Dianne Nicholas

Dianne Nicholas, MS, LMFT, is a licensed marriage family therapist and a Certified Theraplay® Practitioner, Supervisor, and Trainer. She holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Counseling from California State University, Northridge and a BA in Psychology with a minor in Developmental Psychology. She has worked extensively with children and families in the child-welfare system and specializes in attachment focused treatment for childhood trauma and abuse. Dianne has completed intensive training in Dyadic Development Psychotherapy with Daniel Hughes, PhD, trained in Trauma Focused-CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR). Dianne held the position of Clinical Director and Supervisor at a non-profit agency until recently taking on a position as a Consultant to Children & Family Services with the objective of promoting Trauma-Informed Best Practice within the agency. Dianne resides in Ventura, CA where she has a private practice. She views Theraplay as an integral component toward developing the relationship bond between the children and caregivers she sees in therapy. Dianne can be reached at [email protected].

Julianna Wesolowski

Ms. Wesolowski is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has been a part of the Theraplay® community since 2013. She’s experienced in providing therapy and support for children of all ages, and particularly enjoys working with young children and their caregivers to encourage healing and growth as well as bonding and resiliency in relationships. Ms. Wesolowski views therapy as a space for children and their parents to experience the connection, understanding, mutual joy, and attunement necessary for positive emotional and behavioral change.

In addition to Theraplay, Ms. Wesolowski uses a variety of interventions adapted to achieve the desired goals of the children and families with whom she works, including Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), TF-CBT, and Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS). Ms. Wesolowski has received extensive training on child development, early attachment, self-regulation and parenting, as well as issues of child trauma and exposure to violence. She has specific training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and has a special interest in supporting families following the addition of a new child to the family. Ms. Wesolowski received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Marquette University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. 

Allison Levine

Allison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. Allison completed her graduate training at Children’s Memorial Hospital and spent several years working as the social worker in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Northwestern Memorial Prentice Hospital. Allison worked for many years as The Theraply® Institute’s Clinic Manager, Attachment Matters program coordinator, and a Staff Therapist at The Theraplay Clinic. Allison is a co-founder of Healing Space Therapy, a child and family therapy practice in Chicago, IL, where she currently works. Allison’s areas of expertise and interests include medical trauma, anxiety, adjustment to chronic illness, transition to parenthood, family transition/separation/divorce, and grief and loss. Allison uses a strengths-based approach and a holistic care lens when working with families and, in addition to Theraplay, Allison is trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Yoga-Informed Psychotherapy, and Narrative Therapy. Allison is passionate about helping families through crisis, and her calming, reassuring nature allows children and parents to feel comfortable and understood. Allison earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her Master of Art in Social Work at the University of Chicago. She can be reached at [email protected]

Marlo Winstead

is a certified Theraplay Practitioner and Trainer. She is currently a Ph.D. student and Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Kansas, a faculty member and clinical supervisor in MidAmerica Nazarene University’s Play Therapy Program, and is the CEO of Enriching Families, LLC.  Marlo has served in a clinical capacity with birth, foster, and adoptive families who have experienced trauma and loss, individuals suffering from eating disorders, adults with severe and persistent mental illness, Head Start violence prevention programs, and urban youth. Marlo is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and has extensive training in various therapeutic modalities. Including Non-Directive and Directive Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Theraplay, Sandtray, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Circle of Security, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Narrative Therapy. She has been working with children, adolescents and families in a range of settings and environments for more than a decade. 

In addition to research and direct practice Marlo provides supervision for clinicians around the world seeking professional and personal growth. Some supervisees are working toward licensure, others obtaining their RPT or Theraplay Certification, and professionals focused on increasing the efficacy of their practice. Marlo is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers; she served on the National Child Welfare Committee for two terms. She is a member of The Theraplay Association and The Association for Play Therapy. Marlo is a graduate of APT’s Leadership Academy, served as chair of the Leadership Committee (2010-2011), and has been a member of the Registration and Continuing Education Committee for almost five years. Marlo is currently serving a three year term as a member of the The International Journal of Play Therapy Editorial Board. Marlo currently resides in Tallahassee, FL and can be reached at [email protected].