Meet our Counselors and Life Coaches

Amara Toure, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Amara Toure is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with experience conducting psychiatric evaluations, diagnosing and treating individuals with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. He has experience providing care to patients of different populations (adolescents, adults, geriatrics and veterans), in different settings (inpatient, outpatient and homecare), with the goals of restoring, improving and stabilizing patients’ mental health. He completed his Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program) at Eastern Kentucky University. Prior to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, he received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Maryland school of Nursing. He worked as a psychiatric nurse and a medical surgical nurse at different private and public hospitals, and long-term care facilities, in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia. His practice philosophy emanates from his nursing background that emphasize providing safe, compassionate, and empathetic patient-centered care. He strongly believes in a holistic approach to promote mental health and well-being, and he takes pride in delivering the best evidence based psychiatric care that is individualized to the needs of each patient.

Education

Eastern Kentucky University
Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner )

Specialties

•  ADHD/ADD
• Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)
• Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder)
• Psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, brief psychotic disorder)
• PTSD

Binta Bojang, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Binta Bojang is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 20 years of clinical experience. She specializes in medication management to treat schizophrenia, anxiety, mood disorders, dual diagnosis, and mental health disorders across the spectrum. She will work with your mental healthcare team to collaborate and develop a plan to achieve your goals.

She received her Bachelor’s degree from Coppin State University and a Master’s degree from George Washington University in DC. She completed her post-masters certification in Mental and Behavioral Health from the University of Cincinnati.

Education

George Washington University, University of Cincinnati
Master's in Science

Specialties

• Medication Management

Bolanle Saba, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care 

Bolanle Saba is a Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner in the state of Maryland and Virginia who has 2 years experience with adults seeking treatment with pain management in addition with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and women's mental health. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Pennsylvania State University, second Bachelors of Nursing from George Washington University and her Masters of Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner from George Washington University as well. Bolanle realized after treating acute and chronic pain that most of her patients with behavioral comorbidities needed more care and collaborative treatment, it is this that inspired her to then receive her Post Master Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health from Liberty University. 

Bolanle believes in offering a warm, compassionate, holistic and collaborative approach to treatment and therapy. She utilizes her experience, knowledge and evidenced based practice to create a treatment plan that best meets the needs of every unique individual. Bolanle believes that each individual knows themselves best and in order to be a great provider one must first be a great listener. 

Bolanle seeks to establish a genuine and meaningful relationship with you in order to assist in helping you live a quality lifestyle. Bolanle believes that if you look good, you will feel good and in return you will do good to others. All of this starts with your mental health and trickles down to your emotional and physical well being. 

Education

George Washington University & Liberty University
Master's of Nursing

Specialties

• Pain Management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Women’s mental health
• ADHD
• Adjustment Disorder
• Alzheimer’s Dementia

Colleen Rogers, LCSW-C

Philosophy of Care

Colleen Rogers is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical in the state of Maryland, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia (she accepts self pay only in VA). Colleen has 15 years of experience working with adults, older adults, and families facing a variety of issues related to aging, including life transitions (retirement, relocation, etc.), caregiving, serious illness, and grief & loss. Colleen received a Bachelor of Social Work from James Madison University and a Master in Social Work from Hunter College.

Colleen utilizes supportive, person-centered, strength based, mindfulness based, cognitive behavioral, and solution focused approaches to therapy. Colleen works from a place of compassion and believes that every person is unique and possesses an inherent capacity for healing and growth. Colleen’s openness and genuine curiosity allow her to work successfully with a diverse client population.

Colleen seeks to establish a supportive relationship with you and to be present as you work to learn new skills, access inner resources and wisdom, and take meaningful action towards your goals.

