About Us | Core Wellness

Get Started

Home

Contact

Accredited by:

CE State Info

Our Values

Core Wellness strives to treat each person with compassion and respect. We believe in maintaining the highest quality professional services catered to each person’s individual needs with a focus on respect, understanding and measurable outcomes. We celebrate multicultural awareness and value each individual’s contribution to society. We believe in giving back to the community. We donate 10% of all company revenue to support local and national causes which promote social justice, fight poverty, enhance education and lend support to those in need. From the moment you contact us you will see how our caring and respectful staff handles your questions with sensitivity, confidentiality and professionalism.

Our Mission

Core Wellness was founded in 2018 with the mission of providing holistic, evidence based support, therapy and training. We are staffed by dedicated, highly trained and professional therapists whose skills, compassion, commitment and effectiveness are readily apparent to all those who interact with them.

Our Vision

To create a community of healthy and engaged members working to enhance their lives, bonds and personal and professional satisfaction, one person at a time.

Our Outstanding Team

Leadership

Dr. Michael Freedman

MSW, PHD, LCSW-C

Founder

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE & OFFICER OF NYSED-APPROVED PROVIDE

Dr. Michael Freedman is a licensed clinical social worker and supervisor with 40 years of experience. He earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education, and a Masters and Doctoral degree in Social Work. He is additionally certified in Chemical Dependency and before retiring was team leader on the Baltimore County Public School Traumatic Loss Team. Dr. Freedman also received rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva Keter HaTorah in Israel. His work with individuals and with the Baltimore County Public Schools for the 30 years as a social worker, crisis interventionist, and school counselor, has truly been gratifying. Prior to that he was a psycho-educator in the Forbush School at Sheppard Pratt Hospital. Dr. Freedman has presented at state, national, and international conferences on a variety of mental health issues. He is certified as a Clinical Supervisor by the Board of Social Work Examiners. He is a Field Instructor for University of Maryland Baltimore and Morgan State University, and was a Teaching Assistant at University of Maryland School of Social Work. He has been consulting with families for many years and ran a MASK group for parents, with acting out teens, in Baltimore. Dr. Freedman has worked with Project Shofar (Project CHANA) and served as the clinical director of the Shield of David Recovery Center. He lives in Baltimore, with his wife Janice, and enjoys reading, lecturing and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Dr. Joseph Tropper

PSYD, MS, LCPC, LMHC

CE Director & Senior Presenter

CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

Dr. Joseph Tropper, PsyD, MS, LCPC holds a Doctorate in Psychology, a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and is a highly sought-after trauma therapist, trainer & business consultant. As a Certified EMDR Therapist & Consultant and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Joseph brings the art and skills of trauma counseling and client motivation to life in his unique upbeat, hands-on approach that will engage, inspire and empower you as a therapist. He integrates techniques from CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, BSFT, EMDR, IFS, SE, EFT and Mindfulness into his unique eclectic toolbox. Joseph is a full-time clinical supervisor and director and sees clients part time. He is the author of The Art of Connection. He loves to read, jog and workout and cherishes a good laugh and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Sue Futeral

PHD, LCSW-C, C-EAT

Expressive Arts & Education Expert

PROGRAM SUPERVISOR

Dr. Sue Futeral, PhD, LCSW-C, C-EAT, is a two-time graduate of the University of Maryland, School of Social work, earning both her Masters and PhD degrees there. She has won 3 awards from the University of Maryland, 50 heroes of Social Justice and Outstanding Social Worker, Alumni Association and Lifetime AchievementAward. She also won a similar award from NASW for her career. Sue worked for the BCPS system as a school social worker and has been serving the EAP population for over twenty years offering counseling and CISD (critical incidents stress debriefing) as well as teaching courses in Expressive Art Therapy, time management, negativity in the workplace, coping skills, ethics, and smoking cessation. Dr. Sue, a Baltimore native, is as an Adjunct faculty for SDUIS. She is a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years experience in teaching, research and clinical practice. She earned her BA at Goucher College, and her MSW and PhD from the University of Maryland. She has a second doctorate in addictions counseling, focusing on drugs, alcohol, sex, food and gambling addictions. She holds certifications in techniques that include: hypnosis, art therapy, music therapy, and psychodrama. In the past twenty years she has taught courses in ten colleges and universities from undergraduate introductory work to supervising graduate students in the field. She offers many workshops to professionals on topics such as Expressive Arts Therapy, Stress management, time management and communication skills. Sue has worked in general, special and alternative education in schools through MANSEF, Maryland Association of Non-Public Special Education Facilities, Harford County, Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Her clinical work includes individual, couples and family counseling. She specializes in working with folks in their work settings who get stressed out! Sue is married and has three married adult children and 6 grand-kids.. She enjoys drawing, painting, sculpting, clay and crafts such as knitting and traveling to National Parks.

Nancy Davis

MSW, LCSW, RPT-S

Play Therapy Program Reviewer

REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST & SUPERVISOR

Nancy is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor who served as APT Annual Conference Chair for two years, APT Board Member for six years, and APT President (2003-04). She co-founded the APT Leadership Academy and chaired the Gold Branch Committee for two years. She was on the Indiana APT Board of Directors for five years serving as Secretary, Membership Chair, Nominations Chair, Public Relations Chair, Annual Conference Chair and President. Nancy has been in private practice at Child & Family Counseling, LLC for over 30 years.

Katie Gall

Senior Staff Manager

CLIENT SUCCESS LEAD

Katie Gall has and A.A. in busines and is a licensed Real Estate Broker in Connecticut. She has been in real estate and property management for over 10 years but her passion is in psychology and assisting in providing quality trainings for individuals seeking CEU's. Katie lives in the Pocono Mountains with her 4 children taking care of their farm with their horse, chickens, goats, and ducks.

Presenters

Dr. Rachel Altvater

PSYD, RPT-S

Play Therapy Trainer

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Rachel Altvater is a Licensed Psychologist in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is the owner of Creative Psychological Health Services, an affiliate faculty member at Loyola University Maryland, and the President of the Maryland/DC Association for Play Therapy. Dr. Altvater published two articles in the International Journal of Play Therapy on her research of technology use in play therapy and is a contributing author in Integrating Technology in Modern Therapies: A Clinician’s Guide to Developments and Interventions, Digital Play Therapy: A Clinician’s Guide to Comfort and Competence, and Cultural Issues in Play Therapy (in press). She is the recipient of the 2019 Emerging Leader Service Award from the Association for Play Therapy, the 2018 Outstanding Play Therapy Research Award from the Maryland/DC Association for Play Therapy, and the 2018 Distinguished Alumna of the Year from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, D.C. Campus.

Sophia Ansari

LPCC, RPT

Diversity & Play Expert - USA

AUTHOR, PODCAST CO-HOST

Sophia Ansari, LPCC, RPT, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, author, educator, and owner of Let’s Play Therapy Institute. She provides workshops on play therapy to mental health professionals and educates parents and teachers on the importance of play as it relates to development and learning in the school setting. She is a passionate research trainer who has bridged her knowledge of neuroscience and creative therapies to provide in-depth and highly experiential trainings all over the world. Sophia co-hosts Hero Nation, a podcast on the Geek Therapy Network, which celebrates diversity in the media and explores how to use geek culture in therapy. Sophia earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Wright State University and her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Cincinnati. For more information on Let’s Play Therapy Institute visit, https://letsplaytherapy.org/

Maja Antonic

Play Therapist - Serbia

SYSTEMATIC FAMILY & INTEGRATIVE CHILD THERAPIST

Maja Antonic, MA, is a licensed Systematic Family Therapist and Integrative Child Therapist in private practice in Belgrade, Serbia. She graduated from the Special Education and Rehabilitation Faculty at the University of Belgrade. She is in the process of obtaining her license in Play Therapy. She has worked with children with a variety of presenting issues, including children with mental disabilities.

Dr. Shlomo Ariel

MA, PHD

Israel

SUPERVISOR & FAMILY THERAPIST

Dr. Shlomo Ariel (MA, Clinical Psychology, Tel Aviv University, Ph.D, Linguistics, London University) is a senior clinical psychologist and family therapist, past president of the Israeli Play Therapy Association, widely published in his fields of expertise. He has been training professionals in his areas of expertise – psychotherapy integration, play therapy and culturally competent psychotherapy in full training programs, courses and workshops in Israel, various European countries and the USA. He also published stories, poems, songs and plays for children and adults. He is a songwriter, performing his original music with various bands. Visit: www.enjoymychild.com

Jeff Ashby

PHD, ABPP, RPT-S

Play Therapist Supervisor - USA

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr.Jeff Ashby is a Professor in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services at Georgia State University. He is the Director of the Georgia State Play Therapy Training Institute, a Licensed Psychologist, and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. In addition, he is the Co-Director of Georgia State’s Center for the Study of Stress, Trauma, and Resilience and a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology.

Billie-Jo Bennett

MSW, RSW, CPT

Clinician & Author - Canada

EMDR & PLAY THERAPIST SUPERVISOR

Billie-Jo Bennett, MSW RSW CPT is a Registered Social Worker, EMDR Certified Therapist, EMDR child specialist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, Certified Play therapist, and Supervisor in training with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT). Billie-Jo is the founder and lead clinician The Purple Butterfly Healing Centre in Cambridge Ontario, Canada. She has worked with at risk youth and families for over 20 years in child welfare and residential settings, as well as in her private practice. Billie-Jo is a published author and can be reached at healingwingstherapy.ca

Diane Bigler

LCSW, LSCSW

Mental Health Advocate

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Kansas with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. She has held clinical positions as an outpatient and in-home therapist and clinical supervisor. Diane was an Adjunct Professor of Social Work for 10 years at The University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare and a Field Liaison and Field Instructor. She has also held administrative positions as a program Director and Coordinator. Diane is a frequent local and national trainer on a wide variety of mental health and workplace development topics with clinicians and companies. Diane is most passionate about providing quality and engaging professional development to clinicians, employees, and leaders. For fun, Diane loves to spoil her four Dachshunds and rock out to 80’s music.

