NART is pleased to introduce The 2023 Future Scholar
Rebecca Westenskow from University of Utah is the 2023 Future Scholar. Her interest areas include dementia, older adults, and nature engagement. Rebecca completed her Master's and Bachelor's degrees from the University of Utah and she is interested in pursuing her doctorate within the next three years in Rehabilitation Sciences or Gerontology. She is currently a CTRS and member of ATRA. Her research interests have lead to a publication in the Canadian Journal of Recreation Therapy on robotic pets with older adults. Further, her research experience led to graduation designation from her undergradute program as a Research Scholar. Recently, her research at the Master's level on adaptive biking with a memory care unit led to her application and subsequent NCTRC award of a $5000.00
Research Grant. She completed an Internship at the National Institutes of Health and held a professional position with a memory care unit.
Congratulations to Rebecca Westenskow, the 2023 NART Future Scholar.
The purpose of NART’s Future Scholar Program is to provide currently enrolled master’s degree students who are interested in pursuing a doctorate in an area related to therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy with the intention of entering academia as a faculty member in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy the opportunity to meet and be mentored by scholars in the profession. The selected applicants attend the ATRA Annual Conference and receive a stipend to help cover the conference cost.
NART Scholarly Manuscript Award Winner
The 2023 award is presented to Shay Dawson (Central Michigan University), Eric Scott (University of Michigan Medical School), Lisa Elder (Craig Rehab Hospital), Edna Omodior (Indiana University Hospital), and Auriel Holman Harrison (Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center) for their manuscript "Kids B.E.A.R. Pain, A Pediatric Chronic Pain Protocol" that appeared in the Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 57(2), 2023, pp. 173-198. A monetary award accompanies this honor.
Congratulations to the 2023 finalists:
Bedini, L.A., Miller, K.D., Powliae, K., Labban, J., & Paynter, L. (2022). Factors affecting CTRSs' motivation to join professional organizations in recreational therapy. [Special Issue ATRA Annual], Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 56(4), 561-582.
Janke, M. C., & Walter, A. (2022). Changes in engagement for adults with dementia, effects of an intergenerational program. [Special Issue ATRA Annual], Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 56(4), 504-521.