Ms. Susan McCool
LTF Lecturer
- M.S. in Recreation and Sport Management: Recreational Therapy Track
Florida International University (2019) - B.S. in Recreation and Sport Management: Recreational Therapy Track
Florida International University (2017)
Teaching Fields: Instructional Technology in Health and Physical Education, Curriculum Design and Pedagogical Methods in Physical Education and Coaching, Assessment and Evaluation in Health and Physical Education, Management and Leadership in Physical Education, Sport, and Coaching, Applied Sport and Exercise Science, Health, Nutrition, and Community Wellness
Susan McCool, MS, CTRS, is a Limited-Term Faculty Lecturer in the Department of Teacher Education at Valdosta State University. She holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Recreation and Sport Management with a concentration in Recreational Therapy from Florida International University and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. McCool teaches courses in physical education pedagogy, instructional technology, assessment, coaching, and health education. Her teaching emphasizes student-centered learning, applied practice, and the integration of technology to enhance instructional effectiveness and professional preparation. McCool’s professional and academic interests include therapeutic recreation, adaptive physical activity and sport, developmental delays and cognitive disabilities, instructional technology, and community wellness initiatives. Her commitment to service extends beyond the classroom through her volunteer leadership with Hometown Outreach, a nonprofit organization she co-founded to bridge gaps and build hope by providing essential resources and wellness support to residents of Madison County, Florida.
Recent Publications or Presentations:
Hooker, T., McCool, S., Fischer, S. R., Tysor, D., & Lackey, N. Q. (2022). Exploring Changes in Depression and Meaning in Life through River Rafting for Veterans with PTSD. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 14(2), 16. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2022-V14-I2-11110
Fischer, S., & McCool, S. (2021). Positive psychology in recreational therapy. [Education session]. 2021 ATRA Virtual Conference, Virtual, USA.
Cordle, J., Bowen, A., Stanojević, Č., McCool, S., Santiago Perez, T., Hooker, T., & Oudheusden, A. (2021). The graduate experience: Advice and stories from a grad student panel. [Education session]. 2021 ATRA Virtual Conference, Virtual, USA.
McCool, S. & Autry, C. (2019). Cognitive and physical interventions for individuals with mild neurocognitive disorder: A systematic review of the literature. International Leisure Review, 8(1), 49-65.
McCool, S. & Autry, C. (2018). The efficacy of a therapeutic recreation program simultaneously utilizing cognitive and physical interventions on individuals with mild neurocognitive disorder: A meta-analysis of the literature. [Poster presentation]. 2018 ATRA Annual Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI.