Awards & Recognition
2023 Outstanding Member
This recognition is for a URTA member who has made a significant contribution during the past year by promoting the profession, practice, and philosophy of Recreation Therapy.
Jaime Cogswell
As a masters level recreation therapist this individual has become an invaluable asset to her team and the profession as a whole; showing up with whole hearted engagement for not only the patients she serves but also for the department. She has guided students through various clinical rotations and internships, strengthening their RT foundation and other professional skills. When our department is in need of extra help, she goes above and beyond to support coworkers, and her energy and passion for the profession are contagious. She is innovative, creative, approachable, caring and compassionate; engaging patients with skillfully planned interventions that are not only FUN but effective. This person carries a positive attitude and boundless energy with her as she works to have a meaningful impact in her patient’s lives - her strengths and abilities have made a profound impact on everyone she comes in contact with.
Past Outstanding Members
2022: Christine Savides
2021: Alyssa Beers
2020: Heather Brown
2019: Sophie Wolfe
2018:
2017: Kami Houck
2016: Jeremiah Cox
2015: Joe Walker
Monica Dixon
Laura Bennion
2007: Steven Bell
2004: Shauna Smith
2003: Mauria Tanner
2002: Kerri Ashcroft
2001: Janeal Ford
2000: Fran Wilby
1999: Kelly Dysart
1998: Chris Forsdick
1997: Susan Call
1996: Janice Larsen
1995: Scott Dorsey
1994: Trish Jensen
1993: Sydney Post
1992: Jody Jacobs
1991: Eleanor Houston
1990: Jane Daniels
1989: Trish DeYoung
1988: Gary Ethington
1987: Sandra Negley
1986: Sandra Negley & Pas Strasser
1985: Sandra Negley & Mary Morris
2023 Distinguished Service
This award is for an individual who has helped the profession of Recreation Therapy grow through a lifetime of commitment and service.
No nomination this year
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Past Distinguished Service
2022: Kami Archibald
2021: Charles Wilson
2020: Ramon Zabriskie
2019: Keith Barney
2018: Jamie Bennett
2017:
2016: Karie Swensen
Pat Park
Sandy Negley
Syd Post
Mauria Tanner
2006: Michele Beal
2004: Trish DeYoung
2003: Michele Beal
2002: Eleanor Till
2001: Jeri Claspill
2000: Janice Larsen
1999: Jackie Welch
1998: Trish DeYoung
1997: Gary Ethington
1996: Cathy Morris
1995: Connie Molitor
1994: Frankie Draidfort
1993: Trish Jensen
1992: Sandra Negley
1991: Jesse Carter
1990: Leland Slaughter
1989: Ann Stacey
1988: John Clift
1987: Boyd Call
1986: Clark Thorstenson
1985: Sydney Post
2023 Outstanding Program
This award is for an individual, group, or institution which has developed a TR program to improve the quality of life of the clients served. Criteria may include longevity, communication of ideas to others, professionalism and the education and enhancement of those involved.
Rachel Taggart
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Past Outstanding Programs
2022: Ensign Services Recreation Therapy
2021: Crescent Senior Living- Katherine Wright
2020: BYU TR Program
2019: Behavioral Health Center at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center
2018:
2017: Brighton Recovery Center
2016: University of Utah - Sandy Negley and Steve Bell
Copper Hills Youth Center
National Ability Center
UNI
Maple Lake Academy
Westridge Academy
2023 Community Service
This award recognizes an individual who has helped and promoted Recreation Therapy although he or she is not a Recreation Therapist. This may have been done through volunteerism, legislative or policy support, offering programs, or other significant contribution.
Jim Dunnigan
This individual sponsored HB 0315 The Recreational Therapy Medicaid Coverage Amendment. As the bill came up on the House Floor, he consistently reiterated the power of recreational therapy, the importance of licensed therapists and the credentialing we require. He went out of his way to find members of URTA to gain a greater understanding of RT and how the bill would impact consumers. His defense was thorough and well-prepared and he carried the bill successfully through the state house.
Past Community Service
2022: Zac Bramble
2021: Ross VanVranken
2020: Dr. Kent Roundy
2019: Malissa Morrell
2018:
2017:
2016: BYU Therapeutic Recreation Club
Salt Lake County Adaptive
National Ability Center
Senator Gene Davis
Dirk Anjewierden
Therapy Animals of Utah
Intermountain Therapy Animals
2004: UT Healthcare Association and Sen. Gene Davis
2003: Shawna Peterson
2002: Terri Danburg
2001: Snowbird
2000: Intermountain Therapy Animals
1999: Brent Armstrong
1998: Dr. Paul Whitehead
1997: Dr. L. Dale Cruise
1996: Diana Taylor
1995: Larry Garlock
1994: Maxine Peterson
1993: Alma Heaton
1992: Rep. Gene Davis & Rep. Brent Haymond
1991: Dave Fairhurst
1990: Glenda Solomon
1989: Bill Peterson
1988: Mary Pylley
1987: Herb Russell
1986: Senator Richard Carling
1985: Camp Kostopulos
2023 Legacy
This award is for an individual who is leaving behind a legacy as a result of their contributions to the profession of Recreation Therapy and the Utah Recreation Therapy Association with passion and commitment throughout their career as a recreational therapist as determined by the URTA Board of Directors.
Sandra Negley
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Keith Barney
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Past Legacy
2023: Sandra Negley and Keith Barney