Meet Karen Taveras, MA, RDT
Founder of Act2Connect | Registered Drama Therapist
I'm a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) with specialized training in trauma and neurodivergence, based in Broward County, Florida.
My path to drama therapy has taken me on quite an adventure! I began in musical theatre, performing in summer stock and touring with children’s theatre productions, before pursuing my passion for combining creativity with helping others.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve worn many hats, including teacher, theatre director, creative arts facilitator, and volunteer. I’ve worked with children in Head Start classrooms, taught children online in China, facilitated social skills groups, and provided creative arts therapy services in pediatric settings.
My clinical training and professional experience have included working with children, teens, and adults in a variety of mental health and therapeutic settings. Today, I continue this work with teens in an outpatient mental health program, as well as with children through ACT2Connect.
Education & Professional Credentials
Master of Arts in Drama Therapy – New York University (NYU)
-
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre – Syracuse University
-
Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) – North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA)
-
Trauma Stress Certificate: Trauma Research Foundation/PESI
Advocacy & Volunteer Work
-
Guardian ad Litem: Serving as an advocate for children in the foster care system
-
The Den for Grieving Kids: Facilitating supportive groups for children coping with the loss of a loved one.
I bring all of these experiences together in my work with children and families. Whether we’re exploring emotions through storytelling, trying out different roles, playing a theatre game, or creating something entirely new, I love finding creative ways to help kids express themselves, explore emotions and connect with others. I value the opportunity to walk alongside families, sharing observations, exchanging ideas, and working together to support each child’s unique needs and strengths.
_edited.jpg)
Off Stage
When I’m not working with children and teens, there's a good chance you’ll find me enjoying a game, tackling a puzzle, exploring nature, or spending time with my family (including my cats), while singing along to a favorite show tune!