Our Presenters

Here, you can find the people who will teach the LEAPT-approved classes and provide Consultation and Evaluation required for certification

All instructors are certified by LEAPT and use LEAPT-approved materials

Kim Feeney

Kim Feeney is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. She has a private practice in Davenport, IA where she sees school-based and in-office cases. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa MSW program. Kim is also president of the Iowa Association for Play Therapy. Kim has a strong foundation in Adlerian Play Therapy. She also incorporates EMDR and Theraplay into her work with children. Kim subscribes to the HIPAA compliant Zoom and has it available for use in consultations.

Kim is an Approved Adlerian Play Therapy Consultant. Her charge for a consultation session is $125.

Neal Petersen

Neal Petersen is a licensed mental health counselor working and managing the agency New Directions Counseling Services in Waterloo, Iowa. He Graduated from Upper Iowa University’s counseling program. Neal is a strong believer in the Adlerian Play Therapy and is eager to explore new opportunities to add something unique to it. Outside of work Neal likes to engage in learning and participating in stories. Theatrical performing, gaming, reading, and film are all aspects of Neal’s personal life that he now brings back into his work to better connect with anyone who walks into his office.

Nikki Pauli

Nikole Pauli, LMHC, NCC, RPT-S

Nikki runs a successful private practice in her college turned home town of Cedar Falls, IA. She is passionate about walking alongside adults, children, families, and couples. In addition to counseling, Nikki serves as a high school youth director at Orchard Hill Church. As a former collegiate and professional track and field athlete, Nikki now uses that passion to coach high school hurdlers and teach classes at Ninja U, a ninja obstacle gym she co-owns with her husband, Jacob.

Outside of serving those in her community, Nikki enjoys spending time with her husband and their four children. You can find them enjoying the outdoors as often as possible or cuddled up reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Series of Unfortunate Events.

Nikki finds joy in time spent laughing with her people, dirtying her hands gardening, getting in a good work out, and enjoying good food.

Nikki is an Approved Adlerian Play Therapy Consultant. Her charge for a consultation session is $125.

Rebecca Dickinson

Rebecca Dickinson, PhD, LISW, RPT-S, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Northern Iowa. Rebecca teaches across both the undergraduate and trauma-informed specialization graduate program. Rebecca’s dissertation was a randomized-controlled trial, examining the effectiveness of group Adlerian play therapy. She has extensive experience practicing as a play therapist and specializes in working with current and former foster/adoptive youth and others who have experienced trauma. She operates a small private practice in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in addition to her university position.

Rebecca is an Approved Adlerian Play Therapy Consultant. Her charge for a consultation session is $125. Sliding scale available.

Sherri Cauthen

Sherri Cauthen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She is employed at a community mental health organization in Atlanta, Georgia. Sherri specializes in treating children and adolescents who’ve experienced difficulties with emotional regulation, impulse-control, complex trauma, grief and loss, anxiety and mood disorders. Sherri has over 20 years clinical experience, and received her MSW at The University of Maine. She has worked in multiple clinical settings, including community mental health, residential facilities, treatment foster care, and schools. In addition to working in community mental health, Sherri has a small private practice in Decatur, Georgia. Sherri presently serves as a committee member with the Association for Play Therapy and completed the Leadership Academy in 2020. When not working with children and families, Sherri enjoys watching true crime documentaries, traveling and listening to sports radio.

Sherri is an Approved Adlerian Play Therapy Consultant. Her charge for a consultation session is $125. Sliding scale available.

Terry Kottman

Terry Kottman, Ph.D., RPT-S, LMHC, developed Adlerian play therapy, an approach to working with children, families, and adults that combines the ideas and techniques of Individual Psychology and play therapy. She regularly teaches classes and writes about play therapy. She is the author of Play Therapy: Basics and Beyond, co-author (with Kristin Meany-Walen) of Partners in Play: An Adlerian Approach to Play Therapy (3rd ed.)and Doing Play Therapy: From Building the Relationship to Facilitating Change, and several other books. In 2014, she won the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Play Therapy, in 2017, she won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Iowa Association for Play Therapy, and in 2020, she was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology. She is also Jacob's mom and Rick's wife, the best accomplishments of her lifetime of striving.

Valerie Reyna

Valerie Reyna, MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S, C-AdPT

Valerie is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor in private practice in Colleyville, TX. Valerie graduated from the University of North Texas and is currently a doctoral candidate at Texas A&M Commerce. She has also been an elementary school teacher and counselor. Valerie is also completing her certification in Animal Assisted Play Therapy. Her private practice focuses on high conflict divorce and narcissistic abuse.

Valerie is an Approved Adlerian Play Therapy Consultant. Her charge for a consultation session is $125.