Click here for a list of upcoming trainings or meetings.
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.
Meet the RT Branch ATRA Chapter 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 –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.
Branch Chair-Elect – 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.
Past 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.
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 3 – Monica Martinez
At-Large 4 – Elena Chirstopher