Therapeutic Recreation

Recreational Therapy

Alumni Highlights

Graduates of the Recreational Therapy program at ASU build careers that change lives and strengthen communities. They apply their expertise in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outdoor programs, and community organizations, using recreation as a powerful tool for healing, growth, and connection. Alumni empower individuals to rediscover play, support recovery, and foster inclusion, while also finding deep meaning and fulfillment in their own professional journeys.

Check out how our alumni put their degrees into action. Their stories showcase the lasting impact they have improving the quality of life for people of all abilities.

Lisa Perez, MA, ACC, NBC-HWC

Lisa Perez

MA, ACC, NBC-HWC

Year Graduated:

Current Employment: Vital Transformations, LLC Leadership & Wellbeing Coaching Work. Live. Be-Well. 

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Elena Messenger, MS, CPRP, CTRS

Elena Messenger

MS, CPRP, CTRS

Year Graduated: 2006 

Current Employment: Recreation Centers Program Manager, Marine Corps Community Services, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina 

  
 

My degree made it possible for me to change the lives of others for the better while absolutely changing and fulfilling my own, doing what I love.

Jessica Voss

Jessica Voss

CTRS

Year Graduated: 2013 

Current Employment: Founder and Executive Director, EmpoweRanch

  
 

My degree gave me the ability and expertise to empower my community through outdoor therapeutic recreation.

Azer Sevillano

Azer Sevillano

Year Graduated: 2015

Current Employment: Recreational Therapist, Mohave Rehab Coordinator, Arizona State Hospital

  
 

My degree in Recreation Therapy gave me the opportunity to not only support others in their healing, but also helped me rediscover purpose, resilience, and the power of connection through meaningful experiences.

Lauren Grattop

Lauren Grattop

CTRS

Year Graduated: 2022

Current Employment: Vintage Silver Center

  

Community-Engaged Learning

At Arizona State University, students will learn about recreational therapy through immersive, hands-on learning that extends beyond the classroom. Being located in the Phoenix metropolitan area provides students with unique access to a wide range of organizations that actively support and collaborate with the program. Many of these partners co-create learning opportunities, serve as hosts for practicum and internship experiences, support SCRD student club activities, and help ensure that students are well-prepared to enter the field. This intentional connection to the community also reflects the program’s commitment to COAPRT-accredited standards, where students demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge, skills, and evidence-based practices in real-world contexts.

Students also benefit from opportunities for interprofessional education on the downtown Phoenix Biomedical Campus, where they can engage with peers across health, human service, and education disciplines. These experiences prepare graduates to work as part of collaborative care teams while addressing the diverse needs of individuals and communities.