Our Team

MSW, LCSW, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Certified Autism Specialist

Hi, my name is Evangeline Bauer. I started Come Play, STL to give children and families a better, well-rounded approach to pediatric mental health. I am so glad I did, because I get the chance to engage with children who aspire to be artists, doctors, teachers, and fire fighters but currently are struggling with this season of life. Because we work as a collaborative team, I get to work alongside the other, very talented professionals at Come Play, STL and get to know the child’s parents, teachers and school administrators well during this season.

My educational background is in Social Work. I graduated from Concordia University in Chicago with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and from Dominican University with a Master's degree in Social Work. I have been trained as a Registered Play Therapist, a Certified AutPlay Therapist, EMDRIA approved in EMDR, and a Certified Autism Specialist. I have also been trained in TheraPlay, Sandtray Therapy, mindfulness, and storytelling, and I have taken courses from The Star Institute in Denver, which specializes in Sensory Processing Disorder. I have had the privilege to work with children who were struggling with a transition in their life, to children who had panic attacks, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, ADHD, struggled with attachment, had severe trauma or were on the Autism Spectrum.

A little bit about me: I have been blessed with two girls who are constantly teaching me patience, how to extend grace, to stay quick on my toes and enjoy every moment no matter how big or how small.

I look forward to getting to know you and discovering how Come Play, STL can benefit your child and family.

With a deep passion for creating impactful systems and improving healthcare operations, I bring extensive leadership experience to Come Play, STL where I previously served as Operations Team Lead. I am thrilled to return for this next chapter. What I am most excited about is the opportunity to collaborate with this amazing and dedicated team.

When not strategizing for Come Play, STL I enjoy running, biking, traveling, and spending time with the people I love.

MOT, OTR/L

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Movement and Sports Science, with a minor in Psychology, from Purdue University; and a Master of Occupational Therapy, with honors, from Saint Louis University.

I have extensive experience providing therapy to children with a variety of diagnoses, including: Autism, Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Visual Impairment; and I have provided therapy in both public school and private settings. I have completed additional continuing education courses including: sensory processing, The Alert Program, Zones of Regulation, Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorders, yoga for children, handwriting, and visual processing. As well, I completed the Advanced Mentored Clinician in SPD Level I training offered through the STAR Institute, located in Denver, Colorado, which is a renowned leader in Sensory Processing Disorder research and treatment. I am also a Certified Safe and Sound Protocol facilitator. The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is based on years of research regarding Polyvagal Theory and engages our body’s auditory system and its direct connection to the nervous system to restore the brain and body’s ability to find states of calm, safety, and regulation.

Some of my favorite things to do with my husband include: travel, bicycle, take our two dogs for long walks in the park, attend Cardinals games, try new restaurants, find fun, and shop at out of the way local retailers. I love to bake and create new recipes. I have two rescue dogs, Mia and Lilly, who bring me and my husband so much joy!

My decision to join Come Play, STL was a natural move because I am passionate about helping each child be able to participate in meaningful activities. I also love using the multidisciplinary team model, which encompasses a holistic approach in order to meet each child's individual needs.

MA Ed

I earned my B.S. in Psychology in May of 2005, as well as my Masters of Arts in Education in Special Education (Mild to Moderate Cross-Categorical K-12) in August 2006 from Truman State University. Since that time, I have also earned my School Psychological Examiner certificate from Lindenwood University. I taught special education for five years prior to becoming a School Psychological Examiner. I began my career as a middle school resource teacher in the Special School District and moved to Premier Charter School a year later to become the K-2 Special Education teacher. Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, I became the full-time School Psychological Examiner. Recently the opportunity to join the Come Play, STL team arose and, with my expertise, I am able to assist families with the completion of psycho-educational evaluations. These evaluations provide families with an understanding of their child’s intellectual and educational achievement abilities, which reveals a child’s academic strengths and weaknesses and may lead to the identification of a learning disability. These results also produce recommendations important to the educational development of the child.

In my free time, I am a wife and mother who enjoys spending time with family and friends. Some of our favorite family activities include visiting the animals at the zoo, finding hidden parks across St. Louis, and exploring other family friendly attractions on the weekends. Personally, I love attending concerts, watching movies, reading, and finding new crafts and recipes to try on Pinterest. I also play the violin and am in the process of teaching myself to play the ukulele.

