“ Research reveals that high levels of joy and caring touch between a parent and child helps to wire the brain to form emotionally healthy neuropathways, resulting in a life-long ability to develop emotionally intimate, empathetic and caring relationships. Infants who receive FirstPlay® experiences early on gain an inner sense of security and esteem which—as they grow—help them to better calm and self-regulate their own emotions.” Janet A. Courtney, PhD
Janet A. Courtney, PhD, RPT-S, Founder FirstPlay Therapy.
When I discovered that research has shown that joyful “firstplay” activities, including storytelling and infant massage techniques, play vital roles in attachment and bonding, and instantaneously wire an infant’s brain for healthy lifelong relationships, I was hooked. I then decided to devote my life to the promotion of FirstPlay® benefits. I am a Play Therapist and FirstPlay® Therapy evolved directly from 35 years of practice.
It is my joy to share with you the story of the Baby Tree Hug© that you will learn in your initial FirstPlay session. The story is provided in the FirstPlay Parent Handbook© that you can retell and practice with your infant over and over for hours of relaxing and fun activity.
Janet Courtney, Ph.D., LCSW is an author and editor of “Infant Play Therapy: Foundations, Models, Programs and Practice,” and “Healing Child and Family Trauma through Expressive and Play Therapies: Art, Nature, Storytelling, Body, and Mindfulness,” and “Touch in Child Counseling and Play Therapy: An Ethical and Clinical Guide,” and co-editor on “Nature-based Play & Expressive Therapies.” As Director of Developmental Play & Attachment Therapies and Adjunct Professor at Barry University, Miami Shores, Florida, Janet’s career has focused on attachment and bonding between young children and their parents. She believes in the power of nurturing touch and joyful first-play touch activities (for example, patty cake and peek-a-boo) as the best start for infant mental health.
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More about Dr. Courtney
Dr. Courtney is an internationally recognized play therapist and has been invited to speak on topics of infant and childhood mental health in England, Ireland, Morocco, Russia, Ukraine, and the Cayman Islands. She has acted as a consultant to several Florida based children’s agencies, and supervises clinicians seeking Florida board licensure, as well as, those seeking Certification as a Registered Play Therapist with the Association for Play Therapy (APT).
Dr. Courtney is a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor through the Association for Play Therapy and has developed a new process of storytelling called Kinesthetic Storytelling™ which merges imagery relaxation skills with joyful first-play touch activities. Her interactive storybook, The Magic Rainbow Hug, makes this technique directly accessible to professionals, parents, and the children who can most benefit from its use.
Certified FirstPlay® Supervisor
Meyleen Velasquez, LCSW, Registered Play Therapist and a Certified FirstPlay® Therapy Supervisor and Assistant Instructor. As an Infant Mental Health Specialist, Ms. Velasquez’s work is focused on strengthening the attachment between parents and their young children. She has served in various clinical roles working with adults, families, adolescents, and children. experienced traumatic events.
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Her passion in the field is to help individuals see and utilize their inner resources in order to reach their true potential. Ms. Velasquez believes that we all have the capacity to move towards healing and positive change. A compassionate relationship can mark the beginning of that journey.
Play is the natural language of children, it crosses cultures and barriers. Through play therapy, Ms. Velasquez emphasizes the use of child oriented interventions encouraging healing for the child, parent and the home.
Ms. Velasquez currently works as a independent contractor at the University of Miami’s Linda Ray Intervention Center as a therapist with the Miami Child WellBeing Court Model and is in private practice.
EVERETT, WASHINGTON
Certified FirstPlay® Supervisor
Viktoria B. Toth, LMHC, a Registered Play Therapist and a Certified FirstPlay® Therapy Assistant Instructor. She is also the Vice-President of the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Association for Play Therapy. She has over 15 years experience of working with children and families in various roles and settings, including education, and mental health.
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Viktoria has worked as a teacher in the public school system then has served as a contracted therapist in a Florida public school. Her teaching background combined with mental health helped Viktoria become a seasoned and passionate advocate for students requiring accommodations and develop a holistic approach to understanding children and their families.
