Bridget Dixon (she/her) is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW), founder of Monarch Play Therapy, and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor™ (RPT-S). She earned her degree from the University of Kansas and served as an adjunct instructor in the KU School of Social Welfare from 2014–2024. Bridget is now employed full time by the University of Nevada, Reno, where she teaches remotely in the School of Social Work. She is excited to return to teaching and supporting the next generation of social workers.

With more than 24 years of experience in the social work field, Bridget has worked across a variety of public service and behavioral health settings, including child welfare, community mental health, substance use services, behavior consultation, and early childhood mental health. She previously served as the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant for Head Start of Lawrence. Bridget also provides clinical supervision, professional training, and professional development to social workers, clinicians, and community mental health professionals.

Play therapy is a particular passion for Bridget. She served on the Board of Directors of the Kansas Association for Play Therapy for several years and has extensive training in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Gender-Affirming Therapy, EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Theraplay®, Sand Tray Therapy, and Child-Centered Play Therapy.

Bridget is passionate about LGBTQIA+ issues, social justice, attachment, trauma recovery, and helping children and families heal through connection and play. She brings her clinical and community mental health experience into the classroom and is committed to preparing social workers to approach their work with curiosity, compassion, cultural humility, and a strong commitment to social justice.

Bridget is thrilled to begin this new chapter at the University of Nevada, Reno and looks forward to connecting with students and supporting future social workers as they enter the profession.