Raffi Bilek

MSW, LCSW-C

Couples Expert

RELATIONSHIPS MATTER

Raffi Bilek specializes in couples counseling. He has successfully helped couples facing infidelity and other complex relationship challenges to reclaim their bond and learn healthy skills to build trust and connection. Raffi’s belief that relationships are the most critical aspect of our lives drives his passion for repairing relationships and strengthening marriages. Raffi is the director of The Baltimore Therapy Center.

Kim Billington

Play Therapist - Australia

AUTHOR & TRAINER

Play and joy are central to Kim’s life. Even as a child, Kim found the blossoming of flowers to be evidence of the magic and wonder in the world. Kim has worked with families for over 30yrs in the fields of education, family violence, family separation, men’s behaviour change programs, bereavement, crisis counselling and as a clinical supervisor with the Monash Masters of Counselling team, and privately. Kim is also a trainer and presenter with PESI and Sydney Centre for Creative Change. Kim wrote her book, A Counsellor’s Companion: Creative adventures for child counsellors, parents and teachers, as a way to pass forward her knowledges and learnings about ways to support children. Kim’s passion is to support people who work and live with children and young people, to hear the voice of the child. Her second book, Counselling Conversations includes a series of interviews with seasoned experts in a variety of clinical roles.

Rinda Blom

PHD

South Africa

AUTHOR AND PRESENTER

Dr Rinda Blom, is director of the Red Shoe Play Therapy Training Centre in Bloemfontein, South-Africa and a registered social worker. She has 24 years of theoretical and practical experience in the field of play therapy and psychotherapy. She has a doctoral degree, specializing in the field of play therapy. Rinda is author of the book: The Handbook of Gestalt Play Therapy: Practical guidelines for child therapists, which was published in London, England. She has been training professionals in South-Africa, such as social workers, psychologists and occupational therapists in the child and adolescent mental health field for twenty years. She has presented on play therapy related topics at conferences in South-Africa and abroad and has published play therapy related articles in academic journals in South-Africa, as well as internationally. Visit: www.playtherapytraining.net

Elazar Bloom

M.A., LMFT

EFT Practitioner & Trainer

MARRIAGE & FAMILY EXPERT

Elazar Bloom is a licensed psychotherapist and award-winning educator that specializes in healing relationships. He regularly speaks and writes on the intersection of Torah wisdom, relationships, and psychology. He has a private practice in Hollywood, FL. He can be reached at www.elazarbloom.com

Josué Cardona

Media Usage Expert

AUTHOR & RESEARCHER

Josué Cardona, MS, is a mental health professional, educator, author, and researcher. He is co-founder of the Let’s Play Therapy Institute and founder of Geek Therapy, where he teaches how to use popular media to understand, teach, and help others. Josué holds a M.S. in Mental Health Counseling and trained at the Albert Ellis Institute in NYC. For more information on Geek Therapy visit, geektherapy.com

Alison Chown

PG DIP SEN, PGDIP PLAY THERAPY, NPQH AND MED, BAPT

Play Therapist - UK

AUTHOR & PRESENTER

Ali Chown is a Play Therapist, Specialist Education Practitioner (SEMH), supervisor and trainer holding Post Graduate Diplomas in Play Therapy and Special Educational Needs and a Master’s in Education. She has pioneered outdoor play therapy in the UK since 2010 writing Play Therapy in the Outdoors in 2014, The Practical Guide to Play Therapy in the Outdoors in 2017 and has chapters in The Routledge International Handbook of Play, Therapeutic Play and Play Therapy. She is the co-founder and facilitator of The Collaboration of Outdoor Play Therapists and devised and delivers their Best Practice Certificate course. Ali has presented at the BAPT Annual Conference, the Romanian Institute for Play and Drama Therapy and lectured on the impact of trauma on learning to teachers from the MYME Mobile Education Project in Myanmar. She loves connecting to nature with sea swimming, ‘being’ on the beach, walking, camping and gardening in Weymouth, Dorset, England. She can be reached at www.facebook.com/COOPTUK/

Ed Coambs

MBA, MA, MS, CFP®, CFT-I™

Financial Therapy Expert

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST

Ed is an internationally recognized thought leader in financial therapy who has been cited by the Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Time, and CNBC. He leads couples through therapy from financial despair and frustration into financial intimacy and connection using the latest in love and brain science. He earned master's degrees in business, counseling and financial planning. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist, Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Financial Therapist™. Ed is the founder of HealthyLoveandMoney.com an organization on a mission to help couples transform their relationship through learning, healing, and growing. He offers books, courses, blogs, and podcasts through this website, all aimed at helping couples understand where their relationship and money challenges come from and then what they can do to change it.

Dr. Tara Deliberto

PHD, LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST

Eating Disorder Expert

PAST ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, WEILL CORNELL MEDICINE

Tara Deliberto, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and author of the treatment manual, Treating Eating Disorders in Adolescents, published by New Harbinger. Dr. Deliberto is an international eating disorder educator and senior advisor at Equip, an innovative technology company devoted to closing the eating disorder treatment gap. Prior to her current roles, she served as an assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, the medical college of Cornell University. She also opened and directed NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s eating disorders partial hospitalization program. Dr. Deliberto has also held leadership positions at the Academy of Eating Disorders and served on the editorial board of Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. Learn more at www.IMT-ed.com

Sheri Van Dijk

MSW, RSW

DBT Expert

NOTED AUTHOR & PRESENTER

Sheri is a Social Worker, who has been providing DBT-informed therapy since 2004. She has authored several books that focus on helping readers learn DBT skills and apply them to a variety of mental health problems and conducts DBT workshops for mental health professionals in Canada and abroad. Sheri is the 2010 R.O. Jones award winner from the Canadian Psychiatric Association. Learn more at: sherivandijk.com

Tiffani Dilworth

MA, LCPC

Grief Specialist

CLINICAL THERAPIST

Tiffani Dilworth, MA, LCPC is a psychotherapist, author, Certified Grief Counseling Specialist and sought -after speaker who addresses topics related to grief, PTSD, and sexual assault. Miss Dilworth holds a Master's in Community Counseling from Oklahoma State University. She has worked across the US with various organizations, schools, Universities, and corporations to bring awareness to the grieving process and concrete tools to learn how to live alongside grief. Her passion leads her to intensive studying of grief and continuous searches for new ways to support and share therapeutic techniques to support others in their grieving process. Miss Dilworth is the Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Inspirational Hope Inc., which is a community-based organization whose mission is to provide supportive workshops, conferences, and support groups to men, women, and teens who’ve experienced grief and/or sexual assault. She was a Co-host on Beyond Clarity Radio Show, on WTAN 106.1 FM in Clearwater, FL, as a Mental Health Expert. Miss Dilworth currently conducts grief workshops and hosts, Managing My Grief Podcast, to provide support to individuals who want to learn more about grief and ways to manage their own grief. Miss Dilworth is the author of 11 Tools to Help Manage the Aftermath of Trauma and Types of Grief. She has a private practice and is an affiliate of PsychExperts & Associates Inc, located in Baltimore, MD. Miss Dilworth draws equally from her studies and rich clinical experience to balance her trainings with current information and experienced-based techniques.

Lisa Dion

LPC, RPT-S

Synergetic Play Therapy © Creator

INTERNATIONAL TRAINER, AUTHOR, CHILD & FAMILY EXPERT

Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, is an international teacher, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy, founder and President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute, and host of the Lessons from the Playroom podcast. She is the author of Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach for Integrating Intensity and is the 2015 recipient of the Association for Play Therapy’s Professional Education and Training Award of Excellence. Learn more at: synergeticplaytherapy.com

Emer Mc Donagh

SIAPTP, MIAHIP, MICP, ECIP

Play Therapy - Ireland

CHILDREN'S THERAPY CENTRE

Emer Mc Donagh from Galway, Ireland is the Assistant MA Course Leader at Children’s Therapy Centre. She holds an MA in Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy and Play Therapy and a BA (HONS) in Applied Social Studies in Social Care. Emer also works as a clinical supervisor. She has extensive experience working with children who have experienced domestic violence and with non-residential parents and their children, maintaining and promoting quality contact. Emer has also completed Intensive Filial Therapy Training, EMDR and mindfulness training. Emer also provides a family support role with families affected by meningitis. Emer has worked with the Brothers of Charity services and been involved in a number of Humanitarian aid projects in both Ethiopia and Peru. Currently Emer is in private practice at Acorns 2 Oaks Therapy Services and provides training for professionals working with vulnerable children.

