2605 Southwest Square, Jonesboro,www.sandtraysummit.commembers@sandtraytherapy.org
| Monday, March 17 | Monday, March 18 | Monday, March 19 | Monday, March 20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00AM - 5:00PMRegistration Open | 8:00 am – 9:00 amBreakfast | 8:00 am – 9:00 amBreakfast | 8:00 am – 9:00 amBreakfast |
| 10:30 am – 1:00 pmNewcomers Tour | 9:00 am – 9:15 amOpening Remarks | 9:00 am – 9:10 amOpening Remarks | 9:00 am – 9:10 amConcurrent Workshops |
| 1:30 pm – 3:00 pmMega Sessions | 9:15 am – 10:05 amKeynote: Eric Mosley | 9:10 am – 9:55 amKeynote Panel | 9:15 am – 10:50 amBreak |
| 4:00 pm – 5:00 pmSolo Social | 10:05 am – 10:50 amKeynote: Adam Grant | 9:55 am – 10:45 amNetworking & Activities | 9:50 am – 12:20 amMega Sessions |
| 5:00 pm – 8:00 pmCustomer Celebration | 10:50 am – 11:10 amNetworking & Activities | 10:45 am – 12:00 pmConcurrent Workshops | 12:20 am – 1:30 amLunch |
| 11:10 am – 12:00 pmLunch | 12:00 pm – 1:30 pmLunch |
April 24th | April 25th – Day 1 | April 26th – Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
| 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
| 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
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The IAST Sandtray Summit, now in its 8th year, continues to stand as the premier annual gathering for sandtray therapists, educators, and mental health professionals from across the globe. Each year, this transformative event brings together innovators, teachers, and passionate practitioners to share cutting-edge insights, strengthen professional connections, earn CE credits, and take part in immersive, hands-on sandtray workshops that expand skills, spark creativity, and inspire lasting growth.
Keynote Speaker: Lisa Dion
They Whispered, So I Roared: The Art of Expanding Without Permission and Moving with Resilience
Lisa Dion's Bio
Lisa is an international teacher, clinical supervisor, author, coach and entrepreneur. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapy Supervisor and is at the cutting edge of her field creating new and innovative models of therapy with children and adults.
She is the founder and President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute and the creator of Synergetic Play Therapy®. She is also a Certified Gestalt Therapist, Parent Educator, Level II EMDR Practitioner and Master Certified Facilitator of the Demartini Method™.
In her private practice, she works with clients of all ages from around the world on a full spectrum of issues. In addition to her clinical work, she has also launched multiple for-profit and non-profit businesses and is a business consultant to various organizations worldwide.
I got awesome swag from the vendors and summit. Also, my very own sandtray
Working on the weekend! Sandtray Summit 2021 #SandtrayTherapist
I had a fantastic time! Met new friends and learned so much! Thank you everyone!
Had a great time. Thank you for the lessons, the tears, and the growth!
Attending #sandtraySummit2021 so glad I decided to be part of this!!
Pre-Summit Speaker: Stefani Misiph
Curated for Courage: An Intimate IFS Immersion into Therapist Resilience in the Playroom
Stefani Misiph's Bio
Stefani Misiph, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play Therapist, Supervisor (RPT-S) and a certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist with extensive experience in play therapy, expressive therapy, and IFS. She founded The Misiph Center for Therapy and Training in Boynton Beach, Florida, where she provides bilingual therapy (English and Spanish) to children, families, and adults.
With a Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University, Stefani integrates play, expressive arts, and IFS to create a holistic and healing therapeutic approach. She has served as a bilingual play therapist, clinical supervisor, and adjunct professor, teaching Lesley University advanced play therapy and expressive therapy courses. She currently supervises both pre-licensed and licensed therapists and has started a training program for upcoming Registered Play Therapists.
Stefani has over 20 years of experience working in private practice, community health, and academic settings, specializing in trauma, child and family therapy, and clinical supervision. She is a Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist (IFS) and serves as a Program Assistant for IFS trainings, deepening her expertise in applying parts work to children, adolescents, and families. She has held leadership roles in the New England Association for Play Therapy, including serving as President and Conference Coordinator for nearly a decade. Committed to advancing the field, Stefani conducts play therapy trainings and supervises clinicians pursuing certification in expressive and play therapy.
Her work is guided by a deep belief in the healing power of play, creativity, and self-leadership, helping clients and therapists alike find clarity, resilience, and transformation.
STefani Misiph's Workshop
Step out of the swirl of holding space for everyone else for a few hours and step into a space curated just for you. Curated for Courage is an intimate preconference IFS experience designed to reconnect therapists with the parts they carry into the playroom every day. Through a blend of guided IFS explorations, expressive processing, and playful sandtray integration, this workshop invites you to turn inward, tend to your own system, and return to your work with renewed clarity, compassion, and Self-energy.
