Heart Play Institute’s Staff

Licenses and Certifications:

Licensed Mental Health Counselor MH 8230

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor #041836

Certified Holistic Health Coach

Education and Specialized Training:

Master of Science in Medical Sciences, Metabolic & Nutritional Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine

Thesis: A Metabolic Approach to Treating Psychiatric Syndromes: A Case Study on Psychological Stress, Systematic Inflammation, and the Enteric Nervous System.

Master of Health Science in Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Florida, College of Health Professions

Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, University of Florida, College of Health and Human Performance

Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

Institute for Integrative Nutrition in partnership with Columbia University’s Teachers College

Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Metabolic and Functional Medicine (FAAMFM) Modules I-VIII

Biology of Trauma Professionals Network

Study of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Polyvagal Informed Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Coaching, Dynamic Neural Retraining Program, Gupta Amygdala Retraining Program

Professional Experience:

Social Services Director, Christian Family Services – Gainesville

Lead Therapist, First Step Adolescent Services – Gainesville

Southern Regional Coordinator, HealthCorps – New York

Clinical Coordinator, Henry and Rilla White Youth Foundation Circuit 8 – Gainesville

Counseling Specialist and Wellness Educator, Santa Fe College –Gainesville

Wellness Consultant and Health Coach, Private Practice

Licenses and Endorsements:

Licensed Mental Health Counselor MH 11260, State of Florida Department of Health

Qualified Supervisor for Registered Mental Health Interns and Marriage and Family Interns, State of Florida Department of Health

Endorsed Child Parent Psychotherapy Provider, Nationally Rostered

Candidate for Endorsement of Infant Mental Health Mentor

Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer, obtained January 2019

Restorative Practices Trainer, obtained June 2022

Education and Certificates:

Masters in Counselor Education, Mental Health Counseling Track, University of Central Florida- Orlando

Masters in Non-profit Management, University of Central Florida- Orlando

Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy, University of Central Florida- Orlando

Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Central Florida- Orlando

Specialized Training in Children’s Mental Health Treatment:

Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with focus on Sexual Abuse Treatment Program within State of Florida

Child Parent Psychotherapy - 18 month training program to provide trauma treatment with parent and child. Working closely with the court system at times to work on reunification of parent and child.

Consultation and Reflective Supervision with Angie Hilken, LCSW since 2018 - current to meet needs for endorsement as Infant Mental Health Mentor

Professional Memberships:

Florida Association Infant Mental Health

Certifications and Education:

Registered Nurse (Multi-state)

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

Infant/Early Childhood Family Associate – (AIMHiTN)

Certified Mental Health Coach (AACC)

Perinatal Mood Disorders/Advanced Psychotherapy (PSI)

Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (ATI)

BS in Early Childhood Special Education (University of Alabama)

BS in Nursing (University of Alabama)

MA in Counseling (Reformed Theological Seminary)

Professional Experience:

Registered Nurse - 

South Seminole Hospital (Orlando Health) – Medical/Surgical Unit

Orlando Regional Medical Center (Orlando Health) – Cardiac PCU

Winnie Palmer Hospital (Orlando Health) – Mother/Baby Unit

Erlanger Baroness Hospital (Erlanger Health System) – Mother/Baby Unit

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant – 

Erlanger Health System

Mother/Baby, NICU, UT Pediatric Outpatient Lactation Clinic

Member of Family Advisory Council and Family Centered Care, offering a multidisciplinary    approach to care for parents/families in NICU

Parent Support, New Mother Support, and Bereavement Support Group Facilitator

Education and Credentials:

Education Doctorate in Early Childhood, Rutgers University

Masters Degree in Elementary Education, University of Florida

Infant Family Associate Endorsement, Florida Association of Infant Mental Health

Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, University of Florida

Florida Director’s Credential and Florida Childcare Professional Certification

Professional Experience:

Early Childhood Education Professor (Graduate Student)-Rutgers University

Director All Saints School (Infants through Kindergarten)

Executive Board Member Orlando Day Nursery

Executive Board Member Winter Park High School Foundation

Preschool Curriculum Resource Teacher

Elementary School Teacher