VENICE, FLORIDA
Certified FirstPlay® Supervisor
Karen Baldwin, DSW, RPT-S holds a BS from The Pennsylvania State University (1993) in Human Development and Family Studies and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Barry University (1998). She has her doctorate from Florida Atlantic University’s School of Social Work. Her research interests include utilizing FirstPlay® with an adolescent mom populations.
IBeach Gardens, Florida.
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In addition, she is currently employed with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, Behavioral Services Division. This specialized division consists of clinical social workers, case management, and specially trained law enforcement deputies. Her role includes reducing the likelihood of violence by individuals who pose a public risk of great harm or death to themselves or others due to issues related to mental health and substance abuse. In addition, she works in conjunction with mental health providers, community leaders, professional associations and criminal justice agencies. Lastly, she works with children and families in a private practice setting in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA
Certified FirstPlay® Assistant
Chelsea Johnson, MS, MT-BC, LMT, is a Certified FirstPlay® Infant Practitioner and works with The Children’s Healing Institute as Program Coordinator of the innovative TEACUP Preemie Program®. Chelsea is a Board Certified Music Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, Breastfeeding Counselor.
LAKE WORTH, FLORIDA
Certified FirstPlay® Supervisor
Merab Akinyi, MA is a teacher, counselor, play therapist and nature enthusiast with over two decades experience working with people who have diverse needs. She is the founder of Play Talk Space which is founded for the benefit of children to give them a voice. She has recently presented on Play Therapy in Africa at the Innovative Play Therapy Symposium and is a member of the of the Association of Play Therapy Kenya board.
KENYA
Certified FirstPlay® Supervisor
Dr. Hutchinson, IMH-®, is a psychologist, an endorsed Infant Mental Mentor, Executive Director of the Journey institute, Inc, She is President of the Florida Association for Infant Mental and former Adjunct Professor at Barry University School of Social Work. She is a nationally recognized leader in reflective supervision, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in mental health practices. She is recipient of the esteemed 2024 William M. Schafer, PhD, Award for excellence.
TAMARAC, FLORIDA
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Patti Baris, LCSW is a Certified FirstPlay® Infant Therapy Practitioner. She has a private practice in Boca Raton, Florida where she specializes in infant, child, and adolescent play therapy, as well as individual and group psychotherapy. Patti specializes in Play Therapy helping children in a variety of areas.
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner, Kacey Burakowski, M.A., has a Masters in Speech and Language Pathology(CCC-SLP) and is a Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner. She is a mother first and enjoys spending time connecting with her daughter in nature. Kacey specializes in early intervention with ages birth to three in Lamoille County, Vermont, and has received training as a Midwife Assistant at the Farm Midwifery Center in Summertown, TN.MORRISVILLE, VERMONT
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Andrea Vargas is a LMHC, Certified FirstPlay® Infant Practitioner, Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider, a Qualified Supervisor for MHC Interns with a private practice in Weston, Florida, serving children, families and college students. Andrea specializes in child and adolescent trauma and adoption.
WESTON, FLORIDA
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Ortiz, MS, LMHC, RPT is the CEO and Founder of Center for Trauma Counseling, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit mental health counseling agency in Lake Worth, FL providing services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. She received her BA in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and her MS in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern and a Certified EMDR Trauma Therapist. Her career has focused on easing emotional distress.
Certified FirstPlay Practitioner
Stephanie Strahlman, MA, lMHC, RPT, Certified Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) Provider, and Certified FirstPlay® Therapy Practitioner. She specializes in early childhood development, from birth to 8 years of age, working with children and families on a variety of trauma issues.
SARASOTA, FLORIDA
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S is a Certified FirstPlay® Infant Therapy Practitioner.She is the owner of Main Line Play Therapy in Ardmore, PA where she works with children and families. She is a certified Trainer for the Nurtured Heart Approach®, a certified FirstPlay® practitioner, trained in Theraplay® and EMDR.
ARDMORE, PA
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Jamesa Staten is a licensed New York State Social Worker and a Certified FirstPlay® Infant Therapy Practitioner. A great deal of Jamesa’s career has been dedicated to supporting families through difficult times. She also has an exemplary reputation for providing quality services to individuals & families that are in need of advocacy.