Dr. April Duncan

DSW, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S

Sandtray And Racial Trauma Expert

REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST - SUPERVISOR

Dr. April Duncan (DSW, LCSW, RPT-S) obtained her Bachelor’s in Arts & Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2006), Masters of Social Work from Saint Louis University (2012) and Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Southern California (2021). She is the founder of BMH Connect, an organization focused on Black youth empowerment through the use of play therapy. Dr. April is a racial trauma expert and leader in her field in advocating for the mental health needs of Black children. Her book, “Black Students Matter: Play Therapy Techniques to Address Racial Trauma in Black Students” provides an innovative approach to address mental health issues in Black children through the use of play therapy. She also is an adjunct instructor in the online MSW program at Tulane University. With over ten years of clinical experience, Dr. April has worked collaboratively with various stakeholders in schools, the juvenile justice system and the child welfare system, to teach the importance of recognizing and addressing trauma in children from all backgrounds. Dr. April also serves on the advisory board for the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals.

Eboni

PSYD, HSP

DBT & Trauma Expert

PAST DBTNCAA ADVISOR

Eboni Webb, PsyD, HSP earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology (MSPP). She began her clinical work as assistant clinical director and program director at Mental Health Systems, PC (MHS), one of the largest providers of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in the United States. Dr. Webb is a highly rated international trainer in DBT, and she served as an advisor to the DBTNCAA. In 2010 Dr. Webb opened the private practice Kairos in Middle Tennessee. Kairos, now The Village of Kairos, offers diverse DBT specializations including DBT for trauma-based disorders and co-occurring disorders. The Village of Kairos has expanded therapy programs, better known as Restorative Services, to include individual and group therapy sessions for adolescents, parents, families, and adults including pre-and post-adoption services and in-the-moment coaching for clients. Her practice serves communities of color, including working with transracial adoptions. The vision of The Village of Kairos is to help clients build a life worth living alongside a village of practitioners with lives worth sharing. Dr. Webb adamantly believes that it takes a village to restore a single life.

Elizabeth

CRNP, PMH-BC, RN, BFA

Compassionate Psychiatric Advocate

PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER

Elizabeth Faas Hughes is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who has been caring for children and adults for over 15 years. Her clinical style is friendly and direct; her prescribing is grounded in evidence to deliver safe, effective care with minimal side effects. Finding the right medication and/or lifestyle adjustments that work best for each individual is the main focus. She is a passionate mental health advocate who specializes in the treatment of PTSD, ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders.

Meshulem (Michael) Epstein

MSW, LCSW

OCD Expert

NOTED THERAPIST

Meshulem Epstein grew up in Scranton PA and completed his MSW at Marywood University. After working in a skilled nursing facility he met Jonathon Grayson Ph.D., Director of the Anxiety and Agoraphobia Center in Bala Cynwyd PA. After training with Dr. Grayson, Meshulem began specializing in treating OCD, and more specifically, scrupulosity. Since then, he has been in demand for training and consultations in the US and abroad. He is a professional member of the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation and attends their yearly conference to network with the leaders in the field and keep up with the latest research. Meshulem enjoys a close relationship with many leading religious leaders in the country as a course of his work. Currently he has offices in Lakewood, NJ, and Scranton, PA. He resides in Scranton with his wife and children.

Maggie Fearn

MA DATP; MA HIPPT; SFHEA

Play Therapist & Supervisor - UK

HUMANISTIC & INTEGRATIVE CHILD EXPERT

Maggie has extensive training in Humanistic and Integrative Child Psychotherapist (ECIP) and is a Registered Play Therapist and Clinical Supervisor (BAPT and ECIP), Assistant Director of Academic Affairs, Children’s Therapy Centre, Eire, Retired Senior Lecturer, University of South Wales and Senior Clinical Practitioner with The Windfall Centre in Wales. Learn more at www.windfallcentre.co.uk. Her research and published work explores the evidence base for embodiment and nature- based play therapy interventions https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7904-1136

Jennifer L. FitzPatrick

MSW, LCSW-C, CSP

Elder Care Expert

AUTHOR, INTRUCTOR, MEDIA CONTRIBUTOR

Jennifer L. FitzPatrick, MSW, LCSW-C, CSP is the author of Cruising Through Caregiving: Reducing The Stress of Caring For Your Loved One, the founder of Jenerations Health Education, Inc. and a gerontology instructor at Johns Hopkins University. A popular media contributor, she has been featured on ABC, CBS, Sirius XM and in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Washington Post and The Chicago Tribune.

Julie Fleagle

MS, LCPC, CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

Child & Family Expert

CHILD THERAPIST & PRESENTER

Julie Fleagle is a licensed professional counselor and certified professional counselor supervisor in the state of Maryland. Julie has been working in the mental health field for over 20 years and currently co-owns Willow Tree Counseling Center, a group private practice in Maryland. Julie started her career focused on assisting adults with schizophrenia, substance use disorders and other chronic mental illnesses. In 2015, Julie started specializing in working with children as young as 3 years old and is now a sought-after child and family therapist. Julie is a National Mental Health First Aid USA Trainer and Instructor, a National Safety Council Adult and Pediatric CPR, First Aid and AED Instructor and keynote speaker.

Penina Flug

MSW, LCSW

Emotionally Focused Couples (EFT) Therapist

LASTING CONNECTIONS FACILITATOR

Penina Flug, LCSW has been providing psychotherapy for nearly two decades. She received advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy at the Ackerman institute. Her private practice focuses on couples and relationship therapy as well as premarital and marriage enhancement sessions. She is committed to creating awareness in the Orthodox Jewish community of the importance of premarital education, and is a Lasting Connection Workshop Facilitator.

Jackie Flynn

EDS, LMHC-S, RPT

Play Therapist, Consultant & Trainer

EMDRIA APPROVED CONSULTANT

Jackie Flynn, EdS, LMHC-S, RPT is a Licensed Psychotherapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and a Registered Play Therapist who works with child therapists to help them to deliver Play, Expressive, and EMDR therapies to maximize their clinical effectiveness. Jackie is an experienced child trauma therapist, trainer, and consultant who knows all about the neuroscience of effectively working with children and teens in a developmentally appropriate way. She’s well known and loved for her practical, actionable approach to teaching and consulting. She is the creator of the following children’s books: Jackie Feels, In My Body, I Feel: a story about the felt sense of Emotions, and Animal Imagery: EMDR Inner Resource Development. Her passion for helping children and families in a variety of settings inspired her to open a private practice where she provides caring, thoughtful counseling and therapy to individuals of all ages, families, couples, and groups. Jackie has created the Play Therapy Community ®, written children’s books and is internationally known for her EMDR and Play Therapy trainings. She hosts the Play Therapy Community podcast that has been downloaded over 400,000 times in over 52 countries.

Juliet Fortino

MS, LPC, RPT-S

Trauma & Abuse Expert

CHILD ATTACHMENT PLAY THERAPIST

Juliet Fortino, MC, LPC, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor works with Children and Families involved with CPS and the various child mental health agencies in the Tucson community in a private practice setting. She has 24 years experience working with child trauma, abuse, attachment, and play therapy.

Dr. Shoshana Levin Fox

EDD, LP, RPT-S

Autism Specialist & Educator - Israel

CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST & PLAY THERAPIST/SUPERVISOR

Dr. Levin Fox is a Jerusalem-based child psychologist and play therapist/supervisor whose career with typical and special needs children spans 35 years. While at the Feuerstein Institute in Jerusalem from 1992 to 2017, she specialized in the use of play therapy and DIRFloortime to functionally assess and treat children considered autistic. Her recently published book, An Autism Casebook for Parents and Practitioners: The Child Behind the Symptoms, documents her unique and effective approach. She consults to parents and practitioners in the field of autism and maintains a private practice in play therapy for young children. She can be reached at sholevfox@gmail.com or learn more at shoshanalevinfox.com

Theresa Fraser

CYC-P, CPT-S, RP, MA, RCT

Canada

TRAUMA & LOSS CLINICAL SPECIALIST

Theresa Fraser is a Canadian Play Therapist supervisor/trainer who has been providing teleplay therapy since 2015 specializing in work with adoptive families and LGBTQ individuals investigating gender identity. In 2018, she moved her family to eastern Canada and opened up the Maritime Play Therapy Centre that provides both service and play therapy training. She has an edited book being published in late 2020 entitled Teleplay Therapy available in e-verson Amazon and in print from her website www.maritimeplaytherapycentre.com

Elisa Gambill

M.ED., LPC

Meme Queen

CRISIS SPECIALIST

Elisa Gambill is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio and is currently a doctoral student at Lindsey Wilson College. She is an author, adjunct professor, and co-founder of Two Nerdy Counselors. She is a proud Geek therapist that wants to share her creative approaches with cinema and media.

Diana Garza

LPC-S, LMFT-S, RPT-S

Sexual Abuse Expert

CHILD & FAMILY THERAPIST

Diana Garza-Louis has provided counseling services to adults, children, and families for over 30 years. She is past president of the Texas Association for Play Therapy and the Hill Country Chapter of the Association for Play Therapy, and founding member of the National Association for Play Therapy in Mexico. She has published numerous articles on sexual abuse, treatment of incest families and play therapy in the United States and Mexico. She has presented numerous workshops on, sexual abuse treatment, play therapy, and cultural competence, both nationally and internationally. Learn more at RioGrandeCounselingCenter.com

Dr. Lillian S. Gibson

MS, PHD

Mood Make-Over Expert

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Lillian Gibson, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist often referred to as a “mood make-over” expert. She is a highly recommended clinician, speaker, and consultant due to her advanced assessment and treatment skills. Dr. Gibson takes pride in combining her vocational rehabilitation counseling, and clinical psychology expertise to help clients solve their problems through individual, group, or couples therapy for emotional healing and restoration. Her professional footprints include places such as Johns Hopkins, federal medical centers, and international research in South Africa. Dr. Gibson’s resume also includes gold star interventions for anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, nightmares, and chronic medical conditions.

