Each year, SMART CEUs Hub proudly recognizes outstanding Recreational Therapy professionals who go above and beyond in their impact, innovation, and dedication to the field. The SMART Awards celebrate excellence across three categories, honoring those who embody the spirit of service, leadership, and creativity in their respective roles.
We are currently taking nominations for the 2025 SMART Awards which will be chosen in February 2026 (reflecting the 2025 year).
SMART Therapist of the Year
Awarded to a Recreational Therapist who demonstrates exceptional clinical skills, client-centered care, and a passion for advancing the field of Recreational Therapy through their everyday work.
SMART Educator of the Year
Presented to an educator who inspires learning, champions continuing education, and plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of professionals through high-quality instruction and mentorship.
SMART Entrepreneur of the Year
Celebrates a visionary who has turned bold ideas into reality—an entrepreneur in the health, wellness, or education space who shows innovation, grit, and a commitment to making a difference through business.
The awards committee will determine the winners based on your nominations.
Awards will be announced via the SMART Newsletter, our social media outlets, and on the website on February 28th of each year to celebrate TR Month and SMART CEUs Hub’s birthday.
*Winners will receive a custom SMART Awards plaque to hang on their wall, their picture with why they were selected on the SMART Awards webpage, and a free 1-year membership to SMART CEUs Hub.
2024 SMART Awards Winners
Tania Telford, CTRS & Monica Davidson, CTRS-BH
Co-Winners- SMART Therapists of the Year- 2024
When your child needs a hospital, everything matters.
Monica Davidson and Tania Telford are both CTRSS who work at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) located in Columbus, Ohio. During this last year, Monica and Tania engaged in the expansion of Animal Assited Therapy services at NCH. This included Monica and Tania working over a year in length to support applications through Canine Companions, engaging in multiple interviews to be selected as facility dog handlers, and participating in intensive training to be paired with their dogs Gibbs (Monica) and Dugan (Tania).
Shay Dawson, PhD, CTRS
SMART Educator of the Year- 2024
Shay Dawson is an Associate Professor of Disability Studies & Community Inclusion as well as Recreational Therapy and Rehabilitation within the College of Education and Human Services at Central Michigan University. Dr. Dawson is also an adjunct faculty member in the College of Medicine specializing in disability and medicine trainings. Dr. Dawson received his PhD from Indiana University’s School of Public Health-Bloomington. His research interests focus on the development of evidence-based psychosocial support programs for clients impacted by disability and chronic illness. Shay offers a faculty led study abroad trip each summer focused on disability in Southeast Europe and also leads a Disability and Medicine Seminar Series in the College of Medicine at Central Michigan University.
Kade Patterson, MS, CTRS
SMART Entrepreneur of the Year- 2024
Kade is the Founder and CEO of Get Rec’d + and Founder and President of The Nest CO-OP 501c3. Kade is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. He has over 15 years of experience serving individuals with disabilities through adaptive sports and leisure opportunities. He is a disabled army veteran and was awarded the 2022 Frank Basile Clinician of the Year through ATRA.
2025 SMART Awards Nomination