Meet Our Team
Our Founder
April Duncan (DSW, LCSW, RPT-S) obtained her Bachelor’s in Arts & Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2006), Masters of Social Work from Saint Louis University (2012) and Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Southern California (2021). She is the founder of BMH Connect, an organization focused on Black youth empowerment through the use of play therapy.
Dr. April is a racial trauma expert and leader in her field in advocating for the mental health needs of Black children. Her book, “Black Students Matter: Play Therapy Techniques to Address Racial Trauma in Black Students” provides an innovative approach to address mental health issues in Black children through the use of play therapy. She also is an adjunct instructor in the online MSW program at Tulane University.
With over ten years of clinical experience, Dr. April has worked collaboratively with various stakeholders in schools, the juvenile justice system and the child welfare system, to teach the importance of recognizing and addressing trauma in children from all backgrounds. Dr. April also serves on the advisory board for the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals.
Our Team
Mylah Chandler
Kristen is a Certified Theraplay Practitioner, Certified Group Theraplay Practitioner, & Certified Group Theraplay Trainer. She is also a Registered Play Therapist and EMDR trained. Kristen earned a Masters in Child Development from the Erikson Institute and a Masters in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Kristen has had extensive experience working with children and families in a variety of capacities such as Head Start Early Childhood Educator, Child Mental Health Advocate, and Child Advocacy worker in the Child Welfare System, Family Support Specialist and as a Child and Family Clinician in shelters, schools, and clinic settings.
Kristin has specialized training in Attachment modalities such as Theraplay®, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), and Circle of Security®. She is passionate about sharing this knowledge and expertise with others as an engaging and thoughtful trainer..
Kira Collins, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S™
As BMH Connect's Play Therapy Supervision Manager, Kira
has a passion for working with children, youth, and families. She is obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology, with a minor in Family Studies, from the University of Missouri - Kansas City, and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Kansas. Kira is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, as well as a Registered Play Therapist, and currently works for the Special School District of St. Louis County providing individualized and group counseling services to students with Individualized Educational Plans. In previous roles, Kira has provided individual, group, and family counseling to preschool, elementary, and middle school aged students, as well as young adults in various school districts and non-profit agencies. Kira has clinical expertise in trauma, grief, and loss; child development; peer relationships; and addressing symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Mia Dadian
Trecia Davis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Consultant with over 15 years experience in social services spanning from education to behavioral health. As a dedicated Servant Leader and Social Worker, Trecia Davis has worked in a variety of capacities in the field, including her current roles as the Founder of Equal Shares Parenting and Super Social Workers. Her desire to see children and families thrive is the driving force behind her work in administrative leadership in education and her private mental health practice. She takes tremendous pride in sharing her knowledge with other helping professionals through career development, education, and mentorship.
Trecia has excelled as an educator and facilitator through her positions as an Adjunct Instructor at Fontbonne University, a Parenting Skills facilitator at non-profit Midtown STL, and the Primary Facilitator of workshops and professional support for Super Social Workers. Trecia has trained over 750 professionals and students, and invests in the development of other Social Workers through her roles as Field Instructor, Professional Coach, and Licensure Supervisor.
Ali Gabel, LPC, ATR
Ali is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist specializing in adapting expressive modalities to meet the needs of diverse client populations in acute and non-traditional settings. As an early adopter of telehealth and digital expression, Ali has remained committed to breaking barriers and making expressive therapies accessible. For 10 years, she has pushed the bounds of art therapy for it's successful use in 911 diversion and emergency crisis response, in-community and emergency room psychiatric assessments, and unhoused, immigrant, and IPV shelters.
In addition to making therapeutic expression accessible, Ali also believes in making clinical practice more accessible to clinicians. She provides affordable websites to clinicians desiring to build their own practices and develop their own brands as no one should be prevented from achieving their goals.
Ebony Hutchinson, MSW, LCSW, RPT™
Ebony Hutchinson LCSW, RPT has worked in behavioral health since 2004. She’s an adjunct professor at The Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. She specializes in trauma with an emphasis on foster care youth. Ebony is also the founder of The Community Reach a nonprofit that was established to increase access to specialized mental health services to marginalized communities.
