After graduating with my bachelor's degree in Child and Family Sciences from NMSU in 2003, I went on to obtain my master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of New Hampshire in 2005. I returned to Las Cruces and worked as a therapist in a variety of settings, including inpatient residential settings, community-based mental health agencies, and school-based health centers. Since 2008, I have provided clinical supervision to support other therapists in obtaining their licenses and have been the clinical director for three organizations, including Tafoya and Associates. In 2017, my husband and I purchased Tafoya and Associates, renamed the group to A New Hope Therapy Center, and began expanding our services to Las Cruces and the surrounding areas. I understand the need for the best clinical care in our community and am passionate about supporting this need for local therapists through supervision, consultation, and local workshops for therapists and counselors.

Jared Andes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapist. He obtained his Master of Social Work from the University of Utah. He is on the board for UAPT and the magazine committee for APT. Jared is a compassionate advocate with a genuine love of play and a heart dedicated to healing, Jared loves engaging in play therapy and teaching playful approaches to treating anxiety disorders, specializing in selective mutism for the last seven years. Outside of therapy, Jared enjoys running, hiking, gardening, traveling, and spending time with his wife and two children.

Liliana Baylon has a master’s degree in Counseling & Marriage, Family, & Child Therapy as well as an MBA from University of Phoenix in Colorado. Since entering the therapy field, Liliana has developed an interest and niche in treating children and families who have experienced trauma, abuse, and multicultural issues from an attachment lens. To better treat these populations, Liliana has received training in different modalities, some of which she is a trained educator. Liliana is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Synergetic Play Therapy Consultant, EFT Supervisor, EMDR Certified, TheraPlay Level 1, Independent Facilitator of the Becoming a Love and Logic Parent Curriculum, Bring Baby Home Gottman Trained Educator, Gottman Seven Principles Program Educator, Completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Liliana’s brings a unique cultural lens into her therapy and supervision sessions. Liliana is passionate about working with fellow mental health professionals to embrace curiosity, inspiration, and discover meaning to rise to their full potential from attachment and cultural lenses. Liliana offers workshops in the field of Mental Health and Cultural Opportunity for Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Teachers and Consultations for Agencies, Schools, Private Practices, Mental Health Centers, & Non-Profits in English, and Spanish.

Cary M. Hamilton is a LMHC-S, CMHS, RPT-S™, CDWF™ wife, and mother of two. She is Director of Play Therapy at Antioch University Seattle, Owner of a Group Practice Clinic, Olympia Therapy, and Past President of the Washington Association for Play Therapy 2022-23 and 2015-16. She is an author and international presenter on the topics of Play Therapy Theory, Skills & Methods, Supervision, Neurodiversity and Sensory Sensitivities and Play Therapy for the last 10 years. She has both the clinical and practical knowledge of the power of play therapy and neurodiversity through work and parenting children with neurodiversity for over 20 years. She provides parenting education around the world on her online platform Playful Wisdom. She believes a child's play is their life story of triumph and struggle, and curiosity drives them to discover, learn, and develop into their own unique beautiful self. The language of play is the heart of every human.

Rose is an experienced therapist with a career spanning over two decades, dedicated to helping children and families. In addition to her therapeutic expertise, she is as a writer, educator, EMDR consultant, registered play therapist supervisor, and synergetic play therapy supervisor. She also holds the role of a Being With Coach. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in attachment theory, mindfulness practices, the therapeutic powers of play, interpersonal neurobiology, and family systems theory. Rose is particularly passionate about integrating the healing power of nature and sand tray into her therapeutic work. She loves working with parents and offers consultation to therapists. Rose has co-edited and co-authored a book titled "Nature-Based Play and Expressive Therapies: Interventions for working with children, teens, and families.”

Meet Jennifer Shivey, a passionate and dedicated play therapist, group practice owner, LGBTQ+ advocate for youth, and international speaker and consultant. With a profound commitment to the emotional well-being of children and adolescents, Ms. Shivey has made significant contributions to the field of play therapy and mental health. Jennifer Shivey holds a MA in Community Counseling, is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, an Approved Clinical Supervisor and an Approved Provider with the Association for Play Therapy. Her journey into the world of play therapy began with a deep understanding of the power of play in facilitating communication and healing among young individuals. As a seasoned play therapist, Ms. Shivey has accumulated years of hands-on experience in using various therapeutic techniques tailored to the unique needs of each child. She firmly believes in the transformative impact of play in helping children express themselves, process emotions, and navigate challenges in a safe and supportive environment. Recognizing the importance of collaborative care, Ms. Shivey is the proud owner of a thriving group practice that specializes in child and adolescent mental health with a focus on supporting LGBTQ+ youth. The practice is a haven where highly trained therapists work together to create a holistic and personalized approach to address the diverse needs of young clients.. Ms. Shivey is a sought-after international speaker and consultant. She shares her expertise with mental health professionals, educators, caregivers and communities. Ms. Shivey’s presentations focus on the importance of play therapy, inclusive practices, and creating supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth around the world. Ms. Shivey continues to be a trailblazer in the field, striving to break down barriers and create a world where all children and adolescents feel seen, heard, and supported in their mental health journeys. Through her multifaceted roles, Ms. Shivey is leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of play therapy, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and mental health initiatives.

