Skip to content

'26 Therapeutic Recreation Summit Sessions

Back to Event
Register

Check-In & Networking

Check-In

Summary
Check in, grab some coffee and network with fellow TR professionals before the first session.

Building Inclusive, High-Performing Teams

Break Out 1

Speakers
  • Colleen Cline - Recreation Manager
    Colleen’s professional career began more than 20 years ago within the realm of education, where she provided ASL interpretation for deaf/hard of hearing students. She began her therapeutic recreation career more than 10 years ago at NEDSRA where she is the Recreation Manager overseeing Inclusion Services, Support Staff/Volunteers, and Brochure Development. She oversees over 120 inclusion placements yearly, 80+ staff seasonally, three brochures yearly, and manages three full-time Recreation Specialists and Coordinators. Over the years Colleen has been the Chair of multiple committees within the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) including the Therapeutic Recreation Section Leadership Summit, Joint Section Education Committee, and section committees including Inclusion Services, Support Services, New Professionals, and more. Colleen considers herself a professional auntie and loves to go on adventures with her niece and three nephews in her spare time. whatever she can get her hands on, travel, and spend quality time with family and friends!
  • Chris Sturm - Inclusion Manager
    Chris Sturm is a dedicated recreation and inclusion professional with more than 20 years of experience in special recreation and Special Olympics programming. For the past 10 years, Chris has served at WSSRA, supporting individuals of all abilities through inclusive recreation services, adaptive programming, and opportunities that promote meaningful participation and community engagement. Throughout a career focused on inclusion and person centered support, Chris has developed expertise in staff training, behavior support strategies, program development, participant advocacy, and building collaborative relationships with families, community partners, and recreation professionals. Chris is committed to creating welcoming environments that foster belonging, independence, and positive recreation experiences. Academically, Chris earned a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health and Wellness from Northeastern Illinois University with a minor in Physical Education, providing a strong foundation for a career centered on health, recreation, and inclusive community programming.
Summary
This session isn’t just about theory, it's about action. You’ll assess your own leadership style, identify areas for growth, and walk away with a clear, personal commitment you can apply immediately in your work. Whether you supervise seasonal staff, coordinate programs, or lead teams, this session will challenge you to think differently, lead intentionally, and build a culture where both your team and your community can thrive. Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will evaluate their current leadership approach, identify personal strengths and gaps, and understand how their style impacts team dynamics and outcomes. 2. Participants will identify at least two practical strategies to improve their leadership effectiveness, including communication, team engagement, or program coordination. 3. Participants will practice applying leadership strategies to common workplace situations (e.g., managing staff, addressing challenges, or motivating teams) to build confidence and readiness for immediate use.

Heart of a Champion: Coaching the Whole Athlete Through Behavior, Emotion, and Competition

