This is the ARCHIVE SITE - IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTAbout ATRA
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NEWS RELEASE
November 21, 2003
Contact: Laurie Jake, ATRA
Communications Coordinator
Phone (480) 460-1525 or
Ann D Huston MPA, CTRS
Phone: (703) 683-9420
ATRA Announces first group of Candidates selected for Prestigious Leadership ATRA Program
(ALEXANDRIA, VA) – The American Therapeutic Recreation Association is pleased to announce the first group of candidates selected for the prestigious inaugural class of Leadership ATRA. ATRA Past President GT Thompson spearheaded the creation of this exciting new program, with the goal of “Developing Leadership for A Promising Future”. According to Thompson, The LEADERSHIP ATRA experience has an immediate, positive effect on the participants and their Therapeutic Recreation practice. Each person is better informed and more skilled in active organizational leadership. The real value of the program is evidenced, as graduates become leaders in positions of responsibility in the American Therapeutic Recreation Association and the medical community at large.
In recognition of the need to develop leaders for the future who have a clear understanding of the therapeutic recreation profession and are committed to its advancement, ATRA announced the nine individuals selected to participate in the inaugural class of Leadership ATRA: Geoff Hopkins of DC, Barbara Parker of FL, Colleen Cooke of PA, David Howard of IN, Cathy Jordan of OK, Holly Talbott of IN, David Rulnick of CT, Stacia Carroll of IO, and Kim Clarke of IN. Applications were reviewed and scored according to demonstrated current and talent and desire to serve the Association through their work with ATRA Chapters, Teams or Treatment Networks.
ATRA LEADERSHIP brings together
a mix of existing and emerging leaders with diverse backgrounds
and experiences and from the American Therapeutic Recreation
Association membership. These individuals have demonstrated
the talent and desire to serve the Association through their
work with ATRA Chapters, Teams or Treatment Networks.
Through active participation once a month, participants engage
in teleconference sessions on specific topics including: the
Association’s mission, vision and values; history of
ATRA; organizational structure; strategic planning; budget
and finances; Board of Director responsibilities / operations;
professional staff responsibilities / national office operations;
communications; governmental relations and advocacy; networks
and coalition building; continuous quality improvement processes
and emerging issues. Onsite sessions are hosted at the ATRA
Mid-Year and Annual Conference, which allow an in-depth exploration
of leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Discussions with present Association leaders and experts forms the backbone of the sessions, and helps class members develop an in-depth understanding of the complexities of Association issues. Participants are provided opportunities and are assigned team special projects to enhance their problem solving and communication skills throughout the program. Through this process, valuable knowledge and broader perspectives on a host of issues is gained. The yearlong program culminates in a graduation ceremony that will be held at the Association’s Annual Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.
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.