I am very excited to be apart of the COME PLAY, STL team. I have been an Insurance Specialist/Patient Advocate for over 14 years, with experience both in the medical and dental field. I look forward to assisting you with all your family insurance, billing questions and needs.

My husband and I have lived in St Louis our entire life. We have been married 35 years and have 5 grown children and have one granddaughter.

In my spare time I enjoy quilting, knitting, reading, and spending time at our family cabin. I look forward to assisting you!

MAC, LPC, NCC

I love being part of the team at Come Play, STL where I can use my experience in adult and couples therapy to help both individuals and families. I work collaboratively with my colleagues to ensure that your family is served in a way that benefits your child or children, your marriage, and yourself.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri with over ten years of clinical experience. I am trained in both Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Gottman Couples' Therapy, as well as, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. I am also the co-founder of three self-guided therapy apps: Lasting for Couples, Talkspace: Self-Guided, and the Lasting Parenting Guide.

I am married with three kids and a dog named Waffles. I enjoy playing board games, cooking delicious foods, and exploring national parks with my family. I am an urban farmer with bees and chickens in my backyard. I roast my own coffee, read lots of novels, and am getting into road biking.

It would be a privilege to work alongside you and your family at Come Play, STL.

MS ED, OG/A

I am thrilled to be joining the team at Come Play, STL. as a Psychological Examiner and Dyslexia Practitioner. I hold a Master's Degree in Advanced Teaching and Reading from Northwestern University and completed my Psychological Examiner certification through Lindenwood University. I also have a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Dayton. I am certified by the Orton-Gillingham Academy in Dyslexia intervention at the Associate Level. I have worked in education for 15 years serving in many different roles, and am passionate about helping families determine how best to support their children’s learning.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family. We like to try new restaurants around the city, see our friends, hike, and travel.

MSW, LCSW

Hi there! I’m Katie and I’m a Child Therapist here at Come Play, STL. Come Play is dedicated to offering a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to therapy and I am so grateful to be a part of such a well-rounded team!

I earned a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Louis University. My background is in serving under resourced communities in both mental health and educational support. I am experienced in creating social-emotional curriculum that promotes social justice and collaborating with families and schools to provide needed supports such as IEPs and 504 plans. I am a trained EMDR Therapist, have completed coursework in CBT, and have completed training in school-based therapy. I work with people of all ages with a variety of needs ranging from Anxiety, Depression, Autism, ADHD, going through seasons of grief, trauma, abuse, and navigating the challenges of growth as they arise. My therapeutic approach is centered in meeting a person where they are at and collaborating with their support systems to provide the best care possible throughout treatment.

In my free time, I love spending time outside, hanging out with my two rescue cats, and practicing yoga. I have started the process of becoming a yoga instructor and love incorporating yoga and mindfulness in therapy! I can always be found at new restaurants around St. Louis and exploring new parts of the city. I look forward to exploring the magic of play therapy with you and your family!

MSW, LMSW

Hi, my name is Sarah Minkoff and I'm thrilled to be a part of Come Play, STL! I started as an intern here while I completed my Master of Social Work which I received in May 2023 from WashU. I moved to St. Louis from Boston, MA in 2021 where I worked as an early educator and administrator for seven years before switching paths to pursue Social Work. I also taught English in southern China for a year and a half.

I have had the opportunity to work with children within my classrooms aged 0-13 with a variety of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and anxiety. I have also worked with children who experienced trauma, had severe behavioral or developmental needs, or frequent emotional dysregulation. I want to gain more insight into how therapy, specifically play therapy, can be used to support young children or children who've experienced trauma around the world where language may be a barrier.

In my free time, I love theater, and have been slowly learning to tap dance. I like to paint and bake gluten free treats as well. I am always looking for new adventures, interesting foods to try, and new languages to learn.

MSW, LMSW

Hi there! I'm Allie Phillips, and I'm thrilled to join the Come Play team! One of the things I love most about Come Play is the multidisciplinary approach we take to holistically address our clients' needs.

