About us
OUR MISSION
To cultivate children's confidence, connection, and mental health through expressive therapies and play.
OUR VISION
To create a safe, elevated play space for children that reflects, welcomes, and embraces the diverse world we live in.
OUR VALUES
At PLAE, we play by the rules of the Three I's:
We are impassioned. Our deep desire for children and families to thrive and live healthy, elevated lives is our why.
We are innovative. We utilize quality, evidence-based therapeutic models in our play practices, and we stay versed in new methods to connect with today's youth.
We are inclusive. Because every child deserves a safe, therapeutic place to play, move, learn, and grow.
Let's play a game.
True or False: Play is the language of youth.
The answer? True.
Play is how children learn. It's how they develop socially, think creatively, and embrace the value of their authenticity. This is why Melanie D. Davis LCMH created PLAE, a space that ensures every child - no matter their background, community, or circumstance - has the opportunity to reap the true benefits of playtime.
PLAE - pronounced play - is an acronym for play-centered learning, attachment, and expressive therapies, all of which are at the heart of our mission to improve children's mental health. A fact that’s evident from the moment you walk into our state-of-the-art play space, intentionally designed from the functionality to the integrity of each items' manufacturers to create an experience where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to explore, grow, and learn.
So, what does all of this mean?
It means filling a void in community resources that cater to mental health care and the unique needs of children and their families. It means offering creative opportunities for play and exploration to children who may be seeking support with healthy attachments, mood-related disorders, anxiety, or other significant traumas. It means diving into the deep work in a safe, playful, and expressive way.
True or False: PLAE equips children with the tools to thrive in life, their daily environments, and their families.
True. And it's all done in an environment that prioritizes their favorite pastime: play.
"When I think of PLAE, I envision a fun children's mental health space and community. The images that come to mind are families that just need to be elevated, supported and to feel connected.
Helping families to feel capable and like they have the tools they need to fully thrive and support their children with attaining optimal mental health."
Melanie D. Davis MS LCMHC
FOUNDER OF PLAE