Meet Your AST Board Members
President
The President of IAST serves as the chief executive officer and the leader of the Board of Directors, providing overall direction and leadership to the organization. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the nonprofit effectively pursues its mission, adheres to its core values, and achieves its strategic goals. The President acts as a key representative of the organization both internally and externally. The President is a visionary leader who guides the nonprofit toward fulfilling its mission and achieving sustainable impact. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills, as well as a deep commitment to the organization’s cause and values.
Beth Moore
LPC, ICST-P
Hi Ya’ll, I’m Beth Moore and I love Sandtray Therapy!! It all started for me when I did my first sandtray in graduate school for counseling. Voila, I had immediate insight into my reality by looking at my little miniatures in my world. My heart was changed and I knew this is what I wanted to specialize in as a counselor. So, here I am, diving in as a RIST (Registered Integrative Sandtray Therapist) and finishing up my provisional license hours for LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). I love using Sandtray Therapy and Play Therapy with clients in Louisiana, teaching about integrative therapies, and finding new ways to heal our whole mind-body-spirit. I am honored to be on the AST (Association of Sandtray Therapy) Board of Officers and hope to get to know you all better to serve you.
Vice President
The Vice President of IAST plays a crucial role in supporting the President and providing leadership within the board of directors. The Vice President is often seen as the second-in-command, ready to step into the President’s role if needed and assists in the overall governance and strategic direction of the organization. This role involves significant responsibility in ensuring the organization’s mission and goals are effectively pursued. The Vice President is a key leader within IAST, providing essential support to the President and helping to guide the organization’s direction and impact. This role requires strong leadership, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills, as well as a deep commitment to the organization’s mission and values.
Nidhi Kirpalani
M.Sc., M.sc, ICST-P
Nidhi Kirpalani is a Clinical & Counseling Psychologist based in Trinidad and Tobago working in private practice, mostly with survivors of trauma and abuse. She works with underprivileged children, foster care families, and also as a trained Forensic Interviewer. She loves to study neuroscience and trauma, aiming to develop her knowledge and pass it on to others in a practical and multi-functional manner.
Nidhi is the board liaison for the Editorial and Publishing Committee who has officially launched the first edition of the Sandtray Scribe, stories in the sand; a magazine for Sandtray Therapists, written by Sandtray Therapists.
She is the Director and founder of Caribbean Sandtray Institute which provides workshops, retreats and trainings, namely the ICST Credentialed Training. Nidhi believes in IAST’s dedication to grow and support sandtray therapists and sandtray enthusiasts by sharing quality trainings and resources that support you and your clients.
Nidhi studied her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at the University of the West Indies and Master’s Counseling Psychology at the University of the Southern Caribbean at the same time. She loves learning and always makes time for Self-Care at beaches and rivers on her island.
Secretary
The Secretary of IAST is a key officer responsible for maintaining accurate records of the board’s activities and ensuring effective communication among board members and between the board and the organization’s staff. The Secretary plays a vital role in the governance of the nonprofit by ensuring that the board operates smoothly and transparently. The Secretary is crucial in ensuring that the board operates with transparency, accountability, and efficiency. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to the governance of the organization. The Secretary’s work supports the Board’s effectiveness and ensures that the nonprofit remains compliant with legal and ethical standards.
Virginia Willis
LCSW, RPT-S, ICST
I am Virginia Lynn Willis, LCSW, ICST, RPT-S. I graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Master’s in Social Work. During my career in Social Work I have worked as a medical social worker as an LSW for about 18 years and 1 ½ years for Mid America Transplant Association. After obtaining my LMSW I worked for agencies. As a LMSW and LCSW I have been a school based therapist, provided services in the office, made home visits, provide telehealth and have provided services in the community as needed . I transferred to a private practice setting in 2021. I am TF-CBT trained, TF-CBT with Problematic Sexual Behaviors, IFS informed, Reiki trained and am completing the certification for a Certified Youth Mental Health Specialist (CYMHS). I am currently an RPT-S. I went through the process to become RIST trained and became the first RIST therapist. I then completed credentialing process to be ICST (Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist) through IAST (International Association for Sandtray Therapy. I am currently serving on the board as Secretary for IAST. I am also a member of Association for Play Therapy. I continue working with clients ages 3-adult at Open Book Wellness in Paragould, AR.
Communications Coordinator
The Communications Coordinator on the IAST Board is responsible for overseeing the organization’s communication strategy, ensuring that messaging is consistent, effective, and aligns with the nonprofit’s mission and goals. This role involves developing, implementing, and monitoring communication plans across various platforms, including social media, newsletters, websites, and press releases. The Communications Coordinator plays a crucial role in shaping the public perception of the nonprofit and ensuring that its message reaches and resonates with its intended audiences. This position requires strong communication skills, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively with other Board members and staff.