Break Out 1

Speakers
  • Beth Corso - Recreation Coordinator
    Beth is the Recreation Coordinator at Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA) in Addison, Illinois and has been employed by NEDSRA for 28 years. Her current responsibilities include coordinating programs for Adults with Intellectual & Physical Disabilities, Social Clubs & Special Events, Travel Trips & Special Olympics. Beth graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation and she competed on the Illinois State University Women’s Golf Team. Beth has been immensely involved with the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section of IPRA. She recently served on the Membership Council, currently serves on the TR Section Inter-Agency Sports Committee & TR Section Awards Committee and served as the Secretary of Special Recreation Association Network of Illinois (SRANI), and she received the ITRS Professional of the Year Award in 2007. In her spare time, she enjoys recreating with her husband Matt, their daughter Briana and their dogs Leia & Champ.
  • Amber Bodame - Superintendent of Recreation
    Warren Special Recreation Association Superintendent of Recreation Amber Bodame has dedicated 20 years to serving individuals with disabilities through recreation and sports programming, including 18 years overseeing Special Olympics programs and coaching a variety of sports. As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Amber brings experience in developing positive coaching philosophies, supporting athletes, and navigating the competitive dynamics between athletes and coaches in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment. Throughout her career, she has coached and supervised athletes and staff through countless practices, seasonal games, district competitions, and state tournaments, creating meaningful experiences that promote confidence, teamwork, growth, and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
  • Carolyn Cronin - Director, Coach and Health Services
    Carolyn has been with Special Olympics Illinois for 15 years. During her time with the organization, she has had a variety of roles but coach training and education has always been a job focus. Carolyn has served as Head of Delegation for Team Illinois at the Special Olympics USA Games in 2018, 2022 and 2026. She has also been part of Special Olympics USA, serving on the management team for both winter and summer World Games in LA, Austria, the UAE, Germany, Italy and the upcoming 2027 Games in Santiago, Chile. Networking and learning best practices of other S.O programs helps Carolyn bring a broader perspective back to her role in IL.
  • Kelly Brunning - Senior Operations Manager
    Kelly Brunning serves as the Senior Operations Manager for the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR), where she has dedicated the past 28 years to enhancing recreation opportunities and services for individuals with disabilities. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Western Illinois University, where she also competed as a centerfielder on the university’s women’s softball team. In her current role, Kelly oversees a wide range of operational responsibilities, including serving as M-NASR’s Safety Coordinator, member district facility contact, and backup registrar. She also manages and maintains the organization’s fleet of accessible vans and provides training for all M-NASR drivers on accessible vehicle operations. Kelly’s passion for athletics and inclusion extends well beyond operations. Over the years, she has coached numerous Special Olympics sports, including volleyball, bocce, softball, basketball, golf, and powerlifting. She previously served for more than 10 years as a patched volleyball official with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and continues to support M-NASR programs by refereeing basketball games when needed. Kelly especially values the opportunity to work directly with athletes and help them achieve their full potential both on and off the court. Kelly received the Illinois Park and Recreation Association Distinguished Member Award in 2018.
  • Brianna Beers - Director of Sports and Competition
    Brianna was a Therapeutic Recreation major, along with 27 years of progressive leadership at Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL). Currently Director of Sports and Competition, combined with 10 years of hands-on coaching experience at Hoffman High School and the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA). Served as Head of Delegation in 2010, 2014 and assistant Head of Delegation in 2006, 2018, 2022 and 2026 for Team Illinois at the Special Olympics USA Games level and she was the support staff for Team USA in the sport of golf at World Games in China in 2008.
Summary
Shift focus from what an athlete cannot do to emphasize their unique strengths, while slowly building up their confidence. Excellent coaches actively foster empowerment and growth by understanding everyone’s unique potential, managing behavioral and emotional responses with clear routines, and channeling competitive spirit toward personal bests, teamwork, and cultivating healthy, respectful competitive environments for both athletes and coaches. Learning Objectives: 1. Coach philosophies: To cultivate a supportive, respectful team environment where physical and emotional health are prioritized. 2. Managing athlete behaviors and emotions: Coaches will adjust their coaching delivery and emotional responses to match the intellectual and processing capabilities of their athletes and equip athletes with concrete, accessible coping strategies to regulate emotional spikes during high-pressure practice or competitive environments. 3. Managing and handling athletes & coach competitiveness: Recognize physical signs of frustration or over-excitement, and to practice calming routines before, during, and after an event. Shift focuses on winning medals to achieving personal bests and building positive social skills. Coaches & athletes are required to abide by the Coaches Code of Conduct.

