U of U Recreational Therapy

Dr. Melissa Zahl has been elected Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE). 👏

The purpose of CARTE is to promote the highest levels of professional competence of recreational therapists through the (a) development and promotion of professional preparation standards, (b) encouragement of excellence in educational program development, and (c) accreditation of recreational therapy professional preparation programs.

Dr. Zahl is serving her second year on the CARTE Board as an Educator Representative as she steps into this leadership role on the Executive Board for the organization. We are very proud of leadership our RT faculty provide to the profession. ✨

📣 Bailey Palmer, a graduate of our BS RT program and current MS RT student has published a research article in the latest issue of RANGE: Undergraduate Research Journal. 👏

The article “Impact of a Robotic Pets Intervention on Engagement and Mood in Older Adults with Differing Cognitive Skills” summarizes findings from a project Bailey assisted with as part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).

The journal also includes a “Research Reflection” that Bailey wrote summarizing how she grew personally and professionally through her experience as a research assistant and in the UROP program. The full journal is available at this link: https://uen.pressbooks.pub/range27i1/

✨ Great work Bailey! ✨

🎉 The countdown is on. Just 1 week until University of Utah Recreational Therapy classes begin! 🎉

✅ Check your class schedule.
✅ Find your classroom locations.
✅ Get ready for an amazing semester!

We can't wait to see all of our incredible Recreational Therapy students next week starting on Monday, August 24! ❤️

✨Cheers to Dr. Sasha Gordon, MTRS (almost official!) on a successful dissertation defense! ✨

Sasha’s dissertation, Exploring Burnout in Interdisciplinary Teams: The Influence of Job Demands, Resources, Team Dynamics, and Social Support in Mental Health Professionals, is filling a number of gaps in the literature. The results of her timely dissertation sheds light on the stress and burnout mental health professionals are currently experiencing and may promote powerful change in mental health care systems.

This outstanding achievement marks the culmination of years of commitment, discovery, and academic excellence. Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone!

✨ Celebrating Our Recreational Therapy Graduates! ✨

At the close of the semester, we were honored to host our annual Recreational Therapy Program Pinning Ceremony, a meaningful tradition where we reflect on the year, celebrate our undergraduate students’ accomplishments, and recognize their transition into the next phase of their journey.

These graduates have worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone, demonstrating dedication, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. We are so proud of all they have achieved.

We were especially grateful to have College of Health Dean, Dr. Kelly Tappenden, and Department Chair, Dr. Lorie Richards, join us in celebrating this special occasion.

As our students move on to their capstone internships this summer, we wish them continued success and fulfillment. The future of Recreational Therapy is brighter because of you!

🎓 Congratulations, graduates - we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

Maycie Ge**er, a recent graduate of our MS RT program, successfully defended her Master’s project, "Evaluation of a Recreational Therapy-Based Curriculum in Utah High Schools."

Maycie’s work bridges a vital gap in adolescent health. Her Recreation and Wellness curriculum focuses on high school student mental well-being by blending the Recreational Therapy (RT) process and evidence-based interventions with the PERMA model, a framework for flourishing that emphasizes Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. She also strategically combined these elements with the core standards for Utah public schools to ensure the curriculum aligns with academic expectations and student needs.

The curriculum was evaluated by both Recreational Therapists and School Personnel. The evaluation focused on key areas:

Feasibility: Can it be realistically implemented in a busy high school?
Necessity: Does this address a critical gap in student mental well-being resources?
Effectiveness: Does it achieve the desired positive outcomes for students?
Therapeutic Quality: Does it meet the high standards of evidence-based RT interventions?

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, marking a significant step forward in exploring how evidence-based RT interventions can support student mental well-being. This evaluation provides valuable evidence for the potential of offering this curriculum in the future.

Please join us in congratulating Maycie!

What an unforgettable day celebrating our 2026 graduates! 🎓🙌

With our BS and MS in Recreational Therapy students alongside our Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences graduates, it was a joy to honor each of you at the College of Health convocation surrounded by loved ones and full of well‑earned pride and joy.

Congratulations on reaching this milestone through dedication, perseverance, and countless hours of learning. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish! ❤️

🧩🔐 Where problem-solving meets practice! 🔐🧩

Our RTSA leadership hosted an escape room experience for our Recreational Therapy students, and it was a success! Our group split into two different rooms, tackled unique puzzles, and put their teamwork and communication skills to the test.

✅ Both groups escaped!
➡️ Even better? We wrapped up with a discussion on how escape rooms can be used as therapeutic interventions to target skills like communication, teamwork, emotional regulation, coping skills, and more.

Experiential learning at its best! 👏

🚴‍♂️🧗 Rec Tuesday Spotlight: Eric 🧗‍♂️🚴‍♂️

This week, Eric, also known as "Grandpa RT," is highlighting wheelchair sports and climbing as his recreational highlights!

What makes these activities meaningful for Eric is the ability to teach, connect with others socially, and stay physically active all at once. Recreation becomes even more powerful when it brings people together. ❤🖤

Organizing recent wheelchair sports events came with their own stress, but Eric stayed calm and collected to make it happen. When it came to climbing, the challenge was all about pushing himself, and proving just how far determination can take you. 💪

💬 Eric’s words of encouragement:
“Recreating is important and you will not regret the time spent playing.”

Let Eric’s passion for accessible and active recreation inspire you to get out there and play this week! 🌟