Paris Goodyear-Brown

LCSW, RPT-S

TraumaPlay™ Creator - USA

SPEAKER, WRITER & MASTER CLINICIAN

Paris Goodyear-Brown, LCSW, RPT-S, is the creator of TraumaPlay™, a flexibly sequential play therapy model for treating trauma. She is the founder of the TraumaPlay™ Institute, the Clinical Director of Nurture House and an Adjunct Instructor of Psychiatric Mental Health at Vanderbilt University. Paris has an international reputation as a dynamic and compassionate speaker, an innovative clinician, and a prolific author. An EMDRIA Approved Consultant, she is continually developing clinically-sound integrations of TraumaPlay™ and EMDR. She has received the APT award for Play Therapy Promotion and Education, gave a Ted Talk on Trauma and Play Therapy, served as the Executive Director of the Lipscomb Play Therapy and Expressive Arts Center, is on the board of TNAPT, and is the author of multiple books, chapters and articles related to child therapy including the hot off the press volume Parents as Partners in Child Therapy: A Clinician’s Guide. Learn more at: https://www.parisgoodyearbrown.com/

Dr. Robert Jason Grant

EDD, LPC, NCC, RPT-S

Innovator, Trainer & Author

REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST SUPERVISOR

Dr. Robert Jason Grant is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and the creator of AutPlay Therapy – an integrative family play therapy approach for autistic and neurodivergent children. He is an international speaker and keynote presenter and a multi-published author of several articles, book chapters, and books about play therapy, autism, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Visit: https://www.robertjasongrant.com/

Dr. George Halasz

B MED SC, MB BS, MRCPSYCH, FRANZCP

Trauma & Attachement Expert

CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIST, AUSTRALIA

Dr. George served from 1992–2005 as a member of the Editorial Board of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; the Editorial Committee of Australasian Psychiatry (2005–current). His publications cover: child psychotherapy; ADHD; ethics, (mis)diagnosis and iatrogenesis; the interface between psychotherapy and spirituality; generational transmission of trauma informed by personal history and research. He has lectured and workshopped on various trauma related themes in the UK, Israel, Poland, Hong Kong, US, NZ, and Australia. He was a regular panelist on Melbourne Radio Station RRR’s “Radiotherapy” for close to twenty-five years. Learn more at: www.halasz.com.au

Beth (Batsheva) Hartstein

MSW, LCSW-C, RPT-S

Play Therapy Expert

CLINICAL THERAPIST & PRESENTER

Beth (Batsheva) Hartstein, MSW, LCSW-C, RPT-S is a licensed clinical social worker and Certified Play Therapist and Supervisor who graduated from University of Maryland School of Social Work where she completed her Masters degree. She is an empathic and passionate therapist, who strives to work collaboratively with her clients to craft effective and meaningful interventions for achieving success, and learn essential tools which will serve them throughout life. Beth specializes in working with children and adolescents, and works with adults as well. She utilizes a holistic, person-centered approach, with an emphasis on expressive therapies including play therapy, sand tray, and art therapy. Play is the language of children; Beth uses it to effectively reach and facilitate the growth of the children she works with. DBT and CBT are also part of her practice, and Beth uses these modalities to help clients to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. Beth believes that therapy should be tailor-made to fit the needs of each person, and strives to meet each client where they are so that they can gain the most from the therapeutic process. In her spare time, Beth enjoys being with her family and friends, shopping and baking delectable desserts.

Brenna Hicks

PHD, LMHC-S, RPT

Child Centered Play Therapist

HOST OF THE PLAY THERAPY PODCAST

Dr. Brenna Hicks, PhD, LMHC-S, RPT is a licensed, private-practice play therapist and owner of The Kid Counselor Center in the Tampa Bay area. Brenna has been blogging and podcasting about play therapy and parenting since 2006. She has been featured in The New York Times, and on CNN and iVillage. She has taught for the University of Wyoming and the University of South Florida, and authored the book, Device Detox: A Parent’s Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids. A native Floridian, she loves the beach, the sun, and Rays baseball with her husband and son.

Tammi Van Hollander

MSW, LCSW, RPT-S

USA

INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER & PLAY ADVOCATE

Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S, is a licensed clinical social worker, registered play therapist supervisor and owner of Main Line Play Therapy in Bryn Mawr. PA. She is an international speaker and play advocate. Her work and creative interventions in the field of play therapy have been published and internationally recognized. She is a certified Trainer for the Nurtured Heart Approach®, a certified FirstPlay® practitioner. Tammi is a founding board member of The World Association for Sand Therapy Professionals. She specializes in sand tray play therapy, sensory integration and attachment, working with children, families, and adults of all ages. She's the author Casey’s Greatness Wings and creator of Greatness Sticks©. Tammi is a sought-after expert for speaking engagements, podcasts and webinars. She can be reached at: www.mainlineplaytherapy.com

Lee Sook Huey

MA, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Play Therapist - Malaysia

PARENTING CONSULTANT

Lee Sook Huey holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Certificate of Competency for Child Centered Play Therapy and Foundations of Play Therapy course (accredited by Association of Play Therapy, USA). She is currently practicing at KIN & KiDS Marriage, Family and Child Therapy Center, Malaysia. She has a keen interest in family and children’s psychological well-being. In addition to conducting psychological assessment, Sook Huey provides parenting consultation and works with young people with mood and developmental difficulties. Sook Huey is also a psychology lecturer at UCSI University, Malaysia. Learn more at kinandkids.com

Stacy Jagger

LMFT, RPT-S

Mountain Method For Family Therapy - Originator

MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST

Stacy Jagger is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S), as well as an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. She is a mother of four, guest speaker, author, and mentor. Stacy is on a mission to restore wonder to childhood, connection to families, and intimacy to relationships. Drawing on over a decade of experience in treating and helping families, she integrates lessons from her own trauma history and offers hope to those who feel there is no hope. She enjoys growing flowers, writing songs and ballroom dancing. She has appeared on Nashville’s Talk of the Town, has written numerous articles for parents, has been featured as a child expert on the morning and evening news and is a regular guest on the local NBC affiliate show Today in Nashville. Stacy is a guest speaker for universities, churches and conferences, and enjoys offering clinical trainings and consultation for family therapists across the country.

Dr Sue Jennings

PROFESSOR OF PLAY

INNOVATOR, WRITER & SPEAKER

Dr Sue is the creator of Neuro-Dramatic-Play, and the Embodiment-Projection-Role paradigm. She was the pioneer of Dramatherapy in the UK, Greece and Romania, and Founder of the British Association of Dramatherapists. She conducted her doctoral fieldwork in the Malaysian Rainforest with the Temiar peoples. This research revolutionised her thinking and practice of play with children. She is a prolific author with over 50 books published. Most recently, the International Handbook of Play, Therapeutic Play and Play Therapy, co-edited by her and Dr Clive Holmwood was published. She continued to teach online, reaching an international audience. She can be reached at: www.ndpltd.org or via email drsue@ndpltd.org

Amy Kalasunas

LPCC-S, NCC

DBT-LBC Certified Clinician

BEHAVIORAL THERAPIST

Amy Kalasunas, LPCC-S, NCC, is a behaviorist with over 20 years of experience working within evidence-based treatment models. She has extensive training in DBT and its sub-specialty area of DBT-Prolonged Exposure (PE), as well as supervision and consultation team adherence practices. Amy is one of the few therapists in Ohio who is a DBT LBC Certified Clinician through the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, an independently certified board that identifies providers and programs that reliably offer DBT in a way that conforms to evidence-based research. She is co-chair of the DBT LBC Publications Committee, and serves on the DBT LBC Communications Committee. A sought-after presenter, Kalasunas consistently achieves the highest evaluation scores when presenting two- and three-day workshops on the topics of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT and Complex Eating Disorders, and DBT-Prolonged Exposure and Eating Disorders.

Israel “Izzy” Kalman

MS, NCSP

Anti-bullying Expert

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Israel “Izzy” Kalman, MS, NCSP is a luminary in the field of bullying, globally revered. Slowly-but-surely, he has been changing the way the world understands and deals with bullying, exposing the problems with the predominant legalistic approach while promoting a more psychologically valid one. His work has been featured in major media, including the New York Times and Good Morning America. He can be reached at Izzykalman.com

Nina Kaweblum

MA, MED, LCSW, DBT-LBC

DBT-Linehan Certified

DBT EXPERT TRAINER

Nina Kaweblum, MA, MEd., LCSW, DBT-LBC is a DBT-Linehan Certified Clinician who maintains a private practice for adults, adolescents and (explosive) children. As a Certified School Social Worker, she brings DBT Skills programs into schools to teach these life and problem-solving skills to all students. Nina was intensively trained by Behavioral Tech in both DBT and DBT-PE (for Trauma) as well as in DBT-A (DBT for Multi-Problem Adolescents and their Families) and DBT-SUD for substance abuse disorders. Nina works as a therapist, presenter, consultant and as a SIFI-approved supervisor for LSW clinicians.