Education

Hunter College
Master's in Social Work

Specialties

• Aging-related issues
• Caregiving
• Life transitions
• Serious Illness
• Death & Dying
• Grief & Loss
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Anger Management

**Colleen offers in-person and virtual counseling

Earl Frank Yarington, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Earl Yarington is a Licensed Master’s Level Social Worker (LMSW) that received his Master’s degree in social work from Louisiana State University. For the past four years, Earl has worked as an intern under a contractor for Delaware State Correction, where he provided services for both inpatient and outpatient clients and volunteered to help those most ashamed and shamed by society. In his advanced internship, he worked with frontline healthcare workers at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in Baton Rouge during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has done group and individual therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Earl is also a longtime professor of English and Cultural Studies and received his PhD in Literature and Criticism in 2004. He has taught fulltime since 2004 Earl is also a writer where he often writes about human sexuality, sexual shame, and paraphilia. His training in cultural studies and philosophy influences his approach to therapeutic interventions.

Earl is approved to provide sex therapy under supervision by the American Association of Sexuality Counselors, Educators, and Therapists (AASECT), and can provide a range of therapy for couples and persons of all ages that are having problematic behavior or feel great shame about their sexual feelings, attractions, and relationships with others. Earl specializes in paraphilias, and has experience in sex offender treatment, high-risk behaviors, as well as those adults attracted to minors.

Earl is a gentle, attentive, and kind social worker that treats all clients as valuable human beings. He uses an existential psychological approach to therapy from the works of Dr. Yalom in that people are happy and content when they find their own purpose and meaning in life. He has treated those with anxiety, child abuse pasts (domestic and sexual), PTSD, compulsive behavior, eating disorders, addictions, mental illness, ADHD, and those on the spectrum.

Education

Louisiana State University
MSW

Specialties

• Couples Counseling
• Anxiety Therapy
• Stress Counseling
• Depression Counseling
• PTSD
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness and Meditation

Ebun Akinyemi, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Ebun Akinyemi is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in Maryland with seven years’ experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges; first, as a nurse, and now as a psych nurse practitioner. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and has a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University, specializing in psychiatric-mental health nursing.

Ebun collaborates with clients to ensure individualized care for clients with mental health challenges. She utilizes evidence-based practice to assess, diagnose, and treat clients.

Ebun seeks to create a caring partnership with clients, ensuring that the client has the support they need through their journey to wellness.

Education

Walden University
MSN

Specialties

• Medication Management

Francine Kamhoua, CRNP-PMH

Philosophy of Care

Education

Walden University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

Francis Oduah, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Francis Oduah MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP, is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides comprehensive client-focused mental health care to individuals and their families. He has managed several psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. He completed his Master of Science in Nursing at Concordia University Wisconsin and received his Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Washburn University.

Francis utilizes reflective practice and therapeutic use of self as a core to his practice. He is committed to building and establishing a therapeutic relationship with you, identifying your mental health concerns and providing appropriate treatment. Furthermore, Francis performs client assessment, develops treatment plans and provides recommendations to community resources when appropriate.

Francis seeks to ensure you achieve health and wellness by identifying your psychiatric disorder and focuses on treatment that meets your mental health care needs – allowing you to live a meaningful life you value and desire.

Education

Washburn University
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Depression
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder and Other Mood Disorders
• Postpartum depression
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• social Anxiety
• Panic disorder

Janay Taylor, LCSW-C

Philosophy of Care

Janay Taylor is a Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical who has experience working with children and adults with a wide range of mental health needs. Janay is seeking to work with clients who are looking to receive guidance with depression, anxiety, parenting education, communication, and relationship issues. Janay comes from an environment of working with people involved in the Child Welfare system guiding them towards reunifying children with birth families. Janay completed both a Bachelors of Social Work and a Masters of Social Work from Salisbury University.

Janay utilizes empathetic listening, guided practice, collaboration, and strengths-based approaches to help clients reach their own understanding of how to make their life better. Janay works with clients to find a path to their own happiness.

Janay wants to build an understanding and accepting environment where people can feel confident about their own abilities in reaching and maintaining their goals with the ultimate outcome of living an enriching and meaningful life.

