Ann Tilman

Ann Tilman, Ed.D., SB-RPT, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Leadership, Counseling, and Human Development at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), within the College of Education. She holds certifications as a Florida-certified school counselor, School-Based Registered Play Therapist (SB-RPT™), and AutPlay certified practitioner. Her expertise integrates play and creativity into school counseling program development and training. She is a core member of the Community Autism Network@FGCU, focusing on autism-related research, training, and service.

Education: Ed.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision (Argosy University), M.A. in Mental Health Counseling (Argosy University), B.A. in Psychology (University of South Florida).

Research & Specialties: Specializes in School Counseling, Play Therapy, Autism, and Group Counseling. She emphasizes creative solutions in educational settings and collaborates with organizations like the American School Counselor Association and Association for Play Therapy, where she chairs the School Counselor Task Force and serves on committees.

Awards: Recognized with the 2020-2021 Teaching Excellence Award (Junior Faculty) and 2021-2022 Team Service Excellence Award (Community Autism Network).

Teaching & Engagement: Teaches courses in Group Counseling, Legal/Ethical Issues, Human Development, and Play Therapy. She actively presents at local, national, and international conferences, including the American School Counselor Association and Guam School Counselor Association.