Shelly Bates, Ph.D.

Education

• B.S., Therapeutic Recreation, University of Southern Mississippi, 2003
• M.S., Recreational Therapy Emphasis, Clemson University, 2016
• Ph.D. Candidate, Instructional Design & Development, University of South Alabama

Teaching Philosophy

As a clinician, I provided education to clients, families, and the community related to the benefit of recreation as a tool to improve quality of life and to provide positive outcomes through a strength based approach.  As an educator, I have the opportunity to instill skills needed in students to be qualified professionals that place emphasis on improved quality of life, strength based skill development and promotion of therapeutic outcomes.  In order​ to ensure the production of qualified recreational therapy guidelines, I aim to complete the following goals: 1) provide an open learning involvement that provides opportunities for questions in a non-threatening environment; 2) offer opportunities to constructively apply new information within and outside of the classroom; 3) encourage student involvement in educational experiences that expose students to real world applications and information; 4) provide strength based skill development within student interactions. 

Research

My research focuses on several areas: 1) older adults with emphasis on interventions that aid in improving quality of life; 2) recreational therapy and veteran centered care; 3) interventions that enhance quality of life for intellectual disability; 4) recreational therapy curriculum and collaborative practice.

Outreach

I collaborate with community projects focused on individuals with disabilities and the organizations that serve them. I am active member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, and currently serve as President of the Recreational Therapy Foundation. I also serve on the Connie Hudson Senior Center Advisory Board.

Biography

I am originally from Mississippi, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation and a psychology minor from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2003. I worked in recreational therapy for over 15 years as a clinician, primarily serving patients over age 55 across all care settings including skilled nursing, acute behavioral health, assisted living, long-term care, and hospice care. In 2018, I earned my Master of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Program Management with an emphasis in recreational therapy from Clemson University. I also hold a Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Development from the University of South Alabama. With over 20 years of experience as a recreational therapist, I have been able to apply that practical knowledge within my graduate studies and current work as an educator. My family, dogs, and friends are central to my life. I enjoy spending time with family through activities like fishing, kayaking, boating, antiquing, and socializing. In my personal time, I value knitting, art, sewing, and reading.

Courses

• RTH 375: Management of Therapeutic Recreation
• RTH 395: Therapeutic Recreation Process
• RTH 397 Recreational Therapy and Older Adults
• RTH 465: Therapeutic Recreation Interventions I
• RTH 466: Therapeutic Recreation Program Design and Interventions II
• RTH 468 Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation
• RTH 471: Research and Evaluation in Health, Kinesiology & Sport