Nov 20, 2025
The College of Health is proud to celebrate four outstanding students and recent graduates who have received national recognition from the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), the leading organization advancing the field of recreational therapy through education, advocacy, and professional development. These honors highlight the strength of our Recreational Therapy program and the significant impact our students are making in the profession.
Peg Connolly Scholarships Awarded to Ashley Helmi and Ciera White
Recent graduates Ashley Helmi and Ciera White were awarded the prestigious Peg Connolly Scholarship at the 2025 ATRA Annual Conference. This scholarship recognizes exceptional students preparing to enter the field of recreational therapy and provides access to national conference sessions along with invaluable networking opportunities with RT professionals nationwide.
The award honors Dr. Peg Connolly, ATRA’s first president and former executive director of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, and supports students who demonstrate strong potential to become leaders in the profession. Helmi and White join a distinguished group of recipients who have gone on to serve in vital roles throughout the RT community.
Rebecca Westenskow Named ATRA Emerging Leader of the Year
Rebecca Westenskow, a Ph.D. student in Rehabilitation Science, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the ATRA Emerging Leader of the Year Award. Introduced this year, the award honors a recreational therapy professional who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact within their first five years of practice.
Westenskow embodies this award through her service, advocacy, program development, and research contributions. Her leadership and passion for advancing recreational therapy make her an ideal first recipient of this honor.
Lauren Bade Receives NART Future Scholar Award
Lauren Bade, who recently completed our masters RT program, received the National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART) Future Scholar award at the 2025 ATRA Annual Conference. This honor reflects Bade's impressive accomplishments, high level of professionalism, and dedication to becoming a future academic leader in recreational therapy.
