Tonia Porter

Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor

Counseling, Recreation and School Psychology


Phone: 305-348-3462

Email: tlporter@fiu.edu

Specialty: Recreational Therapy

Tonia Porter, MS, CTRS/LRT, earned her bachelor’s degree in Brain, Behavior & Cognitive Science from University of Michigan and master’s degree in Recreational Therapy Administration from East Carolina University, and is a registered yoga instructor. Porter began her recreational therapy career working in inpatient rehabilitation at Shands Rehab Hospital during which time she co-founded a non-profit organization called Warrior Institute. Warrior Institute provides outdoor recreation programs combined with biofeedback training to military service members, veterans and their families. Porter enjoys introducing individuals to outdoor adventure and facilitating RT programs in nature. She joined FIU for the first time from 2015 to 2018 and then spent a couple years working between North Carolina and Alaska, happily returning to FIU faculty in 2020.

Courses Taught

  • LEI 3400 Conditions & Diagnoses in RT
  • LEI 3723L RT Facilitation Techniques Lab (Mindfulness & Stress Management)
  • LEI 4705 Program Planning in RT
  • LEI 4931 Special Topics (Study Abroad)
  • LEI 4940 Internship I
  • LEI 4941 Internship II
  • LEI 5907 Directed Study

Education

  • BA Brain, Behavior & Cognitive Science, University of Michigan
  • MS Recreational Therapy Administration, East Carolina University