Education

Salisbury University
Masters of Social Work

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress management
• Organization
• Parenting
• Relationship issues
• Communication
• Self-esteem

Johanté Webb, LCPC

Philosophy of Care

Johanté Webb is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland who has worked with adults, couples, and teens experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, adjustment issues, and relationship concerns. Through her positive approach to counseling and advocacy for client self-care, Johanté has managed over 100 client cases from diverse backgrounds. Johanté completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Pepperdine University and received her Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Loyola University Maryland. 

Johanté uses an eclectic approach to therapy to ensure a person-centered experience that clients value. She utilizes treatment interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, strength-based therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based therapy to help clients achieve their treatment goals.

Johanté is caring and motivated to collaborate with you. She seeks to help you improve your well-being and encourages you to live an optimal life.  

Specialties

• Individuals and Couples
• Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders
• Stress management and Adjustment disorders
• Self-esteem, Confidence and Communication issues
• Attachment and Relationship concerns
• Women’s issues
• Grief and Loss

Joyce Shephard, LCPC

Philosophy of Care

Joyce is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland, and a Licensed Professional Counseling in Texas. She has over 20 years of experience counseling adolescents, adults and seniors dealing with mood disorders, recovery from abuse (physical, emotional/verbal, spiritual), guilt, grief/loss, and pain inflicted by others. She has also worked with clients coping with chemical dependency, codependency, women’s issues, life transitions and relationships. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a family systems emphasis. She also obtained her Bachelor of Arts from Asbury University with a Masters in Psychology and a Minor in Bible.

Joyce also has experience in helping clients and/or their loved ones live their best lives while dealing with Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury/Stroke, or chronic illness/pain/disability. For those who are seeking a Christian/spiritual dimension, Joyce is able to bring a wealth of training and experience specifically applying Christian/Biblical principles to client’s stated needs and goals.

Joyce focuses on meeting people where they are, building a warm, trusting therapeutic relationship, and focusing on their goals in a practical, down to earth manner as they work together. Her approach includes CBT, positive, strength-based, and solution-focused approaches. If you are or would like to be on such a journey, Joyce would love to work with you!

Education

Texas Woman's University
Master's in Counseling Psychology

Specialties

• Mood and Anxiety Disorders
• Recovery from Abuse (Physical, Emotional/Verbal, & Spiritual)
• Grief/Loss
• Guilt / Forgiveness
• Chemical Dependency
• Life Transitions
• Autism
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Chronic Pain/Illness/Disability
• Christian / Faith-based Counseling

Kavita Shanbhag, LCPC

Are you thinking of writing the next chapter of your life? You may feel as if you are carrying the weight of the world every day, facing great difficulty letting go of those burdens, and feeling as if you are spinning your wheels. It may be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel due to common issues such as feelings of inadequacy due to unrealistic societal expectations, difficulty coping with traumatic event(s) or feeling unfit as a parent. I believe in an individual’s capacity to create change beyond their own belief about their potential. You also deserve to witness your ability to change whether you are seeking therapy for yourself or for your child.

For the past four years I have worked with clients of all ages. I have guided adult clients in creating progress through a combination of a Person-Centered and Solution-Focused approaches. The Person-Centered framework allows clients to gain self-awareness and self-acceptance in a non-judgemental environment. The Solution-Focused approach is future-oriented, which helps clients realize their potential through goal setting and measuring progress. I have used these approaches in treating the following concerns: Anxiety, Grief, Stress, Depression, Relationship Issues, Adjustment Disorders, and Abuse.

In working with children, I implemented elements of directive play therapy, client-centered play therapy and expressive therapies (i.e. through the use of drama, art, music) since it is the most natural communication mode for children and promotes healing with the inclusion of familial support. I have used these approaches in treating the following concerns: Grief/Loss, Anxiety, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Depression, Anger Management, Children of Alcoholics (COA)

Taking the initial steps in finding the right therapist may leave you feeling uneasy and apprehensive. My main goal is for you to feel comfortable with me so we can work as a team to address any challenges that you are experiencing and establish positive changes in writing the next chapter of your life. Please feel free to contact me at the Thriveworks (Germantown) location to schedule an appointment. I look forward to meeting you.

