Learning Through Play Founder and Executive Director Nikki Mingledorff has lived in New Orleans for over 20 years with a background as a Mental Health Professional in Mental Health Rehabilitation. In her professional work, Nikki has employed techniques stemming predominantly from cognitive behavioral therapy and systemic therapy, particularly Minuchin’s structural family therapy, Sue Johnson’s emotion-focused therapy, Bowenian family systems theory, and Virginia Satir’s human validation process model. 

 

She is also EMDR certified and has had extensive training in Child Parent Relationship Therapy, Play Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In addition to her work at Learning Through Play, Nikki is also Family Mediation & Divorce Center’s Program Director, Co-Parent Coach, Support Group Leader, and Trainer.

 

Nikki is married to Jason Mingledorff, a well-respected and versatile musician and Loyola music professor. Upon becoming a mom to the first of three boys, her whole world shifted. Because of the rigorous nature of both of both of their work, Nikki decided to take a hiatus from her professional career to focus on her family. 

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Nikki and Jason filled their home with activities and games aimed at purposeful play. Their personalized approach to parenting combines multiple modalities and aims to honor each of their boys as individuals. Nikki credits her background in working with parents, families and children in helping her be a confident mom and hopes to do the same for parents across the Greater New Orleans area!

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Nikki holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Tulane University and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego.