Betsy Atkins LCSW, RPT-S | President
Betsy is a lifelong Alaskan who earned her MSW degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2010, and RPT in 2019. Betsy worked within a residential treatment facility in California prior to returning to Alaska to attend graduate school. Betsy classifies herself as a “prescriptive play therapist” providing the flexibility to meet a child where they are at and guiding families to meet their emotional needs. Styles of play include but are not limited to: child-centered play therapy, directive play therapy, behavior management, sand tray therapy, art/music, bibliotherapy as well as Filial Therapy. Regardless of her approach, Betsy includes the family throughout the process for a full systems approach towards achieving goals set at the start of their therapeutic journey.
Betsy currently lives in Anchorage with her husband, two children and their dogs. They enjoy camping throughout the summer and spending time with extended family here in Alaska. Betsy is excited to be part of the AKAPT as President and looks forward to connecting with all those ready to PLAY!
Emily Wagner, LPC, CDC II | Past President
Emily completed her master’s in counseling psychology at the University of Kansas. She is a licensed professional counselor and chemical dependency counselor II in the state of Alaska, as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor. Her experience includes working with youth in residential treatment, providing outpatient treatment focusing on addiction in adults, treating trauma, providing supportive services for military families, and working in community mental health. She works in community mental health with Alaska Native youth and families.
Emily has been involved with the board of the Alaska Association for Play Therapy since 2019. She has served as both Vice President and President in the past. She is actively working towards her RPT and is motivated to bring new and exciting trainings to Alaska for all providers that work with children. In her free time, Emily enjoys camping, fishing, cycling, and crafting.
Audra York, MS, LPC-S, RPT -S | Vice President
Audra York is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor and Play Therapist Supervisor. She holds dual bachelor degrees in Psychology and Sociology, and a master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. Audra has provided counseling in a variety of settings including CAC (child advocacy center), school, community and crisis responding in the field. She specializes in working with child sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect, and LGBTQIA+ community. Audra currently holds a private practice seeing youth and adults for the past 10 years.
Audra lives in Anchorage with her family and dog Maisey, a Great Pyrenees. In her free time she enjoys cross-country skiing, yoga, reading, and playing outside.
Gladys Robards LPC-S, RPT | Treasurer
Gladys Robards is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist. Gladys has a passion for helping children, adults and families overcome difficulties. In her clinical role, she has worked predominately with Severely Emotionally Disturbed and traumatized children evidencing behavioral and developmental challenges. She currently provides counseling and psychotherapy services through private practice in Anchorage. Gladys Graduated from the University of Alaska, Anchorage with a Master’s of Science in Clinical Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Children’s Mental Health. In her free time, Gladys enjoys spending time with her family. Some of her favorite hobbies include camping, biking, softball and hosting pickle ball tournaments.
Lindsey Rhett, LPC, RPT | Member at Large
Lindsey Rhett is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both the state of Alaska and Arizona. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Oregon and her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. She received her RPT in May of 2020 and is the newest member of the AKAPT family. Lindsey specializes in working with early childhood trauma and has extensive training in mindfulness-based play family therapy. She is a Roster Child Parent Psychotherapist and prefers working with the 0-8 population. She has worked in community mental health for the past 10 years and is currently working in both the Anchorage and Mat-Su Valley community mental health systems. When she is not traveling between job sites, Lindsey enjoys hiking, camping, and being outside with her husband and two children.
Clair Sportsman, LMSW | Member at Large
Clair Sportsman is a Licensed Master Social Worker and is currently working towards her RPT. Clair earned her MSW degree from Durham University, England in 2012. Her experience includes youth work, working with families impacted by domestic violence, hospice, and school-based services. She currently provides counseling and psychotherapy services as a school-based provider providing services to elementary school and middle school students in the Mat-Su Valley. Clair resides in the Mat-Su Valley with her husband, two children and their three dogs. In her free time, Clair enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dogs, reading, watching movies and playing video games.
Marita Bailey, LPC – S, MAC, CDC I, ECMH-E(III) | Secretary
Marita Bailey is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Master Addiction Counselor, endorsed in Clinical Early Child Mental Health, and pursuing her RPT. Marita moved to Sitka, Alaska from Michigan in 2010 after completing her degree in counseling. She has been the Clinical Director at Sitka Counseling since 2012, maintaining a client caseload specializing in children ages 0-7, working to shape policies, train the next generation of counselors, and advocate for systemic and policy change at the state level within the field of behavioral health. Marita has extensive training in play therapy, grounding herself in attachment theory. She believes a parent’s engagement in their child’s therapy is essential to the overall success of treatment and strives to incorporate caregivers in all aspects of counseling. Marita enjoys traveling, reading, connecting with friends and family, and immersing herself in nature.
Rebecca Davis, LCSW | Member at Large
Rebecca Davis was born and raised in Anchorage, AK and graduated from East High School. She left for college and received a BA from Pacific Lutheran University and a MSW from University of Washington. She has been in the field of mental health since 2002 and has worked in a variety of settings. Her experience ranges from substance abuse, early intervention, community mental health, residential programs, and juvenile justice. Her passion is working with teens and families. In her free time, she spends time with her family and my dog Sam. She also practices yoga and enjoys spending time outside daily.