Therapeutic Recreation

TRAPS TR Branch ATRA Chapter Meetings

Next Meeting:

Tuesday, July 22 | 6:00 PM
Zoom

Join us for a virtual advocacy event hosted by the TRAPS TR Branch ATRA Chapter and the Texas State University Graduate Recreational Therapy Program. Spend the hour learning about current advocacy topics related to protecting our clients and supporting the profession. By attending this free event, you’ll gain essential knowledge and encourage future recreational therapists developing essential professional skills. Register by scanning the QR code or using the link below.

A Zoom link will be sent after you register.

Register

Click here for a list of upcoming trainings or meetings.

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TRAPS and ATRA Partnership

TRAPS has officially partnered with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) to expand benefits for TRAPS members and strengthen the profession.

TRAPS and the Therapeutic Recreation Branch are now partnering with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)! This milestone represents a new era of collaboration and opportunity for recreational therapists in Texas.

Here’s what this means for you:

  • Exclusive Discount: TRAPS members now receive a 20% discount on ATRA membership, giving you access to ATRA’s top-notch education and resources.
  • Support from ATRA: Benefit from ATRA’s leadership and resources as we grow together.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow recreational therapists across the state and nation to support our profession. 

Learn More about ATRA.

Click here to become a member of TRAPS.

ATRA San Antonio

A Summit on the Future of Recreation Therapy
October 18-20, 2025

Click here for more information

Meet the TR Branch Leadership

If you have not declared a branch affiliation as a TRAPS member, do so now! Identifying a branch that meets your needs and interests as a member will allow you to have the inside scoop on important happenings related to your field or specialty.

Branch Chair – Alan Gatton

Alan Gatton has worked as a CTRS for over 20 years and is currently working for the City of Richardson as the Therapeutic Recreation Program Coordinator. He has served for 7 years on the Recreation Therapy Branch board. He is looking forward to seeing our branch grow as a resource for CTRS’s throughout Texas.

Branch Chair-Elect – Shelby Sharpe

Shelby Sharpe is currently faculty at Texas State University teaching recreational therapy courses and coordinating internships for graduate and undergraduate RT students. She obtained her Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University, has her master’s in public administration from Northeastern University, and earned her bachelor’s in recreational therapy at Texas State. Shelby has been a recreational therapist for 12 year. Shelby is excited to share her knowledge and assist in facilitating growth within the profession.

Past Chair – Natalie Klinsky

Natalie Klinsky graduated from Texas State University in 2019 with her Master’s in Recreation Therapy and received her bachelor’s degree in recreation management from Appalachian State University in 2015. Natalie is an independent contractor in the San Antonio area and gets to work both in & out of the pool! Outside of work, Natalie loves spending time with her puppy, going to the beach or river, reading, & being outside! 

Secretary – Vacant

At-Large 1 – Teagan Sailors

Teagan Sailors studied Therapeutic Recreation at BYU-Idaho and gained a passion for the field during her time as a student. Currently, Teagan works as a CTRS at Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute in Lubbock, Texas. When she is not working with patients she enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, and spending time with her family.

At-Large 2 – Cozea Stephens

Cozea Stephens is a CTRS that has over 20 years of experience in programs for neurodiverse populations. He has coached 7 different Special Olympic sports and assisted with events for paralympians. Cozea has helped develop inclusion policies and is the President of the Disabilities and Accessibilities Employee Resource Group for the City of Dallas. He now serves as Supervisor for Bachman Therapeutic Recreation Center for Dallas Park and Recreation.

At-Large 3 – Shelby Carradine

Shelby Carradine is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with over 14 years of experience. For the past seven years, she has been a Recreation Coordinator with the City of Carrollton, where she specializes in creating adaptive programming for the community and leading inclusion initiatives across the city. She is passionate about providing recreational opportunities that empower individuals of all abilities to thrive.
 

At-Large 4 – Marissa Holt

Marissa Holt graduated from Texas State University and received her CTRS certification in 2018. Marissa received her specialization designation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from NCTRC in 2023. Marissa works with adults with acquired brain injuries in the community setting and is passionate about community integration and assisting individuals to adapt their leisure interests for continued engagement and quality of life.