We are looking to hear about the amazing work that Play Therapists in Iowa are doing!! Do you know someone that has inspired you or others to be a better play therapist? Do you know someone that has worked to advance Play Therapy in their community? We want to recognize them for their work! The recipients will be presented with these awards at our annual conference in September. Click here to see the criteria for each award.
2025 Award Winners
School Based Play Therapist of the Year Award– Paula Cox
I am honored to nominate Paula Cox for the School-Based Play Therapist of the Year Award. As a school-based therapist at Wright Elementary in Cedar Rapids through Tanager, Paula is a dedicated advocate for integrating play therapy into educational settings. Her commitment to helping children heal, grow, and express themselves through play is evident in every aspect of her work. Paula started her career at Tanager working with high school students but quickly found her passion and natural ability with younger populations and play therapy, gaining her RPT™.
Paula skillfully uses play to help students process emotions, gain confidence, and find their voice. She collaborates closely with teachers and parents to uncover the root causes of behavior and implement practical, compassionate strategies at school and home. Her insights and ability to build strong support systems make a lasting impact on both students and staff. She consistently seeks to grow her expertise by attending trainings such as Adlerian Play Therapy, PCIT, TF-CBT, and FECT. Paula also serves as a lead clinician at Tanager, mentoring other therapists and bringing fresh ideas to improve access to care. She balances ethical decisions, confidentiality, advocacy, and collaboration in the school setting, not an easy feat.
Her advocacy extends beyond the school, as she remains active in policy discussions affecting child and family mental health. Lastly, Paula’s optimism, humor, compassion, empathy, and willingness to be vulnerable impact our Tanager team and her school team in countless positive ways. She can be counted on as a dedicated teammate that others seek out for guidance on play therapy, family engagement, interventions, and consultation. She has hosted several interns, providing encouragement, growth opportunities, and support. Many of those interns have stayed on at Tanager, utilizing play therapy, which has much to do with Paula and her leadership capacity as an intern host.
Her playful spirit is evident in every interaction had with her. Paula’s passion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to children’s emotional development and make her a standout in the field. I wholeheartedly recommend her for this well-deserved recognition.
Rookie of the Year Award– Tyler Stogdhill
It is my absolute pleasure to nominate my colleague, friend, and outstanding supervisee, Tyler Stogdhill, for the Rookie of the Year Award. Tyler is a shining example of dedication, passion, and professionalism in the early stages of his career as a play therapist.
Tyler recently joined our practice, Healing Collective Counseling LLC, in West Des Moines, Iowa, and has fully immersed himself in the world of play therapy. He graduated from Drake University in February 2025, after completing his internship and practicum under the supervision of Rebecca Spies at New Beginnings Counseling. Throughout these experiences, Tyler focused on play therapy, working with children and families to build foundational skills and insights that continue to shape his practice today.
Since the beginning of his journey, I have witnessed Tyler’s unwavering commitment to helping children, adolescents, and families through play therapy. Having worked with a wide range of populations, Tyler has truly found his calling with children. His sessions are filled with creativity, authenticity, and deep connection. Whether it’s the excitement of his clients as they walk down the hall to his office, or the joyful noise and energy heard during a session, it is clear that Tyler creates a space where his clients feel safe, seen, and supported.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Tyler’s work is the way he integrates his unique talents into therapy. He’s transformed one of his office walls into a chalkboard for expressive freedom and regularly incorporates music into sessions—an extension of his own musical background as a talented vocalist and instrumentalist. During supervision, Tyler often reflects on the powerful progress he’s seen when blending music and play, showing a deep understanding of how to meet clients where they are.
Tyler is actively working toward his Registered Play Therapist (RPT™) credential and is committed to continued learning and ethical growth. He attends weekly individual supervision with me, seeks out professional literature and resources, and recently participated in the Spring IAPT Conference. He also remains engaged with APT media and collaborates with community providers to ensure the best care for his clients.
Tyler exemplifies what it means to be an ethical, passionate, and engaged emerging professional in the field of play therapy. He meets every requirement of this award with integrity and enthusiasm. I am truly honored to work alongside him and wholeheartedly believe he is the ideal candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Friend of Play Therapy Award– Lora McCollum of McCollum Law Firm, PLLC
This award seeks to honor outstanding community members who actively support and promote the value of play therapy, and I can think of no one more deserving than Lora.
While Lora is not a licensed mental health professional, she has shown a profound commitment to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents, particularly through their visible and consistent support of play therapy as an effective, evidence-based approach to healing. She understands the vital role play holds in a child’s development and has been a vocal advocate in encouraging its use across multiple settings, specifically supporting families going through separations and divorce.
As an attorney practicing in multiple roles within family law, Lora demonstrates outstanding leadership in the realm of children’s mental health. She works collaboratively with therapists, families, and other professionals to ensure that children have access to the therapeutic support they need—including play therapy. Lora has taken intentional steps to educate others about the importance of emotional expression and therapeutic play, often bridging the gap between the clinical world and the broader community.
Lora has also dedicated a significant amount of time working with families on maintaining a safe and effective therapeutic space for children. Specifically, Lora advocates on behalf of the children reaffirming the benefits of therapy, how therapy can support the transition of a family changing, and respecting the space ås the child’s safe space. Lora has been amazing to work with while managing and navigating some of my most rigid family systems, and finding a true safe space for the children. Lora has also been an amazing support to process roles of therapists both ethically and from a trauma informed approach.
What makes Lora stand out most is their genuine belief in the power of play and therapy to transform lives. She is not just a supporter in name, but a true advocate whose actions and leadership have made a measurable difference in the lives of countless children. Lora is always looking at the best interest of the child, and the family. Lora continues to advocate for legislative changes that best support clients through some of their most difficult and traumatic experiences.
For these reasons and more, I am honored to nominate Lora McCollum as a Friend of Play Therapy. Their unwavering support, leadership, and passion for children’s mental health truly embody the spirit and intent of this award.
Click here to see past award winners.