معرفی
Dr. Heather Porter is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Temple University's College of Public Health, where she directs the Recreational Therapy program. She is also a Fellow of the National Academy of Recreational Therapists and founder of the globally recognized RT Wise Owls database.
Her educational background includes:
- PhD in Health Studies (Recreational Therapy and Public Health) from Temple University
- MS in Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College
- BS in Leisure Studies from Temple University
Dr. Porter's research focuses on the therapeutic application of recreation and leisure for individuals with physical and neurological conditions. She is a leading expert in evidence-based recreational therapy, with a strong emphasis on bridging research and clinical practice through her RT Wise Owls initiative. Her work spans disability studies, neurological rehabilitation, and leisure interventions for health promotion.
She has been honored with multiple teaching awards, including:
- Temple University Great Teacher Award
- Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award
- Excellence in Teaching Award
- A formal commendation from the City of Philadelphia
As an educator, Dr. Porter actively mentors recreational therapy students in scholarly writing and research. She has authored five textbooks and numerous publications. Her leadership in the field is exemplified by the RT Wise Owls Lab, which serves as a vital resource for over 100 countries.