Maureen Tabansi, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Maureen Tabansi is a licensed Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Maryland who has over 13 years experience as a nurse; she is a caring, people oriented, optimistic, empathetic and enthusiastic person. She completed her Masters in Science from Walden University and graduated as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2019. Since her graduation, she has worked as a clinician in both outpatient and inpatient facilities to provide care to both adults and children seeking help with Bipolar, anxiety, depression and adjustment issues.

Maureen employs a non-judgmental innovation in problem solving, she possess good communication skills, she has great stamina, acquires a good sense of humor, and her commitment to client advocacy makes her strive to take her clients to their highest functional level.

Maureen uses her critical thinking skills acquired through her years of education and training to build a caring environment and relationship which her clients in other to map out an individualized treatment plan in collaboration with the client to achieve a desired common goal.

Education

Maryland
Masters Degree

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Schizophrenia
• PTSD
• Bipolar
• Depression
• Adjustment issues
• Conduct issues
• Personality issues
• ADHD

Nadine Kakanou, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

A psychiatry nurse practitioner is tasked with evaluating a patient’s mental health status by assessing their relevant medical background, conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, and identifying potential issues that might negatively impact a patient's mental health. The primary concern of individuals suffering from mental health problems is accessing mental health care professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care and offer preventive strategies. Although psychiatry nurse practitioners receive intense training to meet mental health patients' needs, their roles are poorly understood because regulatory barriers have limited the entire scope of the practice. Therefore, this paper will explore their philosophy of Care.

Due to the complexity of human beings in understanding their lives and illness experience, PNP requires the ability to access situations from different perspectives, not only through a psychological lens but also from a biological and development view, while recognizing the perspective of stakeholder affected. Besides, Mental health disorder affects the ability to communicate experiences, and its symptoms may not conform to conventional diagnostic criteria. Therefore, PNP needs to have a high tolerance of uncertainties and a willingness to frequently re-evaluate assessments upon discovering new information.

In addition to diagnosing and treating disease, PNP natures resilience, and growth capacity because of psychiatry disorder on patients' growth and development abilities. The existing healthcare system may fail to address the complexity of problems suffered by patients completely. Consequently, PNP needs to effectively advocate for patients to acquire all the services needed to meet their mental health needs. They also need to push for the development of more effective services.

In conclusion, psychiatry nurse practitioners are well prepared and equipped to provide independent and effective psychiatric care and treatment to effectively meet the needs of mental health patients.

Education

Walden University
PMHNP

Specialties

• Medication Management

Nita Johnson, LCSW-C

Philosophy of Care

Nita Johnson is a board certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker who loves her work, and has been in the mental health field for almost two decades. She is a warm, compassionate, empathetic, respectful listener that enjoys helping and working with adult individuals and couples. She specializes in women’s issues, relationship problems, mood disorders, anxiety, family issues, and stress management. Over the years, she has witnessed many clients heal, grow and make positive changes.

Nita provides an emotionally supportive, safe environment to learn and practice more effective communication to improve relationships with partners, friends and family. She utilizes an integrative approach including cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic therapy. She will help you identify and prioritize objectives, and collaborate with you to develop strategies to achieve your goals.

Through your therapeutic work together, you will learn about yourself and with her help, you will find many answers within you. Let Nita have the honor of guiding you on your journey. There is hope for a happier, more fulfilling life.

Education

University of Maryland Baltimore County
Bachelor of Social Work
University of Maryland at Baltimore
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Mood Disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress Management
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Adjustment Disorders
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Mindful Based Approach

Rosa Joppy, LCSW-C

Hope starts here. Even in the most challenging of times, where progress seems furthest out of our reach, there are seeds of positivity. Sometimes they're masked as obstacles, yes, but you have all the makings of someone capable of creating your best possible life. 

Together we will work through the challenges you bring to the table. Your strengths will come to the forefront. We can honor things that have happened either way back in the past or as recently as yesterday and healthily release them to clear your path, getting you one giant step closer to the peace and stability you deserve. 

