Academy Overview

Established in 2004, APT sponsors its Leadership Academy to orient play therapists about leadership attributes, the Policy Governance© Model, and how APT conducts its daily business.

Classes commence in January, conclude in May, and are limited to 30 participants. The program consists of four mandatory assignments,including written responses and online discussions and five required Zoom calls. Daily participation in the online discussion forum is required during the active discussion days. We welcome the enrollment of APT member academics, practitioners, and students.

• The application period for the 2026 class is November 20 - December 31, 2025.
  
• For general information, review the Leadership Academy Fact Sheet.
• View this short video about past Leadership Academy graduates sharing their program experience.
  

Objectives

Upon successful completion of the Leadership Academy program, graduates will be able to:

• Articulate the core elements of APT, including its history, structure, programs, personnel, finances, and communications.
• Identify key Policy Governance© Model (PGM) vocabulary, principles, and processes.
• Differentiate between staff, board, and stakeholder roles and responsibilities according to PGM.
• Learn how members participate in APT as both governance and volunteer staff.
• Understand how APT conducts its daily business via email and Association forums, and how Stakeholders participate and concisely communicate.
• Describe the nature of leadership and key leadership attributes.
• Identify personal leadership qualities for further exploration and development.

Successful completion of the Leadership Academy program requires 100% participation in all assignments by the established deadlines. All deadlines are firm to ensure that each class progresses as a single unit. Graduation is held during the APT Annual Conference each October.

For more information on the Leadership Academy, contact us at info@a4pt.org or call (559) 298-3400.