ALASKA - Key Persons

Betsy is a lifelong Alaskan who earned her MSW degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2010, and RPT in 2019. Betsy worked within a residential treatment facility in California prior to returning to Alaska to attend graduate school. Betsy classifies herself as a "prescriptive play therapist" providing the flexibility to meet a child where they are at and guiding families to meet their emotional needs. Styles of play include but are not limited to: child-centered play therapy, directive play therapy, behavior management, sand tray therapy, art/music, bibliotherapy as well as Filial Therapy. Regardless of her approach, Betsy includes the family throughout the process for a full systems approach towards achieving goals set at the start of their therapeutic journey. Betsy currently lives in Anchorage with her husband, two children and their dogs. They enjoy camping throughout the summer and spending time with extended family here in Alaska. Betsy is excited to be part of the AKAPT as Vice President and looks forward to connecting with all those ready to PLAY!

Job Titles:

• Licensed Professional Counselor

Gladys Robards is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. Gladys has a passion for helping children, adults and families overcome difficulties. In her clinical role, she has worked predominately with Severely Emotionally Disturbed and traumatized children evidencing behavioral and developmental challenges. She currently provides counseling and psychotherapy services through private practice in Anchorage. Gladys Graduated from the University of Alaska, Anchorage with a Master's of Science in Clinical Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Children's Mental Health. In her free time, Gladys enjoys spending time with her family. Some of her favorite hobbies include camping, biking, softball and hosting pickle ball tournaments.

Lindsey Rhett is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both the state of Alaska and Arizona. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Oregon and her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. She received her RPT in May of 2020 and is the newest member of the AKAPT family. Lindsey specializes in working with early childhood trauma and has extensive training in mindfulness-based play family therapy. She is a Roster Child Parent Psychotherapist and prefers working with the 0-8 population. She has worked in community mental health for the past 10 years and is currently working in both the Anchorage and Mat-Su Valley community mental health systems. When she is not traveling between job sites, Lindsey enjoys hiking, camping, and being outside with her husband and two children.