Biography

Dr. Gena Bell Vargas is an associate professor in the recreational therapy program. Her clinical background includes work in an urban acute psychiatric inpatient setting working with people experiencing symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, some dually diagnosed with substance abuse. She has also worked in inpatient physical rehabilitation, sometimes using the modality of aquatic therapy, with persons that have experienced strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations. Dr. Vargas has spent considerable time running around in the woods leading children and adults with and without disabilities in various team building activities and ropes courses. Her interest areas include efficacy research on therapeutic recreation practice, with a focus on exploring the use of motivational theory in increasing continued participation for all.

Education

• PhD, Therapeutic Recreation, Clemson University
• MS, Recreational Therapy Administration, East Carolina University
• BS, Recreational Therapy, East Carolina University

Curriculum Vitae