I earned both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work from Saint Louis University. I've worked in schools with students from kindergarten to 12th grade, where I discovered my love and passion for working one-on-one with youth. I am passionate about working with my clients through the various challenges of growing up, especially those struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, OCD, familial conflict and change, emotional dysregulation, and Autism.  I'm excited to continue growing in these areas and explore new fields of practice at Come Play STL! I believe in collaborating with each client to help them identify and achieve their goals.

When I'm not at Come Play STL, you can find me at trivia nights, reading for my book club, or catching the latest movie in theaters. In the winter, I love being out in the snow, reminding me of my hometown in Minnesota

B.S. Psychology, MSW

Hello, My name is Adisyn Morgan and I’m a Play Therapy Fellow here at Come Play, STL. I graduate with a Master of Social Work this May from St. Louis University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

As I have gained experience in the field, I found that I am drawn to helping children and their families reach their own definition of “success”. Most of my experience has been working with children and adolescents with severe mental health needs in an in-patient hospital setting, as well as children with complex, developmental trauma in the foster care system. I am experienced working with a variety of needs, such as depression, ADHD, anxiety, grief, abuse, toxic stress, and Autism. I have found that utilizing play therapy in practice is beautiful, as it gives children the resources and the tools to explain what is happening within themselves! Above all, I am dedicated to utilizing a collaborative, strengths-based approach with you and your child.

In my free time, I love going on walks with my rescue Husky, Nova, trying new restaurants around the city with my friends and family, and practicing yoga.

MSW, LMSW

Hello! My name is Grace Crowcroft and I am excited to be joining the Come Play, STL team as a play therapy fellow. 

I graduated with my Master in Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis with a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families in the spring of 2024. Prior to entering the mental health field, I served as a high school teacher in Illinois. During this tenure and other additional opportunities working in schools, I gained helpful insight on our education system, such as navigating supports like IEPs and 504 plans. Overall, my therapeutic approach focuses on cultivating strong relationships and highlighting strengths through a combination of modalities.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring all that St. Louis and its surrounding areas have to offer, including its restaurants, parks, and festivals. Additionally, I love spending time hosting friends and family in our new (old) house. 

I am grateful to be a part of Come Play, STL and look forward to diving more deeply into the world of play therapy together! 

PLPC

Hello! I’m Ciera, and I’m excited to be a Play Therapy Fellow at Come Play, STL! I recently completed a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health, with a focus on play therapy, and I’m excited to contribute to our mission of providing holistic and comprehensive care.

My passion for working as a play therapist is deeply rooted in my commitment to fostering holistic development and emotional well-being in children. At Come Play, STL, I am inspired by the clinic’s dedication to integrating a multidisciplinary approach, which aligns perfectly with my therapeutic philosophy. By combining the expertise of medical and behavioral health professionals, we create a supportive environment where children can thrive both emotionally and physically. My approach as a play therapist is to use creative and therapeutic play to address emotional and behavioral needs, ensuring that each child receives comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs and experiences.

Having recently relocated from Kansas City to St. Louis, I’m looking forward to immersing myself in this vibrant community. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, and exploring the city! 

I’m looking forward to meeting you and diving into creative and meaningful play therapy together!

MOT, OTR/L

I am thrilled to join the team at Come Play, STL, as a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist! I was born and raised here in St. Louis, and I completed my Masters in Occupational Therapy at Saint Louis University.

I have professional experience working with children of various ages and diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Anxiety, Dysgraphia, Developmental Coordination Disorder, PANDAS, Developmental Delay, Cerebral Palsy, Executive Functioning challenges, Behavioral challenges and more. I am a certified provider of the Safe and Sound Protocol, a therapeutic listening program that promotes nervous system regulation for increased feelings of safety and brain/body connection. I have a strong passion for meeting children and families where they are, in order to support growth and success to the fullest potential in all contexts of life.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, often trying new restaurants and experiences around the St. Louis area. I have a passion for traveling, and have had the opportunity to travel throughout the US, Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and beyond. I am also a frequent concert go-er, and enjoy music of all genres.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue to learn and grow alongside the colleagues, clients and families on the collaborative team at Come Play, STL!

