April Duncan, DSW, LCSW, RPT-S
Adjunct Professor
She/Her
Biography
April Duncan (DSW, LCSW, RPT-S) obtained her Bachelor’s in Arts & Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2006), Masters of Social Work from Saint Louis University (2012) and Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Southern California (2021). She is the founder of BMH Connect, an organization focused on Black youth empowerment through the use of play therapy. Dr. April is a racial trauma expert and leader in her field in advocating for the mental health needs of Black children.
Her book, “Black Students Matter: Play Therapy Techniques to Address Racial Trauma in Black Students” provides an innovative approach to address mental health issues in Black children through the use of play therapy. She also is an adjunct instructor in the online MSW program at Tulane University. With over ten years of clinical experience, Dr. April has worked collaboratively with various stakeholders in schools, the juvenile justice system and the child welfare system, to teach the importance of recognizing and addressing trauma in children from all backgrounds. Dr. April also serves on the advisory board for the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals.
Areas of Expertise
- Adolescent Development
- Child Advocacy, Protection, and Welfare
- Clinical Social Work
- Collective Trauma
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Historical Oppression and Marginalization
- Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competency
- Racial Equity
- Racial Healing and Racial Justice
- School Social Work
- Trauma and Trauma-informed Care
Education
- Doctorate in Social Work at the University of Southern California
- Masters of Social Work from Saint Louis University
- Bachelors in Arts & Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia
Selected Publications
Duncan, A. (2024). Black Kids Matter: Play-Based Strategies to Support Black Students Experiencing Racial Trauma. Oxford Publishing
Duncan, A. (2024). Race-based assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning with Black children and families. In Wonders, L.L. & Affee, M.L. (Ed.) Play therapy treatment planning with children and families. A guide for mental health professionals. Routledge.
Duncan, A. (2024). Reclaiming Black childhood: Honoring cultural expressions in Black children & families. Play Therapy Magazine.
