About The Association for Play Therapy MD/DC Branch
The MD/DC APT Branch has been in existence since 1994, connecting new and established play therapists from a range of mental health disciplines with high-quality training and a community of practitioners and researchers dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families through play therapy.
Check out the National Association for Play Therapy here.
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Rachel Altvater, Psy.D., RPT-S is the owner of Creative Psychological Health Services, a psychologist at Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education, an affiliate faculty member at Loyola University Maryland, and the Continuing Education Director of Starbright Training Institute. She is the recipient of the 2019 Emerging Leader Service Award from the Association for Play Therapy and the 2018 Outstanding Play Therapy Research Award from the Maryland/DC Association for Play Therapy. Rachel is passionate about spreading awareness and knowledge about play therapy.
Sarah Jordan, LCPC, RPT is a lead counselor at The Care Clinic at the University of Maryland Baltimore, a grant-funded outpatient clinic which works with children and families affected by child abuse, domestic violence, or sex trafficking. In addition to providing individual and family therapy, Sarah also supervises graduate-level interns, provides trainings on child maltreatment and related topics to medical students and residents as well as other professionals, and participates in the Maryland Human Trafficking Clinician Collaborative. As well as being a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and registered play therapist (RPT), Sarah is certified in the Instinctual Trauma Response (ITR) model and is also trained extensively in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Sarah is passionate about using play and other empirically-supported interventions to help clients - from preschoolers to grandparents - heal from trauma.
Treasurer
Lora Speake, LCSW-C, RPT started her journey towards becoming a RPT in 2014. Lora attended her first APT Conference in 2015 in Atlanta, GA allowing her the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in various play therapy modalities. Lora thrives off of opportunities that allow her to expand her knowledge in helping children, implementing new play therapy techniques, and watching her patients grow and heal through the art of play. Lora received her Masters in Social Work at Salisbury University in 2013 and is currently working as a child and adolescent psychotherapist in Baltimore County.
Victoria Kennedy-Adkins, Psy.D., is a Post-Doctoral Fellow and Registered Psychology Associate at Creative Psychological Health Services in Catonsville, Maryland. Victoria graduated from Loyola University of Maryland in 2022. Her clinical interests include treating preschoolers, child-centered play therapy, trauma-informed care, and technology's impact on child development. During her spare time, Victoria likes to play frisbee with her dog, involve herself in anything “crafty,” travel, spend quality time with family and friends, and volunteer with her local car club to give back to the community. Victoria is eager to continue to support the branch by spreading awareness about play therapy, by helping to plan community outreach events for members, undergraduate students, and graduate students, and by assisting in the growth of the board’s social media presence.
A huge THANK YOU to all of incredibly kind organizations that have donated to us in the past.
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Vice President
Latrice Gray, LCSW-C, RPT is the founder of Creative Space Child Therapy, LLC. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist, and certified Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist, she has been a strong advocate for young children in her community. In her role in the area of early childhood mental health, Latrice collaborates with universities in training students, teachers, and social work interns on mental wellness for young children (ages birth-5). Latrice is a wife, and mother of four children. She enjoys cake decorating, dancing, and painting in her free time.
Secretary
Kimberly Ward, LCSW-C, RPT is licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Maryland, D.C., Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and West Virginia. Kim has a background working in child welfare as well as providing individual and family therapy in the school setting and at mental health agencies. She graduated from University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work and specializes in working with individuals diagnosed with depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and loss and grief. Kim uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TF-CBT, Strengths-Based, REBT, EMDR, Solution Focused, Brainspotting, and Problem Solving, as well as play therapy, mindfulness, and other forms of intervention. Kim is also is an approved supervisor in Maryland for graduate social workers and counselors, an Association for Play Therapy Leadership Academy Graduate (2020), and is certified in play therapy, EMDR, Prepare/ENRICH, Brainspotting, and Reiki. Kim is currently employed at DC Public Schools as a School Social Worker and has her own private practice, KimCares Wellness Services, LLC.
The Association for Play Therapy MD/DC Branch is comprised of its wonderful members and the following Officers and Directors:
Denise Montgomery, LICSW, LMFT, RPT-S is the owner and Clinical Director of Esteemed Families, LLC. She is a Certified Daring Way Facilitator and Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional. Denise has over 20 years of experience working with children and families in urban communities. She is passionate about helping children address their mental health concerns by utilizing the power of play. Ms. Montgomery’s interests include participating in competitive sporting events, traveling around the world, spending time with family and hosting African centered book studies.
President
Jessica Baird, LCPC, CCLS, RWWP is the founder of Kids Can Cope, a child therapy practice in Carroll County Maryland. Jessica has extensive experience as both a child life specialist and therapist supporting children and families with chronic health issues and medical trauma. Her specialties include pediatric oncology and respiratory diseases. Jessica is currently in training to become an RPT and is excited to share her knowledge of the psychosocial aspects of pediatric illness to fellow therapists. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys reading, building Legos, and spending time with her two young children.
Porscha Henson, MA, LCPC, NCC, RPT has a well-established career with a wide variety of professional and volunteer experiences in non-profits, schools, and community agencies. Porscha has taught and developed social-emotional, wellness, DEI, and leadership classes along with trainings in topics including self-esteem development, child abuse, neglect, and family issues. She has also trained at the CWLA and NAIS People of Color conferences. With a background working with students who have experienced neglect and other family-related issues, Porscha is passionate about helping students find their voice and about strengthening family dynamics utilizing play therapy and other techniques. Outside of her professional activities, Porscha enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, cooking, baking, trying different foods, traveling, and spending time with her extended family and friends.
Officers:
Directors:
Michelle Brown Dodge, DSW, JD, LICSW, RPT-S is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in the use of play to treat children and families affected by trauma and intrafamily conflict and violence. She is the owner off JMD Counseling and Therapeutic Services, LLC and serves as an adjunct professor with Rutgers’ University School of Social Work. Michelle received her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College, graduate degrees in law and social worker from the Catholic University of America, and a Doctorate in Social Work from Rutgers University. Prior to entering private practice, she worked for the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and District of Columbia’s Department of Human Services. Michelle is a board member with the Legal Resource Center on Violence Against Women and the Montgomery County Family Law Roundtable. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, attending the theatre, and traveling with her family.
Training Committee:
