M. Elizabeth (Betsy) Kemeny, PhD, CTRS is currently an Associate Professor at Slippery Rock University who focuses her research on equine-assisted interventions for both adolescents on the autism spectrum and older adults. She is a member of the International Society for Autism Research, a certified Heart Math Intervention Specialist, a certified Heart Math coach, and a credentialed Professional Gerontologist. Her presentations and publications focus on youth with autism, staff development supporting the care needs of older adults, and client assessment. More recently, she has also been working with researchers from Clemson and Temple Universities on the ATRA Delphi/Competency Study to better understand the competencies needed in the field of Recreational Therapy. She studied Sociology at Wake Forest University, finished a Masters in Recreation Administration with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation at University of North Caroling at Chapel Hill, and a PhD in Administration and Leadership of Nonprofit and Public Sectors at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She currently facilitates a number of service-learning programs for youth on the autism spectrum and veterans with disabilities. During her 25 years in the field, prior to becoming a faculty member, her work experience focused on dementia care and included skilled nursing, adult day care, hospice, assisted living and outpatient rehabilitation.
“I am convinced that rigorous research is the best way to promote knowledge of horse-human interactions benefits to health outcomes.”