MIDDLETOWN, NY
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Maria Alejandra Palacios is a licensed psychologist in Panama City, has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a Certified FirstPlay® Infant Therapy Practitioner. She works at a private practice and co-founded “Relaciones” a consultant company dedicated to promote healthy relationships.
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Danielle Greenspan, LMFT, LPCC, provides individual, group and family therapy to children, teens and adults. She specializes in working with the LGBTQ+ community and families including gender non-conforming, non-binary and transgender youth and adults. She has experience working with caregivers and their children.
SACRAMENTO, CA
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Marisa Holguin-Grado, LCSW, RPT, and Certified FirstPlay® Therapy Practitioner. She has served in various clinical settings working with adults, families, adolescents, children with a specialization in trauma. Marisa has a private psychotherapy practice in San Antonio, Texas, where she provides individual therapy for children & teens.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Duane Snape, M.A. LPC, RPT is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of mental health experience. Duane is the founder of Chosen For Hope Counseling, Inc. which serves individuals and families located in the San Antonio, TX area. Duane is a United States Army veteran who served veterans and their families faced with a wide variety of mental health challenges.
SAN ANTONIO,TEXAS
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Natasha Williams is a Perinatal and Child Psychotherapist and owner of Mommy & Me Therapeutic Services, PLLC. She is a Certified Clinician of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Certified FirstPlay® Infant Therapy Practitioner, Certified Triple-P Practitioner and a Certified Lactation Consultant.
TACOMA, WA
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Joely Davidson, LPCC a Certified FirstPlay Infant Therapy Practitioner and works at Chrysalis Behavioral Health and Training Center in Fargo, North Dakota. She provides individual and family therapy and has training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), FirstPlay, and training to support individuals and couples through their infertility journey.
Fargo, North Dakota
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Noelle Stroppini, LMFT, is a Certified FirstPlay® Infant Therapy Practitioner. She specializes in working children and caregivers in session to strengthen their relationship and create joyful moments. She is a certified FirstPlay® practitioner, trained in Theraplay® and Sandplay.
Jackson, California
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Shari Howington-Carlin, LMHC is a Children’s Grief and Loss Counselor, a Doctoral Candidate, and a Certified First Play Infant Therapy Practitioner. She is trained as a Child Life Specialist and a Registered Play Therapist, which allows her to apply developmentally appropriate interactive mediums and creative play to support healthy attachment and connection.
Fort Myers, Florida
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Michelle Comer, MA is an Infant Mental Health Mentor (IMH-E® )and a Certified FirstPlay® Infant Therapy Practitioner. She is the founder of Xylem Family Resources, an organization that provides support to families through the life transitions of pregnancy and parenting.
HUNTINGTON, West Virginia
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Angela Siu, PhD, RCP, RPT-S, is a Certified FirstPlay® Infant Therapy Practitioner. She has served in various clinical and educational settings, and is currently teaching in a university in Hong Kong. She specializes in working with children and their families in a variety of areas using play therapy approaches. She is also a trainer in Theraplay® and Filial Therapy.
Chinese University of
Hong Kong
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Yat Nam Au, MSW, RSW, RPT, Certified I-CCPT, is a mother of two sons who graduated from the University of Hong Kong with distinction in the Master Degree of Social Work. She is now a Registered Social Worker (RSW), a (RPT) as well as a Certified Child-Centered Play Therapist of Centre for Play Therapy (CPT, UNT). She works as a private practitioner as well as a fieldwork supervisor at the University of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Danielle Johnson, LPC is a Certified FirstPlay® Infant Therapy Practitioner. She is in private practice in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where she provides services to those facing a variety of challenges. She has specialized training in work with trauma and PTSD utilizing TF-CBT and EMDR. She is pursuing her doctoral degree in Community Care and Counseling-Traumatology.
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Stephanie Williams, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S, has 20 years of experience in counseling and play therapy. In her private practice in St. Louis, Missouri, she focuses on providing play therapy with young children ages 0-5 and their families. She is a Certified FirstPlay Practitioner and is also in the process of obtaining her certification in Perinatal Mental Health.
