Professional Summary
Dr. Diane
Groff
is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science
at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her work focuses on
Recreation and Leisure Studies with an emphasis on Recreation Therapy and
Leadership. Dr. Groff received her B.S. in Recreation Administration from
the University of N.C. at Greensboro (1984), her M.A. in Adventure
Recreation from Radford University (1989), and her Ed.D. in Therapeutic
Recreation from the University of Georgia (1998). She currently serves as
the coordinator of the Recreation Administration minor
(Recreation Administration
Information Sheet) at UNC-CH. Dr. Groff teaches several courses
within the department including: RECR 311(Recreation and Leisure in
Society (SS); RECR 420 (Program Planning in Recreation Services (EE); RECR
430 (Leadership and Group Dynamics (CI); RECR 475 (Disability, Culture,
and Therapeutic Recreation (SS, US); and EXSS 273 (Research Methods).
In addition
to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Groff is the Co-Director of the Get
REAL & HEEL breast cancer program
(Get REAL & HEEL). Her research focuses
on the impact of an integrated recreation therapy and exercise program on
the physical and psychosocial well-being of women post treated for breast
cancer. She is collaborating on several grants with individuals within the EXSS Department, UNC Hospitals, and the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer
Center. She also continues to work with individuals with physical
disabilities in an effort to understand how physical activity and adapted
sport affects quality of life. She has published her research in national
and international journals such as the Therapeutic Recreation Journal,
Journal of Sport Behavior, Medicina Sportiva, SCHOLE, and the Annual in
Therapeutic Recreation. She has presented her work at state, national, and
international conferences such as the American Society of Clinical
Oncology, National Recreation and Parks Association, Leisure Research
Symposium, International Congress on Physical Activity and Health,
American Therapeutic Recreation Association, and the North Carolina
Recreation Therapy Association.
Dr. Groff
performs considerable service to the university, state and profession. She
is currently the faculty advisor the Chapel Hill Adapted Sport Experience
(CHASE); representative on the N.C. Allied Health Council; advisory
council member to Healthy Out of School Time program; Recreation and
Physical Activity Advisory Board Member of the N.C. Office on Disability
and Health; and Committee Chair on the NC Triangle Affiliate of the Susan
G. Komen Race for the Cure. In recognition for her contributions she has
received several awards including: Certificate of Excellence presented by
the N.C. Recreation Therapy Association; Ethel Martus Lawther Alumni Award
presented by the School of Health and Human Performance at UNC-Greensboro;
Outstanding Professional Service Award presented by the School of Health
and Human Performance at East Carolina University; Meritorious Service on
Behalf of People with Disabilities awarded by Pitt County Committee for
Employment of People with Disabilities; and was instrumental in helping
Pitt County, N.C. secure the second place Community Award for Outstanding
Disability Program from the National Organization on Disability/United
Parcel Service.
Her
employment as a Recreation Therapist includes work with women with breast
cancer, individuals with spinal cord injuries, and coaching adapted youth
sports. She has also worked in the field of parks and recreation as a
co-owner of a small business that specialized in building ropes challenge
courses and facilitating group development, whitewater raft guide and
canoe instructor, and assistant outdoor coordinator for a municipal parks
and recreation department. In her free time she enjoys running, playing
volleyball, golfing, outdoor activities, boating, and spending time with
her family and dog.
|
