NEWS RELEASE
September 26, 2003

Contact: Laurie Jake, ATRA Communications Coordinator
Phone (480) 460-1525 or
Ann D Huston MPA, CTRS
Phone: (703) 683-9420

ATRA’s Continuing Education and Competency Training Director Elected to Virginia State Affiliate Board

(ALEXANDRIA, VA) - The Virginia Therapeutic Recreation Association (VATRA) officially welcomed Dawn Devries, MPA, CTRS, of Alexandria, VA as an At-Large member of their first official Board of Directors. VATRA is the newest state chapter affiliate of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association.

DeVries, currently the Continuing Education and Competency Training Director, for The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is a graduate of Calvin College and Grand Valley State University in Michigan, and has been working in the recreational therapy field for over 9 years.

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) has been committed to have grassroots involvement from the membership through an active Chapter Affiliate system since the organization was established in 1984. VATRA is the 27th Chapter Affiliate of ATRA. Devries states she is “excited about this opportunity to make recreational therapy stronger and united in Virginia.” ATRA’s national office staff has made a commitment to give back to their local community. ATRA’s Executive Director Ann Huston recently became involved with the Alexandria, VA Chamber of Commerce in a Community Leadership Program.

For more information, please contact the ATRA National Office at (703) 683-9420.

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The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) was founded in 1984 to advance the profession of therapeutic recreation. ATRA is a non-profit, professional membership organization dedicating 100% of resources and efforts to promote therapeutic recreation professionals in health care and human service settings. For more information, please contact the ATRA National Office at the information below.