VAPT Chapter Chair Updates

VAPT Sparkplugs are VAPT playmates providing leadership to help support the work of play therapists for children and families. We have sparkplugs in each area of the state (we can have more, of course!). The sparkplugs help organize and conduct periodic meetings of VAPT members in the area, help introduce potential new members to play therapy and our organization, and offer feedback and guidance to determine the activities that are responsive to their area’s needs and the state programs and events. The VAPT Sparkplugs are:

SOUTHWEST- Stephanie Pratola

Stephanie Pratola, Pat Marlowe, Karen Jones-Richardson, Pat Davidson, Maureen Ritter, Alan Beach and Sharon Brammer met and adopted KIDS has been (re)adopted as the name of our group. KIDS stands for Knowledgeable Individuals Discussing Stuff. (Stephanie reported – “This was the unanimous decision of those present - I'm sure you'll learn to love it.”)

-The KIDS Group met on September 26 at 3 pm in the offices of the Mental Health Association of the Roanoke Valley. Karen Jones Richardson presented and provided confidentiality forms and procedures adopted by the group.
-At the previous meeting, Maureen Ritter volunteered to look into starting a similar group in the New River Valley. Travel time to Roanoke is a limiting factor for clinicians in the New River Valley and there are a number of interested individuals in that locale. If interested contact Maureen.

-In a recent meeting, we had an extended discussion about problems with Medicaid reimbursements since July 1. Rob Lanahan at Broadway Associates has done a great deal of work with Medicaid officials. If you have had difficulty getting help or assistance from Medicaid, Rob encourages you to contact:

Scott Canady
Medical Deputy Director
phone: 804-786-3220
questions can be faxed to Mr. Canady at: 804-786-6229

IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFO ABOUT THIS VAPT KIDS SOUTHWEST GROUP, CONTACT Stephanie Pratola at pratola@attglobal.net

TIDEWATER - Debbie Balak:

The conference is over and I hope you all went back to play with a renewed energy and lots of information. I was in Theresa Kestly’s and Wendy Thunderchief’s workshop, “Cultural Considerations in Sandtray Storytelling.” With about half a cup of sand and 8 tiny miniatures, we make up our own stories!

The Tidewater crew met on January 16, 2004. Trisha Bellamy presented a case for consultation and Peggy Fanney presented some interesting experiences with OOGLIES. At our next monthly meeting, I would like your input about how our local “sparkplug” meetings can best meet your needs. For more information, contact me at Family Counseling Center, 498-1135 or Dr. Robyn Rennie at Regent, 226-4866.

ALSO, HERE ARE THE EMAILS OF THE TIDEWATER CREW!!!

suzannegregg@cox.net; lorindave@hotmail.com; kiag2@aol.com; peg-robfanney@mindspring.com; jjflcsw@hotmail.com; hartmak@evms.edu; jfsvb@exis.net; francesmorgan@yahoo.com; robyren@regent.edu; holiron@regent.edu; scimecaccfs@aol.com; estief@hotmail.com; JWDILDAY@aol.com; nokaoi1@cox.net; cfhh@juno.com; cyndi@szurgot.net; wareavant@aol.com; vwltrslcsw@aol.com; ikdaisy@cox.net; counselor4kids@email.com; Kacebro@msn.com; rbalak@bbvabeach.com

CONTACT Debbie Balak at Dbalakimokru@aol.com for more info about Tidewater play!

A listing of VAPT members by regions in the state and names and contact information about VAPT Sparkplugs, can be seen by visiting: http://vapt.cisat.jmu.edu Then click on List of Members.