Erik Luvaas

Erik Luvaas, Ph.D., CTRS, CFTG is the Director of the Interdisciplinary Training Program at the Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development and Clinical Assistant Professor in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. Luvaas has a long history of working with and advocating for people of all abilities. He joins University of Idaho after 4.5 years as Assistant Professor of Recreational Therapy in the Department of Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Administration at California State University, Sacramento. Prior to entering academia, he was the Recreational Therapist and Program Director for the Recreation Therapy & Movement Arts Program at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Portland, Oregon, and the Youth Sports Program Manager for the nonprofit Paralympic Sports Club, Adaptive Sports Northwest. He has also worked in psychiatric rehabilitation as a Rehabilitation Therapist at Oregon State Hospital and as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) for the Telecare Crisis and Treatment Center in Portland. Luvaas is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide and enjoys facilitating nature experiences for clients and students.