College of Education and Health Professions faculty member Kristi Perryman was recently named chair-elect for the national Association for Play Therapy's (APT) Board of Directors.

Perryman is an associate professor of counselor education and director and founder of the Office of Play Therapy Research and Training.

In her new leadership position, Perryman will play a pivotal role in advancing APT's mission to support the professional development, research and credentialing of those dedicated to the growth of play therapy as a vital therapeutic approach.

Licensed mental health professionals can use play to help clients better describe and resolve their problems. It's particularly effective with children because they use play to communicate their ideas and feelings.

The APT board has 10 members, including nine elected professionals and a non-voting CEO. Members meet twice a year to assess trends, identify emerging issues and approve strategies aligned with APT's mission. To improve efficiency and transparency, APT has transitioned to a policy board using the Policy Governance© system, which clarifies roles, accountability and decision-making.

Perryman has more than 20 years of experience in the field of play therapy as a professional school counselor and licensed professional counselor. Her experience includes working as a special education teacher, elementary counselor and middle school counselor, as well as a private practice practitioner and counselor educator.

The Office of Play Therapy Research and Training offers graduate-level coursework to students enrolled in the Counselor Education and Supervision Program, enabling them to become registered play therapists. Students learn in a state-of-the-art playroom and conduct research in the field of play therapy as they work with children in schools and community agencies. The office also hosts an annual conference with nationally recognized speakers for students and mental health professionals across Arkansas and surrounding states.