Speakers

Althea T. Simpson, LCSW, RPT-S™

Founder & Keynote Speaker

Althea is a powerhouse of creativity! She holds degrees in micro and macro social work and specializes in providing trauma healing services. Althea is the founder of Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions, a psychotherapy practice that prioritizes trauma response, Unicorn Life Play Therapy, the Training Academy, Black Play Therapy™ Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the Black Play Therapy™ Society, a mental health community for Black mental health professionals interested in play and other expressive therapies.

Althea is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and is also a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™. Additionally, she is certified as a trainer and facilitator in the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method and is a fully certified Playmobil Pro.Play facilitator. Althea’s expertise lies in guiding individuals and families towards building resiliency skills to move from a state of “Hurt to Healed.” With over 22 years of experience in the mental health field, Althea is also available to provide employee assistance program (EAP) services and mental health consulting services. As a trainer, speaker, and author, Althea is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and expertise to help others.

Kenneth J. Hopson, LCPC-S

Speaker

Kenneth is a youth advocate and a genuine voice for change. As a mental health therapist and school counselor, Kenneth collaborates with individuals and families to understand and navigate life’s challenges. He blends his formal education, faith, and lessons he learned growing up in East Baltimore to address complex issues in unique and impactful ways.

He began his career after graduating from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a degree in mechanical engineering but soon felt drawn to serve and uplift families within his community. This shift marked his journey from working with objects to engaging with people. He later earned dual Master’s degrees in school counseling and community mental health counseling from Southern Adventist University. Currently, he serves as the department chairperson at a middle school in Baltimore, MD, while also managing a part-time mental health practice, Part of the Plan Counseling, where he provides mental health counseling and clinical supervision.

Aladdin Da Prince

Musical Host

Music Plays A Key Role In Connection and Celebration.

Aladdin “Prince of the Airwayz” is a native Washingtonian and on-air radio and TV personality, He earned a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Bowie State University in 2007 and has since worked in various radio stations, including WPGC 95.5 in DC and Power 95.3 in Orlando. Aladdin also has experience as a producer, host, and DJ, with appearances on Sirius/XM and in music videos.

Radio Experience: Aladdin started as an intern at WPGC 95.5 and progressed to board-op, producer, and on-air host positions. He also worked as the voice of Orlando on Power 95.3.
Production and Hosting: Aladdin produced shows like “The Hometeam” with DJ Flexx, “The Lil’ Mo Show,” “Big Tigger’s Show,” and the “Donnie Simpson Morning Show”. He’s also hosted events like the Summer Spirit Festival and the Sprite Step Off Competition.
Other Media Appearances: Aladdin has been featured on Sirius/XM’s Shade 45 and in music videos like “Where They Do That At” and “Loyalty”.
Community Involvement: Aladdin is a member of Teens Against the Spread of AIDS (TASA), a program focused on HIV prevention for youth.
Current Work: Aladdin is currently a radio and TV personality on 93.9 WKYS.
Other Activities: He also works as a DJ and concert/event host.

Aladdin Da Prince will bring the energy and the vibe to the 2025 Black Play Therapy™ Symposium.

Tatum O. Pinckney, LCSW-C, RPT, LSP

Game Facilitator

Tatum holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland. With a passion for serving children and families, Tatum is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist, and certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator who has advocated for children and families within the child welfare system for over 19 years.

Currently employed as a School Social Worker with Baltimore City Public Schools, Tatum is dedicated to supporting students’ social-emotional development and well-being. She utilizes therapeutic play and creative techniques, including play therapy, to engage students in problem-solving, emotional expression, and self-awareness. With her strong foundation in social work and deep understanding of child development, Tatum modifies interventions to meet diverse student needs, promoting resilience and academic success. She is committed to creating safe, supportive environments where students can thrive both in and out of the classroom, working closely with educators, families, and community resources to ensure comprehensive support for every child.

Beyond her clinical work, Tatum is a Party Games facilitator who has combined her passion for mental health and play by launching her entertainment company, She Got Games, LLC.

Tatum is ready to bring high energy to Friday night with interactive games, prizes, and playful competition guaranteed to have attendees laughing, connecting, and creating lasting memories at the 2025 Black Play Therapy™ Symposium’s “Family Reunion!”