Jessica Stone, Ph.D., RPT-S, is a licensed psychologist working in a private practice setting. She has been a practitioner, professor, presenter, mentor, and author for more than 30 years. Dr. Stone’s interest in therapeutic digital tools, specifically using virtual reality, tablets, and consoles and AI, has culminated in clinical mental health use and research for mental health, medical, and crisis settings. She is the co-creator of the Virtual Sandtray App for iPad (VSA) and the Virtual Sandtray for Virtual Reality (VSA-VR). Dr. Stone is the past Chief Psychology Officer for AscendantVR, is a member of various boards, and serves as an affiliate of the East Carolina University College of Education Neurocognition Science Laboratory.

Jennifer Taylor is an LCSW-C and RPT-S with nearly 20 years experience in the field of social work. She is Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, an EMDR Approved Consultant, and a certified Journal to the Self Instructor. She is an adjunct instructor at the University of Memphis. Jennifer graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in 1999. She graduated from the Florida State University with a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work in 2005. Jennifer is licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Maryland and Florida. She has written three published chapters in play therapy books on topics like cooperative games, group play therapy supervision and nature-based family play therapy interventions.

Kamini Verma obtained her Master of Science in Social Work from the University Of Texas School Of Social Work in 2010. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Social Work Board Approved Supervisor in Texas, and a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor (RPT-S). She has 12+ years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families on topics related to healing from trauma and abuse, crisis intervention, creating home stability, adoption, anxiety, grief and loss, mindfulness and explorations of sexuality and identity. She is a Trust Based Relational Intervention® Certified Educator and completed Level One of Theraplay training. During her professional career, Kamini has worked as an advocate for children in the foster care system, in a neurobehavioral-focused residential treatment center, a community health clinic, and private practice before returning to her non-profit roots at a local counseling agency that serves all people and has a focus on military families. Kamini currently provides counseling to children ages 5-17 years, having been trained in a variety of treatment modalities, including play therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, Synergetic play therapy, Experiential play therapy and using sand tray in therapy. Her theory of practice is prescriptive and person-centered, leaning towards a more directive approach while ensuring a focus on what the client brings to, and needs from, session. Kamini also presents trauma-informed parent workshops within the community and her agency, as well as clinical trainings for therapists.

Waldo Winborn is a professional counselor at Winborn Wellness & Counseling and is independently licensed to practice in the state of New Mexico. He has decades worth of behavioral health experience and specializes in working with children and families who have suffered trauma. He is a Registered Play Therapist and certified in EMDR. Waldo is a recognized supervisor by the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board as well as the Board of Social Work Examiners. In 2009 Waldo and Renee Winborn, LCSW founded Winborn Wellness & Counseling, a group practice in Southern New Mexico. Together they built an agency that supports over 20 mental health clinicians and provides direct services in Grant, Hidalgo, Catron, and Luna counties. Today he continues as its clinical director and facilitates an environment of collaboration and support. For more information about Waldo or his work go to WinbornWC.com

Lynn Louise Wonders has been licensed and certified as a professional counselor and supervisor in the state of Georgia since 2007. She is a registered play therapist-supervisor, and since 2010 she has provided play therapy training, supervision, and consultation. She is the author of When Parents Are at War: A Child Therapist's Guide to Navigating High Conflict Divorce & Custody Cases, the therapeutic children's book series Miss Piper's Playroom, author of Jule Moved to a New House and a New School, Jolie Wants to Go Swimming: A Lesson in Patience, Breathe: A Coloring & Activity Book, co-author of Spark and His Screenagains, Sammy Saw Something on the Screen and co-editor of Nature-based Play & Expressive Play Therapies for Children & Families. She is the co-editor and author of Treatment Planning for Children & Families: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals. Ms. Wonders has been a certified teacher of mindfulness meditation, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Yoga since 1995. She is a certified AutPlay Therapist, a certified Pure Presence Practitioner, a Board Certified Coach providing Life Design Coaching, a Certified Canfield Success Trainer & Coach, a trained divorce and parenting coach. She is currently a psychology Ph.D. candidate at Saybrook University. Lynn is the founder and director of the Mindfulness-based Play Therapy Institute TM and Mindfulness-based Play Therapy TM.