St. Louis, Missouri
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner,
Vernal, Utah
Candace Sam, LCSW, completed a MSW degree from University of Southern California (Fight On!). Candace worked in all the Bryan Health Mental Health Units working with crisis situations including suicidal thoughts and behaviors, depression, anxiety and major mental illness. She specializes in Play Therapy to help kids explore and overcome life’s challenges. She has training in Play Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Focused therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and now FirstPlay!
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Roseville, Minnesota
Patricia Sandkamp, MA, LMFT has particular joy in working with infants, children and their primary caregivers during the formative early childhood and elementary years. She has experience in working with those seeking to improve well-being, and those facing challenges related to anxiety, adjustment, trauma, foster care/pre-adoption, ADHD, self-esteem, Autism, grief/loss, and planned or unplanned family life changes.
Roseville, Minnesota
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Erin Maloney-Saggiomo, MA, LPC, NCC, MAC is a Certified FirstPlay Practitioner. She is the owner of Whole Life Counseling LLC in Juneau, AK. Her private practice specializes in perinatal, infant, child, and adolescent mental health. She supports individual and family needs through play-based and cognitive therapies. Erin is in the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist and a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Practitioner.
Juneau, Alaska
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Bermuda
Janice Amaral M.S. has worked with children and families in various settings over the past 40 years. She is trained in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy and her training in FirstPlay Infant Therapy has enriched her new role as grandma. You can reach Janice at:
Bermuda
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner,
Stillwater, Minnesota
Johanna Hauck, MSW, LICSW, IMH-E®, is a Certified FirstPlay® Infant Therapy Clinician who specializes in working with children and families through the lens of attachment. She works for Therapeutic Services Agency in Minnesota, predominantly with children who are in foster care or have been adopted. Johanna is a systems level thinker and enjoys working with the family in its entirety.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
New Braunfels, Texas
Lisa Remey, LPC-S, RPT-S is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor in New Braunfels, Texas. She specializes in working with children and families supporting them from infancy to adolescence. She understands firsthand transitions and parenting challenges as a retired military family who has coped with 8 deployments and 13 moves. In addition, Lisa provides supervision and speaks locally and nationally at conferences.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Houston, Texas
Sarabeth Haddad, LCSW-S, RPT-S is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor based in Houston, Texas. She works with client to enhance relationships, recognize their strengths, and cultivate joy and purpose in their lives. She works in an agency setting with clients across the life span and provides individual, child-caregiver, family, and group therapy.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Westfield, New York
Karan Turnquist, LCSW, RPT-S, I am a person centered therapist using a prescriptive therapy method underpinned in biopsychosocial theory. I specialize in play therapy (RPT-S) and trauma therapy holding several certifications. I believe that healing happens best in the context of a good relationship. It’s all about Connection not correction in my work from Hello to successful discharge.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner,
San Antonio, Texas
Stephanie Pargas, LCSW-S, RPT, PMH-C, CCST-T
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor, a Registered Play Therapist, a Certified Perinatal Mental Professional, a Certified Clinical SandTray Therapist Trainer, a Certified FirstPlay Infant Practioner, and an EMDR trained Trauma Therapist. I have spent my career providing mental health services to students, children admitted to the Pediatric Trauma Unit, and families with a baby in the NICU.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Jasper, Indiana
Whitney Eaton is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Indiana as well as a registered play therapist supervisor and Certified FirstPlay® Infant Therapy Practitioner. She has a private practice in Newburgh, Indiana where she specializes in infant, child, and adolescent play therapy. Whitney utilizes Play Therapy to help promote healing in children and families.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Carmen K Jiminez-Pride, LCSW
Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and Certified FirstPlay® Clinical Practitioner. Carmen is the owner of Outspoken Counseling and Consulting LLC where she provides clinical services to children, individuals and families. Carmen is a published author of the Elizabeth the Adventure series for children. Carmen’s areas of expertise include trauma, crisis intervention, abuse and neglect.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner Raleigh, North Carolina