Sueann Kenney-Noziska

MSW, LCSW, RPT-S

Renowned Trauma-Informed Expert

TRAUMA PLAY THERAPIST - USA

Sueann Kenney-Noziska, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S, specializes in using play therapy in clinical practice with abused & traumatized children and adolescents. She has developed trauma-informed interventions, is a contributing author to several publications, and has testified as an expert witness in the areas of child abuse and trauma on the state and national levels. She can be reached at sueannchildtherapy@gmail.com

Simon Kerr-Edwards

MA, PLAY THERAPIST

TRAUMA & ATTACHMENT EXPERT

Simon Kerr-Edwards MA is an independent play therapist and clinical supervisor in the UK, working with children and families for over 30 years. He predominantly works with children and teenagers who have experienced early trauma and separation and looks at creative ways to include parents to deepen attachment relationships. He can be reached at simonkerredwards@gmail.com

Dr. Chaya Lieba Koberick

MS, PSYD

DBT Expert

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Kobernick is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Founder and Director of The CBT/DBT Center. She received her doctorate at Long Island University – Post Campus where she studied under Dr. Jill Rathus, co-developer of DBT for adolescents. She completed training at New York Presbyterian Hospital’s personality disorders unit where she provided individual and group Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and participated in case consultation with Otto Kernberg, M.D. She then provided Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and comprehensive DBT at Northwell Health’s Behavioral Health College Partnership. Upon completing her training at Northwell Health, she recognized the need for trauma-focused training for her DBT clients who completed stage 1 DBT. At Rutgers University’s college counseling program she therefore focused her training on evidence-based trauma treatments including Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

Kathryn S. Krase

PHD, JD, MSW, LMSW

Mental Health Ethics Expert

CHILD LEGAL ADVOCATE

Kathryn Krase is a social worker, lawyer, researcher, educator, and expert on professional ethics. She has significant experience as a family law practitioner, social work supervisor, along with more than 20 years of experience in faculty and administrative roles in undergraduate, masters, and doctoral level social work programs in and around New York City. Dr. Krase is the Principal Consultant for Krase Consulting, in Brooklyn, New York, where she focuses on educating mental and physical health professionals on their general legal and ethical obligations.

Pamela Krause

MSW, LCSW

IFS Child & Adult Expert

SENIOR LEAD IFS TRAINER

Pamela Krause, LCSW, a Senior Lead Trainer of the Internal Family Systems model of therapy, is renowned for her engaging and creative presentations, and lively, compassionate approach to therapy. Her expertise in IFS includes a sub-specialty in adapting the IFS model for use in younger children. In addition to leading both Level 1, 2, and 3 IFS trainings, Pam has developed specific trainings addressing the use of IFS with children and adolescents. Pam has developed online training programs including: the IFS Online Circle which she developed with Toni Herbine-Blank; and an IFS Continuity Program addressing the use of IFS with Children and Adolescents. She has contributed a chapter on the use of IFS with children and teens in Internal Family Systems: New Dimensions, and co-authored a chapter discussing the use of IFS and EMDR in EMDR Therapy and Adjunct Approaches with Children. In addition to her teaching, Pam maintains a private practice near Harrisburg, PA.

Dr. Steven Kurtz

PHD, ABPP

Child & Selective Mutism Expert

PCIT-SM CREATOR & TRAINER

Steven Kurtz, PhD, ABPP is an internationally recognized and leading clinician in the treatment of children’s behavioral problems and disorders. He is a renowned mentor and teacher of innovative and empirically-supported treatments for children with disruptive disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder and has been a cutting-edge pioneer in the development and dissemination of evidence-based treatments for internalizing disorders including the social anxiety disorder Selective Mutism (SM). He is a widely respected clinical researcher and child psychologist, one of only 21 Certified Global Trainers in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy endorsed by PCIT International. Dr. Kurtz is a tireless advocate for children with special needs. Dr. Kurtz continues to be a significant public voice, dispelling myths about childhood psychiatric disorders and advocating for comprehensive, individualized care for all children struggling with behavioral or other mental health issues. An expert commentator, he has appeared on numerous programs addressing child mental health, including NBC’s Today, CBS’s The Early Show, and PBS’s Keeping Kids Healthy. Dr. Kurtz’s signature Brave Buddies treatment was highlighted on ABC’s Nightline. Learn more at: kurtzpsychology.com

Avi Landa

MS, LCPC

Adolescent Sexuality Expert

CLINICAL THERAPIST & TEEN GUIDE

Avi Landa, MS, LCPC is currently the pastoral counselor (mashgiach) at Talmudical Academy (TA) of Baltimore Middle School and High School. He obtained rabbinical ordination from Ner Israel after twelve years of studies. He completed his Masters in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University and works as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). Since 2013, Avi has been helping clients get to a self-sufficient place, utilizing evidence-based tools and interventions. As a curriculum writer for Darcheinu and nationwide presenter, Avi has extensive experience educating adolescents, parents and professionals about helping teen navigate the often confusing journey to healthy adulthood.

Jamie Lynn Langley

MSW, LCSW, RPT-S

Child & Family Therapist

PLAY THERAPIST SUPERVISOR

Jamie Lynn Langley, LCSW, RPT-S is a child and family therapist in Smyrna, TN. She currently serves as the president of the Tennessee Association for Play Therapy. Jamie primarily utilizes play therapy in her clinical practice; often including creative interventions that incorporate expressive arts, sandtray, puppetry and/or nature. She enjoys presenting and writing about play therapy, as well as teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Middle Tennessee State University. Jamie has adapted several of her nature-based activities for tele-health.

Edel Lawlor

MA, HUMANISTIC & INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY & PLAY THERAPY

Ireland

EXPRESSIVE PLAY THERAPIST & TRAINER

Edel holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Applied Social Studies in Social Care, Master of Arts in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy, Diploma in Play Therapy. Edel has received local and national awards for Social Entrepreneurship in her work with trauma and play. Having has a passion for storytelling and fairy tales, Edel is the founder of biggest fairy festival in the world which was created to encourage children to reconnect with nature and use their imagination.

Ronda Lennon-Goodridge

M.ED, LCPC

Domestic Violence & Trafficking Expert

HUMAN SAFETY & RIGHTS ADVOCATE

Ronda Lennon-Goodridge, M.Ed, LCPC, has worked in public education for 26 years. Her focus has been “at-risk” children and their families. She has conducted trainings on domestic violence and human trafficking for organiziations, churches, and school systems to bring awareness to these topics as well as suggest strategies to support survivors. As a certified Life and Health coach, her practice, Life in the Hard Places, has as its primary focus helping women who have suffered traumatic, painful or life altering situations to regain their sense of personal power.

Dr. Jill Levitt

MA, PHD

TEAM-CBT Master Therapist & Trainer

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Jill Levitt is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Training at the Feeling Good Institute in Mountain View, CA. Dr. Levitt has more than 25 years of experience conducting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and has been trained by some of the world’s leaders in CBT. She has co-written several scholarly articles in the areas of OCD, PTSD and Panic Disorder. Most recently she has been co-teaching CBT with Dr. David Burns at the Stanford University School of Medicine in her role on the Adjunct Clinical Faculty in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She is a certified Level 5 Master Therapist and Trainer in TEAM-CBT Therapy. Dr. Levitt teaches both in-person and online workshops for the Feeling Good Institute on CBT methods, reducing resistance in psychotherapy, and improving the effectiveness of psychotherapy. She earned her BA in Psychology with Honors from the University of Pennsylvania and her MA and Ph.D. in Psychology from Boston University where she conducted research with David Barlow at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders.

Liana Lowenstein

MSW, RSW, CPT-S

Celebrated Play Therapist

CERTIFIED TF-CBT THERAPIST

Liana Lowenstein is a Registered Social Worker, Certified Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Certified TF-CBT Therapist who has been working with children and their families in Toronto since 1988. Her 14 books are used by mental health professionals all over the world. She is a dynamic speaker who has provided trainings throughout North America and abroad, including China, South Africa, Israel, England, New Zealand, Australia, and Slovenia. She is winner of the Monica Herbert award for outstanding contribution to play therapy in Canada.

Greg Lubimiv

MSW, RSW, CPT-S

Play Therapist Supervisor - Canada

CHILD & FAMILY THERAPIST

Greg Lubimiv recently retired after 42 years as Executive Director of the Phoenix Centre for Children and Families, a children’s mental health centre in southeastern Ontario, Canada. Previous experiences include working as a Supervisor for Child and Family Services in Timiskaming and as a social worker in the Northwest Territories. Greg graduated with his Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto. He is a certified play therapist and supervisor with the Canadian Association of Play Therapy and was presented with the Monica Hebert Award for contributions to the field of Play Therapy. He is also the recipient of the Liz Manson Award for contributions to the field of children’s mental health from Children’s Mental Health Ontario Association, the Base Commander’s Commendation for services to military families, and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for contributions to the mental health treatment of military children and families. Greg has dedicated his professional life to improving mental health and wellbeing services locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. Currently Greg provides case consultation/supervision and presents on a wide range of training topics in person and virtually. Greg is well known as a passionate, creative and playful presenter who makes learning practical, interesting and fun.

Chana Mark

MSW, LCSW-C

Empowerment Expert

PSYCHOANALYST

Chana Mark LCSW-C is a psychoanalyst and psychotherapist in private practice in Monsey, NY. Her many years of practicing as a psychoanalyst have shown me that getting to the root of the problem is the surest way of ensuring inner growth and lasting change. The work that she does with her patients is deep work, aimed at identifying and addressing the deep fractures, which may originate from early in life, that can create long-term limitations to an individual’s ability to live fully. Chana’s goal is to empower her patients, and help them break free from those deep wounds that are holding them back, equipping them to live more meaningful and satisfying lives. Learn more at chanamark.com

Dr. Christina N. Marsack-Topolewski

PHD, LMSW

Autism, Disability And Aging Specialist

CLINICAL THERAPIST & PROFESSOR

Dr. Christina Marsack-Topolewski is an associate professor of Social Work at Eastern Michigan University. She has worked in the public school setting and in a clinical setting, focusing on supporting individuals with disabilities with comorbid conditions. She has over 70 peer-reviewed publications in national and international journals and encyclopedias, mainly focusing on individuals with disabilities, caregiving, and aging.

