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About Us

The New Jersey Association for Play Therapy (NJAPT) is a proud state branch of the Association for Play Therapy (APT), dedicated to advancing the field of play therapy across New Jersey. We aim to promote the therapeutic powers of play by supporting credentialed play therapists and fostering public understanding of play therapy’s unique impact on the mental, emotional, and social well-being of children and families from diverse backgrounds. NJAPT serves as a professional community for play therapists and other mental health professionals to connect, learn, and grow.

We are committed to providing training opportunities to enhance practitioners' play therapy skills and knowledge, as well as offering networking and outreach events to cultivate a sense of community throughout the state. In addition, NJAPT emphasizes ethical, research-informed practice and strives to advocate for diverse, equitable, and culturally affirming approaches within the field. Whether you are a play therapist, a student, or an advocate for child mental health, NJAPT welcomes your participation in our mission to harness the power of play for healing and growth across New Jersey.

Meet Our Board

Executive Officers

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President

Yi-Ju Cheng

PhD, LPC, NCC, RPT, Certified CCPT/CPRT Supervisor & Trainer

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Vice President

Judith Smith

MSW, LCSW, RPT

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Secretary

Laurel Mallon 

LPC, ACS, RPT

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Treasurer

Demi Banchs

MA, LPC, RPT

Board Members

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Lisa Zaffarese

MS, LPC, NCC, RPT, ACS

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Joanne Dunnigan

LCSW, RPT-S

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Mercedez Ruiz

MA, LAC, NCC

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Victoria Jonczyk

MS, LAC, NCC

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Enter into children's play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet. â€‹

Virgnia Axline

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