Zydet is a LCSW, RPT in North Carolina and is a USAF veteran. She enjoys working with children from birth to 12 years old dealing with attachment, adjustments, anxiety, ADHD, selective mutism, self-esteem, and emotion regulation. Zydet also has experience working with parents/caregivers by providing parenting support through family and group work.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Candace Rutkowski, MA, LMFT, RPT-S™
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. Candace believes healing happens within the context of healthy relationships, and that the caregiver-child relationship is one of the most important building blocks of life. She specializes in working with children birth through 12-years-old, their caregivers, and their families.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner Long Island, New York
Karli Coverdale, LMHC, RPT, BCBA
Karli is an outpatient play therapist located on Long Island, NY. Her specialties are complex trauma across the lifespan through play therapy and EMDR. Karli also specializes in infant mental health (0-3), attachment/bonding and using innovative, creative and dynamic ways to elicit behavior change and enhance parent-child dynamics.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner Raleigh, North Carolina
Lauren Reaves, LCMHC
Lauren Reaves is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor – Associate. Lauren is currently working towards becoming a registered Play Therapist and an Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. Lauren currently works in Raleigh, North Carolina. Lauren enjoys working with new parents, infants, toddlers, and families. In her free time, Lauren enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and spending time with her family.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner St. Petersburg, Florida
Ashley Rhodes-Courter, LCSW
Ashley Rhodes-Courter, LCSW, is a Certified FirstPlay® Infant Practitioner. After growing up in the foster care system, Ashley’s adverse childhood experiences are what inspired her to become an advocate and therapist for vulnerable children and families. Ashley is a New York Times Bestselling Author and is the CEO of Sustainable Family Services. Her books include the memoirs, “Three Little Words,” and “Three More Words” as well as the children’s book, “Sam Is My Sister.”
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner, Florida Treasure Coast area
Cynthia Warren
Cynthia L. Warren, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern is a Certified FirstPlay Infant Practitioner serving on the EPIC Clinical team at 4Kids South Florida. The EPIC Therapeutic Approach, developed by 4Kids, supports her clinical work in trauma counseling through the power of trust-based relationships to support foster and adoptive children (all ages) and their families.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner Flourtown, Pennsylvania
Vanessa Mortillo, MA, LPC
Vanessa Mortillo is a Professional Counselor and Certified FirstPlay practitioner who offers a nurturing environment for children and families to grow together. Vanessa builds on each family’s strengths to facilitate healthy development through mindfulness, play and bonding. Vanessa has worked in home, school, and outpatient settings and has a MA in Counseling Psychotherapy from Naropa University (2016).
Certified FirstPlay® Pract, Mitchell, South Dakota
Jasmine Morgan, CSW, QMHP
Jasmine joined the Navy out of high school, then found her way to social work. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a Registered Play Therapist. She graduated from the University of Southern California and is certified in EMDR, Synergetic Play Therapy, and FirstPlay® Therapy. She believes that the caregiver/child bond is one of the most important relationships we have.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner, Nigeria, Africa
Nenfwotmwa Mafwalal, M.Ed
Fwot is a skilled infant play therapist (the first in Nigeria), trauma specialist, a play therapist, and counselor with extensive expertise in child development. As the founder of Stonewall and Child Support Development Foundation (SCSDF) and a seasoned school director, she is passionate about providing trauma-informed care, guiding children toward healing, and empowering families through compassionate, evidence-based therapeutic practices.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner, Modesto, CA
Veronica Tovar, LCSW
Veronica Tovar, LCSW is owner of Breathing Through Counseling & Wellness Services specializing in children ages 0-18. She supports children through various mental health struggles including: anxiety, trauma, depression, and family transitions. Veronica is certified in Synergetic Play Therapy, Autplay, and TraumaPlay. Throughout her work Veronica recognized the need for mental health services for the youngest population- infants & toddlers and working on her infant & toddler mental health certification.
Certified FirstPlay® Practitioner
Alex Cario, LCSW
Alex Cario is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified FirstPlay Practitioner in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Alex has experience working with children, teens, and families using an attachment, play-based, and trauma-focused lens. Alex has a background working extensively with the LGBTQIAP+ community and advocating for affirming and inclusive spaces. Alex believes that a person-centered and empowering approach is vital to strengthening individuals and families.
Certified FirstPlay® Pract,
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