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Get ready for two days of
amazing stories, learning and networking!

1.1 CEUs have been pre-approved for this conference.


Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Time Activity Location Approved CEUs
7:15AM - 8:00AM Symposium Registration -- --
8:00AM - 9:00AM Keynote Michael-Ray Pallares with Ron Tankel
Tennis for Behavioral Health - Pilot Program
Salon A --

Session #1

9:15AM - 10:15AM Therapeutic Recreation in Acute Care
Ashley Robinson, Recreation Therapist, CTRS, MS and Karlie Barlowicz
Salon A 0.1
9:15AM - 10:15AM The Tipping Point: Assessing at a deeper level for TR delivery
Dr. Sue Myllykangas, Professor (Northwest Missouri State University)
Salon B 0.1

Session #2

10:30AM - 11:30AM Therapeutic Recreation Interventions for Preschool-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Zoey Harvey, Graduate Assistant with Dr. Laura Covert Miller, CTRS
Salon A 0.1
10:30AM - 11:30AM Empowering Others and Developing a Compassionate Culture
Kate Zabbat, Recreation Specialist with Dr. Michael McNicholas
Salon B 0.1
11:30AM - 1:00PM Networking & Lunch on Your Own --

Session #3

1:00PM - 2:00PM Facilitating the Blind Maze
Dr. Michael McNicholas, Director of Special Recreation Services of Sertoma Star Services and TR curriculum Adjunct Professor (Chicago State University)
Salon A 0.1
1:00PM - 2:00PM A Win -Win: Community Engagement in the Recreation Therapy Curriculum at the University Level - how to make connections and benefit both community agencies and future professionals.
Heather Pennington, CSCS, CSPS
Salon B 0.1

Session #4

2:15PM - 3:15PM Social Drumming in Elderly Population
Mackenzie Miller, CTRS, CDP, BA
Salon A 0.1
2:15PM - 3:15PM NCTRC Recertification and Specialization Area Designation: Continuing Professional Competence
Robin McNeal, Director of Credentialing, CTRS, FDRT, ICE-CCP
Salon B
Speaker presenting live via Zoom
0.1

Session #5

3:30PM - 5:00PM Advocating for Recreation Therapy: Coworkers, Families, Community Members
Dr. Sue Myllykangas, Professor (Northwest Missouri State University)
Salon A 0.15
3:30PM - 5:00PM You Can Teach an Old RT New Tricks; The benefits of lifelong learning
Patti LaPlace, MPA, RTC
Salon B 0.15

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Time Activity Location Approved CEUs

Session #6

8:00AM - 9:00AM Jazz Up Therapeutic Sessions Using Music & Movement
Deborah Ann Stuart, MS, CTRS, RSW and Dr. Carol McDowell, Adjunct Professor
Salon A
Speakers presenting live via Zoom
0.1
8:00AM - 9:00AM A Mental Health Approach for All of Us - Utilizing Principles of DBT in TR to Promote Well-Being
Julie Pierce, CTRS, CDP
Salon B 0.1

Session #7

9:15AM - 10:15AM Expanding Viewpoint Diversity in the Workplace: Why DEI Falls Short and What To Do About It.
Don Magnuson, CTRS
Salon A 0.1
9:15AM - 10:15AM Engaging the whole family in Recreation Therapy Services: Unlock the secret to wholistic help and healing to benefit all
Heather Pennington, CSCS, CSPS and Dr. Delaine Young
Salon B 0.1

Session #8

10:30AM - 11:30AM Perceived Barriers to Participation for People With Disabilities in the Maywood Park District
Dr. Michael McNicholas, Director of Special Recreation Services of Sertoma Star Services and TR curriculum Adjunct Professor (Chicago State University)
Salon A 0.1
11:30AM - 1:00PM Networking & Lunch on Your Own --