Authentic Leadership

Break Out 1

Speakers
  • Marcy Fortnow - Founder, Engaging Play
    Marcy Fortnow is the founder of Engaging Play, where she partners with organizations to strengthen leadership, team effectiveness, and workplace culture through executive coaching, facilitation, leadership development, and experiential learning. She designs custom retreats, workshops, and team experiences that help leaders communicate more effectively, build trust, navigate change, and create cultures where people thrive. With a BS in Psychology, an MBA from Boston University, and more than 12 years of experience in training, change management, and consulting, Marcy blends business expertise with engaging, practical learning experiences that inspire lasting change. She is certified in John Maxwell Leadership, DISC Advanced Behavioral Analysis, LEGO® Serious Play®, Corporate Culture Shift Facilitation, and is ORSC™ (Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching) trained. Her passion is helping organizations think better together so they can accomplish meaningful work.
Summary
In therapeutic recreation, leadership is deeply human work. It requires navigating emotions—your own and others’—while building trust and responding to complex, real-time situations. This interactive session focuses on emotional intelligence as a practical leadership skill. Participants will learn how to stay grounded, communicate clearly, and respond effectively to team dynamics and participant needs using a simple, actionable framework. You’ll leave with tools to strengthen relationships, build trust, and lead with greater confidence in emotionally complex environments. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand how emotional intelligence impacts leadership, communication, and trust. 2. Apply a simple framework to navigate real-time interpersonal dynamics with greater confidence and self-awareness. 3. Strengthen relationships and respond more effectively to challenging situations with staff, participants, and stakeholders.

The Art of the Pause: Lead, Leave, Return

Break out 2

Speakers
  • Alex Engelhardt - Executive Director
    Alex Engelhardt is the Executive Director of the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, where her career journey from intern to leader spans over two decades of empowering individuals with disabilities and building strong, inclusive teams. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE), Alex brings both expertise and authenticity to her work, presenting on inclusion, leadership, adaptive fitness, and the ongoing pursuit of balance between career and family. She actively serves on the PDRMA Finance Committee, the IPRA Pro Connect Board of Regents, and the Joint Legislative Committee. Outside of work, Alex is a proud mom of three energetic boys and enjoys life on a lake with her husband. She also teaches at Aurora University and has started a family vineyard and Christmas tree farm. She is passionate about helping others lead with purpose, both professionally and personally.
Summary
Stepping away from your role, whether for parental leave, medical reasons, or life outside of work, can bring a mix of anticipation, stress, and uncertainty. And often, returning can feel just as complex. In a field where consistency and relationships matter, how do we leave well and come back feeling grounded, confident, and present? This session dives into the full leave journey, from preparing your team and setting clear systems before you go, to redefining priorities and expectations when you return. Using the same tools we rely on in therapeutic recreation, structure, communication, and positive reinforcement, you’ll explore realistic strategies for planning, letting go of control, and re-engaging with intention. Participants will walk away with practical tools, mindset shifts, and a personalized approach to navigating leave transitions while staying connected to what matters most! Learning Objectives: 1. Identify key strategies for preparing teams, programs, and systems for a successful extended leave. 2. Recognize common challenges during leave transitions and implement proactive solutions to maintain balance and continuity. 3. Start planning a personalized re-entry plan that supports professional effectiveness and personal well-being.

You Matter Too: Mental Health, Self-Care, and the Power of Prioritizing

Break out 2

Speakers
  • Lisa Santoria - Director of Human Resources & Staffing
    Lisa Santoria is the Director of Human Resources and Staffing for the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA), with more than 15 years of experience in human resources and organizational leadership. She holds a degree in Business Education and is both a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and SHRM-CP certified. Lisa is passionate about people, leadership, and creating strong, supportive workplace cultures. Her background allows her to blend strategic HR practices with the unique needs of parks, recreation, and educational environments. A seasoned and engaging presenter, Lisa has presented for the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), as well as park districts and school districts, on a wide range of topics, including staffing, leadership development, and HR best practices. Known for her practical approach and enthusiasm, Lisa enjoys sharing knowledge and helping organizations and professionals grow and succeed.
Summary
In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, it is easy to put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own. Yet maintaining good mental health and practicing self-care are essential not only for our personal well-being, but also for our ability to show up fully at work, at home, and in our communities. This presentation explores the connection between mental health, stress management, resilience, and overall wellness, while helping participants recognize the signs that their own well-being may need attention. Through reflection, discussion, and practical strategies, participants will learn how small, intentional self-care practices can have a significant impact on reducing stress, preventing burnout, and improving overall quality of life. Attendees will leave with tools they can immediately apply to create healthier habits, establish boundaries, and prioritize their well-being without guilt—because taking care of yourself is not selfish; it is essential. Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the importance of mental health and its impact on personal and professional success. 2. Identify common signs and symptoms of stress, overwhelm, and burnout. 3. Create healthy boundaries that protect their time, energy, and emotional health.

