WA4PT Play Therapist Awards
"Giving Back"
to the
Community
Do you know a WA4PT member and play therapist that is always giving their time and resources back to the community? Does this person go the extra mile to help children, families and play therapy communities in their time of need? This award is given annually to one play therapist/WA4PT member that stands out for donating their time, financial resources and/or educational experience to communities in times of crisis or other needs.
Minimum Criteria:
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WA4PT member in good standing
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Hold a clinical license or educational license and is credentialed or is working towards credentialing as an RPT™,RPT-S™ or SB-RPT™
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Demonstrates a commitment to "giving back" to the community including children and families
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Must have a minimum of two members nominating. No self-nominations allowed
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Nominations due by 12/15
Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion
Do you know a WA4PT member and play therapist that goes the extra mile for diversity, equity and inclusion? This award is given annually to one person who is committed to promoting social justice in WA State communities. Eligible members will demonstrate a record of advocating for just and equitable conditions for diverse populations within systems (e.g., schools, community agencies, training programs, etc.) that directly impact children.
Minimum Criteria:
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WA4PT member in good standing
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Hold a clinical license or educational license and is credentialed or working towards credentialing as an RPT™,RPT-S™ or SB-RPT™
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Demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
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Must have a minimum of two members nominating. No self-nominations allowed
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Nominations due by 3/15
Expanding the
Field of Education in Play Therapy
Do you know a WA4PT member and play therapist that is dedicated to expanding the field of education and outreach in play therapy? Does this person offer trainings or other means of outreach to further the knowledge about the importance of play therapy? This award is given annually to one person that stands out for their contributions to expanding the field of play therapy through education and outreach.
Minimum Criteria:
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WA4PT member in good standing
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Hold a clinical license or educational license and is credentialed or is working towards credentialing as an RPT™,RPT-S™ or SB-RPT™
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Demonstrates a commitment to education and outreach in the field of play therapy
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Must have a minimum of two members nominating. No self-nominations allowed
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Nominations due by 06/15
Contributer to the Field of Research in Play Therapy
Do you know a WA4PT member and play therapist that is resolute in their contributions to add to the field of research in play therapy? Are they interested in furthering knowledge of play therapy to explore and showcase evidence-based practices? This award is given annually to one person that is distinct in their dedication specifically to expanding research in the play therapy community.
Minimum Criteria:
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WA4PT member in good standing
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Hold a clinical license or educational license and is credentialed or working towards credentialing as an RPT™,RPT-S™ or SB-RPT™
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Demonstrates a commitment to research in the field of play therapy
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Must have a minimum of two members nominating. No self-nominations allowed
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Nominations due by 9/15
Congratulations!
Cary Hamilton LMHC, NCC, CMHS, RPT-S™, CDWF™
Congratulations to the winner of the 2025 "Expanding the Field of Education in Play Therapy" award! Cary has been recognized and awarded by WA4PT and her play therapy colleagues for her contributions to expanding the field of education in play therapy.
A few words from Cary:
"I am deeply honored to receive the "Expanding the Field of Education in Play Therapy" Award from the Washington Association for Play Therapy. This recognition holds special meaning for me, as it reflects the heart of my work: building and nurturing a strong, inclusive, and research-informed play therapy community here in Washington and across the Pacific Northwest.
My goal has always been to create spaces—both in classrooms and clinical settings—where play therapists feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow and thrive. Whether through training, mentorship, or collaboration, I am committed to ensuring that the next generation of play therapists is equipped not just with knowledge but with connection, confidence, and compassion.
Thank you, WAPT, for your dedication to our field and for the incredible work you do to keep play therapy thriving in our region. I’m proud to be a part of this vibrant community and look forward to continuing the work together."
Words from peers...
"Cary has led the play therapy certificate program at Antioch University. She has also made significant efforts in teaching about cultural and diversity inclusivity. Cary has made a big impact to the education on Play Therapy in WA state."
"Cary has single-handedly educated hundreds of therapists in Washington State to become registered play therapists. Cary is a constant contributor to books in the field of play therapy and has broken ground in spreading awareness of the importance of looking at the sensory system when working with clients in play therapy. Cary also provides training's beyond Washington State to spread the word of play therapy throughout the nation and the world."
"Cary has gone above and beyond in expanding the field of education! She has contributed to books, she brings prestigious trainers to Washington, she presents at conferences, and does amazing work in the play therapy program at Antioch! Play therapy in Washington would not be the same without her tireless efforts."
"Cary does so much to train and educate other child therapists and has dedicated her professional life to play therapy education and spreading awareness of important topics within child therapy!"
Winners will recieve:
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A certificate of award
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A feature on our website, social media and in our newsletter
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$50 towards any WA4PT training or conference of their choosing (expires after 12 months)