U of U Recreational Therapy

04/16/2026

Dr. Rhonda Nelson is currently serving as President of the National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART).

NART is dedicated to recognizing and promoting excellence in the field of recreational therapy (RT) by bringing together accomplished scholars and practitioners who have demonstrated commitment, leadership, and expertise within the field.

Rhonda was elected to this leadership position by individuals who have been recognized as Distinguished Fellows in Recreational Therapy.

We are proud of the important role our RT faculty play in serving and leading the profession!

Learn more about NART here: https://www.nartfellows.org/

04/14/2026

🌄 Rec Tuesday Spotlight: Kat (MS RT Student) 🌄

This week, Kat is highlighting rock exploring as her favorite recreational activity! 🪨✨

She loves getting outdoors, soaking in all the perks of nature, and—quite literally—getting hands‑on with the environment by touching and exploring rocks. There’s something special about slowing down and really connecting with the natural world. 🌿

While climbing and scrambling to find trails can be challenging, Kat embraces the adventure and pushes through—making the discovery even more rewarding! 💪🧗‍♀️

💬 Kat’s words of encouragement:
“Recreate and make memories always!! Life is too short to not have a baller of a time :)”

Let Kat’s adventure inspire you to get outside, try something new, and make this week one to remember! 🌞🌍

04/11/2026

⛷️ SATURDAY STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Meet Audrey! ⛷️

This week we’re excited to highlight Audrey, who is finishing up her Recreational Therapy internship with the National Ability Center and spending her time doing what she loves—supporting individuals through adaptive sports. ❄️💙

📸 About the Photo
This photo was captured after Audrey’s final ski session with a participant at the National Ability Center – McGrath Mountain Center at Park City Mountain Resort. After several weeks of working together, this moment reflects the conclusion of a meaningful therapeutic and recreational journey, celebrating growth in confidence, skill development, and independence on the mountain.

🌟 Audrey’s Internship Highlights
Some of Audrey’s favorite parts of her internship include:

Working with diverse populations and participants.
Being a part of adaptive sports, combining recreation with purpose.
Collaborating with incredible coworkers who make the experience even more rewarding.

💬 Advocating Through Recreation
Audrey shared why experiences like this matter so deeply to her:

“Being part of the ski and snowboard program during my internship has been such a meaningful experience - getting to teach, support growth, and watch confidence build on the mountain. Moments like this remind me why I love what I do.”

Thank you, Audrey, for your passion, dedication, and the care you bring to every session. We’re proud to spotlight you and the impact you’re making through Recreational Therapy! 🌟💛

04/10/2026

Join us TOMORROW at the Student Life Center for a FREE Adaptive Sports Clinic featuring Amputee Soccer. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or have never played adaptive sports, there’s a place for you here.

We are especially proud of our talented students and rtsa.universityofutah who will be on-site helping to facilitate! Come say hi, build community, and enjoy some sports and recreation.

• 📅 When: Tomorrow, April 11
• 🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• 📍 Where: Student Life Center (1836 Student Life Way)
• 🎟 Who: Everyone!

No experience needed. Let’s play! 👏

04/10/2026

✨ What an engaging day! ✨

Dr. Yongseop Kim and the REACH Lab hosted a demo table at the Legislative Spouses’ Event earlier this semester, highlighting exciting VR puzzle game research supporting visuospatial training for older adults with mild cognitive impairment 🧩🎮

🙌 Lab members connected with participants to discuss how digital health tools and Recreational Therapy can harness technology to strengthen community health.

04/06/2026

REMINDER: Join us for an evening of connection and inspiration at the Adaptive Sports & Recreation Showcase and Recreational Therapy (RT) Alumni Social TOMORROW!

📅 Tuesday, April 7
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Judge Memorial Catholic High School

Come and celebrate expanded adaptive sport opportunities on the University of Utah campus and connect with our amazing RT community! All are welcome! We will have concessions and RT swag for sale at the event.

Accessible parking options are limited, so please refer to the parking map in the second picture for some details. There is an accessible drop off with a ramp straight to the gym area off 1100 E. The parking lot closest to 600 S does not have an accessible entrance, but if you drive a little south around the school to the lower parking lot and there is a longer ramp to the gym from that parking lot.