Ann Meehan

MS, LPCC, RPT-S

Child & Family Trauma Expert

PLAY THERAPY SUPERVISOR & EMDR CONSULTANT

Ann Meehan is a mental health therapist who specializes in helping young people and their families heal, grow and move forward from life’s most painful difficulties, including trauma, intense emotions, and challenging behaviors. She is a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor and EMDR Consultant. When Ann is not seeing clients, she is dedicated to helping other therapists grow in their passions as child and adolescent therapists through training, supervision, and her blog at www.meehanmentalhealth.com

Clair Mellenthin

MSW, LCSW, RPT-S

Child & Family Expert

PAST PRESIDENT, UTAH APT

Clair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-S is the author of the bestselling books Attachment Centered Play Therapy; Play Therapy: Engaging & Powerful Techniques for the Treatment of Childhood Disorders; My Many Colors of Me Workbook and has authored several chapters. She is a sought-after speaker, clinical supervisor, and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Southern California MSW program. She is the Past-President of the Utah Association for Play Therapy and remains an active member on the Board of Directors. Ms. Mellenthin holds a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Throughout her career, she has specialized in providing play therapy to children, teens, and their families. She is currently the Director of Child & Adolescents at Wasatch Family Therapy. Ms. Mellenthin frequently presents professional play therapy and family therapy trainings on Attachment Centered Play Therapy and childhood mental health issues nationally and internationally, as well as appears on local and national TV and radio as an expert on children and family issues.

Ruth Ouzts Moore

PHD, NCC, LPC

Abuse & Trauma Expert

CHILD, FAMILY & HIGH-CONFLICT TRAINER

Ruth Ouzts Moore, Ph.D., NCC, LPC is an Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has over 25 years’ experience in the mental health counseling field. She has presented nationally and internationally and published in the areas of abuse/trauma, play therapy, high-conflict divorce/parental alienation, courtroom testimony, and creative counseling. She is Past- President of the Association for Creativity in Counseling and a Past President of the Georgia Southern Association for Play Therapy.

Moshe Norman

MSW, LCSW, SIFI

Family Systems Therapist

PSYCHOANALYST

Moshe Norman, LCSW SIFI is a psychoanalyst and family systems therapist in Lakewood, NJ. Moshe is the founder and clinical director of Transcend Counselling Services, LLC and Quality Families, LLC. With his unique ability to explain complex concepts in palatable language, Moshe has taught and supervised dozens of students, interns and social workers and can be reached at https://www.njqualityfamilies.com/

Dr Kimberley O'Brien

PHD

Educational & Developmental Psychologist

PLAY THERAPIST - AUSTRALIA

Dr Kimberley O'Brien is one of Australia’s most trusted and renowned Child Psychologists. Based in Sydney, Kimberley uses play therapy in her clinical work with children aged 2 to 14 years. She has a knack for solving problems from the child’s perspective and plays an active role in the Australian media. Kimberley has practiced play therapy for 22 years and takes pride in empowering young people to overcome Encopresis with patience and creativity. As the co-founder of Quirky Kid (www.quirkykid.com.au), Kimberley supports a team of child psychologists offering clinical intervention for children and publishing resources for parents and professionals. In 2016, Kimberley completed her PhD addressing Early Adolescents in Transition from Primary to Secondary School through Monash University. She is a member of The Australian Psychological Society College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists (CEDP) and the Association for Research in Infant and Child Development (ARICD). For fun, Kimberley loves to travel and present play therapy workshops for Mental Health Professionals who share her passion for pediatrics. Her favorite solo trip was across Africa on public transport from Namibia to Tanzania. In her spare time, Kimberley provides clinical supervision to play therapists and budding child psychologists. Kimberley and her husband have two children, Olivia (14) and Ben (10).

Akiko J. Ohnogi

PSYD

Play Therapist - Japan

MULTICULTURE & TRAUMA EXPERT

Dr. Ohnogi utilizes play therapy with all clients, including very young children, adolescents and adults, and specializes in treatment of children, trauma survivors and multicultural families. She is co-founder of Japan Association for Play Therapy, has publications in the US and Japan, has provided workshops in the US, Ireland, England, Argentina and Japan, and was a Masters thesis advisor, graduate level play therapy lecturer, and school counselor at her graduate, undergraduate and MS alma maters. She has been in private practice in Tokyo since 2000. Visit: www.dr-ohnogi.com

Dr. Pascale Paradis

MED, DEDPSY, MAPS, MBPSS

Educational Psychologist - Australia

CHILD & ADOLESCENT CONSULTANT

Dr. Pascale Paradis, BA, MEd, DEdPsy, MAPS, MBPsS, FCEDP; Canadian of origin, a regional area of Quebec, Pascale lived 18 years in Scotland and England and now lives South of Melbourne in Australia, with her husband and three children. Pascale is a psychologist with 30 years experience in the field of education and working with children and adolescents. Director at 3P, Pascale is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist working in schools and private practice. She is a board approved supervisor supporting psychologists working with children, adolescents, families, and schools. Pascale uses play and creative approaches in her work with children and adolescents. She has developed a number of online courses aiming to support learning and skills development for professionals, teachers and parents and also develops resources for therapeutic work. Pascale also works as a Lecturer and Supervisor at a university in Melbourne supporting students completing postgraduate studies in the educational psychology program.

Dr. Judi Parson

PHD, MA PLAY THERAPY, M.HLTH.SC; GRADDIP

RN & Play Therapist - Australia

CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH- ADVANCED PEDIATRICS; BN; RN; APPTA RPT-S

Dr Judi Parson, PhD, is a paediatric qualified Registered Nurse, Play Therapist / Supervisor and Senior Lecturer / Discipline Leader for Play Therapy at Deakin University, Australia. Recognised presenter, educator, supervisor, and researcher in the field of play and psychosocial health and wellbeing of children with a particular interest in Medical Play Therapy. She has authored over 30 book chapters and journal articles and co-edited 2 books. She can be reached at https://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/people/judi-parson

Susan Perrow

M.ED

Australia

AUTHOR, KEYNOTE, THERAPEUTIC STORYTELLER

Susan is an Australian author who works with story medicine. She writes, collects and documents stories that offer a therapeutic journey – a positive, imaginative way of addressing challenging behaviours and situations. With an extensive background in teaching and writing, Susan offers keynotes and training seminars (now online) for teachers, parents, therapists and psychologists. Her work has led to the publication of three resource books, all published by Hawthorn Press U.K., and now in many languages. Learn more at: www.susanperrow.com

Siobhán Prendiville

M.A., M.ED

Play Therapist - Ireland

CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Siobhán Prendiville is a child and adolescent psychotherapist, play therapist, clinical supervisor, author, presenter and trainer. She is MA Course Leader for the MA in Creative Psychotherapy (Humanistic & Integrative Modality), which incorporates a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy, at the Children’s Therapy Centre in Ireland. Siobhán has written about the use of sensory and messy play in therapy and education settings in a range of core texts. Her latest chapters include “Sensory Play Therapy” in Heidi Kaduson and Charles Schaefer’s 2021 book “Play therapy with children: Modalities for change” and “Calming Christopher: The regulating powers of sensory play” in Eileen Prendiville and Judi Parson’s 2021 book “Clinical Applications of the Therapeutic Powers of Play: Case studies in child and adolescent psychotherapy”. She can be reached at www.childrenstherapycentre.ie

Eileen Prendiville

MIAPTP, MIAHIP, RNMH

Ireland

THERAPIST, TRAINER & AUTHOR

Eileen Prendiville is the Director of Academic Affairs at the Children’s Therapy Centre (CTC) in Westmeath, Ireland. She founded this centre and designed it’s play therapy and psychotherapy training programmes including the Master of Arts in Creative Psychotherapy. Eileen is a psychotherapist, play therapist, supervisor and author. Her books include Play Therapy Today: Contemporary practice for individuals, groups and parents and Creative Psychotherapy: Applying the principles of neurobiology to play and expressive-arts based practices. She can be reached at: www.childrenstherapycentre.ie

Lucé Pretorius

BSW, MSW

South Africa

AUTHOR, PSYCHOTHERAPIST & TRAINER

Lucé Pretorius is a registered Social Worker who has been rendering therapeutic and assessment services to children and their families in South Africa. She also works in the Medical Social Work field and with Employee Assistance Programs. In addition, Lucé presents trainings across South Africa and abroad. Her booklets and manuals are known nationally, and three research articles are in process to be published. She is currently completing her PhD degree at the North West University. Visit: https://www.luce-pretorius-h2h.com/

Evelyn Rappoport

PSY.D., P.C

Somatic Experiencing

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Evelyn Rappoport Psy.D., P.C. is a licensed psychologist, psychoanalyst, somatic experiencing therapist, PACT couples’ therapist, and an EMDR clinician with a full-time private practice in New York City, where she sees individuals, families, and groups. Dr. Rappoport is a clinical consultant and supervisor at several analytic institutes, including New York University Postdoctoral Program, National Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, and Manhattan Institute for Psychoanalysis. She is also a clinical supervisor and visiting faculty at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem in psychiatry and medical psychology. Dr. Rappoport conducts private supervision groups, classes, and training modules in embodied trauma healing in Jerusalem, Israel, and New York City. She is an active member of APA, Division 39, the International Association of Relational Psychoanalysis, and the New York State Psychological Association. Dr. Rappoport is the past President of the NYSPA Psychoanalytic Division and has co-chaired the NYSPA Disaster Relief Network. Currently, she chairs the newly formed NYSPA Trauma Special Interest Group and makes herself available to first responders and diverse community organizations. When asked about her dedication and interest in trauma work, she replies: The seeds of my passion and interests took root long before I was born; I was born into trauma to parents, both of whom “carried extraordinary histories of survival and resilience. She talks about her own experience of being in a bomb shelter in Israel at age 4(during 1956), which she remembers as shadow memories of a pajama-like party surrounded by friends and family members in the safety of the shelter.

