About Us
Founded in 1987 in Kitchener–Waterloo, Ontario, the Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT) began as a grassroots network of clinicians who believed Canada needed a home for play therapy. Today, we’re a national, member-driven not-for-profit advancing the practice, training, and ethics of play therapy across the country.
Who We Are
Guided by respect, ethics, and community, we:
- support professional development and certification;
- uphold rigorous standards of practice and ethics; and
- build a connected community of therapists serving children, youth, and families.

CAPT Overview
Vision
CAPT’s vision is to connect children, youth, adults, families, and communities with play therapy education and certification.
Mission
To strengthen voices, health, and well being with individuals, families, and communities by providing support, connection, education, and certification to assist play therapists in promoting the healing therapeutic powers of play and play therapy.
Strategic Priorities (2024)
- Strengthen communities
- Increase membership
- Increase awareness and reach of play therapy
- Support training

Board of Directors
What does the Board do?
CAPT’s Board provides governance and strategic direction, ensures fiduciary oversight, and protects the Association’s mission and values. Directors steward long-term priorities, risk management, and policy—always with members and the public interest in mind.
Responsibilities include:
- Setting strategy and annual priorities
- Approving budgets and overseeing financial health
- Upholding ethics, standards, and bylaws
- Supporting the Executive Director and evaluating organizational performance
- Ensuring compliance as a Canadian not-for-profit
Current Board
The Board is elected from the membership and reflects diverse professional backgrounds and geographies. Directors serve staggered terms to provide continuity and fresh perspective.
- Noelle BowlesBoard DirectorWinnipeg, MBView Bio

- Liz ChristieTreasurerPort Colborne, ONView Bio

- Lindsay CroweMembership ChairBradford, ONView Bio

- Caileigh FlanniganMarketing Committee Co ChairCobourg, ONView Bio

- Greg LubimivExecutive DirectorToronto, ONView Bio

- Krystelli NeedhamCertification ChairOttawa, OnView Bio

- Taylor NelsonDirectors-at-LargeQuinte West, OnView Bio

- Nicole PerrymanVice PresidentAjax ONView Bio

- Donna StarlingDiversity and Inclusion ChairFergus, OnView Bio

- Kevin St. LouisPresidentOmemee, OnView Bio

Executive
President
Governance leadership and Board liaison
Kevin St. Louis
Omemee, ON
Vice-President
Strategic support and committee coordination
Nicole Perryman
Ajax, ON
Secretary
Governance records, minutes, and policy updates
TBA
Treasurer
Financial stewardship and reporting
Liz Christie
Port Colborne, ON
Executive Director (staff)
Day-to-day management, partnerships, and member services
Greg Lubimiv
Toronto, ON

Committees
CAPT committees are where members co-create programs, standards, and community. They advise the Board, lead initiatives, and help deliver member value. Joining a committee is one of the best ways to contribute your expertise and grow professionally.
- Approved Provider Committee: Krysteli Needham
- Certification Committee: Krysteli Needham
- Conference Committee: TBD
- Diversity & Equity Committee: Donna Starling
- Education Committee: Barbara Warrick
- Ethics Committee: TBD
- Fundraising Committee: TBD
- IPTW Committee: TBD
- Marketing Committee: Caileigh Flannigan and Nicole Perryman
- Membership Committee: Lindsay Crowe
- Publications Committee: TBD
- Research Committee: TBD

Get Involved — Members Make Us Stronger
CAPT is member-powered. Your ideas, energy, and leadership shape our direction and impact. Here’s how you can help us grow:
- Become a member and help spread awareness about Play Therapy
- Join a committee and lend your expertise
- Pursue certification and mentorship opportunities
- Attend the Annual General Meeting and add your voice to key decisions
- Share resources and research with the community