Session #9

1:00PM - 2:00PM Therapeutic Recreation and Spaced Retrieval: Improving Cognitive Function and Quality of Life
Dr. Michelle Bateman, CTRS
Salon A 0.1
1:00PM - 2:00PM Stress Reduction and Management with Meaningful Leisure and Flow
Lisa Shelton, MS, CTRS-BH
Salon B 0.1

Session #10

2:15PM - 3:15PM Project Odyssey & Experiential Learning
Corey Wright
Salon A 0.1
2:15PM - 3:15PM Is your Ankle Bone Connected to Your Head Bone? (Ageless Grace Brain Health)
Karen Haseley, CTRS and Margaret McClearn
Salon B 0.1
3:30PM - 4:30PM Keynote Derrick Tennant Salon A --
4:30PM - 5:00PM Wrap Up with recognition for speaker Salon A --

Michael-Ray Pallares
Keynote Speaker Day 1

Michael Ray Pallares is a remarkable example of utilizing sport as a catalyst for change in a society where millions of young people lack access to resources. As a seasoned tennis coach and former professional tennis player, Pallares has dedicated his life to tennis. Through the One Love Tennis Foundation, a nonprofit organization that offers complimentary tennis, fitness, and educational programs to impoverished communities, he is now utilizing his knowledge and enthusiasm to empower young people worldwide.

The organization helps at-risk youngsters dream big and pursue better futures by constructing tennis courts, providing training, and cultivating life skills. In addition to offering sports instruction, Pallares’ foundation fosters possibilities that transform lives and give youngsters who may otherwise be hampered by social and financial obstacles a fresh start.

From Professional Tennis to Charity: Michael-Ray Pallares’ Path

Years of playing competitive tennis constitute the foundation of Michael Ray Pallares’ journey. Pallares became well-known for his tennis ability after winning two USTA national titles as a junior, playing for the University of Alabama on a full scholarship, and finishing in the NCAA. He represented the Dominican Republic in major competitions like the Davis Cup and the Central American and Caribbean Games, demonstrating his global athletic excellence.

Pallares switched his concentration to coaching after more than ten years of professional competition, working with several ranked players on the ATP and WTA tours. His next chapter, which involved using his experience to open doors for others, was made possible by his deep understanding of the game, which he developed during years of travel and competition.

As he transitioned from competition to philanthropy, Pallares observed a persistent issue: affluent neighborhoods frequently had exclusive access to sports and high-quality training. He founded the One Love Tennis Foundation as a result of this insight. Pallares now put forth an endless effort to provide tennis, fitness, and educational programs to young people worldwide, beginning with those who do not have the funds or access to facilities frequently necessary for reaching one’s full potential. [courtesy of New York Weekely, Dec. 27, 2024]

Derrick Tennant
Keynote Speaker Day 2

Derrick Tennant made the most of a tragedy in his life by creating an opportunity for a career. As a promising athlete, Derrick was progressing in his dream for a career in sports when one evening he laid down but did not wake up for three days.

He had undergone what doctors would later term random bleeding from point x for an unknown reason. Paralyzed and in a coma, Derrick underwent brain surgery from which he became unable to move his left side. It would take years of therapy to re-learn the basics like walking, talking and simple daily tasks. Derrick is still unable to use his left arm and he walks with a limp, but he has learned a lot through this process.

After brain surgery, years of rehab and life in a wheelchair; he ultimately got on his feet again. Despite the very limited use of his left side, Derrick loves life and “looks on the RIGHT side” of things. He communicates the importance of shifting obstacles in life, work or business into opportunities.

He worked hard to overcome physical challenges and now works just as hard to help others overcome trials through his unique perspective and motivational presentations”.

From SUBWAY, AFLAC, CHICK-FIL-A, SOUTHERN COMPANY to MEDIACOM and the ATLANTIS in the Bahamas, Derrick incorporates humor and his light-hearted perspective to even the heaviest challenges in business and life. When it comes to trusting your audience to a presenter, it’s important to find someone who inspires and captivates while energizing them with a new perspective they can take beyond the event. Derrick Collaborates with your event planner to bring a truly customized and memorable experience from start to finish.