by Danny Pettry | Aug 31, 2026 | ATRA updates
Why I Renewed My ATRA Membership I recently renewed my annual membership with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). I first joined ATRA in 1999, and today I am proud to be a lifetime member. Over the years, I have heard nonmembers ask, “What is ATRA...
by Danny Pettry | Oct 23, 2025 | Advocacy, ATRA updates
I still remember my first ATRA Conference — Kansas City, 2004. It was the 20th anniversary of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, and I attended as a Peg Connolly Student Scholar, an honor named after ATRA’s very first president. That experience changed...
by Danny Pettry | Sep 11, 2025 | ATRA updates
Rec Therapy Today Sponsors the 2025 ATRA Annual Conference We’re thrilled to announce that Rec Therapy Today is an official sponsor of the 2025 ATRA Annual Conference! Our support this year will help make the event even more memorable and meaningful for every...
by Danny Pettry | Mar 1, 2025 | Advocacy, ATRA updates
Want to promote and expand the reach of RT? Advocacy is key! Here are three simple ways to make a difference: 📢 Educate Others – Explain the benefits of RT to coworkers, families, and administrators. Share success stories!🤝 Join Organizations – Get involved with...
by Danny Pettry | Feb 24, 2025 | ATRA updates
By: Danny W. Pettry II, M.Ed., M.S., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BHS As recreational therapists, we dedicate our careers to enhancing the quality of life for individuals through purposeful recreation and therapeutic activities. However, one crucial aspect of our profession...
by Danny Pettry | Jun 4, 2024 | Advocacy, ATRA updates
As I renewed my membership with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) this year, I took a moment to reflect on my journey with this incredible organization. I discovered the profession during the summer of 1999 while completing volunteer work. Since...
