Shelly Beaver

Ph.D. in Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, (2026)

M.S. in Leisure Studies, Pennsylvania State University, (2003)

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

Sponsoring Organization: National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification

Date Obtained: 2003-01-01

Expertise

Articles

Beaver, S. and Johnson, R. (2025). Interprofessional Education Between Recreational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology in Long-Term Care. Therapeutic Recreation Journal 59 (1).

Beaver, S. (2023). A Need for Increased Awareness of Disability Models in Recreational Therapy Practice . Therapeutic Recreation Journal 57 (1) , pp. 46-68.

Beaver, S., Munly, K. and McGregor, S. (2021). New Program in the Field: Enhancing Wellness in Older Adults through Intergenerational Community-Engaged Learning Programs in Long-Term Care Settings. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships 19 (2) , pp. 272-279.

Presentations

Beaver, S. and Parker, K. (August , 2017). Gaks and Doughs that Tickle the Nose: Sensory Fun for All Oral Presentation Special Education Teacher Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 August Institute Johnstown, PA.

Beaver, S. and Parker, K. (March , 2017). Gaks and Doughs that Tickle the Nose: Sensory Fun for All Oral Presentation Power of Play Conference Raleigh, NC.

Beaver, S. (October , 2016). Sense-ational Ideas for Recreational Professionals and their Clients with Autism Oral Presentation A Sense of Being” Professional Conference Indianapolis, IN.

Beaver, S. (February , 2016). Beyond Accommodations: Optimizing Learning for the Diverse Classroom Oral Presentation Penn State Altoona Office for Disability Services’ Professional Training Series Altoona, PA.

Beaver, S. (October , 2015). Sensory Storytimes at Your Public Library Oral Presentation Pennsylvania Library Association Annual Conference pennsylvania.

Beaver, S. (September , 2015). Boost Your Disability IQ (Special Topic): Disability Through the Life Span Oral Presentation Pennsylvania Activity Professional Association Annual Conference State College, PA.

Beaver, S. (August , 2015). Sense-ational Ideas for Recreational Professionals and their Clients with Autism – The Sequel American Therapeutic Recreation Association Webinar .

Beaver, S. (August , 2015). Educating Students with Disabilities: Meeting the Legal Mandate; Universal Design for Learning: What, Why, and How? Oral Presentation Division of Business & Engineering Summer Retreat Lake Raystown, PA.

Beaver, S. (May , 2015). Sense-ational Ideas for Recreational Professionals and their Clients with Autism American Therapeutic Recreation Association Webinar .

Beaver, S. (March , 2015). Boosting Your Disability IQ; Sense-ational Ideas for Recreational Professionals and their Clients with Autism; Inclusion: Bridging the Great Divide Oral Presentation Power of Play Conference Raleigh, NC.

Beaver, S. (October , 2014). Debunking Myths and Dispelling Fears: Examining Attitudes About Disability Oral Presentation Diversity Grand Rounds, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Hershey, PA.

Beaver, S. (September , 2014). Sense-ational Ideas for Recreational Therapists and their Clients with Autism Oral Presentation American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference Oklahoma City, OK.

Beaver, S. (September , 2014). All Right Stop, Collaborate and Listen: A Template for Reducing Staffing and Other Constraints in Recreational Therapy Programs Oral Presentation American Therapeutic Recreation Association 2014 Annual Conference Oklahoma City, OK.

Beaver, S. and O'Neill, C. (April , 2014). Beyond Accessibility – The Successful Inclusion of People with Disabilities Oral Presentation Penn State Altoona student and SADA President S.T.E.P.S Diversity Conference Altoona, PA.

Beaver, S. (January , 2014). Sense-ational Ideas for Recreational Therapists and their Clients with Autism Oral Presentation Pacific Northwest American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference Portland, OR.

Beaver, S. (November , 2013). Inclusion: Bridging the Great Divide Oral Presentation Pennsylvania School-Age Child Care Alliance Annual Conference Hershey, PA.

Beaver, S. (October , 2013). Boost Your Disability IQ to Enhance Effective Service Delivery Oral Presentation American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference Pittsburgh, PA.

Beaver, S. (September , 2013). Boost Your Disability IQ to Enhance Effective Service Delivery Oral Presentation Pennsylvania Activity Professional Association 26th Annual Conference State College, PA.

Beaver, S. (November , 2012). Sense-ational Ideas: Creating an inclusive community through education and advocacy Oral Presentation Pennsylvania School-Age Child Care Alliance Annual Conference Harrisburg, PA.

Beaver, S. (July , 2012). Sense-ational Ideas: Creating an inclusive community through education and advocacy Oral Presentation Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 Summer Workshops Altoona, PA.

Beaver, S. (June , 2012). Boosting Your Disability IQ Oral Presentation Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Society Annual Conference Hershey, PA.

Beaver, S. (April , 2012). Silly Rabbit, Play Is No Longer Just for Kids! Oral Presentation Health Matters via Adobe Connect University Park, PA.

• 2026: Ann James Award, Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium (SRTS)
• 2025: University Distinguished Teacher, Old Dominion University
• 2025: American Therapeutic Recreation Association Excellence in Education Award, American Therapeutic Recreation Association
• 2024: Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award (Ellmer College of Health Sciences), Old Dominion University
• 2019: Darden College of Education and Professional Studies Teaching Innovation and Excellence Award, Old Dominion University
• 2019: Kate Broderick Faculty Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education, Old Dominion University
• 2014: Community Outreach Award -Students Advocating for Disability Awareness, Penn State Altoona Office of Student Life
• 2014: Nominee – Excellence in Advising Award, Penn State Altoona
• 2011: National Rehab Week Advocate Award – Sense-ational Endeavors, HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona