UNCC Multicultural Play Therapy Center

06/12/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of a true titan in our field, Dr. Garry Landreth.

To the world, Dr. Landreth was the "father of child-centered play therapy"—a man who revolutionized how we understand, honor, and advocate for the inner world of children. But to our UNC Charlotte community, he was so much more. He was a beloved mentor, an encouraging friend, and a steady guiding light.

We were honored to host Dr. Landreth at UNC Charlotte several times. Every time he stood before our NC community and students to share his wisdom. His passion for children was palpable, leaving us deeply inspired and re-anchored in our purpose. He famously taught us that "relationships are at the heart of our work" and that "Toys are children's words."

While the play therapy community deeply feels this immense loss, we know that his spirit lives on in every playroom across our North Carolina. Please join us in remembering his extraordinary life, his boundless warmth, and the permanent legacy he leaves behind in our hearts and our work.

- Dr. Phyllis Post and Dr. Kristie Opiola

05/19/2026

25 YEARS OF COMMUNITY, CONNECTION, AND IMPACT!

We’re hitting a quarter-century milestone, and we want you to help us raise a magic wand and help us celebrate!

It’s been an incredible journey, and this night is all about celebrating the people who made it possible. Expect great vibes, even better company, and plenty of memories.

📍 The Details
When: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Charlotte Flying Saucer
9605 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28262

What’s on tap?
✨ Networking with fellow attendees and alumni
🍻 Delicious bites
🎤 A trip down memory lane (25 years in the making!)

Don’t miss out! Whether you’ve been with us since Year 1 or you’re joining us for the first time, let’s make this silver anniversary one for the books.

RSVP: https://forms.gle/rtBY262Li5wYHwSu5

05/19/2026

Join us this summer in Charlotte for our Multicultural Play therapy Conference... 7 days. 6 Live Webinars. 6 In Person Workshops. June 19-26, 2026. APT, NBCC, and SW CE available for participants. Come network and learn with us!

Register and learn more here: To see complete descriptions for each presentation and to register, please go to:
https://sites.google.com/charlotte.edu/2026multiculturalplaytherapy/home

02/01/2026

Planned on joining us for the tea party tomorrow at Amelie's in NODA? Due to the inclement weather, UNC Charlotte and CMS closures, we are postponing the tea party to February 16th at 10:30.... we look forward to celebrating with y'all!

01/18/2026

Tell us more about you and your play therapy practice. Send videos or pictures of your play therapy practice to [email protected] so we can honor your work and highlight your practice.

01/18/2026

UNC Charlotte is excited to celebrate Play Therapy Week with you. Join us as we celebrate each other and our profession.

01/18/2026

01/02/2026

We are so excited for you to join us next Friday and Saturday for our Winter Conference. Registration is still open- closing on January 5th.

Multicultural Play Therapy Center Winter Conference
University of North Carolina Charlotte
January 9-10, 2026


When is the conference? The conference will be from Friday, January 9 - Saturday, January 10, 2026.
January 9: Collaborating with Parents: A Critical Skill to Help Our Children in Play Therapy with Dr. Phyllis Post and Crystal Speaks
Jan 10: Activity Play Therapy: Supporting Tweens and Teens in Child Centered Activity Therapy with Dr. Kristie Opiola and Rakia Hicks

Location: UNC Charlotte from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (EST) (6 Contact CEs/day).

Who should attend: Professional counselors, school counselors, play therapists, social workers, psychologists, and students. LCMHCs, school counselors, and those seeking RPT/S from APT earn up to 48 CEs for the conference (APT Approved Provider #07-191; NBCC Approved Provider #4208). Special rates for current students and December graduates. We will provide CEs for social workers in North Carolina.

Approved Providers: NBCC Approved Provider #4208 and APT Approved Provider #07-191. The in-person sessions are approved as contact hours by APT.

To see complete descriptions for each presentation and to register, please go to:
https://sites.google.com/charlotte.edu/mcptmid-winterconference/registration

For more information on the conference, please contact Dr. Kristie Opiola, Director of the Multicultural Play Therapy Center and Professor at [email protected]. For information about registration, please contact Dr. Jordan Boyd at jboyd44@

11/10/2025

Looking for support and help in working with parents? or with Tweens/Teens? UNC Charlotte is hosting a Winter conference. Join us in January for a fulfilled hands-on, two day conference. We cannot wait to see all the new insights and fun you will have with us in January.

To register, https://sites.google.com/charlotte.edu/mcptmid-winterconference/registration

09/04/2025

The Multicultural Play Therapy Center is creating a classroom set of Dibs in Search of Self. If you have a copy and are are willing to donate it, please send the book to Dr. Kristie Opiola, 9201 University City Blvd, Ste.241, Charlotte, NC 28223. Don't forget to include your name so we can thank you for your donation.