NEWS RELEASE
April 5, 2005

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

ATRA Announces its 31st Chapter Affiliate – North Texas

(Alexandria, VA) The American Therapeutic Recreation is pleased to announce the newest addition to the association’s strong grassroots organization. The ATRA Board of Directors officially approved the North Texas Therapeutic Recreation Association, during the American Therapeutic Recreation Association’s Mid-Year Professional Issues Forum held March 5-9, 2005 in Washington DC.

ATRA President Nancy McFarlane identifies chapters as the "backbone" of the Association. “Chapters provide an essential way for ATRA members to receive and disseminate information on a local level.” The new chapter covers the general Dallas/Ft Worth metropolitan area. The new officers are President: Dana Dempsey, President Elect: Faith Stoppelmoor, Secretary: Edwina Cadwalader, Treasurer: Sharon (Shani) McKenzie, Members at Large: Bill Pratt and Theresa Shields are excited to lead the chapter in many important efforts to support the profession, including helping to host the upcoming ATRA 2006 Professional Issues Mid-Year forum planned for March 17 - 20, 2006 in Plano, Texas. Board member Theresa Shields describes the new chapter as a group of TR professionals who she could connect with and rely upon for support. “The creation of the North Texas chapter is very exciting to me. The chapter will open doors for everyone in the area, providing support, networking and education. I have become involved in this chapter because I'm passionate about the profession and want to see it grow. I encourage everyone to be an active member in their chapter.”

For more information about recreational therapy or any of ATRA’s resources and opportunities, please contact the ATRA National Office at (703) 683-9420.

###

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) was founded in 1984 to advance the 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