One mission of the Multicultural Play Therapy Center is to help professionals in the fields of mental health and education broaden their knowledge and clinical skills in play therapy by providing high quality training.  Although our clients, settings, and approaches may vary, we are all joined together in our sincere desire to meet the diverse needs of our clients through the healing power of play therapy. Welcome to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the Multicultural Play Therapy Center. 

Who Should Attend: Professional counselors, school counselors, play therapists, psychologists, and students.  Special rates for current students (and May graduates).

What:  The 2nd Annual Multicultural Play Therapy Center Mid-Winter Conference

Where:  On UNC Charlotte's Main Campus 

In-Person Sessions:  The two day conference hosts in-person sessions on January 9-10, 2026.  After  registration, you will receive an email with information about parking, campus facilities, the schedule for the day, and food options.  

When:  

• January 9: Collaborating with Parents: A Critical Skill to Help Our Children in Play Therapy with Dr. Phyllis Post and Crystal Speaks

• January 10: Activity Play Therapy: Supporting Tweens and Teens in Child Centered Activity Therapy with Dr.  Kristie Opiola and Rakia Hicks

Approved Providers: NBCC Approved Provider #4208 and APT Approved Provider #07-191 for contact hours by APT.     

Cost:

In-person Sessions: 

Professional: $140.00 per workshop

UNC-Charlotte Student: $50 per workshop

Student (other university): $70 per workshop

Professional 2 day pass: $260.00

All students must register with an official university email address to ensure student rate.

No refunds will be made after the registration deadline, December 22, 2025. Refunds will be subject to a $25 processing fee.

Registration Deadline: January 5th, 2026.  

We are not able to take registration onsite.

Photo and Video Release: As a result of your registration for the conference, you hereby consent to being photographed, videotaped, or audio-taped by UNC Charlotte in connection with the above- named event or activity; provided, however, that UNC Charlotte has authority to use or reproduce such photographs, video recordings, or audio recordings for UNC Charlotte educational or promotional purposes only. You understand that UNC Charlotte will not distribute such photographs, video recordings, or audio recordings to any third party, or use such photographs, video recordings, or audio recordings for any other purpose without your further written consent and agreement.  Any unauthorized reproduction, dissemination, or use of video, photography, and/or audio associated with this event is strictly prohibited and will result in charges in accordance with North Carolina General Statute Chapter 14, Article 58, 14-433 through 14-440.

Nearby Hotels

UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

9041 Robert D Snyder Road

Charlotte, NC

704-978-8000

HAMPTON INN

8419 N. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC
704-548-0905

Sonesta Select University

333 West W.T. Harris Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28262
704-549-4888

COMFORT SUITES UNIVERSITY

7735 University City Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28213
877-547-0049

HILTON CHARLOTTE UNIVERSITY PLACE

8629 JM Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC 28262
704-547-7444

Drury Inn

415 West W.T. Harris Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262
704-593-0700

Questions?

Please contact Dr. Kristie Opiola regarding program questions at kopiola@charlotte.edu.

Please contact the Office of School and Community Partnerships at oscp-coed@charlotte.edu if you have questions regarding registration.