Elizabeth Reed

MSW, LCSW, LISW-S, LICSW, RPT-S

Play Therapy & Ethics Expert

CHILD AND FAMILY THERAPIST

Elizabeth Reed is trained as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and has been working with children for over 20 years. She skillfully utilizes play therapy to afford children the opportunity to address difficult topics without unrealistic expectations sometimes found in “talk therapy”. Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Science degree from West Liberty State College and a Master of Social Work degree from West Virginia University. She is independently licensed in Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. She has enjoyed working with diverse populations in Residential Treatment, Outpatient Treatment, Child Welfare, Foster Care, and Private Practice.

Scott Riviere

MS, LPC, RPT-S

USA

THERAPIST, LECTURER & INNOVATOR

Scott Riviere, MS, LPC, RPT-S, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of K.I.D.Z., Inc. During his 25+ years of practice, he has worked in various clinical settings and has extensive training in the field of Play Therapy. He has created several therapeutic products for mental health professionals and Scott is a published author and frequent guest on various media outlets. Learn more at ScottRiviere.com

Maleeka Robinson

B.A. SOCIOLOGY, MSW

Play Therapist - Bermuda

CLINICAL THERAPIST

Maleeka Robinson received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Barry University in Miami, Florida; and her Bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Maleeka has a wealth of experience working with at-risk children and their families. During her career, Maleeka has worked with individuals and group therapies, developing her eclectic therapeutic approach to play therapy, where she has an intuitive understanding and passion for its efficacy. Maleeka places a strong emphasis on her lifelong learning, strong observation and listening skills, and her creativity - growing her skill sets from a diverse range of sources. Maleeka has a well-founded sense of her own resilience and self-awareness, combined with a genuine love and respect for children. She uses her strong communication and interpersonal skills to assist both children and their parents, with a particular emphasis on supporting children who have suffered abuse, trauma, attachment problems and loss. Maleeka's creative and imaginative approach is central to her successful group intervention practice where play therapy has been found to be valuable for children on the autistic spectrum and those with other physical/developmental disabilities. She can be reached at mbrobinson26@gmail.com

Gina Ross

MFT, LMFT

Trauma Expert

SOMATIC EXPERIENCING SENIOR TRAINER

Gina Ross, MFT, is Founder and President of the International Trauma-Healing Institutes in the United States and Israel and co-founder of the Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma of Herzog Hospital in Jerusalem. She is an international senior faculty trainer in Somatic Experiencing® (SE®).

Hedy Schleifer

MA, IMAGO EXPERT

MASTER RELATIONSHIP BUILDER

ENCOUNTER-CENTERED THERAPY ORIGINATOR

Psychotherapist Hedy Schleifer is an internationally renowned relationship builder and motivational speaker who guides, counsels and teaches couples, partners, business associates, therapists and families to develop relational maturity. Referred to by colleagues as a “therapist’s therapist,” Hedy has a unique, warm and dedicated approach on relationship building. Her impressive resume, including over 40 years in private practice (since 1976) and past clinical faculty trainer of the Institute for Imago Relationship Therapy (1993-2003), is outshined only by her wisdom, humility and compassion. Hedy was born in Lausanne, Switzerland, raised in Antwerp, Belgium, married and lived in Israel and now resides in Washington DC, with her husband of over 50 years. They have two sons and 13 grandchildren. A global citizen, Hedy speaks 7 languages and has taught and provided her counseling approach in over 39 countries worldwide. Hedy proudly counsels people of all races and religions, applying her universal skills and creativity. She is a revered motivational speaker and sought-after relationship builder and guide.

Christina M. Scott

MED, LPCC-S, RPT, NCC

Creative Crisis Specialist

CLIENT SUPPORT EXPERT

Christina Scott is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Registered Play Therapist living in Ohio. She provides teletherapy services to clients ranging from children to older adults, and she offers supervision to other clinicians. She is an author, trainer and has an online private practice called Rising Action Counseling LLC. A proud ‘geek therapist’, Christina enjoys pulling in pop culture references, video games, mythology and comic books whenever she can. For more information, visit risingactioncounseling.com

Dr. Janine Shelby

PHD, RPT-S

Play & Trauma Expert - USA

PRESIDENT, CALIFORNIA APT BRANCH

Dr. Janine Shelby, PhD, is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCLA and a Forensic Expert at Park Dietz & Associates. She is the retired former Director and Founder of the Child Trauma Clinic at Harbor-UCLA, and recently returned from a year as the Drake Distinguished Fellow/Guest Professor at Kobe College in Japan. She is currently the Membership Committee Chair of ISTSS and has held numerous past positions in APT, such as Foundation President, Research Committee Chair, and President of the California APT branch. Dr. Shelby’s presentations and publications focus on play-based, evidence informed treatments, trauma-focused treatments for children, secondary traumatic stress, and posttraumatic growth. She has provided humanitarian aid, consultation, and training in Europe and Asia, as well as South, Central, and North America.

Dor Shira

BED, BS, TQFE

Educational Entrepreneur - Israel

PSYCHOLOGY & EDUCATION

Dor Shira is the Co-Founder of the Australian Israeli based company, Moving Creatures. Before establishing Tel Aviv’s Dance / Martial Arts Studio ArtnFight, Dor taught Capoeira to children and youth in rural areas of Israel. With degrees in Psychology and Education from Beersheva University and History Education from Israel’s Seminar Hakibutizm, Dor pivoted to school teaching and educational entrepreneurship - developing project-based learning programs in Israeli schools with refugee and immigrant populations. In collaboration with Co-Founders Jordine Cornish (Registered Dance Movement Therapist, DTAA) and Shavit Yechezkel, Moving Creatures creates tools and resources for children, care-givers and professionals, drawing from the worlds of martial arts, dance and yoga. Their first product, Moving Nature, is a collection of movement games that can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere in the world, in the comfort of their living rooms or utilized in clinics with practitioner guidance. Learn more at www.moving-creatures.com

Jacki Short

M.ED, B.SC PSYCH (HONS), FCCOUNP, MAPS

Australia

REGISTERED COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST, SUPERVISOR & RPT-S (APPTA)

Jacki Short is a Registered Counselling Psychologist and Supervisor, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor in Sydney, Australia. She has been counselling children and young people, running groups and training for over 25 years. As the Director of Sydney Centre for Creative Change, Jacki facilitates and manages online training for mental health professionals internationally. Her training is practical and skill-based, giving you fresh new ideas to work more playfully in counselling for change. Visit: www.artandplaytherapytraining.com.au/

Rebecca Simpson

MSOCSCI

Play Therapist - South Africa

COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST

Rebecca is a qualified Psychologist with a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology. She is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the Health & Care Professions Council in the UK. Rebecca has been in private practice for over 18 years, working as a therapist and supervisor. She is passionate about children and play therapy and works extensively with early childhood development, parenting, attachment based issues, anxiety and trauma. Rebecca also works therapeutically with adolescents and adults. She offers training and workshops within the community, empowering parents and educators to raise emotionally healthy, well-rounded young people.

Shlomo Slatkin

MS, LCPC

Certified Imago Clinician & Presnter

RELATIONSHIP EXPERT

Shlomo Slatkin, MS, LCPC is a Certified Imago Relationship Therapy Advanced Clinician, and Certified Imago Workshop Presenter and an Imago Faculty Candidate. He is the author of numerous publications and is a founder of the Marriage Restoration Project. Learn more at www.themarriagerestorationproject.com

Lauren Snailham

BA (HONOURS), MA (CLIN. PSYCH)

Clinical Psychologist - South Africa

CHILD & FAMILY THERAPIST

Lauren Snailham is a Clinical Psychologist in Durban, South Africa. She has been in private practice for 13 years and works with children, adolescents, adults and families with a variety of psychological difficulties during this time. Lauren creates play therapy products and has authored 17 therapeutic story books for children on relevant topics, which have been used in therapy, school settings and by parents. She has also contributed play therapy activities to two of Liana Lowenstein’s published books. Learn more at www.childtherapytoolbox.co.za

Dr. Ronnie Solan

PHD

PSYCHODYNAMIC EXPERT

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST & PSYCHOANALYST

Dr. Ronnie Solan, PhD, was a senior training Psychoanalyst, was educated in Switzerland by the foremost psychologists and psychoanalysts, including Professor Jean Piaget at Geneva University and Professor R. Spitz at the Swiss Society of Psychoanalysis, Geneva. She has been practicing psychotherapy since 1963. The author of multiple books exploring Freudian psychology and attachment theory, her critically acclaimed The Enigma of Childhood - The Profound Impact of the First Years of Life on Adults as Couples and Parents (2015) culminates her lifetime work. Her clinical expertise includes the emotional development of the infant from birth; disclosing and strengthening the inhibited healthy narcissism enabling the consolidation of the Self-Esteem & the True Self as well as the capacity to love and tolerate otherness. She lived in Israel with her family and was the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren. She passed away in December 2020 at 82, due to cancer.

