Heather Porter

Professor of Instruction
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Phone
215-204-5746
Office
1700 N. Broad St. Suite 304D

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 

Labs: RT Wise Owls Lab

Google Scholar: Heather Porter's Google Scholar profile

Courses Taught

Number

Name

Level

HRPR 8985

Teaching in Higher Education: Health Professions

Graduate

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 5271

Recreational Therapy and Disabilities Seminar II

Graduate

RCTH 5312

Leisure, Health, and Recreational Therapy Interventions

Graduate

RCTH 5314

Leisure-time Physical Activity and Community Engagement in Recreational Therapy

Graduate

RCTH 5442

Program Planning and Practice in Recreational Therapy

Graduate

Selected Publications

  • Seaton, M., LAT, ATC, Student, M., DeFazio, V., CTRS, Porter, H.R., PhD, & CTRS (2018). Efficacy of anger management interventions for individuals with traumatic brain injury: A systematic review. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 17(2), p. 27. doi: 10.5055/ajrt.2018.0159

  • Watts, C., MS, CTRS, Porter, H.R., PhD, CTRS, Snethen, G., PhD, & CTRS (2018). Application of the ICAN model for transition-aged youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 16(4), p. 37. doi: 10.5055/ajrt.2017.0146

  • Kenuk, S., MS, CTRS, Porter, H.R., PhD, & CTRS (2017). The outcomes of mindfulness-based interventions for adults who have experienced a traumatic brain injury: A systematic review of the literature. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 16(2), p. 9. doi: 10.5055/ajrt.2017.0129

  • Prout, B., MS, CTRS, Porter, H.R., PhD, & CTRS (2017). Psychosocial outcomes of participation in adaptive sports for adults with spinal cord injuries: A systematic review of the literature. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 16(1), p. 39. doi: 10.5055/ajrt.2017.0126

  • Ferrante, M., CTRS, Porter, H.R., PhD, & CTRS (2017). An exploration of recreational therapy in the Veterans Health Administration polytrauma system of care. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 14(1), p. 23. doi: 10.5055/ajrt.2015.0089

  • Hartman, K., MS, CTRS, Porter, H., PhD, & CTRS (2017). White water kayaking, positive affect, and perceived self-awareness: A case study of a veteran of the Vietnam era. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 13(4), p. 41. doi: 10.5055/ajrt.2014.0084

  • Hirst, J.M., MS, CTRS, Porter, H., PhD, & CTRS (2017). Physical activity levels, mood, and combat-related acquired brain injury: A cross-sectional examination of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom service members. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 13(4), p. 7. doi: 10.5055/ajrt.2014.0081

  • Cooper, V.L., MSRT, CTRS, CCLS, Porter, H.R., PhD, & CTRS (2017). A comparison of recreational therapy and child life practice: Similarities, differences, and opportunities. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 15(2), p. 13. doi: 10.5055/ajrt.2016.0102

  • Porter, H. (2016). Recreational Therapy and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Idyll Arbor.

  • King, J. & Porter, H.R. (2016). Outcomes of Camp Participation for Youth With Cancer. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 50(4), pp. 335-339. doi: 10.18666/trj-2016-v50-i4-7636

  • DeFazio, V. & Porter, H.R. (2016). Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity for Youth With Cerebral Palsy. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 50(4), pp. 327-334. doi: 10.18666/trj-2016-v50-i4-7635

  • Porter, H. (2015). Recreational Therapy Basics, Techniques, and Interventions. Idyll Arbor.

  • Porter, H. (2015). Recreational Therapy for Specific Diagnoses and Conditions.

  • Iwasaki, Y., Coyle, C., Shank, J., Messina, E., Porter, H., Salzer, M., Baron, D., Kishbauch, G., Naveiras-Cabello, R., Mitchell, L., Ryan, A., & Koons, G. (2014). Role of Leisure in recovery from mental illness. American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 17(2), pp. 147-165. doi: 10.1080/15487768.2014.909683

  • Iwasaki, Y., Coyle, C., Shank, J., Messina, E., & Porter, H. (2013). Leisure-Generated Meanings and Active Living for Persons With Mental Illness. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 57(1), pp. 46-56. doi: 10.1177/0034355213486359

  • Porter, H. & Leach, J. (2010). Executive dysfunction in a survival environmenty. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 24(1), pp. 41-66. doi: 10.1002/acp.1542

  • Porter, H., Iwasaki, Y., & Shank, J. (2010). Conceptualizing Meaning-Making through Leisure Experiences. Loisir Et Societe, 33(2), pp. 167-194. doi: 10.1080/07053436.2010.10707808

  • Porter, H.R. & Burlingame, J. (2006). Recreational Therapy Handbook of Practice ICF- Based Diagnosis and Treatment.