Board of Directors

Secratary 

Dana Hutchcraft LCSW, RPT-S

I was first introduced to play therapy while taking a course in Perth, Australia in 2001. I realized right away that I wanted to be part of the community of professionals who used this treatment modality in working with children and youth. From that point in time, I went on to get my LCSW, RPT, and RPT-S credentials. I never could have imagined back in 2001, that becoming a play therapist would take me on one of the most satisfying and impactful journeys of my life. I have used the knowledge and skills as a play therapist in my work with children and youth in the child welfare system, in school social work, in community and agency practice and in private practice. There is nothing more rewarding to me than to witness the transformative power of play in the lives of the clients with whom I have worked. 

When I am not in the play therapy room, I like to play outdoors. I enjoy being in nature, hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. My husband and I, and our fur-baby Pete, enjoy taking our camp trailer on the road to explore the beauty that our country has to offer. I am a parent of 3 adult children and a "Nana" to 6 (soon to be 7) grand-children. My hope is to bring all of myself, both personally and professionally, to serve you, our play therapy community, on the CAPT board. 

Treasurer

Peggy Adams, LPC, NCC, RPT

Peggy is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) with experience supporting children, adolescents, individuals, and families in nonprofit and community-based mental health settings. She is currently completing the requirements for Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credentialing and brings a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to her clinical practice. In her current role, Peggy provides integrative mental health services at utilizing evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, play therapy, Sand Tray therapy, attachment-based interventions, and art therapy. Her professional background includes work in nonprofit mental health, developmental disabilities, and family systems. She blends clinical expertise with deep compassion to promote healing and resilience in children and families. As a dedicated member of the Colorado Play Therapy Association, Peggy is passionate about advancing access to high-quality, ethical, and inclusive play therapy services. She actively supports the professional growth of emerging therapists and advocates for culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate care. In addition to her clinical work, Peggy brings entrepreneurial experience, having successfully founded and operated three businesses. Her expertise in marketing, project development, and community engagement provides a valuable lens for organizational leadership. She is eager to contribute her practical experience and collaborative spirit to further the mission of the Colorado Association for Play Therapy. Outside of her professional endeavors, Peggy is deeply devoted to her family and finds joy in the outdoors, cycling, gardening, photography, and the arts. 

conference Coordinator

Heather Truschel, LPC, RPT-S

Heather is a LPC and CAS in private practice in Fort Collins, CO. She is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and is currently working on becoming a Certified Sandplay Practitioner.  Heather has also been trained in Child Centered Play Therapy and EMDR.  She was on the Arizona Association for Play Therapy Board in 2011-2013 and a Regional Coordinator for the East Bay Chapter of the California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors in 2014-2018. Prior to private practice, Heather has primarily worked in community and school based settings in Arizona, California, and Colorado. Heather has called Fort Collins home since 2018 and is grateful for being a part of the NOCO community.  She loves to enjoy the Colorado outdoors, traveling, being with friends, and finding joy in everyday adventures with her husband, two kids, two dogs, and two guinea pigs.

Board director

Helen Tran, LCSW, RPT

Helen Tran is Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) dedicated early childhood mental health clinician. She began her educational journey at the Community College of Denver and earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. Helen has built her career in community mental health who is trained in EMDR and Theraplay Level 1. 

Helen works primarily with young children and their caregivers, focusing on early attachment disruptions, trauma, and parent-child relationship challenges. She integrates play therapy, attachment-based models, and trauma-informed care to support healing and growth within families. Helen values collaboration with caregivers and provides developmentally attuned support.

Board Director

Meredith Hammond, MA, LPC, RPT-S, ACS

Meredith Hammond is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider based in Westminster, Colorado. She specializes in neurodivergent-affirming care, integrating play therapy, EMDR, and the SMART (Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment) model, to support children, teens, and families with ADHD, trauma, and emotional regulation challenges.

Meredith is the owner of a private group practice focused on innovative, relationship-based therapy for neurodivergent clients. She is known for her energetic, movement-rich approach and commitment to tailoring treatment to meet the developmental and sensory needs of each client.

As an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Meredith provides supervision and advanced training in trauma-informed play therapy, ADHD intervention, and creative regulation and connection strategies. She presents both locally and nationally on topics such as embodied regulation, family engagement, and play-based treatment planning for complex cases.Meredith is passionate about supporting the growth of the play therapy field through mentorship, inclusive leadership, and continuing education. She is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Colorado Association for Play Therapy Board and would be honored to serve and support the continued advancement of the play therapy community across the state.