Dr. Caroline P. Cárdenas is the visionary behind The Circle of Play. Through her groundbreaking doctoral dissertation entitled, The Significance of Play in Restoring Compassion, she researched the vital role body and movement play has on restoring compassion among helping professionals grappling with compassion fatigue.

Along with her Ph.D. in Psychology from Meridian University, Dr. Caroline holds a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Walden University and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Meridian University. She is a Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN) through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), a 200hr Registered Hatha Yoga Teacher through Integral Yoga, a certified Elemental Hoop Dance Teacher, and a certified 5 Elements Ecstatic Dance Facilitator.

A practicing oncology and hospice nurse for 20 years, Dr. Caroline has worked throughout the U.S. supporting cancer patients during their cancer treatments in areas such as Radiation Oncology, Head and Neck Nurse Coordination, Breast Medical Oncology, Home Hospice, Gastrointestinal Malignancies Medical Oncology, Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Infusion, and Breast Surgical Oncology.

With 18 years of experience, Dr. Caroline is a hula hooping expert. In 2014, she wrote her Master's Thesis, Hoop Dancing to Prevent and Decrease Burnout and Compassion Fatigue Among Nurses, and published in the Journal of Emergency Nursing. Dr. Caroline develops and facilitates play workshops, retreats, and provides online training for hoop dance teachers.

Dr. Caroline is prominently featured in James Redford’s insightful documentary film titled, Playing For Keeps. This captivating film delves deep into the significance of play for individuals of all ages, from children to seniors. Through a diverse array of interconnected characters, the film skillfully illustrates how embracing a playful approach throughout life contributes directly to a greater sense of joy and fulfillment. Dr. Caroline shares her poignant journey, recounting the experiences that led her to pursue a career as an oncology and hospice nurse. She candidly discusses her encounters with burnout and compassion fatigue, revealing how her introduction to play through hula hooping transformed her life. By engaging in her own play practices and imparting wisdom through her workshops, Dr. Caroline has not only enriched her personal and professional life but has also kindled a spirit of joy within her community.

Dr. Caroline truly embodies wisdom, versatility and proficiency across a wide spectrum of disciplines. As a mother and oncology and hospice nurse with a Ph.D. in psychology, author, poet, dancer, play researcher, educator, facilitator, and coach, Dr. Caroline’s diverse skill set reflects her depth of knowledge and experience that compassionately facilitates healing for all those she serves. At the heart of her endeavors are the meticulously curated play workshops, where Dr. Caroline excels as a skilled facilitator, guiding participants through immersive play experiences that are tailored to evoke joy and a sense of freedom. These workshops are thoughtfully structured to evoke the imagination, ignite creativity and innovation, cultivate empathy and compassion, foster emotional and psychological well-being, and promote the nurturing of a cohesive and inclusive community.