Play & Animal-Assisted Therapy in Longmont, CO
Welcome!
At Animal Heart Play Therapy, I work with kids, teens, parents, and young adults as they navigate life’s messy, beautiful, and oftentimes really hard moments. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT). I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Denver in 2021 with a specialty in working with children and youth and a certificate in Animal-Assisted Social Work. My work is grounded in developmental, systems, and attachment theories, while also incorporating play therapy, EMDR, Animal-Assisted Play Therapy®, and dialectical behavioral therapy. I believe healing can look like talking, playing, laughing, crying, processing hard things, petting a dog, creating worlds in the sand tray, or all of the above.
I’ve been working with kids and teens for about ten years through internships, field work, and clinical practice—and these days, I get to do it alongside my very important coworker and trained therapy dog, Kya (who takes her snack breaks very seriously).
I’m passionate about helping clients feel more connected, confident, and understood while building resilience and creating meaningful change in their lives. My approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based, LGBTQ+ allied, and neurodivergent affirming.
When I'm not helping my clients, I am baking, reading, quilting, playing with my dogs, and taking photos! I'm also not-so-secretly obsessed with cows and hope to open up an animal-assisted therapy farm someday.
Grief & Loss
Parenting
ADHD
What I Help With When Life Gets Challenging
Let me help carry the hard parts of life. Every person’s story is unique, and therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. I support children, teens, young adults, and families through a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and life challenges with warmth, curiosity, and compassion (and sometimes a therapy dog nearby, too).
Trauma
School Stress
Autism
Anxiety
Behavior Challenges
Mood Challenges
Depression
Adoption
Divorce/Separation
How We Work Together
I Lead with Play & Creative Expression
Childhood is a language of its own, and play is its primary dialect. I meet kids/teens where they are, using toys, art, and games to help them express things that words simply can't capture yet.
I Value the Whole Family
I don't just work with your child; I work with you. We'll collaborate closely to understand the patterns at home and build a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and connected.
I Focus on Connection
Healing happens through relationship. My goal is to create a safe, warm space where you or your child feels completely seen and accepted, allowing their natural heart to start opening up.
Competence Is Key
I value ongoing learning, consultation, and evidence-based practices so I can provide care that is thoughtful, effective, and tailored to each person's unique needs.