06/02/2026
OMGoodness! I've been so incredibly busy these last few weeks that I never got around to making my appreciation post. 🤦🏽♀️
Two weeks ago, clinicians traveled from near and far to gather together for two days of learning, playing, building, creating and unapologetically geeking out. And honestly I'm still sitting with the impact of it all.
What made these two days so powerful wasn't the the activities, my playlist or even the mountains of bricks. It was the people.
It was the vulnerability in the room. The stories that were shared. The moments of laughter that had us all in tears and the moments of tears that reminded us why we do this work in the first place.
To everyone who attended, thank you. Thank you for showing up fully. Thank you for your curiosity, your willingness to play, your incredible insights and your trust. Every training takes on a life of its own because of the people in the room and this group created something truly special.
This event was especially meaningful because some very special people were there with me, including one of my best friends, Amy Nelson, LCSW, LSCSW, RPT-S. Amy flew all the way to Illinois to help make this vision a reality. She moved mountains of bricks, offered encouragement when I needed it most and shared in every meaningful moment along the way.
Amy, I don't think I can adequately express how grateful I am. Thank you for your friendship, your support, your generosity and your love. There were so many moments throughout those two days that feel almost impossible to explain. But you were there so you know.
Thank you to every person who helped make those two days unforgettable. You reminded me why I love this work so much.
Here's to what we've built together and to everything that's still to come. 💕💕💕💕💕
Photo description:
Collage of photos from a play therapy training and friendship-filled conference experience. Images include a colorful toy shop sign that reads “Let’s Play,” Amy Nelson smiling in front of a Let’s Play Therapy Institute welcome display, a custom engraved Let’s Play Therapy Institute wooden keychain, a superhero-themed photo backdrop with colorful wings, Sophia Ansari and Amy Nelson smiling together in front of a wall of suspended books, and a classroom activity where participants build a large archway from construction bricks topped with a Superman figure. The collage is set against a soft pink background decorated with hearts and highlights themes of creativity, play, learning, friendship, and community.