Dr. Martha Stark

Integrative Psychiatrist & Psychoanalyst

ADULT & CHILD PSYCHIATRIST

Dr, Martha Stark, MD graduated from Harvard Medical School (Boston, MA) and completed a 3-year Adult Psychiatry Residency at The Cambridge Hospital (Cambridge, MA), a 2-year Child Psychiatry Fellowship at Massachusetts Mental Health Center (Boston, MA) and is an 8-year Psychoanalytic Candidate, Boston Psychoanalytic Society & Institute (Boston, MA). She is an Adult and Child Psychiatrist, Integrative Psychoanalyst – private practice in Boston, she is faculty at Harvard Medical School and the Co-Founder / Co-Director / Faculty, Center for Psychoanalytic Studies, William James College. She's an Award-winning Author: 9 Books on the Theory and Practice of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, including two books on WORKING WITH RESISTANCE. Learn more at www.SynergyMed.solutions

Jacqueline Stilling

MS, LCPC

Addiction Specialist

CLINICAL THERAPIST & PRESENTER

Jacqueline Stilling is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a private practice in Towson, Maryland. Jacqueline works as a family therapist at Ashley Addiction Treatment on the Young Adult Extended Care Team. She also runs groups and delivers experiential lectures at Ashely on the benefits of Mindfulness in Recovery. Jacqueline frequently presents to parents, faculty, clinicians, and students on a variety of topics around addiction, mindfulness, family wellness, conscious parenting, and the importance of strengthening emotional muscles. Jacqueline is a member of the Baltimore Washington Center for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis and enjoys learning as much as she enjoys teaching.

Lauren Stockly

LCSW, RPT-S, ECMHS, PPSC

Therapist, Author, Blogger

CHILD & FAMILY THERAPIST

Lauren Stockly, LCSW, RPT-S, ECMHS, PPSC is a child and adolescent mental health therapist who specializes in using Play Therapy to treat trauma and support emotional growth for children and families. In addition to her practice, Lauren runs the popular blog, CreativePlayTherapist.com, and is coming out with a new resource CreativeTherapistNetwork.com, a free website that offers a wide range of resources and opportunities for therapists. She is also the founder of Bumble BLS, a company dedicated to advancing bilateral stimulation tools for EMDR therapy, and the author of the“Be Mindful of Monsters” children’s book and accompanying workbook. Visit BumbleBLS.com/shop.

Dr. Jessica Stone

PHD, RPT-S

Play Therapy Trainer

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Jessica Stone, Ph.D., RPT-S is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, author, innovator, and speaker specializing in the therapeutic use of digital tools in therapy. Her recently published book Digital Play Therapy and Virtual Sandtray App®© (2015) have been found especially relevant in the current times of telehealth.

Martha B. Straus

PHD

Child, Adolescent & Family Expert

TRAUMA AND ATTACHMENT

Martha B. Straus, PhD is a professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology at Antioch University New England Graduate School in Keene, New Hampshire. Dr. Straus is an international trainer on topics related to child, adolescent, and family development, attachment, trauma, and therapy. She is the author of numerous articles and seven books including Treating Trauma in Adolescents: Development, Attachment, and the Therapeutic Relationship. She lives in Brattleboro, VT where she also maintains a small private practice. Learn more at marthabstraus.com

Susan Stutzman

LCPC, RPT-S

Child & Family Expert

CERTIFIED THERAPLAY® & TRANSFORMING TOUCH ® PRACTITIONER

Susan Stutzman is a licensed clinical professional counselor, a registered play therapist-supervisor, an early childhood development educator, and the founder of Kid Matters Counseling in Hinsdale, IL. For more information on or to get ahold of Susan check out kidmatterscounseling.com

Dr Karen Treisman

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

TRAINER, ORGANIZATIONAL CONSULTANT & AUTHOR

Dr Karen Treisman, a London based Clinical Psychologist specialises in the areas of trauma and attachment. She has many years working in the UK and abroad in Africa and Asia including in the context of adoption, fostering, asylum seeking, refugee, and trafficked children, and within child protection and court settings. Karen is also an organizational consultant to over 90 organizations to support them on their journey to become more trauma, adversity, and culturally informed, infused, and responsive. Karen is also the founder and director of Safe Hands and Thinking Minds; and the bestselling award-winning author of 11 books, 4 sets of therapeutic cards, and 6 soft therapeutic toys. Learn more at: www.safehandsthinkingminds.co.uk

Tracy Turner-Bumberry

LPC, RPT-S, CAS

AutPlay & Emotion Regulation Expert

CHILD & FAMILY PLAY THERAPIST

Tracy Turner-Bumberry provides private practice therapy in Milledgeville, GA. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Certified AutPlay Therapy Provider, and Certified Autism Specialist. Tracy is a national speaker on play therapy, and has published on mandala techniques in play therapy, play therapy techniques to reduce emotional dysregulation, and AutPlay Therapy social skills groups. She can be reached at sevacounseling.com

Dr. Jonice Webb

PHD

CEN Treatment Expert

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Jonice Webb, PhD. is a licensed psychologist, speaker, blogger, and the author of two best-selling books, Running On Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect and Running On Empty No More: Transform Your Relationships. Dr. Webb is recognized worldwide as the pioneer of Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN). She created the first and only online Childhood Emotional Neglect Recovery Program, Fuel Up For Life. Dr. Webb has been interviewed about her topic on CBS Boston Evening News, NECN Morning News, and NPR. Her work has been cited by The Chicago Tribune, Psychology Today, Psychcentral.com and The Elephant Journal. Dr. Webb also provides professional training for licensed therapists in identifying and treating Childhood Emotional Neglect in their clients.

Dr. Neil Weissman

PSYD

Motivational Interview Expert

LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Neil Weissman, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist, a VA national consultant for Motivational Interviewing (MI), and a certified supervisor in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). Neil has worked as a psychologist in the VA, holding leadership and clinical roles for 30 years. He is also a Clinical Associate Professor in Psychiatry at the University of Maryland Medical School and has a private practice specializing in adult and couples therapy. Neil has trained and supervised psychiatry, psychology and social work staff, interns and residents in MI and in EFT couples therapy for many years. He has presented nationally and internationally on MI and EFT and has co-authored an MI group therapy workbook as well as chapters and articles on couples therapy.

Dr. Lucene Wisniewski

PHD, FAED

Eating Disorder Specialist

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Wisniewski currently holds an adjunct assistant professor of psychological sciences appointment at Case Western Reserve University. Her passion and commitment lie in matching evidence-based treatments with her clients’ needs, as well as helping therapists become masters in using these industry-leading treatments to inform clinical practice. Dr. Wisniewski has more than 25 years of clinical and program development experience. From 2006-2014, she served as clinical director and co-founder of the Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders, a comprehensive eating disorder treatment program offering evidenced- based care. From there, she served as the chief clinical integrity officer from 2014 to 2017 at The Emily Program, a multi-state eating disorder treatment center.

Lynn Louise Wonders

LPC, RPT-S, CPCS

Child & Family Resource

NOTED PLAY THERAPIST/TRAINER

Lynn Louise Wonders is a licensed professional counselor and certified professional counselor supervisor in the state of Georgia and a registered play therapist-supervisor. Lynn has been providing play therapy services for children and families since 2001 and has been providing play therapy training, supervision and consultation since 2010. She is the author of When Parents Are at War: A Child Therapist's Guide to Navigating High Conflict Divorce & Custody Cases and she leads self care and training retreats for therapists. Visit: www.WondersCounseling.com

Dr. Ru-Chi Yang

PHD

Play Therapist - China

LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Ru-Chi Yang, Ph.D., originally from Taiwan, is a Licensed Psychologist in the United States. Before relocating to China in 2014, Dr. Yang worked as a Psychologist, a Health Service Provider in Psychology, and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor at the Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic of Hamilton Center in Terre Haute, IN. She is currently a bilingual School Psychologist and a play therapist at Avenues Shenzhen in Shenzhen, China. Dr. Yang has more than fifteen years of clinical experience practicing psychology with the expertise working with children and adolescents. As a professional, her energy, creativity, flexibility, playfulness, and a good sense of humor have enhanced her ability to successfully engage in therapeutic interventions with these age groups. Dr. Yang describes her voyage as a play therapist in an article, “A Chinese Play Therapist’s Challenges and Joys Throughout the Journey,” in Play Therapy™ Magazine of Association for Play Therapy.

Canace Yee

M.A. (PSYCH.), RPT (APPTA)

Hong Kong

CHILD EMOTION & SOCIAL EXPERT

Canace is the author of “Play with your Child”. She won the Excellence Award of Therapeutic Games for ADHD 2017 awarded by the Association for Taiwan Play Therapy. She created and owns EMOplay® which integrates the therapeutic models of play therapy approaches by inviting and respecting children to freely express their emotions and feelings via PLAY. Canace also established a bricks club in HK utilizing the LEGO®-Based Therapy to help children with Special Education Needs. She can be reached at: www.ynotplayhk.com and via Facebook: Y NOT play – Play Therapy

Outstanding Trainings & Awesome Deals

Grab 20% OFF your first order today & be the first to hear about our deals!