
Evangeline Bauer, Founder + Owner
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.

Diane Tarr, CEO
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.

Bethany Arkills, Chief Medical Officer
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.

Rachel Brown, Clinical Team Lead-Creve Coeur
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.

Liz Colizza, Couples and Parenting Therapist
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.

Caitlin Kremer, Psychological Examiner
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.

Jennifer Walsh, Play Therapist
LPC, RPT
I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Come Play STL team as a play therapist for children. In addition to the impressive credentials and big hearts of my teammates, I too bring with me a genuine adoration and deep respect for children and their developmental process. Having earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, I spent ten years teaching in a preK through 8th grade school setting. Years later, upon earning my Master of Education in Counseling degree, I’ve now spent another ten years as a therapist within the same school. My decades of professional experience within an educational setting has granted me opportunities for expansion, personally and professionally, in a variety of areas including social and emotional growth. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist, I am excited to be working in a clinic dedicated to using a multidisciplinary approach to meeting children where they are developmentally and supporting their continued growth. My play therapy approach is to let the child lead while also aiding in the discovery of the language and tools necessary to gain better access to specific aspects of themselves such as self-regulation and assertive communication.
I feel fortunate that my life’s work has been to nurture and assist in educating so many children within the STL community. Supporting young families each day is certainly a privilege. As a lifelong “city kid,” some of my favorite places are within walking distance including Francis Park and many fantastic restaurants. However, I’m most grateful for the opportunity to have raised seven sons of my own, which has brought some wonderful young women into my life as well as the joy of two grandchildren.

Katie Copps, Play Therapy Fellow-Clinical Lead for Interns
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!

Ciera Farrens, Play Therapist
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!

Sarah Minkoff, Play Therapy Fellow-Intern Coordinator
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.

Grace Crowcroft, Play Therapy Fellow
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!

Amber Stokes, Play Therapy Fellow
MSW
Hi, my name is Amber Stokes. I started at Come Play, STL in November 2024. I am excited to begin my social work career at Come Play, STL and work alongside a collaborative team. I look forward to working with children, the child’s parents, and teachers.
My educational background is in Psychology and Social Work. I graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and will graduate with my Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in December 2024. I have been trained in Play Therapy and will be working towards my certification as a Registered Play Therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked with children on the Autism Spectrum across multiple settings as a Registered Behavior Technician and in Play Therapy. I have also had the privilege to work with children who were struggling with a transition in their life, behavior concerns, struggled with attachment, experienced trauma, Depression, Anxiety, and ADHD.
A little bit about me: I love traveling or finding new experiences with my husband. I love animals! I have 2 dogs and a cat who we love to spoil.
I look forward to getting to know you and discovering how Come Play, STL can benefit your child and family.
Nikki Billmeyer, Occupational Therapist
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!

Bailey Carney, Occupational Therapist
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.

Grace Mohr, Occupational Therapist
MOT, OTR/L
Hello! My name is Grace and I am so excited to be an occupational therapist at Come Play, STL!
I graduated from Saint Louis University with a masters degree in occupational therapy, and minors in dance and inter professional education. My professional experience includes working with children in an outpatient setting and in an adult acute hospital, though I have always had a love for working with children. During graduate school, I worked as an inpatient therapy tech at a local pediatric hospital where I was able to serve children with a variety of medical needs. I have a passion for working with kids and meeting them where they are at and help them to reach their full potential. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, exploring St. Louis, and working out. I am also a part of a local dance company where I get to continue performing and teaching a variety of dance classes.
I am so excited to learn from and work with the colleagues, families, and clients at Come Play, STL!

Ashli Bourisaw, Occupational Therapist
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.

Hillary Schaefer, Occupational Therapist
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.

Beth Dooley, Occupational Therapist
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.

Mariglenn Boggs, Speech Therapist
SLP-CCC
I am grateful to be a part of the Come Play, STL staff as a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Come Play offers a unique, holistic approach in providing quality evaluations and treatment carefully catered to each individual’s needs.
I hold a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Communication Disorders with a minor in Vocal Performance and Master’s of Communication Disorders from Auburn University. Prior to joining the Come Play, STL staff, I completed speech and language evaluations and therapy in the public school setting for 8 years before becoming a learning specialist in reading and writing for a local private school in St. Louis. I have a strong passion for helping students excel in their communication skills, both in the classroom and other social settings. I also enjoy assisting families in providing support to their children in the areas of speech and language.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my two boys and spending quality time with my husband. I love cooking, running, reading, trying new restaurants, going to parks in St. Louis, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.

Gracie Humphrey, Speech Therapist
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!
Grace Milford, Speech Therapist
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.

Maggie Chen, Play Therapy Fellow PRN/Office Manager-Creve Coeur
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.

Katie Manion, MSW Intern
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.

Mars Dai, MSW Intern
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.

Nina Bacon, MSW Intern
Hi, my name is Nina Bacon! I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Social Work at the Brown School at Washington University here in St. Louis. I’m thrilled to be an intern at Come Play, STL, and am excited to use my skills in this area of practice. I earned my Bachelor's in Social Work with a minor in Child Development from Texas Christian University. Previously, I have worked with young kids and adolescents in an intensive outpatient therapy setting and at a teen emergency shelter. Most of my experience thus far has been with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. I have always had a desire to work with kids, and play-based therapy is a unique opportunity to exercise my passion for youth and teen behavioral health. I am excited to see how Come Play, STL can help meet you and your family’s needs!
In my free time, I enjoy being active and spending time with family and friends. One of my absolute favorite hobbies is hot yoga!

Pearl Cohen, MSW Intern
Hello! I’m Pearl Cohen, one of the practicum students at Come Play, STL, currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Children, Youth, and Families at Washington University in St. Louis. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education Studies from American University in Washington, DC.
Before beginning my graduate studies at WashU, I worked as an elementary school teacher in Brooklyn, New York, my hometown. My passion for working with young people has been shaped by my lifelong involvement with my family’s STEAM-based summer camp, Beam Camp, where I developed a deep appreciation for fostering autonomy and choice in children’s learning. I’m excited to bring this mindset to my work at Come Play, STL, and to continue supporting spaces that empower young people to explore, create, and thrive.
Outside of work, I enjoy baking cakes, playing volleyball, and cooking meals for my friends and family.

Isabel Quinones, MSW Intern
Hi! I’m Isa and I am so excited to be a practicum student here at Come Play! I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Social Work at Washington University, with a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families. My undergrad was in Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies.
I have a strong background working with children, having previously worked as a daycare teacher for children 6 weeks to 6 years old. During my undergrad, I also completed a practicum at a preschool. My work there formally consisted of performing small psychological assessments on the children, but over time I also became a translator for Spanish-speaking children in the classroom. I loved this role so much that I came back a second semester as a teacher’s aide for both preschool classrooms! I have long loved working with children and am excited to continue this path in my future career.
I am passionate about social justice and am committed to placing a focus on children in underserved and underrepresented communities. I was drawn to play therapy because I believe talk therapy is not a “one size fits all” model, especially for little ones. I love the idea of meeting children where they are at and letting them guide their therapy in a way that feels not only comfortable, but fun too!
In my free time I love to spend time with my partner and our baby– a seven-year old chihuahua named Abbey Rhode. We love cozying up on the couch for movies and tv shows. I also love to try new restaurants, visit museums, spend time with family, and play cozy games. I’ve recently begun learning how to crochet too!
Again, I’m thrilled to be here at Come Play and learn about the incredible opportunities that play therapy has to offer!

Andrew Arkills, IT Specialist
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, our therapy dog
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.


























