Wisconsin store owner champions the therapeutic power of board games
Wisconsin store owner champions the therapeutic power of board games
Wisconsin store owner champions the therapeutic power of board games
Richelle Wilson
May, 15, 2025
Summary
Lynn Potyen, owner of The GameBoard in Sheboygan, uses board games as tools for social connection and brain health. Inspired by her son's speech delay, she discovered strategic games that engaged him more deeply than traditional therapy. This led to opening her store in 2006, focused on using games to foster communication, especially among neurodivergent individuals and those with memory loss. Potyen trains staff to use games for therapeutic interaction and community building. She highlights titles like Castle Panic, Blank Slate, and Dungeons & Dragons for their inclusive and social value. Her work earned recognition from the Game Manufacturers Association in 2024.
Reference
Wilson, R. (2025, May 15). Wisconsin store owner champions the therapeutic power of board games. Wisconsin Public Radio. https://www.wpr.org/news/wisconsin-store-therapeutic-board-games-gameboard-sheboygan