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 Vice President and looks forward to connecting with all those ready to PLAY!

Audra is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor and Play Therapist Supervisor trained in Filial Play Therapy and EMDR, and certified in TF-CBT and Trauma Informed Expressive Arts Therapy. For almost 20 years, she has worked in mental health- outpatient settings, community mental health, school settings, CAC (child advocacy center), and crisis responding in the field. Currently, Audra holds a private practice in Anchorage, with Telehealth options, seeing youth, adults and families since 2013.  Audra appreciates spending time with her blended family and takes pride in her community. She enjoys walking her Great Pyrenees, Maisey, cross-country skiing, yoga, traveling, reading, playing, art, and being outside. 

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.  

Erin has been calling Juneau, AK home for almost 10 years. Erin is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist, Certified FirstPlay Practitioner, and Master Addictions Counselor. Erin’s passion is being of service to parents adjusting to parenthood, infant-caregiver bonding/attachment, and children/ teen mental health. Erin’s foundation in play therapy is child-centered and attachment- based, with prescriptive interventions based on client needs. Erin enjoys incorporating Theraplay activities, Playful EMDR, sandtray, and expressive arts into sessions. Erin graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2011 and since then has clinical experience working in school, outpatient, crisis services, residential, and inpatient settings. Erin currently serves the community in her private practice, with rewarding opportunities to contract with local agencies. In her free time, Erin enjoys process painting, reading, being in nature, foraging, and running around the playground with her family!

Gladys Robards is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. 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.