MOT, OTR/L

Hey there! I am Bailey an Occupational Therapist at Come Play, STL. I graduated with my Masters of Occupational Therapy from Missouri State University and received my B.S in Psychology from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. 

I have professional experience of working with children of varying ages and diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, Anxiety, and Developmental Delays. I am passionate about helping others be the best version of themselves and the field of occupational therapy has allowed me to turn this passion into a career. I love celebrating accomplishments of all sizes with the kids and families I work with. 

When I am not at work you can find me spending time outside exploring a new hiking trail with my husband and dog, Bella. My favorite forms of self-care include going for a long run, trying out a new recipe, going to a local coffee shop, or curling up on the couch with a good book.

MOT, OTR/L

Hello! My name is Grace and I am so excited to be an occupational therapist at Come Play, STL! 

OTD, OTR/L

Hi, my name is Ashli Bourisaw. I am so excited to be joining the team at Come Play, STL, as a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist.

I grew up just across the river in a small town in southern Illinois and earned my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri. MIZ!

My professional experience includes working in both school settings and adult rehabilitation, through this I have discovered that my true passion lies in working with children. During my Doctoral Capstone, I developed educational resources for caregivers, helping them better understand their child’s therapy, clarifying different topics, and offering guidance on how to incorporate these skills into the home environment. I am deeply committed to supporting children and their families in participating fully in the activities they love, and I enjoy partnering with them to discover individualized strategies that work best for each child.

Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends, whether it’s going for walks or exploring new experiences around St. Louis. I also enjoy traveling and visiting friends across the country! Some of my favorite destinations so far include Chicago, New York, South Carolina, and Boston.

I am truly thankful for the chance to learn, grow, and work alongside the incredible team, clients, and families at Come Play, STL.

MOT, OTR/L

I'm thrilled to be part of Come Play, STL! Our welcoming environment and values closely align with mine, making it a perfect place for me to continue growing as an occupational therapist.

I earned my undergraduate degree from Mizzou and completed my Master's in Occupational Therapy at Rockhurst University. I have a strong passion for working with children with a variety of needs. I find joy in helping them realize how amazing they are and in seeing their full potential. My specialties include emotional and sensory regulation, motor skills, life skills, and executive functioning.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, reading, playing with my two beagle pups, serving on a young professional board, and experiencing live music.

MOT, OTR/L

My name is Beth Kontney and I am so excited to be part of the team at Come Play, STL. I attended Saint Louis University (Go Bilikens!) and received a Master’s degree in Occupational therapy and a minor in interprofessional education.

Through my studies and work, I have gained experiences in working with a variety of age ranges and diagnoses in outpatient clinics. I have had the opportunities to work with kids in many environments like their schools, daycares, homes, and in the clinic. Some diagnoses that I have had the opportunity to work with are: ASD, ADHD, executive functioning, gross/fine motor concerns, sensory concerns, Down Syndrome, or visual motor/perceptual concerns, and meeting developmental milestones. I have completed continuing education in Early intervention and I am always looking for more learning opportunities to grow as a practitioner . I love being a pediatric occupational therapist and being able to take a holistic approach to mix play and science.

Some of my favorite things to do in my free time is spending time with family and friends. I love to go on long runs that end in getting coffee. I enjoy trying new recipes and going to new restaurants. Some other favorite activities are listening to music, watching Korean or Japanese dramas, and calling friends on the phone. I am always up to visiting the STL zoo and my favorite exhibit is the seals. I have recently moved back to Saint Louis from the Chicago Area and I am excited to find opportunities to be a part of the STL community.

CF-SLP

M.S., CF-SLP

Hello, my name is Gracie Humphrey, and I am excited to join the Come Play, STL team as a Speech-Language Pathologist! I graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2022 (Go Tops!) with a Bachelors of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a Minor in Child Studies. In 2024, I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with my Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. I am a Kentucky girl born and raised but have recently moved to St. Louis and have loved getting to explore a new city.