The Volunteer Blueprint

Break out 2

Speakers
  • Emily Todd - Senior Manager of Support Staff and Volunteers
    As NISRA's Senior Manager of Support Staff and Volunteers, Emily Todd has years of experience in recruitment, onboarding, training, engagement, and retention. Emily believes that successful volunteer programs are built on intentional relationships, clear expectations, and a culture of appreciation. She enjoys sharing ideas for effective training and recruiting the right volunteers for long-term commitment.
  • Jamie Lee - Manager of Fund Development
    Jamie serves as Manager of Fun Development for the NISRA Foundation where she leads strategic fundraising initiatives, oversees volunteer and event management, and cultivates partnerships that advance inclusive recreation opportunities. As a former Executive Director, she provided organizational leadership by guiding volunteer managers, sustaining and expanding volunteer engagement, and overseeing community-based programs and events. With extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, grant development, donor engagement, strategic planning, and fundraising management, she has built sustainable partnerships that strengthen organizational capacity and community impact.
Summary
This session explores the building blocks of creating and sustaining an effective volunteer program, from attracting the right volunteers to providing meaningful onboarding and engaging them in impactful roles. Participants will learn practical strategies for recruiting diverse volunteers, creating a welcoming orientation experience, and matching volunteer strengths with organizational needs. Whether you're starting a volunteer program or strengthening an existing one, you'll leave with tools to build a volunteer experience that supports your goals while fostering long-term commitment and engagement. Learning Objectives: 1. Identify strategies for recruiting volunteers. 2. Learn about volunteer onboarding procedures. 3. Define volunteer engagement and retention practices.

Lunch and TR Section Meeting

Lunch

Summary
Join us for lunch and participate in IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation Section's Board Meeting to learn more about networking opportunities that will help you stay connected through the year.

