ABOUT AAPT
AAPT is dedicated to the advancement of psychosocial development and mental health of the citizens of Alabama through play and play therapy.
Our Story
We support mental health professionals, supervisors, and students who serve children, adolescents, and families—promoting excellence in practice and access to high-quality play therapy training statewide.
Play is a child’s language. We help professionals learn to listen.
AAPT was founded in the early 1990s through the vision and leadership of Karla Carmichael, Ph.D., who began teaching Play Therapy at the University of Alabama in 1991.
Through tireless dedication, Alabama became one of the first two state branches in the United States to be chartered by the national Association for Play Therapy (APT) in 1993.
This pioneering spirit still defines AAPT today.
Growing Play Therapy Across Alabama
What began as small peer meetings in donated spaces quickly grew into a statewide organization known for:
High-quality continuing education
Regional and statewide workshops
Nationally recognized presenters
Strong professional collaboration
AAPT was later honored with the APT Gold Branch Award, recognizing outstanding performance among state chapters nationwide.
Today, Alabama has expanded from one university offering play therapy coursework to five, increasing access to training and professional development across the state.
Our Goals
Together, we strengthen the mental health of Alabama’s children—one playroom at a time.
Promote the understanding and value of play and play therapy
Recognize, incorporate and preserve diversity in play therapy
Encourage the effective practice of play therapy through training, research, and support
Develop and maintain a strong professional organization to accomplish these objectives
Organization
The Alabama Association for Play Therapy, Inc. (AAPT) is the only state branch affiliated with the Association for Play Therapy, Inc in Alabama. The Association is a separate entity from APT, but holds the same purpose.
The Association is a nonprofit and nonpartisan Alabama Business League that conducts all its affairs in conformance with local, state and federal laws that apply to an organization in accordance with section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service code.
AAPT provides
APT-approved continuing
education opportunities
Statewide and regional training events
Professional networking and
peer connection
Advocacy for play therapy best practices
We are also proud to offer the Karla Carmichael Grant, supporting research and projects that advance play therapy and honor our founder’s lasting legacy.
MEET OUR
BOARD MEMBERS
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Shay Dobbins
PRESIDENT
Oxford, AL -
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Sarah Knapp
PRESIDENT - ELECT
Birmingham, AL -
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Angela Mains
PAST-PRESIDENT
Birmingham, AL -
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Larry Daniels
SECRETARY
Mobile, AL -
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Kaylie Pennington
TREASURER
Athens, AL -
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Kourtney Bilbo
IT & TECH
Birmingham, AL -
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Dana Holtz
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Birmingham, AL -
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Cadara Parks
REGIONAL WORKSHOPS
Huntsville, AL -
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Lisa Patterson
CE & REGISTRATION
Andalusia, AL
Supporting Growth & Professional Excellence
To recognize outstanding contributions and encourage innovation, AAPT established the Karla Carmichael Grant—named in honor of our founder—to support research and projects that expand play therapy’s reach and impact.
In 2007, AAPT earned the Gold Branch Award from the national Association for Play Therapy in recognition of superior performance among state chapters—a testament to our commitment to quality, education, and outreach.
Looking Ahead
The future of AAPT is shaped by the professionals serving children and families in their own communities. From regional trainings to peer-led networks, our members continue to expand the reach and impact of play therapy throughout Alabama.
We invite you to be part of that story.
Play Therapy Associations in Neighboring States
Click on the following links to access information from play therapy associations in neighboring states: