Affordable Play Therapy
We’re expanding options to help more families access the care they need.
Every child deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and supported.
We know that access to care matters just as much as the care itself.
So we’ve taken a few meaningful steps to make play therapy more accessible for families.
Expanded reduced rate options
We are now offering additional reduced rate openings for families.
This work is supported by our therapists Kelly Paterno and Amanda Koppe, who provide thoughtful, child-centered care while helping us extend services to more families in our community.
About
Kelly approaches every interaction with children with a spirit of curiosity, playfulness, and respect. She thrives working alongside families to support their children in becoming the best possible versions of themselves. Her career has included close to 30 years of work in settings such as elementary schools, a domestic violence shelter, faith-based youth and camp programs, and has served as the director of a local early learning center. Kelly began her formal education with an undergraduate degree in psychology from Jacksonville University and then went on to earn a master’s degree in child development at Florida State University.
Kelly Paterno, MS
Graduate Student Intern
Throughout her schooling and work experiences, Kelly always wanted to pursue a career in play therapy and now that time has come! She is currently working toward earning her master’s degree in social work from FSU and is completing a clinical internship with The Healing Playroom. Kelly plans to pursue her Registered Play Therapist credential as well as her License in Clinical Social Work.
Kelly is available at our Riverside location.
When not working on school reading or writing papers, Kelly enjoys time with her teen and young adult children as well as her ridiculously adorable goldendoodle. When time permits, she will not pass up the chance to relax with friends on the beach.
About
Amanda is a Graduate Student Intern pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Florida. Originally from Brazil, she has lived and worked in Brazil, Australia, and the United States, bringing a multicultural and bilingual perspective to her work with children, teens, and families. She provides therapy in both English and Portuguese.
Amanda believes healing happens through connection. Her work is grounded in attachment and the belief that children grow when they feel seen, understood, and secure. She strives to create a warm, accepting environment where clients can explore emotions, strengthen relationships, and build confidence through the therapeutic process.
Before beginning her graduate studies in the United States, Amanda completed a Graduate Diploma in Counseling with a specialization in Child, Youth, and Family Therapy at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia. She has over seven years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families across educational, community, and therapeutic settings, including extensive work with neurodivergent children and adolescents.
Amanda has completed specialized training in Play Therapy through the Queensland Institute of Play Therapy (Australia), as well as training in Sandplay Therapy and Symbol Work through Expressive Therapies Australia. Her approach is attachment-based, strengths-based, and child-centered, using play, creativity, and meaningful relationships to support growth, healing, and self-discovery.
Amanda Koppe
Graduate Student Intern
Her clinical interests include anxiety, neurodiversity, emotional regulation, self-esteem, attachment, family relationships, and supporting individuals through life transitions. Amanda feels honored to walk alongside children, teens, and families as they navigate challenges, build resilience, and discover their strengths.
At the heart of Amanda’s work is a simple message:
“I am here, I hear you, I understand, and I care.”
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys traveling, discovering new experiences, cooking for family and friends, and spending time with her cat, Frajola.
If cost has been a barrier in the past, this may be a good time to reconnect and explore what’s possible.
Now a Direct Provider with Step Up for Students
Families have been using Step Up for Students funds for our services, but now as a Direct Provider we can receive funds directly from Step Up For Students.
What this means for your family:
You may not have to pay The Healing Playroom out of pocket and wait for Step Up for Students to reimburse you.
Our services include specialized psychotherapy and parent support, designed to help children feel more steady, connected, and understood.
You can learn more about Step Up for Students eligibility here: Explore Scholarships For Pre-K To 12 Students In Florida
If you’ve been considering support for your child, or if you’ve been waiting for the right time, this may be a gentle place to begin.
We’re here to answer your questions and help you find the right fit for your family.
