Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Rhonda Nelson PhD, CTRS

1700 N. Broad Street, Suite 304E

Philadelphia, PA 19121

(215) 204-1387

nelsonr@temple.edu

Biography

Biosketch

Rhonda is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. She has extensive experience as a recreation therapist, working primarily with older adults in diverse settings including long term care facilities and community based programs. However, her clinical experience also includes work with adults of all ages in behavioral health, physical rehabilitation and cancer treatment programs.
Rhonda is interested in a variety of modalities and facilitation techniques, and particularly those involving the creative arts or complementary/alternative therapies. In addition to being a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Rhonda is trained as a Music Therapist and Massage Therapist.
Teaching a variety of courses in the therapeutic recreation program, Rhonda works with undergraduate and graduate students and enjoys mentoring them in their professional development. Rhonda has served as a faculty mentor for several undergraduate students who have been honored through Temple University's highly competitive Diamond Peer Teacher program and frequently co-presents with students at professional conferences.

She was recently awarded an Innovation in Teaching Award through the College of Health Professions and Social Work for a project that developed instructional videos depicting recreation therapy treatment with clients in a variety of settings.

Rhonda is active in professional organizations and is a past president of the New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Association. She currently serves on the American Therapeutic Recreation Association's Standards of Practice team.

Education:

Ph.D. Temple University (Health Studies)
Ed.M. Temple University (Therapeutic Recreation)
B.M.E Wartburg College (Music Education/Music Therapy)

Additional Professional Training:.

The Massage Therapy Program of Philadelphia

Course Involvement

Teaching Areas

Adapted Sports, Recreation and Inclusive Leisure Services
Assistive Technology for Recreation
Community Based Recreation for Older Adults
Internship I (Junior Internship)
Internship II (Senior Internship)
Therapeutic Recreation Administration
Therapeutic Recreation in Geriatric Service Settings
Therapeutic Recreation Modalities
Professional Seminar

Research

Research & Scholarship

Areas of Interest

Aging/Gerontology
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Creative Arts Therapies
Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Sleep Disorders
Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia
Professional Training and Preparation

Recent Publications

Nelson, R. & Coyle, C. (2010) Effects of a bedtime massage on relaxation in nursing home residents with sleep disorders. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 34(3), 216-231.

Nelson, R. & Coyle, C. (2010) Using massage to reduce use of sedative-hypnotic drugs with older adults: A brief report from a pilot study. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 29 (1), 129-139.

Recent Presentations

Bolognini, A. & Nelson, R. (2010, November). Using paper folding and napkin folding as therapeutic recreation modalities. New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Association Fall Conference. Princeton, NJ.

Crew, A. & Nelson, R. (2009, November). Creating meaningful art activities for persons with dementia. New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Association Fall Conference. Princeton, NJ.

Moore, R. & Nelson, R. (2009, November). Using cooking as a therapeutic recreation modality. New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Association Fall Conference. Princeton, NJ.

Nelson, R. (2008, October). Cultivating our crop: NJ/EPA TRA plans for the future. New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Association Fall Conference. Princeton, NJ.

Nelson, R. (2008, August). Using TR Interventions to Address Sleep Disorders. American Therapeutic Recreation Association. Teleconference Series.

Contento, D. & Nelson, R. (2008, May). Exploring therapy on horseback: An introduction to therapeutic riding. Mid-Eastern Symposium on Therapeutic Recreation. Ocean City, MD.

Nelson, R. (2008, April). Aromatherapy basics for the activity professional. New Jersey Activity Professionals Association Annual Convention. East Windsor, NJ.

Nelson, R. (2008, April). Incorporating basic massage into LTC sensory stimulation sessions. New Jersey Activity Professionals Association Annual Convention. East Windsor, NJ.

Nelson, R. (2007, April). Line dancing for fun, fitness and friendship. National Association of Activity Professionals, Annual Conference. Columbus, OH.

Nelson, R. (2007, April). Creating and using themed sensory stimulation kits. National Association of Activity Professionals, Annual Conference, Columbus, OH.