understanding of loneliness and elevate their response to social disconnection.
It’s especially relevant for those working in:
- Behavioral health
- Aging and dementia care
- Veterans' services
- Community-based programs
- Schools and youth-focused settings
If your work involves building connection, promoting engagement, or improving psychosocial outcomes — this Summit is for you.
Need help? Interested in Group Rates? Email us at info@atra-online.com - we're happy to assist!
Summit Focus Areas
Explore Summit offerings by focus area using the dropdown menu below.
Older Adults & Aging Populations
Exploring social isolation, belonging, and therapeutic approaches for older adults and aging services. These sessions highlight evidence-based and innovative RT practices supporting engagement, cognitive health, and well-being in later life.
Sessions include:
A Panel-Format of RT Older Adult Experts on the Power of Connection for Aging Populations
Kaitlin Mueller, PhD, LRT, CTRS; Shelly Bates, PhD, CTRS; Lacey Speert, CTRS; Betsy Kemeny, PhD, CTRS, FDRT; Laura Kelly, MS, CTRS, CDP; and Dawn DeVries, DHA, MPH, CTRS
Geriatrics Specialization Area Designation as approved by NCTRC.
A Multisensory Approach for the Brain
Orquidea Tamayo Mortera (She/Her/Hers), MNZM, NZTRS, NZSDRT Inc.
Developmental Disabilities Specialization Area Designation approved by NCTRC.
Companion Volunteers and Recreational Therapy: Extending Connection and Belonging in Long-Term Care
Paul P. Falkowski, PhD, National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers
Geriatrics Specialization Area Designation approved by NCTRC.
Recreational Therapy Plays Key Role in Fostering Social Connections to Support Health of Clients
Kara Schweitzer, MA, CTRS, University of Illinois Extension
Community Inclusion & Advocacy
Innovative, community-centered approaches that promote belonging and address systemic barriers to connection. These sessions empower RT professionals to extend their impact through inclusive practice, collaboration, and advocacy.
Sessions include:
Creating Belonging: Tackling Loneliness for People with Disabilities in Rural Areas
Maggie Bayerl, M.Ed, CTRS, The Ability Collective of Barry County
Community Inclusion Services and Developmental Disabilities Specialization
Area Designations approved by NCTRC.
Espresso Cafes! A Recreational Therapy Response for Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation
Vicky Pitner, CTRS, CDP, The L.O.V.E. Approach for Dementia
Beyond Physical Recovery: Addressing Social Wellness in a Physical Rehabilitation Setting
Elizabeth Creasman, MS, CTRS, C-IAYT, Sheltering Arms Institute
Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation Specialization Area Designation as approved by NCTRC.
Recreational Therapy: Responding to the Loneliness Epidemic
Karen Carnicello Wenzel, PhD, CTRS, FDRT, Eastern Washington University
Behavioral Health Specialization Area Designation approved by NCTRC.
Technology, Tools & Emerging Practices
Leveraging innovation, evidence-based tools, and telehealth to expand connection in RT practice. These sessions explore how emerging technologies, assessments, and new approaches are transforming the therapeutic recreation landscape.
Sessions include:
AI and Loneliness: The Good, Bad, and Ugly for Recreational Therapy Practice
Susan Purrington, PhD, CTRS, C-IAYT, Connecticut College
Connecting via Recreational Therapy and Telehealth to Combat Loneliness
Holly Eichner, PhD, CTRS, University of Toledo and Mindful Healing Recreational Therapy
Fighting Loneliness with Friendship: Fostering Connection With RT
Tim Miller, MS, CTRS, HCA Florida Healthcare
Measuring Loneliness: Assessment Instruments and Opportunities for RT Practitioners
Kristina Gordon, CTRS, University of Iowa
incredible value
What's included?
When you register, you’ll get access to:
- 10–15 on-demand, pre-recorded webinars from subject matter experts and front-line practitioners
- An exclusive Summit attendee forum to connect, discuss, and exchange ideas with peers
- Two live events, including a live keynote or expert panel discussion, a Q&A session with featured presenters, and a virtual networking event to build your professional connections
All Sumit CEU content is pre-approved by NCTRC and recordings will remain available for convenient, on-your-schedule viewing.
Justification Toolkit
Are you seeking support, funding, or protected time to attend this AYP Summit? Our Justification Toolkit is here to help!
ATRA Members Save!
The benefits of ATRA membership are endless! ATRA members enjoy discounted rates for educational offerings, including our Advance Your Practice Summit! Become an ATRA member and start benefiting instantly with the best Summit pricing.