Inclusion Panel

Break Out 3

Speakers
  • Colleen Cline - Recreation Manager
    Colleen’s professional career began more than 20 years ago within the realm of education, where she provided ASL interpretation for deaf/hard of hearing students. She began her therapeutic recreation career more than 10 years ago at NEDSRA where she is the Recreation Manager overseeing Inclusion Services, Support Staff/Volunteers, and Brochure Development. She oversees over 120 inclusion placements yearly, 80+ staff seasonally, three brochures yearly, and manages three full-time Recreation Specialists and Coordinators. Over the years Colleen has been the Chair of multiple committees within the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) including the Therapeutic Recreation Section Leadership Summit, Joint Section Education Committee, and section committees including Inclusion Services, Support Services, New Professionals, and more. Colleen considers herself a professional auntie and loves to go on adventures with her niece and three nephews in her spare time. whatever she can get her hands on, travel, and spend quality time with family and friends!
  • Bethany Juhasz - Inclusion Manager
    Bethany Juhasz, CTRS, is the Inclusion Manager at SEASPAR, where she leads inclusion services across 13 partner districts in Illinois to expand access to community-based recreation for individuals with disabilities. With over 10 years of experience in therapeutic recreation, her background spans clinical mental health, community recreation, and inclusive programming. Bethany works at the intersection of people and systems, partnering with park district staff, families, and inclusion teams to translate individual needs into practical, program-ready supports. She leads staff trainings, facilitates inclusion planning, and supports agencies in strengthening their processes from intake through day-to-day implementation. Her work centers on reducing reliance on one-to-one support by building staff confidence, clarifying processes, and embedding inclusion into everyday practice. Bethany serves on the Board of Regents for the Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Leadership Summit and is committed to helping agencies move from intention to action through clear, realistic, and sustainable inclusion strategies.
  • Mia Ross - Inclusion Manager
    Mia Ross, CTRS, Manager of Inclusion at Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association is driven by working closely with thirteen member districts to ensure participants with disabilities are successful within community programming. Ross actively conducts staff trainings, assessments, observations, site visits, and oversees NISRA’s internship program year- round. Ross has also formulated and implemented a mentorship program and Behavior Team within the agency for full-time staff. Throughout her career, Ross passionately researched and implemented training sessions on Inclusion Services, Ability Awareness, Active Treatment, Behavior Management, and Universal Design sessions. Her 9 years of experience in both residential and community settings has expanded her knowledge to serve community members with diverse levels of inclusion support. Ross’s involvement and leadership roles within Illinois Park and Recreation Association are past Inclusion Committee Chair and Co-Chair, past Pro- Connect Member, and current Director for the Therapeutic Section Board.
  • Lisa Barrera - Superintendent of Recreation
    With more than 20 years of progressive leadership in therapeutic recreation and inclusion services, Lisa has dedicated her career to creating innovative, accessible recreation opportunities for individuals of all abilities. As Superintendent of Recreation at Maine-Niles Special Recreation Association, she aimes to provide strategic leadership in program development, personnel management, budgeting, ADA compliance, and organizational planning. She has successfully implemented agency-wide initiatives, developed award-winning programs, and built collaborative partnerships with schools, park districts, and community organizations. She leads with a commitment to fostering inclusive communities demonstrated through extensive professional involvement, state and national presentations, and a proven history of advancing best practices in recreation, inclusion, and organizational excellence.
Summary
Join a panel of experienced inclusion professionals for an engaging conversation about the realities, rewards, and evolving landscape of inclusion in parks and recreation. Panelists will share what inspired them to pursue careers in inclusion, what a typical day in their role looks like, and how their experiences have shaped their professional growth and leadership journeys. They'll also discuss innovative inclusion initiatives happening within their agencies, reflect on memorable challenges and successes, and offer practical insights gained from working alongside participants, families, and recreation staff. Whether you're new to inclusion, looking to strengthen inclusive practices within your agency, or curious about where a career in inclusion can lead, this session will provide honest perspectives, meaningful takeaways, and inspiration from professionals dedicated to creating welcoming recreation experiences for all. Learning Objectives: 1. Explore the roles and responsibilities of inclusion professionals in parks and recreation. 2. Identify innovative strategies agencies are using to advance inclusive recreation. 3. Recognize how a career in inclusion can foster professional growth, leadership, and meaningful community impact.

Connection Before Correction: Using Relationships to Make Long-Lasting Impacts

Break Out 3

Speakers
  • Micaela Bjarnson - Inclusion Assistant
    Micaela has worked in special recreation for the last six years. She received her Bachelor's of Arts in psychology from Elmhurst University in 2024 and is currently working towards completing her Master's of Arts degree in clinical mental health counseling. She also works as a clinical intern at a community mental health center as part of completing her Master's degree. She's previously spoken at SEASPAR trainings about the importance of building rapport in terms of behavior management and has worked as an Inclusion Assistant for the last four summers.
Summary
Many individuals who seek therapeutic recreational services have difficulties with behavior, in addition to difficulties with social-emotional reciprocity and understanding social norms and rules, on the basis of their disability. This presentation goes through how to build a strong rapport with an individual, and how to use your relationship with that individual to manage behavior and make lasting changes in their lives. This presentation will utilize the parenting technique of Connection Before Correction, in addition to interpersonal approaches from different psychotherapy theories. Learning Objectives: 1. By the end of the presentation, members will be able to describe how to build rapport and come up with one way in which they will utilize their learned knowledge over the course of the next program season 2. By the end of the presentation, members will understand aspects of rapport building that can be challenging (resistance, handling unmet needs, identifying emotions) and ways that they can manage these challenges 3. By the end of the presentation, members will be able to engage in the steps of Connection Before Correction and discuss the ways in which they believe this skill could be beneficial or not in their work

