History of the Award 

The Canadian Association for Play Therapy calls for nominations for the Monica Herbert  Award. This award has been inspired by the courage, devotion, hard work and  commitment to working with and helping children that has been demonstrated by Monica  Herbert. 

We were sad to learn that on July 5, 2019, Monica Herbert passed away. Monica was a  loved wife and loved mother of two sons and a daughter. She graduated from the Child  Care Worker program at George Brown College in June of 1988 and began work on a  Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Waterloo. She worked and trained in play  therapy at Homestead Group Home, in Goderich, with Betty Bedard-Bidwell. Monica has  used her skills to help many children and showed an interest in working with clients with autism. Her future included Certification as a Child Psychotherapist and Play Therapist  with the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy, completion of her education and  the continuation of a private therapy practice with children. 

Monica was a courageous woman who struggled with many challenges and difficulties  during her life. In November of 1992 and January 1993, she underwent brain surgery to  correct life-threatening aneurysms. Her recovery was slow, and she continues to suffer  from severe aphasia (severe language and communication disorder). The possibility of her  being able to continue the life and work she loved was doubtful. 

The establishment of The Monica Herbert Award allows us to recognize and appreciate the  accomplishments and contributions Monica made to her family and the children she  worked with. 

Criteria for the Monica Herbert Award 

This award is an annual award which will recognize outstanding achievements in or  contributions to the field of play therapy. Recipients will have made a significant impact on  CAPT through dedication, competence and exceptional performance, as demonstrated by  one or more of the following: 

• Outstanding clinical work using play therapy;

• Research related to play therapy through a book, article, or paper; 

• Community or Committee work supporting CAPT by furthering the field of play  therapy. 

• Making exceptional contributions to the lives of children. 

Nominations are to be made by members of The Canadian Association for Play Therapy.  The recipient will be presented with The Monica Herbert Award Plaque. The award will be  presented each year at the Association’s Annual General Meeting. 

Our members are now invited to make nominations for this year’s award. These should be  submitted to The Canadian Association for Play Therapy. 

Please include the attached information form of the nominee and a one or two paragraph  description of their contributions to the field of play therapy or the achievements that are to  be recognized.  

We believe that this award is a fitting way to recognize Monica’s achievements and eagerly await this year’s nominations. 

Forward the completed nomination form along with a biography of the Nominee by April 30th, 2025.

Deadline extended until April 30th, 2025