Meet the Healing with Play Team
Carrie Longest, PhD, LMHC, NCC, ACS, RPT-S™
Founder, Healing with Play
As a kid, I never felt I could talk about things that needed to be talked about. As I got older, I knew I wanted to do things differently, to create a safe space for children and adults to feel comfortable enough to express themselves.
This is why I chose play therapy. Play is everyone’s first language, so it provides a natural sense of expression, especially when suffering and it’s harder to find words.
I firmly believe there is extraordinary power in going in and resolving something without consciously knowing what’s going on within us.
Meet with Healing with Play Team
Lori Armstrong
Practice Administrator
Hi, my name is Lori Armstrong and I am the practice administrator for Healing with Play. I have worked in the mental health industry for almost 20 years and I really enjoy being a part of someone’s journey to find the help they are looking for. I feel very strongly about making all families who reach out to Healing with Play feel welcome and I look forward to helping you along the way. I am here to help make seeking therapy a simple and seamless process.
In my free time, I love to cook, spend time at the beach, play pickleball and spend time with my family and friends.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you along your journey.
Christina Ampuero, MS, RMHCI
Pre-licensed Mental Health Counselor
Born and raised in Palm Beach County, Christina is a compassionate and dedicated clinician passionate about helping individuals of all ages. As a wife, mom, and grandma, Christina deeply understands the complexities of family life and the importance of supporting mental and emotional well-being through all stages of life.
Specializing in working with both children and adults, Christina focuses on creating achievable and realistic therapeutic goals that align with her clients’ needs and challenges. For children, she uses play therapy to provide a creative, non-verbal outlet for expression, helping them process their emotions and experiences in a safe and engaging way. She also works closely with parents to enhance communication and behavioral skills, offering practical guidance on how to better understand and connect with their children.
Christina also provides support for parents experiencing estrangement from their adult children, as well as adult children who are navigating the pain of estrangement from their parents. She works with her clients to help rebuild trust, improve communication, and understand the deeper emotional needs at play in these difficult relationships.
With teens and adults, Christina helps clients navigate life’s obstacles, including stress, anxiety, and major transitions. She empowers them to develop healthier coping mechanisms and perspectives, fostering resilience and emotional strength.
At the heart of Christina’s approach is the belief that therapy is a collaborative partnership. She views each client as the expert of their own life, and her role is to offer support, guidance, and a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore and understand themselves more fully. Christina is committed to helping clients of all ages achieve personal growth, emotional healing, and a deeper understanding of their own potential.
Victoria Rodriguez, MS, RMHCI
Pre-licensed Mental Health Counselor
Victoria is one of Healing with Play’s newest interns. She is currently on her journey to becoming a licensed Mental Health Counselor with a focus in crisis and trauma. Victoria has her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
She is a High-Energy student healer, motivated to help people of all ages learn healthy means of coping with mental and emotional difficulties. You will find that she is dedicated to providing empathetic, results-oriented and solution-focused guidance.
When she’s not searching for coffee, you can find Victoria with her nose in a book or working toward her fitness goals.
Lucia Orellana, MS, RMHCI
Pre-licensed Mental Health Counselor
Lucia is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in training. She has worked for children and families for 8 years, where she has acquired training in in Early Childhood Development, Brazelton Touchpoint Principles, Conscious Discipline, and Developmental Parenting techniques. Lucia has her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
She is an enthusiastic child and family advocate, eager to contribute to child empowerment, success, and mental and emotional well-being.
Lucia has a love for working with children and this is the reason why she chose Healing with Play as she has personally witnessed the power of play.
Monica Wacks, MS, RMHCI
Pre-licensed Mental Health Counselor
Monica Wacks, MS, RMHCI, is a pre-licensed clinician with Healing With Play, Inc.
Born and raised in Jupiter, Fl and a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University, Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, Monica aspires to nurture a meaningful therapeutic relationship which encompasses trust, discovery, and acceptance.
She works with diverse populations, ranging from children, adolescents to adults and offers support to help her clients cope with their challenges.
Delainey Casey, MS, RMHCI
Pre-licensed Mental Health Counselor
Delainey Casey, MS, RMHCI, is a pre-licensed clinician with Healing with Play, Inc.
Delainey is a graduate of Walden University, Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program with a special concentration in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling.
After years of working as a labor and bereavement doula, Delainey brings her passion with working with woman and families experiencing pregnancy, infertility, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, and pregnancy/infant loss into a therapeutic setting.
Additionaly, Delainey has spent the 2023/2024 school year working as the co-located mental health counselor at Wellington High School
working closely with The School District of Palm Beach County, helping youth who may have behavioral health problems or are struggling with a personal or family issue.
I honor the bravery and courage it takes to seek support. I will walk beside you on your journey of emotional healing. I am committed to providing a safe space to navigate the vulnerable process of counseling with you without shame or criticism.
Stephanie Bernasconi, MA, LMHC, RPT™
Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Play Therapist
Stephanie uses the power of play to help children navigate their challenges. Sometimes words can’t describe their emotions—but play can help process ones experiences, understand feelings, and explore new ways to cope with situations. As a parent herself, Stephanie strives to provide psychoeducation, detailed treatment focus, and effective empathetic approach.
Stephanie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Certified in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Stephanie completed her Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in trauma-related disorders at Lynn University. Stephanie has almost ten years of experience working in mental health and received professional training in Aut Play, Trauma Play, Filial Therapy, and Infant Mental Health.
