THE PLAYGROUNDgr is a local nonprofit, who is committed to bridging the disparities of the racial, gender, culture, and socioeconomic gaps often found in caregivers/educational institutions and community based programing around the world of play. Play based support, therapy and awareness continues to be an evidenced tool that sharpens and supports, emotional health, mental health, trauma, grief and attachment. THE PLAYGROUNDgr is tasked with ensuring all members of our community have access to free or reduce rated play workshops, trainings, play based groups and play based therapy.
OUR MISSION: To raise awareness around the emotional and mental health benefits of play. At THE PLAYGROUNDgr, we believe play heals.
Jacqueline Scherer, LMSW, RPT™ is a seasoned professional with over twenty-three years of experience working with children, youth and families. Jacqueline is both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapist ™. As a foster parent for over thirteen years, and a mother to three children, Jacqueline has demonstrated her commitment to promoting healing through play, both in her home and community. Jacqueline has led various initiatives such as Stand Up For Kids Olympia, WA Chapter and Co-pioneering the first THP+ Program in San Diego, CA. She has also contributed significantly to the field by piloting a traumatic grief curriculum for children, advocating for educational rights, and serving as a crisis clinician for children in Kent County. Jacqueline's dedication extends beyond direct practice as she actively engages in teaching and speaking engagements, sharing her expertise in grief, trauma, and play with clinicians, teachers, and community members. Her recent endeavor, THE PLAYGROUNDgr Podcast, further amplifies her mission by inviting local experts to share their insights on healing through play. Jacqueline's passion for play therapy and play-based strategies led her to create THE PLAYGROUNDgr, driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to the healing power of play. Through her ongoing leadership roles, such as sitting Board Member of the Michigan Association of Play Therapy and her leadership role as Chair of the Midtown Neighborhood Association, Jacqueline continues to advocate for safe and accessible play and play therapy services for all. Interested in learning more about Jacqueline's leadership in our community or the world of play? Email her at jacqueline@theplaygroundgr.org
Play Soleil VIP: February 8, 2024
Healing through Play; A Foster Care Lens: April 20, 2024
Play Around the World: April 27, 2024
Grand Rapids Plays: September 21, 2024
Play Soleil THE MAIN EVENT: October 3, 2024
Healing Through Play is led by Founder/Executive Director of THE PLAYGROUNDgr, Jacqueline Scherer, LMSW, Registered Play Therapist ™. Healing Through Play is a hands on training that provides research around the impact play has on the brain. During this training, we explore hypo and hyper play, and look at play through the brain stem, midbrain, limbic and cortex. Through THE PLAYGROUNDgr, we use hands on tools to support ongoing use of play, through a therapeutic lens. Strategies learned offer support in all community spaces including: community centers, schools, therapeutic spaces and homes. Members of the community who have expressed a benefit to attending and participating include: direct care staff, teachers, foster care workers, therapists, social workers, recreational therapists, youth support staff, foster parents and many more.
THE PLAYGROUNDgr is committed to bringing play to our community, and would be thrilled to partner with YOU!