Pediatric Therapy Services
Child Life Therapy
Mental Health Counseling
Family Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic Play Groups
Support Groups
"Every child needs at least one adult to be irrationally crazy about him or her."
Urie Bronfenbrenner - Developmental Psychologist
Kimberly Leighton, MS, CCLS
Owner, Director
Certified Child Life Specialist
I hold a master's degree in Child Life Therapy and an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education. Over the past twenty years, my professional journey has been dedicated to serving Maine families. I have gained diverse experience, including owning and operating child care centers, teaching pre-K through grade 3, and working for non-profit organizations to support vulnerable families. Four years ago, I ventured into private practice, where I continue to provide specialized care and support to children and their families. Throughout my career, I have come to firmly believe that the resilience of a family is deeply intertwined with the strength of its community support. I am passionate about fostering a nurturing and empowering environment for families, ensuring that they have the resources and support that they need to thrive.
Jacob Wisecup, MSW, LCSW
Mental Health Clinician
Support Group Facilitator
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I am a licensed clinical social worker who has several years of experience working with families, children, and adolescents. I believe in the power of connection to work through the barriers preventing people from being their best self. Utilizing a strengths based approach, I work with people to help empower them so they can navigate their anxiety, depression, family conflict, and other problem areas. Starting therapy can be a scary thing, and I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate space for people to be themselves. I have experience and knowledge in a range of therapeutic modalities from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and trauma informed practice. In my down time, I enjoy listening to music, walking, meditating, and yoga. I look forward to helping you with your next step of growth and healing.
Maddy Smith, COTA
Honeybee Pediatric Therapy
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
I received my bachelor's degree in kinesiology from the University of Maine in 2016 and my associates in occupational therapy from Bates Technical College in Tacoma Washington in 2019. I have experience working with children in the outpatient setting since February of 2020. I have always wanted to work with children because how we play directly affects our development. To also be a positive person in someone's life can truly make a difference. I love collaborating with parents and other members of the child's team to support them in achieving their goals in and out of the clinic! I am also certified and trained in Therapeutic Listening and primitive reflex integration from birth to adolescence. When I’m not working I enjoy hiking, backpacking, skiing, kayaking, and being with family and friends.
Silver Linings Program
Therapeutic Massage
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Guest Intern - Catherine Ferland
Catherine’s impending massage practice is secondary to a 30 year practice as a personal trainer and coach. She worked with many ages of people to help them reach there optimal health goal. Her niche is pre and post natal and working toward a child modality. As she works on her massage license her externship helps her to learn to assist in the healing of her clients. In a caring and supportive way she assists in helping them see that, through massage, they are able to restore their cellular balance. Therapy includes Swedish, trigger point, circulatory and range of motion.
Partnering with local certified massage therapists and massage student interns
• Exhale Therapeutic Massage
• Pure Spa
• New Hampshire Institute for Therapeutic Arts
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Child Life Therapy
What can child life therapy provide for my child?
Child life professionals provide psychosocial support to children, families and their support systems impacted by stress related to significant life experiences. These events could influence typical growth and development and child life professionals aim to minimize the risk of long-term negative effects. Children of all ages may experience emotions such as fear, shame, confusion and loneliness, which can inhibit their natural development. This can also lead to regression in some children and sometimes can cause long-term negative effects without support. While certified child life specialists are experts in child development and medical terminology, they do not diagnose. Referrals to other specialties will be recommended if necessary. Child Life Specialists are not mental health clinicians. They do not prescribe medications or diagnose.
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Some of these adverse child experiences include:
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Chronic illness of self or loved one
Hospitalization, or fear of hospitals
Loss of a loved one (including pet loss)
Divorce or family separation
Parent incarceration
Parent's substance use disorder
Foster care adjustment
Bullying
Anxiety/depression/phobias
Witnessing violent acts related to domestic violence or natural disasters.
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What will the child life specialist do?​
*Foster a safe and therapeutic relationship characterized by compassion, empathy, respect and expertise in psychosocial and developmental needs.
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*Encourage normalcy, empowerment and healthy coping strategies.
*Enhance the child’s self-advocacy and communication skills through cultivating understanding and empathy within siblings and peers.
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*Provide developmentally appropriate explanations to the child about the sequence, nature, and reasons for life experiences.
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*Provide play opportunities that promote a sense of mastery, optimal development and an understanding of significant life experiences.
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*Engage the child in varied activities that facilitate identification and expression of emotions.
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Some of these activities may include:
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Therapeutic play interventions
Legacy building for loved ones or pets
Creative writing, songwriting
Mindfulness exercises
Meditation & yoga
Role-playing activities
Medical procedure preparation
*Telehealth sessions available
Certified Child Life Specialists have a professional obligation to follow the Child Life Certification Commission’s Code of Professional Practice which outlines the ethical responsibilities of the professional. Child life professionals will only practice within areas of specialty for which they have received training. When the needs of children, families and their support systems extend beyond the scope of practice, it is the ethical responsibility of the child life professional to make recommendations for and referrals to additional services. (ACLP Position Paper, Scope of Practice 2019)
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Play Warriors, Inc.
82 Main Street
Office: Suite B6
Playroom: Suite B1
Bridgton, Maine 04009
207-387-7366
