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.
Interested in learning more or joining the board?
Interim President
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 senior 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.
Check out their great offerings and consider supporting them with your business!
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 working as a School Based Mental Health Clinician at DC Department of Behavioral Health and is also the Owner/Therapist at her own private practice, KimCares Wellness Services, LLC. Ms. Ward graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2005. She is also is a Maryland Social Work Board Approved Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist (RPT), and Certified Reiki Master. Currently, Ms. Ward is working towards certification in EMDR, Brainspotting, and TF-CBT. In 2020, Ms. Ward completed and graduated from the Association for Play Therapy Leadership Academy. In her work, she incorporates mindfulness and is dedicated and committed to working with individuals of all ages and various backgrounds. During her spare time, she engages in self-care by reading books, watching movies and TV shows, going to comedy shows and concerts, traveling, engaging in art activities, connecting with friends, and spending time with her niece.
The Association for Play Therapy MD/DC Branch is comprised of its wonderful members and the following Directors and Officers:
