(she/her)

Executive Director and Founder (President, non-voting)

Susan Purrington, PhD, CTRS has been working with people from all backgrounds and abilities for over 20 years in a variety of settings, including rehabilitation hospitals, community recreation, and higher education. While practicing as a Recreational Therapist, clients often complained about negative experiences in public places, oftentimes resulting in not wanting to go there again. Thus, the idea of welcomed here was born! Susan's personal mission in life is to make everyone feel safe and welcomed in all spaces and places. 

(she/her)

Board Co-Chair

Sakénya McDonald, PhD is an educator, advocate, and community leader 10+ years experience in initiating and leading social and systemic change. As a Black woman with a non-apparent disability, Sakénya intimately understands the need for intentionally creating platforms that empower marginalized individuals and communities to share their voices, experiences, and knowledges. In her spare time, Sakénya enjoys roller skating, exploring True Crime culture, and traveling to introvert-friendly, welcoming, inclusive locations.

(she/her)

Co-Chair/Secretary

Laura McLachlin, PhD, CTRS is a professor at California State University, Chico and has a passion for improving the quality of life of people with disabilities. She is the co-director of Ability First Sports Program, is acting chair of the Task Force on Licensure for Recreation Therapy in California, and a board member for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification. When not advocating for the field of therapeutic recreation, Laura can be found spending time with her family, friends and her dogs, hiking, swimming, dancing, cycling, and cooking healthy meals. 

(he/him)

Treasurer

Erik Luvaas, PhD, CTRS is an Assistant Professor in Recreation Therapy in the Department of Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Administration. Prior to entering academia, he was the Recreational Therapist at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Portland, Oregon, and the Youth Sports Program Manager for the nonprofit Paralympic Sports Club, Adaptive Sports Northwest. He has also worked as a psychiatric recreational therapist at Oregon State Hospital and Telecare Crisis and Treatment Center in Portland. His research examines psychophysiological benefits of nature engagement, recreation therapy interventions, and how dimensions of diversity impact equitable access and participation in nature-based recreation.

(she/her)

Member-at-large

Hannah Wilson is a long-time friend of Susan's and is thrilled to be asked to bring her sharpened pencils to the accounting for such a worthy venture. She recently sold her family's medical product and services business after working there for 20 years.  Hannah also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Max and Marion Caldwell Foundation which provides scholarships to send children to summer camp. 

Member-at-large

(she/her)

Research Advisor (non-voting)

Tiffany Monique Quash, Ph.D. describes her mission in life as: “Learning to Swim is a Human Right.” Her research focuses on the intersectionality of race, gender, class, and one’s historical relationships with swimming and higher education. In 2020, Dr. Quash delivered a TEDx talk that examined the roots of our swimming history. By addressing the public health preventable pandemic of drowning, she addressed water safety education, collaborating with the International Water Safety Foundation, and encouraging participation on International Water Safety Day on May 15th. Dr. Quash serves as the Qualitative/Survey Research Methodologist for American University in Washington, D.C. in the Center for Teaching, Research, and Learning and the Research Advisor for welcomed here.