Leia Mangan - Intern

Leia is a counseling intern from Thomas Jefferson University, where she is pursuing a Master of Science in Community and Trauma Counseling with a concentration in Child Trauma and Play Therapy. Expected to graduate in Spring 2027, Leia is excited to complete her internship at The Art of Emotion and continue working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT).

Leia earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles, and brings more than 20 years of experience as an early childhood educator to her clinical work. She is passionate about supporting children and families through a compassionate, strengths-based approach that emphasizes cultural humility, social justice, and authentic human connection. Leia believes in the inherent resilience within every person and strives to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can express themselves, explore their emotions, and grow through the therapeutic power of play.

Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Leia enjoys creating art, practicing yoga, spending time with family, cooking, watching films, and connecting with nature.