SHSU Counselor Education

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Garry L. Landreth, EdD, LPC, RPT-S. While the world knew him as a foundational pioneer, author, and beloved leader in the play therapy community, his greatest pride and joy was his family. Garry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and our thoughts are foremost with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

Garry dedicated his life to championing the emotional lives of children through his teaching, research, and unwavering mentorship that will continue to inspire generations of professionals. As the founder of the Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas and a longtime, cherished pillar of the Association for Play Therapy, Garry helped shape the play therapy profession from the ground up. His groundbreaking work in Child-Centered Play Therapy and his influential book, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship, taught us all how to truly connect with the healing power of a child's world.

To the APT community, Garry was so much more than a leader in play therapy. He shared his knowledge as a teacher, his wisdom as a mentor, and his heart as a friend. His strong sense of humility and deep belief in the capacity of every child to heal left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Garry’s remarkable legacy lives on through the thousands of clinicians, he trained the countless children and families touched by his legacy, and the gentle wisdom he brought to our field.

On behalf of the Association for Play Therapy, we extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, his former students, and all those around the world who are mourning this immense loss.

✨ Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jennifer Stover ✨
On Wednesday, June 10th, Dr. Jennifer Stover had the privilege of facilitating a full-day professional development training for Humble ISD school counselors titled:
🎓 “When Presence Matters: A Tiered Approach to School Counseling.”

Throughout the day, counselors explored the transformative power of presence in their work with students, families, and school communities. The training focused on how intentional, ethical, and culturally responsive presence can strengthen counseling services across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports while promoting counselor and student well-being and success.

Thank you to Humble ISD Counseling & Behavioral Services for the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, reflection, and learning with such a dedicated group of school counselors. Your commitment to showing up for students each day continues to make a lasting difference.

💙🧡 Together, we are creating schools where students feel seen, heard, valued, and supported.

Today’s school counseling interviews were a success! Thank you Dr. Branch for leading, coordinating, and executing with precision and excellence! Our faculty and students are blessed to have you!

A special thanks to our doctoral student Lela Bamberg for assisting this morning!

✨ Congratulations, Dr. Deanna Alcala! ✨
Today we proudly celebrate Dr. Deanna Alcala on earning her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision! This incredible accomplishment reflects years of dedication, scholarship, resilience, and commitment to advancing the counseling profession.
Dr. Alcala’s work and leadership embody the values of advocacy, service, and culturally responsive care. Her research and contributions to the field will continue to impact counselor education, supervision, and the communities she serves for years to come.
We are honored to celebrate this milestone and excited for the continued influence Dr. Alcala will have as a counselor educator, scholar, and leader.
Congratulations, Dr. Alcala—we are so proud of you! 🎓👏🏽💙🧡

🎓✨ Congratulations, Natalie Tabor! ✨🎓
We are proud to celebrate Natalie Tabor as she graduates with her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling!

As Natalie steps into this next chapter, we are excited to see the impact she will make in the lives of individuals, families, and communities through her work as a counselor.

Congratulations, Natalie—your future is full of purpose and possibility! 💙🧡🎉

✨ Congratulations, Iris Ortega! ✨
Please join us in celebrating Iris Ortega as she graduates with her M.Ed. in School Counseling! Iris has shown tremendous perseverance, heart, and dedication throughout her graduate journey.
We are so proud of her accomplishments and excited to see all that she will continue to achieve in the profession.

Congratulations, Iris! Wishing you continued success and impact! 🌟🧡💙