Biography

Dr. Heather Porter is a professor of instruction in the recreational therapy (RT) program at Temple University and a fellow in the National Academy of Recreational Therapists. She has a clinical background in inpatient and outpatient physical rehabilitation (traumatic brain injury, stroke, amputation, arthritis, back disorders, multiple sclerosis, cardiac, pulmonary, spinal cord injury, joint replacement and obesity). She received the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award and the Excellence in Teaching Award from Temple’s College of Public Health and has been recognized for her contributions to the RT field by the Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Society and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. She has published multiple books, book chapters, and refereed journal articles, and she mentors RT students in manuscript development for publication. Additionally, she created and organizes the annual RT Evidence-Based Practice Day conference at Temple University and created and maintains RT Wise Owls to disseminate RT evidence-based practice information.

Education

  • PhD, Health Studies (Recreational Therapy and Public Health), Temple University
  • MS, Counseling Psychology, Chestnut Hill College
  • BS, Leisure Studies, Temple University

Curriculum Vitae 

Courses Taught

Number

Name

Level

RCTH 2104

Recreational Therapy Modalities

Undergraduate

RCTH 3096

Assessment and Documentation in Recreational Therapy

Undergraduate

RCTH 3801

Physical and Neurological Health Conditions Across the Lifespan

Undergraduate

RCTH 5271

Disability Seminar on Physical and Neurological Health Conditions

Graduate

RCTH 5301

Evidence Based Practice in Recreational Therapy I

Graduate

RCTH 5312

Leisure, Health, and Recreational Therapy Interventions

Graduate

RCTH 5442

Program Planning and Practice in Recreational Therapy

Graduate