Throughout my clinical experiences and studies in the field of speech-language pathology I have found a true passion for helping others reach their full potential. Throughout my experiences I have worked with individuals with different diagnoses including Autism, Down Syndrome, Apraxia of speech, Articulation disorders, Phonological disorders, AAC users, Angelman Syndrome, Dysphagia, Fluency disorders, Pragmatic disorders etc. I am excited to use my clinical experiences and fresh knowledge from my coursework to serve the individuals at Come Play, STL. The Multidisciplinary approach that Come Play utilizes will lead our clients to success and I am so excited to be a part of this team!

 In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling (specifically to a beach somewhere), reading a good thriller, going for long walks, and watching reality TV.

I look forward to meeting you and hope we can help you reach your full potential here at Come Play, STL! 

SLP-CCC

I am so excited to join the team at Come Play as a Speech Language Pathologist. I was born and raised in St. Louis and completed my undergrad and graduate degree at Truman State University.

I have professional experience working in pediatrics in both school and medical models servicing a variety of needs and diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, seizure disorders, developmental delays, feeding/swallowing disorders, and a number of genetic disorders. I have experience and training in trauma informed care, conscious discipline, and Beckman Oral Motor training. I am very passionate about play based therapy and the importance of using naturalistic learning opportunities. I value working closely with families using a multidisciplinary approach to help kids reach their goals!

I am so excited to be back in St. Louis after two years in Kansas City! In my free time I love to exercise, try new coffee shops, and spend time with friends and family.

I’m excited to continue my work with children and love the multidisciplinary approach taken here.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. I’m now in my last year of a dual Masters of Social Work and Masters of Public Health at the Brown School at Washington University, St. Louis. Connecting these varied disciplines is my passion for working with marginalized communities and building upon their strengths. I hope to do the same with the young kiddos I’ll be working with at Come Play, STL!

In my (limited) free time, I love to cook, bake, and cross-stitch! I also love spending time outdoors with my partner and checking out the local theater scene together.

Hi, my name is Katie Manion and I am one of the practicum students here at Come Play, STL. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Social Work at Saint Louis University. Before my Master’s, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Saint Louis University. I am originally from Indianapolis, IN. 

I was drawn to Come Play, STL because of the vibrant work environment and the ability to learn from and grow alongside so many wonderful professionals. My passion for play therapy stems from my experience working at a summer camp for kids with type one diabetes in Indiana. I have always had a desire to help kids feel like they belong despite any challenges they may face. Most of my experience thus far in the field has been with immigrant communities and kids with complex medical needs, though I have experience working with kids with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, and trauma. I am excited about the prospect of working with you and your family as a student play therapist here at Come Play, STL. 

When I am not focusing on school and practicum, I love to read, exercise and cook. Furthermore, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family all over the midwest. 

I graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut and am currently pursuing a master's degree in social work at Washington University in St. Louis, specializing in mental health and focusing on child behavioral health.

Throughout my journey, I have been deeply committed to supporting individuals of all ages struggling with anxiety, depression, and various mental health challenges. And my experience working with homeless children has fueled my passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

After graduation, I am eager to apply my skills and knowledge to serve my community, helping families foster healthy, harmonious, and effective connections.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, cooking and watching movies with loved ones. 

I joined Come Play because I have a passion for helping organizations which help people. My role here is centered around automating and streamlining the IT end of things, freeing up our clinicians' time and energies to focus on treatment.

I earned a Bachelors in Psychological Science from Purdue University, and a Masters of Business Administration from Saint Louis University; and I have extensive experience in financial analysis, systems optimization, and logistics and distribution, in both the healthcare and consumer goods industries. I am a hobby cartophile (someone who is obsessed with maps), and enjoy using those skills to help local civic organizations understand the environments and people they seek to serve.

I enjoy spending my free time with my lovely wife Bethany, exploring all of the amazing restaurants and attractions St. Louis has to offer. We have two rescue dogs, Lilly and Mia, who brighten our days and keep us endlessly active. I also enjoy cycling (for distance, definitely not time!) and running, which the St. Louis area provides endless opportunities for.

Yeager will be around the office from time to time. We hope you get to meet him but cannot guarantee he’ll be here all the time. He loves chasing squirrels, tasty treats, and hugs.