Heather Tournas, LCSW, is a Certified AutPlay® Therapy Provider who believes that play is one of the most meaningful ways children communicate, learn, and grow.
She specializes in supporting young children (as young as 2.5 years) with neurodiverse profiles as they navigate social-emotional development, life transitions, and everyday challenges. By integrating AutPlay Therapy with animal-assisted therapy alongside Howie the rabbit, Heather creates engaging, relationship-centered experiences that foster connection, regulation, and resilience.
She is also the primary author of articles published in Exceptional Needs Today, where she shares practical, evidence-informed strategies for supporting neurodivergent children and their families. In addition to her clinical work, Heather provides clinical supervision and professional training to the Soul Friends team, helping clinicians strengthen their knowledge, confidence, and therapeutic skills in working with children and families.