Laugh, Connect, Thrive: Exploring the Benefits of Laughter Yoga

Break Out 3

Speakers
  • Wanda Lee Farnell - Certified Laugher Yoga Facilitator
    Wanda Farnell is an integrative artist, mindfulness practitioner, DIR/Floortime® practitioner, certified Laughter Yoga Facilitator, and Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor dedicated to building healthier, more connected communities through creativity and play. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Socially Engaged Arts and an Interprofessional Graduate Certificate in Mindfulness from Idaho State University. Wanda weaves together art, movement, rhythm, mindfulness, laughter, and relationship-based practices to create inclusive experiences that foster emotional well-being, resilience, belonging, and lifelong learning. Through her community initiative, Minds with Motion, she partners with libraries, schools, parks, senior centers, and community organizations to inspire meaningful connection and joyful engagement. Guided by the principles of DIR/Floortime®, she believes creativity, authentic relationships, and playful experiences are powerful pathways to mental wellness and thriving communities.
  • Maria Enmanual-Hernandez - Certified Laugher Yoga Instructor
    Dr. Maria Enmanuel Hernandez is an interdisciplinary artist, Gestalt coach, human science researcher, doctoral teacher, and certified Laughter Yoga Facilitator, dedicated to building healthier, more connected communities through creativity and play. She holds a PhD in Human Science with international recognition in coaching, curriculum, and human development across the life cycles. Enma weaves together art, movement, rhythm, mindfulness, laughter, and relationship-based practices to create inclusive experiences that foster emotional well-being, resilience, belonging, and lifelong learning. Through her community initiative, Minds with Motion, she partners with libraries, schools, colleges, universities, parks, senior centers, and community organizations to inspire meaningful connection and joyful engagement. She believes creativity and empathy build relationships; music transforms and connects people in playful experiences, which are powerful pathways to mental wellness and thriving communities.
Summary
Laughter is a powerful, evidence-informed practice that supports physical, emotional, and social well-being. This interactive workshop introduces participants to the principles of Laughter Yoga, a unique approach that combines intentional laughter, breathing techniques, playful movement, and mindfulness to reduce stress, increase resilience, and strengthen interpersonal connection. Participants will learn about the science behind laughter, experience a variety of simple activities, and explore how laughter can enhance wellness, engagement, and positive social interactions within parks and recreation settings. Rather than preparing participants to become Laughter Yoga leaders, this session offers practical ideas and experiences that can enrich existing programs and inspire creative approaches to community wellness. Through hands-on participation and discussion, attendees will discover how intentional laughter can help foster belonging, reduce stress, encourage participation, and create welcoming environments. Participants will leave with a greater understanding of the benefits of Laughter Yoga, practical wellness techniques they can use personally, and ideas for incorporating elements of laughter, play, and connection into their everyday work with the communities they serve. Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the physical, emotional, and social benefits of Laughter Yoga and understand the research supporting laughter as a wellness practice. 2. Experience simple breathing, movement, and laughter activities that promote relaxation, connection, and overall well-being. 3. Identify practical ways that laughter, playfulness, and positive social connection can enhance parks and recreation programs, staff wellness, and community engagement.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Choose Your Own Adventure

Summary
Step into a session designed by, and for the Therapeutic Recreation Summit community. Choose Your Own Adventure is an interactive, participant-driven experience featuring multiple roundtable discussions led by TR Summit Regents. Attendees will have the opportunity to select the conversations most relevant to their interests and professional goals while also contributing crowd-sourced topics that reflect the challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends facing therapeutic recreation professionals today. Whether you are new to the profession or a seasoned leader, this collaborative session offers practical insights, meaningful networking, and the chance to learn from peers across a variety of practice settings. Learning Objectives: 1. Identify practical strategies, resources, and innovative practices shared by peers to address current challenges in therapeutic recreation. 2. Exchange ideas and experiences with therapeutic recreation professionals from diverse practice settings to expand professional knowledge and build meaningful connections. 3. Develop at least one actionable idea or solution that can be adapted and implemented within participants' own therapeutic recreation programs or organizations.
Powered By GrowthZone
Scroll To Top