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NCTRC e-News
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981
Welcome to NCTRC e-News
NCTRC Welcomes New Board Members
As a result of the recently conducted Board election, NCTRC is proud to announce the addition of three new members to the Board of Directors. Alicia Gonzales, CTRS, Chris Richard, CTRS and Caronda Trigg, CTRS will officially join the NCTRC Board in May 2022 and serve a three-year term from 2022-2025.
NCTRC has appointed an International Representative to the Board of Directors: Andrea Waters, CTRS. She will also be serving a three-year term from 2022-2025
Alicia Gonzales, CTRS resides in Casa Grande, Arizona. Alicia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation with an emphasis in TR and minor in Gerontology from Arizona State University. She is currently employed by The Caring House, a skilled nursing facility located within a tribal community. Alicia has established a comprehensive recreational therapy program, designed to improve functional needs through non-pharmacological interventions. In her role, she oversees ten staff who assist with daily therapeutic activities and opportunities for socialization.
Chris Richard, CTRS resides in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Chris earned a Bachelor of Recreation with a major in TR from Dalhousie University. He has worked at William Osler Health System which is a community hospital system just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada for 20 years. He is the recreation therapist for the Rehab A unit and typically works with patients with neurological illness or conditions such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Guillain Barre Syndrome, etc.
Caronda Trigg, CTRS resides in Brandon, Mississippi. Caronda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation with a concentration in TR from Jackson State University and a Master of Public Administration from Bellhaven University. She is currently the memory care director at The Orchard Assisted Living Community. As the memory care director, she oversees the staff and care provided in memory care. She is also responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing programs and services for residents with dementia.
Andrea Waters, CTRS, International Rep. resides in Hubbards, Nova Scotia, Canada. She earned her Bachelor of Recreation, TR from Dalhousie University. Andrea has 22 years of experience in TR and is a professional practice leader of recreation therapy at IWK Health Centre and a recreation therapist in Pediatric Rehabilitation. She volunteers as a classifier for the International Canoe Federation at World Paracanoe events worldwide and has done a significant amount of work with the Canadian Paralympic Committee related to awareness initiatives.
If you or someone you know is interested in being considered for the NCTRC Board or committee appointment, please contact the NCTRC Nomination and Elections Committee via Anne Richard, at (845) 639 -1439 or nctrc@nctrc.org.
NCTRC Recognizes CTRS Anniversary
Recently NCTRC sent out recognition emails to CTRSs that have been certified for 25, 30, 35 and 40 years. NCTRC would like to congratulate those CTRSs that have been dedicated to the field for so long.
In response to the email, NCTRC received some great feedback:
“Thank you for the email note and congratulations on my 35th year of being a CTRS! I live in Minnesota and still remember driving to Iowa to take the national exam 35 years ago. I believe it was administered at Drake College at that time. It has been a rewarding career and hopefully throughout my tenure I have helped increase awareness and standards of practice for long-term care. It has been a pleasure to be part of the CTRS community and I thank you for recognizing my tenure with a 35 yr. pin.” – KD
“Thank you so much for the email. I would appreciate receiving a 35-year pin. I still have my little green card with my grade from the very first test ever given. Ohhh, the angst while waiting for that little card to be delivered to me the good ole’ fashion way…..the mailman. 😊” – KM
“I am sending this email as requested for my 40th Anniversary Pin which I appreciate so much! It has been my honor to be a part of this outstanding organization for all these years.” – JM
“I would be so proud and thank you in advance for the 40th anniversary NCTRC anniversary pin. It has been and will continue to be a lifelong dedication helping others strive to their fullest potential. It’s been an honor to serve.” – JS
Annual Maintenance Renewal Reminder
Is it time to renew your CTRS® Certification and submit your annual maintenance fee? Please log into MY NCTRC Login to submit your annual maintenance fee via your dashboard profile and make sure your email address is up to date to ensure that you receive all email communication from NCTRC.
Please contact us if you have any specific questions pertaining to your annual maintenance.
Recertification - Exam Option
Please be advised that certificants who are at the end of the five-year recertification cycle can take the NCTRC exam to meet the requirements for recertification. The May 2022 exam is the only exam that can be completed to meet the June 30, 2022 recertification requirements. Please go to MY NCTRC Login to complete the exam registration application via your dashboard profile. The dates for the May 2022 exam are May 1-May 31, 2022.
Recertification – Education & Work Experience Option
If you will be submitting education and work experience to recertify by June 30, 2022, please log into MY NCTRC Login and submit your Recertification – Education and Work Experience application via your dashboard profile. Please visit the Recertification Tutorial for information on the process.
Please make sure your email address is up to date to ensure that you receive all email communication from NCTRC.
Please contact us if you have any specific questions pertaining to your recertification.
Conference Season is Upon Us
If you would like NCTRC to present at your in-person or virtual conference, send the office an email and a credentialing specialist will get back to you with NCTRC’s availability.
Recertify and Reinvest in Yourself.
NCTRC knows how hard you worked to obtain the CTRS® credential. Continue your professional journey by renewing your CTRS® certification.
Go further with an NCTRC Scholarship.
An NCTRC Scholarship recognizes the achievements of those who seek to advance their knowledge and professional competency to improve the quality of recreational therapy services.
NCTRC is on Facebook!
NCTRC is now on Facebook. We are excited to open this new avenue of contact between you and the organization.
Please contact NCTRC at 845-639-1439 or nctrc@nctrc.org.
Thank you for your continued support of NCTRC and the CTRS® credential!
