Board of Members

BOARD MEMBERS

Sarah Moran, LMFT, RPT-S

President

Sarah is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. She earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Antioch University Seattle in 2017. Sarah works at Olympia Therapy and specializes in working with children (ages 2+), families, and neurodivergent young adults. She has particular interest in working with individuals with ADHD and sensory processing challenges. Sarah is a Certified AutPlay® Therapy provider. She has co-authored two published chapters in play therapy textbooks from 2021, and actively is working on further publications. It is a pleasure to help spread the word about the power of play therapy through Washington state.

Cary Hamilton, MA, MFT, LMHC, CMHS, RPT-S

Past-President

Cary has been working with children since 1998, and specializes in the field of play therapy. She believes in investing time training and supporting the next generation of therapists. Cary is the owner and CEO of Olympia Therapy, LLC and the Director of Antioch Center for Play Therapy. She actively supervises new therapists and often finds herself presenting at play therapy workshops training both students and clinicians. Cary’s experiences in event planning and coordination, combined with proven business acumen are an asset to the Washington APT. Cary enjoys collaborating with fellow Board Members, to propel the Association forward on a course of advancement and expansion.

Heather Ramirez, LICSW, RPT, CMHS

Secretary

Heather is a Licensed Clinical Independent Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist and Child Mental Health Specialist. She earned her B.S. in Exercise Science and Psychology from Gonzaga University. She continued obtaining her Master’s Degree in Social Work and minor in Palliative Care from Eastern Washington University. After graduation, she worked for Child Protective Services and at Seattle Children’s Hospital. In 2016, she started providing therapy working with children, youth and families. Heather is passionate about serving those who have experienced abuse, neglect and other forms of trauma throughout their lives. Heather is also a Certified AutPlay® Therapy provider who furthermore enjoys working with neurodivergent populations.

Lisa Burress, MSW, LICSW, RPT

Treasurer

Lisa is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. She obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of North Dakota in 2016. Lisa currently works with clients in a private practice setting. Prior to this, Lisa worked with children, youth, and families in a variety of settings including; child care, afterschool programs, summer camps, foster care programs, juvenile hall, a youth shelter, a school-based mentor program, community mental health, and other community-based programs. She is a firm believer in the power of play in working with kids and families. She is excited to spread awareness to families and other providers, as well as empowering and encouraging providers who experience burnout.

Fondra Magee, M.Ed., SB-RPT

Eastern Washington Outreach Director

Fondra is a School Based Registered Play Therapist. She obtained her B.S. in Elementary Education from Union University in Jackson, TN. She also received her M.Ed in School Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University located in Hammond, LA. Fondra has taught in classrooms and been an elementary school counselor in public schools in four states. She is currently a school counselor at Stevens Elementary in Spokane Public Schools. Fondra’s love and passion for the art therapy began when her TN school district sent her to the tenth annual International Play Therapy Conference in Atlanta, GA in 1993. The very next year, she and her colleagues were thrilled to spend a weekend with Dr. Garry Landreth and by the next year, she found herself on the TN Association for Play Therapy board of directors. Fondra’s passion for play therapy in the school setting, has been filled with unforgettable relationships with the children she has served.

Alexandria Scalone, LMFTA

Western Washington Networking Director

Alexandria Scalone is an Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from University of Oregon. She received a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Play Therapy Certificate from Antioch University Seattle. Alexandria is currently a child and family therapist at Encourage Family Therapy PLLC. Alexandria has a passion for Adlerian Play Therapy. She uses its creative ways to support children and their families through different life cycle phases. When Alexandria is not working, she can be found spending time with friends, or outside either rowing, hiking, or biking around the city of Seattle.

Lisa Dean, LMFT, RPT

Membership Director

Lisa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. She graduated with her B.A. in Psychology from Western Washington University. She continued her education by obtaining her M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in 2009. Lisa has worked with kids and families in various settings including; summer camps, group homes, foster care, schools, clinics and now through private practice. When Lisa is not helping individuals and families, you will find her out traveling, reading or supporting her favorite local sports teams. Go Sounders, Seahawks, and OL Reign!

Celia Courser, LMFTA

Newsletter Creator

Celia Courser is an Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Sports Psychology from Western Washington University. Celia obtained her Master’s Degree in Couples and Family Therapy with a Play Therapy Certificate from Antioch University in Seattle. Throughout her life, Celia has volunteered and worked with children, adults, and families. She has worked in a variety of environments, some of which include: church camps, nursing homes, hospitals, and foster care. Currently she works with children, individuals, and families in a group practice. When Celia is not supporting children and families, she can be found hiking with her wife and dog, watching Grey’s Anatomy, or singing along to Disney!

Monica Shallow, LICSW

Conference Chair

Monica is a Licensed Clinical Independent Social Worker working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist. She graduated with her B.S. in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2015. Monica earned an MSW from the University of Southern California in 2017 and completed her play therapy certificate from Antioch University in 2022. Monica has worked as a home-based therapist with children and families involved in Child Protective Services. She has experience as a school-based therapist with elementary school children through a community mental health program. She now can be found working in private practice. Monica fell in love with Play Therapy, as she feels like it is respectful and honoring of children. Outside of the playroom, Monica is home with her family, or out in the lavender field at her family farm.