Emily Messina is an Associate Professor of Recreational Therapy at FIU. Messina received her BS and MS in Recreation Studies with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Florida. She has been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist since 2004. She completed her doctoral degree in Public Health (emphasis in social behavioral health science) at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Messina’s research focuses on the benefits of recreation and leisure for marginalized population groups, particularly those within the criminal justice system, behavioral health settings, and those experiencing housing insecurity.
research interests
Recreational Therapy; benefits of recreation and leisure for marginalized population groups, particularly those within the criminal justice system, behavioral health settings, and those experiencing housing insecurity.