Her professional experience consists of direct and managerial work with youth and adults with mental illness. Her research focuses on understanding the relationship between environmental factors and community participation; using the community to promote physical activity engagement; and developing interventions that use recreation and leisure as a means to promote independence in the community. In addition to her research, Gretchen remains connected to the recreational therapy profession through her leadership with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association Evidence-Based Practice Taskforce. Curriculum Vitae Home