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About us
Natalie Astin
President
Kia ora, I live in Wānaka with my husband and children. I am a CCPT-S (supervisor member), registered psychotherapist and CCPT trainer. I discovered CCPT while on my own parenting journey. Everything I learned felt so right and resonated with me on a deep level. I decided to train in CCPT because of the impact and benefit my family experienced. I love swimming in lakes and rivers, singing, Zumba and being in nature with my family.
Read my welcome blog here: Haere Mai!
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Frankie Dean
Treasurer
Kia ora, I'm Frankie and I am a CCPT-S (supervisor member), registered psychotherapist and CCPT trainer. I have a background in early childhood teaching and special teaching needs. I trained in child-centred play therapy in 2014 after seeing so many young children needing more emotional support, and showing their distress through their behaviour. I am passionate about raising plants, nature and gardening and helped establish Kids' Edible Gardens in Christchurch in 1999. I sing acapella and write, and enjoy relaxing with a good novel.
Taryn Metz
Secretary
More coming soon....
Karen Elliot
Ethics Officer
Kai Ora
I live in Lower Hutt and work part time as a child centred play therapist. I work for Barnardos the rest of the time as a Social Worker. I discovered CCPT when I was researching play therapists for a young person. I saw the CPW website and read the information and decided that I wanted to train. It has taken me a few years but have finally completed all my requirements to graduate and I will very soon become a provisional member working towards becoming registered.
I live in Lower Hutt and work part time as a child centred play therapist. I work for Barnardos the rest of the time as a Social Worker. I discovered CCPT when I was researching play therapists for a young person. I saw the CPW website and read the information and decided that I wanted to train. It has taken me a few years but have finally completed all my requirements to graduate and I will very soon become a provisional member working towards becoming registered.
HayleyBurwell
Bicultural Officer
More coming soon....
Lucy Robins
Memberships Officer
Kia Ora, I'm Lucy, a Child-Centered Play Therapist (Intern), registered teacher and mother. From my curated, therapeutic play space in Albert Town, I help and support families by enabling positive growth through Child-Centered Play Therapy.
My teaching career of over 15 years in both Early Childhood and Primary settings has taught me that children learn and grow most effectively in an environment that promotes positive and caring relationships. I have found that this translates to all areas of life and believe that whatever our age and stage, well-being is a blend of mental, emotional and physical health - something that is often easier said than achieved!Through my teaching career I often saw the need for more emotional support for both children and their families - and so embarked on a new journey, training as a Child Centered Play Therapist with ChildPlayWorks. I wholeheartedly believe in the modality of CCPT as a gentle, positive, and effective way to support and grow our children through difficult and unsettling times.
My teaching career of over 15 years in both Early Childhood and Primary settings has taught me that children learn and grow most effectively in an environment that promotes positive and caring relationships. I have found that this translates to all areas of life and believe that whatever our age and stage, well-being is a blend of mental, emotional and physical health - something that is often easier said than achieved!Through my teaching career I often saw the need for more emotional support for both children and their families - and so embarked on a new journey, training as a Child Centered Play Therapist with ChildPlayWorks. I wholeheartedly believe in the modality of CCPT as a gentle, positive, and effective way to support and grow our children through difficult and unsettling times.
Odette Fourie
Communication Officer & Events
Kia ora, I live in the Manawatū with my husband and our two tamariki. I’ve always been guided by empathy and a deep desire to support others, which led me to a career in social work, and now I’ve found my passion in Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT).
I enjoy building meaningful connections and continuing to learn about tamariki and CCPT. In this role, I’m looking forward to supporting play therapists by creating opportunities for community, collaboration, and ongoing training.
I enjoy building meaningful connections and continuing to learn about tamariki and CCPT. In this role, I’m looking forward to supporting play therapists by creating opportunities for community, collaboration, and ongoing training.
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Debbie Mills
Events Coordinator
Kia ora, I live in Ngatea (Hauraki Plains) with my three children. Ngatea is also the home of my private practice ‘Ripples’. I’m a CCPT member, Child, Youth & Family Therapist and Group Facilitator, currently in my final year of a master’s degree in child Play Therapy. I’m passionate about supporting children, youth and families affected by physical/mental illness and trauma, specializing in the dying process, grief and bereavement.
I enjoy hiking, relaxing in the spa with my children and curling up on the sofa watching a good movie!
I enjoy hiking, relaxing in the spa with my children and curling up on the sofa watching a good movie!