Whether you're feeling weary, wired, or wide open, this experience offers a gentle landing for your protector parts, your exiles, and your inner healer. Together, we’ll create a sacred space to explore what resilience truly looks like, from the inside out. Because when we care for the therapist within, we transform the therapy we offer others.
This isn’t just a workshop. It’s a return to you.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Identify at least two common protective parts that may arise for therapists in response to burnout or vicarious trauma, and externalize these parts using Sandtray Play Therapy techniques for increased insight and reflection.
2. Describe how Self-energy within the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model supports therapist resilience and facilitates the use of Sandtray Play Therapy as a tool for internal exploration and regulation.
3. Demonstrate two IFS-informed strategies, including Sandtray-based interventions, to enhance internal awareness, promote self-regulation, and maintain therapeutic presence in the playroom.
Our Speaker: Lisa Dion
The 2026 IAST Sandtray Summit brings together sandtray professionals from around the world for a weekend of connection, growth, and
inspiration — and this year, we’re meeting in Louisville, Kentucky during its most magical time of year.
That’s right — the Summit happens the weekend before the world-famous Kentucky Derby!
Every spring, Louisville comes alive with the energy of the Kentucky Derby Festival — a two-week citywide celebration full of colorful
traditions, live music, and Southern charm.
While you’re here for the Summit, you’ll also get to experience the city at its most festive — and maybe even extend your trip into Derby weekend
if you choose!
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, and our Summit falls during the height of Derby Festival Week.
Festive Atmosphere
Louisville’s streets are decked out in Derby spirit, with decorations, hats, and excitement everywhere you go. The city comes alive
with color and energy, offering a truly festive backdrop to your Summit experience.
Fun Events All Week
From the Pegasus Parade to riverfront festivals, hot air balloon races, steamboat races, and live music, the city buzzes with unique
events leading up to the Derby. Each day offers something new to explore, making your visit unforgettable.
The Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy all the learning and connection of the Summit while taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Louisville during its most iconic season.
Whether you stay just for the weekend or decide to extend your trip through Derby Day, this year’s Summit offers the perfect opportunity to make
memories both inside and outside the conference room.
The conference offers insightful talks strategy, leadership, innovation, growth.
The conference offers networking with industry leaders and professionals.
Discover the latest trends in business, HR, innovation, and digital transformation.
Explore practical solutions to business growth and tackle industry challenges.
Gain inspiration and motivation from leaders and successful entrepreneurs.
"The IAST Sandtray Summit feels like coming home — a place where creativity, connection, and learning come together in the most inspiring way."
"Being surrounded by so many like-minded, life here. passionate professionals is priceless. I’ve made friends and colleagues for
"The workshops were so rich and practical — .I left with ideas I could use with clients the very next day."
"It’s not just a conference — it’s an experience. Fun, meaningful, and transformative. "
"This Summit is a perfect blend of theory, hands-on practice, and creative inspiration."
"The sense of belonging and support at the Summit is unlike any other conference I’ve attended.
"Every year I leave feeling rejuvenated, with new tools and a full heart. This is the highlight of my professional calendar! "
"TThe Summit reminded me why I fell in love with sandtray therapy in the first place."
Secure your seat today and be part of an inspiring event filled with knowledge, networking, and new opportunities!.
Venue: PARKROYAL,
Hotel Singapore
Refunds are available within 30 days of purchase, provided it’s at least 7 days before the event. After the 30-day window, we may offer a credit toward a future event at our discretion. No credit or refund will be issued within the 7 day window of the event.
At IAST, we are committed to treating everyone with fairness and respect. If you have a concern or grievance, please send it in writing to the Board of Directors at members@sandtraytherapy.org so we can address it thoughtfully.
Yes! At the IAST Summit, you can earn continuing education (CE) credits. We offer CEs approved by APT (Association for Play Therapy), NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors), and ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards). Any sessions that do not qualify for CEs will be clearly marked in the program so you can plan accordingly.
We are committed to making the IAST Summit accessible to individuals of all abilities. If you need special accommodations or have specific accessibility requests, please email members@sandtraytherapy.org at least 60 days prior to the Summit so we can best support your participation.
We will do our best to accommodate special dietary needs. To help us coordinate with the chefs at the venue, please complete the Special Dietary Requirements Form. A link to the form will be included in your confirmation email.
The Galt Hotel has extended the following special pricing for attendees of the Summit. West Tower Deluxe Guestrooms - $199 and East Tower Executive Suites - $219. Room rates are based on single or double occupancy and subject to tax. Special pricing reservations are available until April 10, 2026 subject to availability. Please note, the 2026 Summit takes place the weekend before the Kentucky Derby and during Derby Festival Week so please book early as rooms are in high demand. Your special pricing booking link will be sent to you in your confirmation email.
We encourage you to book early — both Summit spots and hotel rooms tend to go fast this time of year! Once you’re registered, we’ll also share our favorite tips and recommendations for Derby-week activities you can enjoy during your stay.