Megan Cinnamon
LPCC, ICST-P
Megan is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor-Supervisor practicing in Somerset, KY. She is an Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist-Provider and founder of Sandscapes: The Kentucky Sandtray Institute. Megan owns a group private practice in Kentucky serving children, teens and adults primarily using Sandtray Therapy, EMDR and Play Therapy techniques.
International and Multi-Cultural Coordinator
The International and Multicultural Affairs Coordinator is responsible for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and its programs. This role focuses on ensuring that the nonprofit’s initiatives are culturally relevant, inclusive, and accessible to diverse communities both locally and globally. Additionally, the Coordinator works to expand the organization’s reach and impact by fostering international relationships and collaborations. The International and Multicultural Affairs Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring that the IAST is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and globally connected. This position requires a deep understanding of diversity issues, strong cross-cultural communication skills, and a commitment to promoting equity and inclusion in all aspects of the organization’s work.
Kristine Yells
Ph.D., LCSW, ICST
Dr. Kristine Yells earned a Master of Social Work degree from Brigham Young University and a doctorate in social work from the University of Utah. Kris is a licensed clinical social worker with a specialty in crisis intervention and trauma. She has worked as a crisis worker in a hospital emergency room, as a therapist in a residential treatment center and a trauma clinic, and as a disaster mental health worker with the American Red Cross. She has been a ICST since 2020 and is also trained in EMDR and Somatic Experiencing. Kris is currently Associate Professor and Director of Social Work at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, and has a private clinical practice. Kris is madly in love with her husband David, and together they have a blended family of 7 children and 14 grandchildren.
ICST Provider Liaison
The ICST Provider Liaison on the IAST Board serves as the primary connection between the organization and the service providers, vendors, or partner organizations that contribute to the delivery of the nonprofit’s programs and services. This role ensures that these relationships are managed effectively and that the services provided align with the organization’s mission, standards, and goals. The Provider Liaison plays a crucial role in ensuring that the nonprofit’s partnerships with service providers are strong, effective, and mutually beneficial. This position requires excellent communication and negotiation skills, a strong understanding of the nonprofit’s mission and operations, and the ability to manage relationships in a way that supports the organization’s goals.
Carmen Jimenez-Pride
LCSW, LISW-CP, RPTS, ICST
Carmen Jimenez-Pride is the founder, and Executive Director of Outspoken Counseling and Consulting. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, Internal Family Systems Therapist, Registered Yoga Teacher, Registered Children Yoga Teacher and a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator.
Carmen is the developer of Diversity in Play Therapy Inc.; and creator/organizer of the 2020 Diversity in Play Therapy Summit.
Carmen received her Bachelor of Social Work with a certificate in Child Protective Services from Benedict College. She was then accepted into the advanced standing program at the University of South Carolina earning a Master of Social Work with a focus on communities and organizations. Carmen’s passion is youth/ children, and she has dedicated herself not only to enrich the lives of children but also to providing the tools and curriculum for clinicians to ensure her goal to reach others has an even further span in society.
Carmen is experienced in the clinical treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with culturally diverse backgrounds addressing a wide range of concerns. Carmen’s career in the mental health field spans more than 15 years.
Carmen has extensive training in sandtray, play therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Adlerian Play Therapy.
Her experience as a therapist, consultant, trainer, educator, coach, and author encompasses Carmen’s approach to practice, which is “Together We Will Grow”
Conference and Training Coordinator
The Conference and Training Coordinator on the nonprofit board is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing all conferences, workshops, and training programs that the organization offers. This role ensures that these events align with the nonprofit’s mission, provide value to participants, and run smoothly from start to finish. The Conference and Training Coordinator plays a vital role in advancing the nonprofit’s mission by providing high-quality learning and networking opportunities for its members and the broader community. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with others to deliver successful events.
Sue Holmes
LCPC, NCC, RPT-S, ICST
Sue Holmes has been a counselor for almost 30 years, beginning her career first as a school counselor. For the past eight years, she has operated a private practice. Sue is a registered play therapist supervisor and was trained in sandtray therapy six years ago. She is married, with three children and four grand children. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with family, travel, read, and relax at the beach.
Past President
The Past President of IAST is a former President who continues to serve on the board in an advisory and supportive capacity. This role is essential for providing continuity, institutional knowledge, and mentorship to the current leadership, helping to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities and the ongoing success of the organization. The Past President plays a critical role in ensuring that the nonprofit benefits from experienced leadership and continuity during transitions. This position requires a deep understanding of the organization, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to supporting the ongoing success and stability of the nonprofit.
Amy Flaherty Hood
LPEI-RPT, ICST-P
Amy Flaherty Hood is the outgoing President of IAST. She is the Founder of Southern Sandtray Institute and has taught sandtray therapists worldwide for over a decade. Amy also owns a group private practice in Jonesboro, AR.
