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Meet Montana Taylor
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
License # 145061
Supervised By Raphaella Croccia, LMFT, RPT-S
Hello, I'm Montana, I'm happy you're here!
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning
but for children, play is serious learning"
Fred Rogers
A little about me...
I grew up in Seattle, and attended college at the University of California San Diego where I received a double Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience and Clinical Psychology.
My studies at UCSD sparked a strong interest in child development and mental health, leading me to continue my training with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University Northridge.
Through my education and professional experience, I discovered my passion of becoming a child therapist. My clinical work with children and adolescents includes trauma treatment programs, elementary school counseling, and private practice.
My approach to child therapy is centered on each family’s unique needs and strengths. I use creative and engaging therapeutic interventions - including play, art, and games to help children express themselves, build emotional resilience, and work through challenges in a safe and fun environment.
Outside of work, I enjoy watercolor painting, jiu jitsu, baking, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
“Toys are children's words
and play is their language"
Gary Landreth
Experience, areas of interest and
Trainings
Trainings Certificates
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Oaklander Play Therapy Model Training
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TF-CBT - Trauma-Focused Cognitive * Behavioral Therapy *
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PCIT - Parent-Child Interactive Therapy *
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CPT - Cognitive Processing Therapy *
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SFT - Solution-Focused Therapy *
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Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1 *
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On going: RPT - Registered Play Therapist certification
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​Evidence-based trainings are marked with an asterisk (*)
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Evidence-based are methods and techniques that have been carefully researched, tested, and shown to be effective. They rely on scientific evidence, professional expertise, and the individual needs of each child to guide care.
Montana is currently working toward clinical licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and her certification as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
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Montana specializes in supporting children navigating grief and loss, bullying, friendship conflicts, and school-related anxiety.
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Success in the classroom and with peers
In her work as a therapeutic education assistant, serving children age 5-12, Montana worked with teachers, parents, and staff to create individualized strategies, including 504 plans and IEP (individualized Educational Program) that helped children succeed academically and socially.
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She has also provided one-on-one and group counseling, co-lead social skills groups, and conducted classroom activities to help students build resilience, eliminate bullying behaviors and improve peer relationships, based on SEL (Social Emotional Learning) curriculum.
Montana is passionate about empowering children with tools to manage stress, improve self-esteem, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom. The goal is to help your child grow academically and socially.
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School-Related Anxiety
School-related anxiety is a common challenge for many children and can show up in different ways, such as test-taking anxiety, fear of speaking in front of the class, or difficulty separating from parents. These worries can affect a child’s confidence, learning, and overall well-being. Montana works with children to understand their worries, build coping skills, and feel more comfortable and capable at school.
Grief, Loss and Crisis Intervention
Montana’s work extends beyond the school setting. She has worked with children and teens at grief camps and through the Crisis Text Line, providing compassionate, real-time help to young people experiencing intense emotional distress or safety concerns.
Known for her calm and steady presence, Montana helps children process their emotions, build resilience, and find hope even during difficult times.
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