about
Since 1988
New Jersey / Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
The New Jersey / Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of ATRA is a professional network of therapeutic recreation specialists, students, educators, and advocates working to advance the field of recreational therapy across our region. As a regional extension of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, we are committed to promoting the use of recreation and leisure as a powerful tool for improving quality of life and supporting individuals with physical, emotional, cognitive, and social challenges.
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2026–2027 Board of Directors Nominations
Help Shape the Future of NJEPA TRA
The New Jersey / Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association is seeking nominations for the 2026–2027 Board of Directors.
We encourage passionate professionals who are committed to advancing the field of therapeutic recreation to consider serving on our Board. Whether you would like to nominate yourself or recognize another member who would make an outstanding leader, we welcome your submission.
Submissions due by September 1, 2026
Our team
Board of Directors
NJEPA TRA November 2025 – 2026
Hannah Scott
President
CTRS
njepatra@gmail.comI’ve been a CTRS for four years, and I’ve spent the entirety of my professional career in pediatric long-term care. Working in pediatrics was my goal throughout college, and I could not be more thankful for the growth, opportunities, and connections that my position has given me so far! After gaining a few years of experience in the field and gaining a new passion for recreation therapy, I decided to dive in and join the BOD as president-elect to further my involvement in a profession I love so much! I am so excited to work with a team of like-minded professionals to continue growing this organization as a whole.
My favorite modalities include anything outdoors! 🌲☀️Spending time outside has so many benefits for the kids that I work with, and I love helping them explore their environment in new ways. Specifically, I really enjoy facilitating water play, taking the kids on adapted bike rides, and taking trips to different parks/playgrounds! 🛝🚲
Caitlin Gniazdowksi
President Elect
CTRS
njepatra@gmail.com
I’ve been a CTRS for almost 10 years now and have worked with several different populations. I currently work as the Director of Recreational Therapy for a Geriatric LTC and SNF facility. I have a master’s degree in psychology focusing on Human Behavior and Organizational Psychology. I am in my 3rd year as an adjunct professor at Kean University – my alma mater.
I love sports, music, theme parks, theatre, travel, board games, art, reading, and just having fun with my family and friends. This is my first time on a BOD but I have always wanted to be more involved and advocate for our field. I cannot wait to share this experience with this amazing group of leaders in our profession.
Jordan Kane
Treasurer
CTRS
njepatratreasurer@gmail.com Hi! My name is Jordan Kane, a mom of two, a CTRS since 2018, and current Treasurer for NJEPA-TRA. I graduated in 2018 with my Bachelors in Therapeutic Recreation from Temple University. While studying at Temple, I was actively involved in the recreation therapy student organization, serving as the President, Vice President, and Treasurer over the years. Since graduating, I have been working in behavioral health, in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
I have been a member of NJEPA-TRA since I was a student at Temple and I look forward to the annual conference each year to catch up with old professors and colleagues. I am very excited to be working on the Board of Directors for NJEPA-TRA and am looking forward to this next chapter of the organization. We are dedicated to offering our members unique opportunities for learning and continuing to support efforts in obtaining licensure for our profession.
Fun Fact: I enjoy going to farmers markets, finding new coffee shops to visit, junk journaling, and gardening.
Lindsey LaFountain
Secretary
CTRS
njepatra@gmail.com
Lindsey graduated from Temple University in 2023 and received her CTRS certification shortly after. She currently works at Inglis House in Philadelphia, running programs such as gardening, pickleball, arts & crafts, and more. She earned her Therapeutic Horticulture Ally certification from Root in Nature in June 2026 and plans to become a Therapeutic Horticulture Specialist.
Lucy Tomczynski
NJ Member at large
CTRS, CCLS
njmemberatlarge.njepatra@gmail.comI have been a CTRS for 25 years and a CCLS (Certified Child Life Specialist) for 23 years. I have worked my entire career within the Long Term Care Pediatric Population. This experience has served as such a diverse look into all things recreation therapy as I have had the pleasure and honor to serve individuals with so many different disabilities, diagnoses, ages–and just as important, their families. The combined skill and education of the dual certification plays such an integral role in how I have elevated my program planning in the past and now how I apply that to my clinical supervisory role.
My interest in NJ/EPA TRA began as a student and early in my professional career as a BOD treasurer. After years of focusing on my own clinical practices and raising my family, I wanted an opportunity to reconnect other recreation therapists in various settings and with the mission and goals of the NJ/EPA TRA to continue moving the profession forward.
There are several modalities I consider my favorite. First cooking! This modality brings about so many opportunities to guide your client toward goal achievement! It can be social, memory and feeling provoking, direction following, problem solving, and so much more. My other favorite is community outings. This modality connects the client with the community and vice versa. The list of benefits is too long to list here but just knowing that so many can benefit from even the simplest outing (like a walk around the block) is reward enough for me.
Kelly Corrigan
PA Member at Large
CTRS
njepatra@gmail.com
I graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with my degree in Recreation and Leisure Administration and a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. I have been a CTRS for 10 years. I have had the opportunity to work in a variety settings including adults & pediatric long – term care, as well as adult & pediatric inpatient rehabilitation. My favorite part of being a Recreational Therapist is the ability to think creatively to help my patients or residents achieve their goals.
My current position as a CTRS in adult LTC has allowed me to focus more on supporting resident leisure and social engagement during the aging process, as well as community focused interventions to involve our residents in the world around them. One theme that has remained constant despite the setting I worked in, was the importance of human connection and the opportunity to play (regardless of age!) More recently, my position in long term care has brought advocacy to the forefront of my experience as a CTRS, which has in turn, guided me to pursuing the MAL-PA position for NJEPA- TRA. I continue to see the vital role that Recreational Therapy plays in the lives of my patients or residents.
My favorite modality is anything that includes creative arts or connection to nature. These two “umbrella” modalities spark curiosity which is so meaningful to the leisure process. I enjoy the grounding, or meditative effects that nature and art provide to individuals while engaged in an activity. These aspects are so healing to the soul!
Lacey Speert
Past President
CTRS,
njepatra@gmail.com Over the years, Lacey has worked with various populations and age-groups across the lifespan. Lacey has experience working in schools, parks/recreation, hospitals, and rehab/nursing facilities. Lacey enjoys implementing humor programs, cognitive, sensory, bibliotherapy, and game interventions. Lacey has been involved with local community organizations and professional recreational therapy organizations on various committees. Lacey has been in various board of director roles within NJ/EPA-TRA and coordinates the conferences with the education team. Lacey enjoys supporting and collaborating with other professionals.
Also, being in organizational roles has helped Lacey grow as a leader and advocate. It is important to Lacey to take continuing education opportunities to further connections,knowledge and experiences. The collaboration and experience from leadership roles and involvement in organizations leads to other life opportunities and enhances our professional skill set.
As recreational therapists, it is important to develop our own leisure lifestyle. During the week after work, Lacey enjoys pilates, yoga, kayaking, and listening to books!