Cara Gray

Dr. Cara Gray, Ph.D., LRT, CTRS, is an Associate Professor in the School of Health and Applied Human Science’s Recreation Therapy program. She earned a Ph.D. in Leisure Behavior and Inquiry Methodology at Indiana University-Bloomington and has taught at UNCW since Fall 2015. In addition to the development of competent and confident future recreation therapists, individual and community enrichment is the focal point for all Dr. Gray’s teaching, research and service activities. Dr. Gray teaches an introductory course on the foundational principles of RT practice, focusing on the foundational elements key to the provision of quality recreational therapy services and overall recreational therapy service delivery. She also teaches advanced courses focusing on the role and function of recreation therapy in mental/behavioral health services and management and leadership in healthcare (i.e., healthcare administration). Previous work experiences include service in the following settings: schools (K-12) and universities; Parks & Recreation Departments; a Medical Center; private and public Foundations; group homes; a military base; forensic facilities; and private consultation.

Education

Ph.D. in Leisure Behavior and Inquiry Methodology at Indiana University-Bloomington

Specialization in Teaching

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND Certificate); Crisis Prevention & Intervention; Applied Theory; healthcare administration, policy development and strategic planning initiatives.

Research Interests

Research areas include neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., autism spectrum disorders (ASD); prevention and treatment-focused adolescent mental/behavioral health services; assessment; inclusion of nature and nature-focused leisure activities into mental health treatment; social wellness; the impact of social media use on mental health; and the use of AI in treatment planning.

Professional Service

Member of ATRA, NCRTA & NRPA.
Member of the ATRA Recreation Therapy Standards of Practice Workgroup
Disability Resource Recruitment for individuals and families [Local & National]

Community Engagement

Collaborative community projects include working with youth and adolescences with cognitive, social, emotional, sensory and/or behavioral needs; training community members how to include individuals with various health conditions into their programming; and policy writing for area non-profits.

Honors & Awards

Recipient of graduating senior's letter of appreciation every semester since 2015
Recipient of Chancellor's Teaching Excellence Award (2024)
Recipient of Discere Aude Award from UNCW Center for Teaching Excellence (2023)