Zahl to Serve as Chair for NCTRC Board of Directors

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Melissa Zahl, associate professor in recreational therapy, has been elected chair of the board of directors for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), the premier credentialing organization for the profession of therapeutic recreation. As chair, Zahl will be responsible for supervising and controlling all the business affairs of the organization, including presiding over meetings, serving as the principal officer, making policy and fiscal decisions and directing the work of staff and committees.

“This tremendous honor is indicative of Dr. Zahl’s leadership and expertise in her field,” said John Romans, dean of the College of Education, Health and Aviation. “This continues the long-standing tradition of our faculty holding leadership roles within the recreational therapy profession.”

Zahl joined the Oklahoma State University faculty in 2014 and has more than 12 years of experience practicing as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in a variety of settings, including long-term care, mental health, physical medicine and rehabilitation and youth in the foster care system. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Utah and previously served as an assistant professor at Illinois State University. Zahl has been a member of the NCTRC board of directors since 2016.

Established in 1981, NCTRC is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to professional excellence for the protection of consumers through the certification of recreational therapists. Professional recognition is granted by NCTRC to individuals who apply and meet established standards for certification, including education, experience and continuing professional development. The CTRS credential is offered to qualified individuals based on these stringent requirements.