Please RSVP using the QR code or at this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/recreational-therapy-adaptive-sports-recreation-showcase-tickets-1984418041782?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/02/2026

Interested in learning about robotic pets and how they can be used for therapeutic programming with older adults? Check out the video series developed by members of our robotic pets research team, Dr. Rhonda Nelson, Lauren Bade, and Bailey Palmer.

Four brief videos cover (a) introduction to the robotic pet video series, (b) an overview of robotic pet therapy, (c) information on the Joy for All Companion Pets, and (d) suggestions for assessments that RT professionals can use during robotic pet interventions.

Findings from a recently completed study, funded by the Recreational Therapy Foundation, are infused in the content to assist practitioners in adopting evidence-based practices.

The videos are publicly available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com//playlists

03/31/2026

✨ Rec Tuesday Spotlight: Meet Sarah! ✨

This week we’re celebrating Sarah, who spent her time recently doing one of her favorite activities — rock climbing! 🧗‍♀️💪

What makes climbing enjoyable for her?
“I love the creative problem‑solving and the sense of accomplishment I get after climbing!”

What challenges did she face?
“When there’s a difficult climb, I take a step back and see if I can position my body in a different way to make the climb achievable.”

Sarah’s Encouragement to You:
“Be brave and be bad at something new.” — Jon Acuff

Take Sarah’s advice and try something that pushes you this week. You never know what you might discover! 🌟

03/26/2026

Join us for an evening of connection and inspiration at the Adaptive Sports & Recreation Showcase and Recreational Therapy (RT) Alumni Social!

📅 Tuesday, April 7
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Judge Memorial Catholic High School Gymnasium

Come and celebrate expanded adaptive sport opportunities on the University of Utah campus and connect with our amazing RT community! All are welcome, so please bring friends and family!

RSVP using the QR code or at this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/recreational-therapy-adaptive-sports-recreation-showcase-tickets-1984418041782?aff=oddtdtcreator

Experience adaptive sports and recreation at our hands-on showcase hosted by the University of Utah Recreational Therapy program.

03/24/2026

✨ Rec Tuesday Spotlight: Meet Zach! ✨
This week, we're highlighting Zach, who hit the mountain for some snowboarding fun! 🏂❄️

What makes snowboarding enjoyable for him?
“Getting exercise and spending time with my friends.”
What was challenging?

“The snow was challenging at times when we got to the car track, but we kept pushing through and had a cool time.”

Zach’s Encouragement to You:
“Enjoy the snow while it lasts and remember to enjoy yourself always!”

So grab your gear, your friends, and your sense of adventure — and get out there for some recreation this week! 🌟

03/24/2026

✨ Rec Tuesday Spotlight: Meet Zach! ✨

This week, we're highlighting Zach, a second-year RT student who recently hit the mountain for some snowboarding fun! 🏂❄️

What makes snowboarding enjoyable for him?
“Getting exercise and spending time with my friends.”

What was challenging?
“The snow was challenging at times when we got to the cat track, but we kept pushing through and had a cool time.”

Zach’s Encouragement to You:
“Enjoy the snow while it lasts and remember to enjoy yourself always!”

So grab your gear, your friends, and your sense of adventure — and get out there for some recreation this week! 🌟

03/21/2026

✨ Saturday Student Spotlight✨

This week we’re highlighting Stacie, who completed her RT internship at the Utah State Hospital last summer. Her favorite modalities? Water and nature — and she had plenty of opportunities to use both!

📸 This photo was taken after a beautiful hike with patients to a stunning waterfall. Stacie loved bringing her patients into outdoor spaces where nature supported healing, grounding, and well‑being.

🌟 Internship Highlights
Working with diverse patient populations.
Exploring a wide range of modalities and treatment environments.
Learning from a multidisciplinary team, including fifteen incredible recreational therapists.

💬 From Stacie:
“Spending time outdoors and in nature is one of my favorite things to do. This summer I had the incredible opportunity to combine my two favorite modalities—water and nature—and share them with my patients. It’s moments like these that remind me how powerful nature can be for healing.”

Fun fact: The Utah State Hospital celebrated 140 years last summer, and hydrotherapy has been part of its services since 1917. Stacie felt honored to continue that legacy through water‑based and nature‑based RT experiences. 💛🌊🌲