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Conference Highlights:
Transformative Power of Play Conference: Combating Depression, Anxiety and Isolation in a Digital Age
April 27, 2026 | Windrose on Hudson
This Transformative Power of Play Conference featured interactive breakout workshops led by professionals in education, social work, the arts and mental health. Sessions explored the role of play across topics such as digital technology, social media, education, parenting, mental health, organizational wellness and creativity.
→ Inspiring breakout sessions on play, learning, and brain development
→ Meaningful connections with educators, social workers, and community leaders
→ Powerful takeaways to support children and youth in today’s world
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the D2R Transformative Power of Play Conference. Your participation, energy, ideas, and passion made this event truly impactful! As one participant shared, the conference was “eye opening” and packed full of hands on learning that worked to reinforce each speaker’s message that play isn’t just fun it’s essential for growth, building resilience, and fostering community connections.
We are very grateful to the Keynote Speaker, Mia Sundstrom, who has reinforced and encourage our understanding that when we prioritize play, we do more than make moments of fun, we strengthen our confidence, our connections, deepen engagement, and shape healthier futures for our communities.
Check out photos from the day below!
And stay connected for future events!
Keynote Speaker
Mia Sundstrom, CEO of the National Institute for Play
Special Guest
Benjamin Perks, Head of Advocacy Child Development & Protection UNICEF New York, UN International Day of Play leader, and author of Trauma Proof
CEU Credits from WJCS
Westchester Jewish Community Services is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0101, and by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW0067, and by The New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0313
Please note: To receive 4.5 CE credits, one must attend the entire Conference including the keynote and two workshops. Partial credit will not be awarded to those who attend only a portion of the class. Therefore, late arrival or an early departure of greater than 10 minutes constitutes not attending a workshop or the Conference in its entirety. To document attendance, participants must sign in and out of the Conference and workshop and complete an evaluation at the end of each class. Evaluations will be emailed after the Conference.
CTLE Credits
Sarah Lawrence College is an Approved CTLE Sponsor and offers 7 CTLE hours for this program.
This program meets Public Librarian Certification requirements
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Partner Sponsors
Nancy Barr, Westchester County Legislator District 6
Kathy Halas
Dr. Terry L. Kirchner
Dr. Andrew Bell