As a Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker, not only do I have the expertise to assist you in your journey, I also have access to resources to tailor services to your specific needs. My approach is personalized to fit your vision this experience. With a strengths-based lens, we will use a positive outlook to determine what best works for you. We all know life gets busy. My weekend availability gives you flexibility outside rush of the work week. Let's connect and explore the ways we can work together. 

“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” Roy T. Bennett

Rosa specializes in the areas of:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Adjustment disorder
• Women's issues
• Ethnic-Cultural issues
• Trauma
• Stress management

Shani Cerritos, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Shani Cerritos is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore with her Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health.  Shani has 7+ years of experience in working with people who have anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, life management issues, and life stresses.  She has a special interest in minority and women’s issues. She focuses on helping clients discover their potential, strengths, passions, and goals for life.  She has experience working with individuals from children to adults, families and couples.

Shani uses Cognitive Behavioral techniques to help the client change their thoughts and outlook on life and/or situation. She uses strength based, solution focused, and crisis intervention to help guide clients through the difficulties of their diagnosis and/or life. Shani’s interventions are different for each client.  The interventions are specifically tailored to each person and/or family unit to focus on their specific needs and goals.

Shani collaborates with clients to help establish goals that they specify are important to them.  She intensely listens to every concern and issue, so she is able to align with clients to help them navigate through difficulties. She genuinely celebrates with clients when goals and milestones are on the horizon or reached!

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Life Management
• Stress Management
• Christian Focused Intervention
• Minority Issues
• Women’s Issues
• Relationship Issues

Stephanie Felde, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Stephanie enjoys working with young adults struggling with the transition to adulthood and balancing all aspects of various life experiences. This includes new jobs, moves, loss or gaining of a spouse, recent loss of friends or family, familial changes, as well as depression, anxiety and stress from the world around us. If you need it, Stephanie provides job coaching and will help to create goals to follow to achieve and maintain a more well-rounded life. Stephanie is also open to just listening and offering suggestions and guidance when needed, and she enjoys talking through emotions to figure out the root causes. Stephanie is a listening ear, to empower you to make your own decisions to help alleviate stress and become a happier person.

Actively listening and offering insight, Stephanie helps you create and reach tangible goals to make the best decisions based on your specific needs. She uses motivational interviewing and Cognitive Behavior Therapy to help you gain insight into your own life. She believes you are in control of your life’s choices and behavior, and she is able to listen and offer advice to help.

Stephanie is passionate about helping people achieve their goals, big and small. If you experience depression, anxiety, or just need someone trustworthy to listen and offer insight, she is available nights and weekends. She can offer you a secular or Christian worldview if you prefer, and she is open to helping all ages and backgrounds. Please reach out to Stephanie today via email to schedule an appointment.

Education

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Transitions

Tolulope Lawson-John, PMHNP, CRNP

Philosophy of Care

Tolulope Lawson-John is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in Maryland, who specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating various mental health conditions not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD, Psychoses, and Substance abuse disorders. She has over ten years of clinical experience working in diverse clinical practice and settings (including hospital, long term care, primary practice and Corrections) which have tutored her to be empathetic and compassionate while still providing evidence-based practice in treating patients.

Tolulope believes in removing the stigma from mental illness, thereby making treatment and recovery possible. She is proficient in conducting thorough psychiatric evaluation and evidence-based medication management. She believes in holistic, patient-centered approach to psychiatry, with individual touch.

Tolulope obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN, FNP) from Coppin State University. She completed her Post Masters in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Washburn University. Besides English, she speaks Yoruba fluently.

Education

Specialties

• Ages 18+
• Medication Management

Victorine Ngang, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Victorine (Vicky) Ngang is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specialized in treating patients with mental illnesses in Washington DC and Maryland. She is board certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She completed her undergraduate degree from American Sentinel University and pursued her Master degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from Walden University. After working as a registered nurse in several settings, she decided to further her education with specialty in mental health. Her inspiration was driven from the stigma associated with mental health illnesses in the communities. She is a community advocate of mental illness and her grit is to bridge the gap between physical and mental health as well as reduce the stigma about mental health

Victorine (Vicky) is proficient in her role to intervene with vulnerable populations and promote mental health across the lifespan. Her scope of practice include: being an active listener, collaborating and coordinating care, performing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, obtaining labs and interpreting results as well as prescribing psychotropic medications that are Evidence Base for diagnosis.

