Ann Thomas begins her ninth year as the President/CEO of The Children’s Place Inc.; Kansas City’s specialized trauma treatment organization serving the mental health needs of young children. Ann received her master’s degree from the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. Ann spent 18 years as an adjunct professor at MidAmerica Nazarene University, teaching mental health practitioners the skills of play therapy. Ann has presented workshops nationally and internationally. Ann also is an advisor to Sesame Workshop, helping develop and review content for their website and for the Sesame Street television program as well as assisting in writing some of their storybooks for children. Ann and her husband, Rob were licensed foster parents and are now parents to three young women ages, 21, 22 and 24.