The Association for Play Therapy advances play therapy, the means by which licensed mental health professionals use developmentally appropriate play-based treatments to better communicate with and help clients, particularly children.
As the Washington State Branch, we understand play is important for the development and well being of children who have a plethora of issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. We are dedicated to promoting the use of play therapy in the community to all children who could benefit from this treatment.
By Jordan Klekamp, LMHC, RPT
From the Play Therapy Office of the WAAPT president:
I am honored to be serving as the board president for the Washington Association for Play Therapy this year. Now more than ever, in this time of health, economic, and racial uncertainty, the work each and everyone of us do is vitally important to the children and families we serve. From school closures to systemic injustice to changes in work status, families are struggling, and we have the incredible opportunity to support them with our knowledge and creativity. Play therapy has taken on many different forms during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet the heart and soul of our work remains the same: Promoting the Healing Power of Play in Washington.
About the President:
Jordan Klekamp is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Counselor Supervisor, and Registered Play Therapist in Seattle, Washington. Originally from the South and Midwest, Jordan was first exposed to play therapy in graduate school. When Jordan is not seeing clients or strengthening her own tele-play therapy skills, she can be found spending time with her family, reading, or caring for her newborn daughter, who was born this summer.
My goal is to build on the strong foundation my predecessors have laid:
2019-2020: Andrea Kunwald, LMFT
2018-2019: Jill Forsberg, LMFT, RPT-S
2017-2018: Annie Merriman, LMHC, RPT
2016-2017: Elizabeth Peixoto, MS, LMHC
2015-2016: Cary M. Hamilton MA, LMHC, CMHS, RPT-S
2014-2015: Becky Rudd PhD, LMFT, LMHC, RPT-S, NCC
2013-2014: Rosie Newman, MA, LMHC, RPT
2012-2013: Sean Orpen
2011- 2012: Amy Taylor
2010-2011: Gregory Oleson
2008-2010: Melissa Garthwaite