Amanda Iaci, Founder, Registered Clinical Counsellor & Play-Therapist against a pink background.

Amanda Iaci MC,RCC

(She/Her/Hers)

With over 20 years of experience working with children in private and community settings, I strive to create a safe, playful environment that affirms each child’s uniqueness and fosters resilience through kind, empathetic interactions. I’m always learning to refine my approach, and my greatest reward is empowering children and families to flourish.

When I’m not in the playroom, you can find me surrounded by my big Italian family, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, baking sweet treats, or playing video games!

Now accepting clients for services starting April 2025. Book an initial consultation today to learn about my services and secure a spot for your child’s therapy.

Safe: Providing a secure and nurturing environment for children and families

Playful: Encouraging joy, creativity, and imagination through therapeutic play 

Affirming: Validating and celebrating the unique qualities of every child and family with compassion

Resilient: Building emotional strength and coping skills to thrive through challenges

Kind: Approaching every interaction with warmth, empathy, and care

Learning: Continuously growing through evidence-based practices and innovation

Empowering: Helping children and parents develop confidence and meaningful connections

The Sparkle Philosophy

The Sparkle Philosophy

Colorful starburst symbols in a row

Education

Master of Counselling Degree City University of Seattle (Vancouver)
Advanced Certificate in Disability & Applied Behavior Analysis Douglas College

Workshops & Certifications

  • AutPlay Certification Program | 2025

  • Synergetic Play Therapy Certification | 2025

  • Banyan Psychological Center: Pediatric OCD | 2025

  • Caregiver Connection Course: FASD Focus | 2025

  • POPFASD: Anxiety: Reducing Stress and Promoting Educational Confidence | 2025

  • POPFASD: Depression: Promoting Connection and Identity Formation | 2025

  • POPFASD: Self Injurious Behaviour: School Based Interventions | 2025

  • It's A Beautiful Day In The Playborhood: 3rd World Edition! | 2025

  • It's A Beautiful Day In The Playborhood: 2nd World Edition! | 2025

  • It's A Beautiful Day In The Playborhood: World Edition! | 2025

  • Treating Children In The Aftermath Of A Natural Disaster | 2025

  • Journeying with Parents of Autistic Children: The Play Therapist's Role in Identification and Support | 2025

  • Problematic Substance Use | 2025

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (CBT-AR) | 2025

  • Autplay: Introduction to Autplay | 2025

  • Autplay: Play Therapy Theories: A Basic Overview | 2025

  • Integrative Counselling Services: Dilemmas in Play Therapy | 2025

  • The Power of Parents in the Play Therapy Room | 2025

  • Federal Act: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families | 2024

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety and Depression | 2024

  • Suicide and Self-harm in Adolescents: Effective Assessment and Intervention strategies | 2024

  • Filial Therapy & Overview of Child-Centered Play Therapy | 2024 

  • AutPlay: Creating A Sensory Affirming Office and Playroom | 2024

  • AutPlay: Neurodiversity Affirming Play Therapy | 2024 

  • Emergency First Aid & CPR/ AED Level C | 2024 

  • POPFASD: Regulation: Strategies to Support School Success | 2023

  • POPFASD: Addiction: Digital Addiction and Substance Abuse Prevention and Resources | 2023

  • San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program: Core Mental Health (PHSA) | 2023 

  • San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program: Core ICS Foster Care | 2023 

  • Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy | 2023 

  • “It’s Not What You Think”- Cultural Safety Training | 2023 

  • The Art and Science of Holistic Expressive Play Therapy | 2022 

  • Introduction to Neuroscience and Satir in the Sandtray | 2022 

  • The Mandt System Training | 2022 

  • Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings | 2021

  • The Power of Play | 2021

  • OCD in Youth: Not Just an Adjective | 2021

  • Raising Future Ancestors Through Decolonized Parenting & Reparenting Practices | 2021

  • The Children’s Mental Health Conference | 2021 

  • The Clinician’s Suicide Prevention Summit | 2021 

  • Trauma Informed Care: Building a Culture of Strength | 2021 

  • Crisis Responder Certificate | 2019 

  • Trauma and Attachment Across the Lifespan: Tools and Strategies to Address Complex Clients | 2019 

  • Queer Competency Training | 2019 

  • Privacy and Information Sharing: Awareness Training for Contractors and Service Providers | 2018

  • The Early Years Conference 2018 | 2018

  • Crucial Accountability | 2018

  • Early Start Denver Model | 2017

  • Vancouver Neufeld Conference | 2017, 2016

  • Advanced Motivational Interviewing for Helping Professionals | 2016

  • Introduction to Motivational Interviewing | 2012