Rachel Altvater, Psy.D., RPT-S
Dr. Rachel Altvater (Psy.D., RPT-S™) is a multi-award winning, pioneering expert, leader, researcher, international trainer, author, and supervisor in the field of play therapy. She is a licensed psychologist and holds national certifications as a Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor™ and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is the owner of Creative Psychological Health Services, past president of the Maryland/DC Association for Play Therapy, editorial advisory board member for the International Journal of Play Therapy®, Board of Directors member for the Foundation for Play Therapy, clinical advisory board member for PlaySpace, and clinical consultant for Hopscotch. Dr. Altvater authored the book Perspective: Contemplating the Complexities of Our Realities, published her research in the International Journal of Play Therapy® on technology use in play therapy, and is a contributing author in numerous scholarly texts on implementing digital technologies in play therapy practice.
Victoria Kennedy-Adkins, Psy.D.
Dr. Victoria Kennedy-Adkins (Psy.D.) is a compassionate clinician and emerging leader in the field of play therapy. She is a Post-Doctoral Fellow and Registered Psychology Associate in Maryland, with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University of Maryland. Dr. Kennedy-Adkins specializes in supporting children, adolescents, and families in therapy through a person-centered, playful approach that fosters emotional healing, communication, and resiliency. She has trained extensively at renowned institutions, including Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and Geisinger Medical Center, and has presented research on parental technoference and preschool social competence. As a mentee of Dr. Rachel Altvater and a member of the Board of Directors for the Maryland/DC Association for Play Therapy, Dr. Kennedy-Adkins is dedicated to advancing play therapy advocacy in her local communities. Whether she’s advocating for the power of play in her community, exploring the endless utility of the digital realm, or co-creating meaningful change in the therapy, Dr. Kennedy-Adkins is passionate about helping children and families build resilience, connection, and joy.