Play is absolutely essential for children, youth and families of all kinds. Two Grand Rapids women who know and understand this well have now been honored the Michigan Association of Play Therapy for their work and advocacy in the realm of play therapy.
On Thursday, February 27 in Lansing, Jacqueline Scherer, LMSW, RPT™, was honored as Play Therapist of the Year, and Abbie Marr, principal at Ken-O-Sha Elementary School, was honored with the Friend of Play Therapy Award.
In addition to treating hundreds of children herself through play-based therapies, Scherer founded a nonprofit organization called THE PLAYGROUNDgr to make this innovative mental health treatment option accessible to more children in West Michigan, and partners like Marr have helped make it possible.
"Play Therapy heals, yet few have access. Why?" asked Scherer, who has been working with children, youth and families for more than 20 years. "I am here to change that! Play Therapy should be accessible to all, regardless of insurance, costs or transportation limitations. I am proud to have founded THE PLAYGROUNDgr so that Play Therapy is available in our community and most importantly, free to our community. The research is clear—play heals—and all of our neighbors should have access to it."
Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Scherer and Abbie Marr.
Much of Scherer's programming takes place through partnerships with schools and community organizations. As the principal of Ken-O-Sha Elementary School, Marr has embraced Play Therapy and its principles as a vital tool for improving the mental and emotional health of students.
"Children need to be mentally and emotionally healthy and feel safe in order to learn," said Marr, who serves on the Board of Directors for THE PLAYGROUNDgr. "Play-based strategies like sensory support trails, emotional health books and exercises for teachers help children to regulate themselves and succeed, and this approach is not stigmatizing and feels natural to them."
Both Scherer and Marr want to spread the word about how effective Play Therapy can be in helping children to heal from grief and trauma, and promoting strong coping skills and emotional health.
"So many children in our community are hurting and need ways to heal so they can thrive," Scherer added. "Making Play Therapy accessible to all can help bridge disparities and provide healing opportunities in ways that bring children joy."
Learn more about THE PLAYGROUNDgr here.
Courtesy of West Michigan Woman.
Main photo courtesy of Robin K. Photography and Mo'Photography.