Victorine is goal directed towards partnering with you to uncover your unique strengths. She is focus on providing empathic, compassionate, respectable, and acceptable care through assessment, diagnosing, planning, implementing and evaluating.

Education

Walden University
Masters

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic Disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactive disorder/Attention deficit disorder (ADHD/ADD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Eating disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Psychiatric medication review
• And many more

Megan Mills, LCPC

Megan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor; she has a master's in Clinical Community Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. Megan is committed to providing quality services to children, adolescents, and adults. She has over 8 years of experience helping children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples for treatment of mental illnesses in inpatient and outpatient settings. She has also completed completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

Megan believes that the choice to enter therapy exhibits bravery and self-compassion. She seeks to provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment where people can share emotions and experiences and learn skills to improve confidence, communicate more effectively, change unhelpful thoughts or habits, and overcome past or current obstacles in order to move forward in their lives. Megan sincerely desires to support you in your counseling journey.

Megan has experience in treating:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief
• Adjusting to life changes
• Addiction
• Couples / Family counseling

Janet Hawkins-Pope, LCSW

Janet is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has over twenty years of experience working with adults, couples and families from a variety of backgrounds including the military, and provides empathy and strength building. She supports her clients toward self-empowerment and brings a wealth of professional and life experience to help clients on their journey of healing.

She has significant background and training in relationship therapy, which includes communications, conflict management, emotional safety and problem solving. She enjoys working with couples to help them achieve greater insight and understanding into their relationship. Janet’s education and diverse background gives her a wealth of experience to apply in working with her clients. She prides herself on providing her clients with tailored treatment that can be integrated into their daily lives.

A sample of Janet’s areas of expertise include: Relationships, Depression, Anger Management, Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety Family Conflicts, Grief/Loss, and Trauma/PTSD

Audrey Elkinson, LCSW-C, ATR-BC

Audrey believes in the uniqueness of each client.  She is eclectic in her approach to treatment and uses multiple modalities.  She focuses on the client’s strengths to assist in the navigation of life’s challenges.  She has experience working with individuals of all ages.  Audrey often uses CBT, DBT, and art therapy to address issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, parenting, and grief.

Audrey received her MSW from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, where she was a research assistant to the Financial Social Work Initiative.  She completed a certificate program in Forensic Social Work at the University of Maryland School of Social Work.  Audrey worked as a court evaluator at the Montgomery County Circuit Court, in Rockville, Maryland.  In that position, she conducted custody evaluations, testified as an expert witness in custody trials, taught co-parent education classes, and performed adoption home studies.  Prior to her role as a social worker, Audrey received a MA in Art Therapy from The George Washington University.  She worked as an art therapist for more than 15 years and is credentialed as an art therapist at the highest level possible, ATR-BC.  She was innovative in the development of art therapy programs for children, adults and families.   She studied and worked with world-renowned experts who studied ADHD, Mood Disorders, and HIV/AIDS.

Marie Delices, LCSW-C

I love helping my clients identify where they are feeling stuck and learn what their triggers are so they can feel more in control of their lives. I encourage them to define for themselves what brought them to therapy, what they want from it, and then how it helped them change over the course of time. It is a unique relationship and support, offering perspectives that are not otherwise available. I emphasize that it takes courage, not weakness, to face difficult issues.

I have a client-centered, strength based approach, and use tools from a range of
therapy models. I’m committed   to build the therapeutic relationship with all my clients. I believe that people have many answers within themselves which can be accessed more quickly by working with a therapist.

As a therapist I believe that true change is possible and each person has the ability to create more space for peace and joy in their life. Through our work together, I can help you elicit your own strengths to help you change unhealthy behaviors; such as substance abuse, anxiety and depression.

Eric Yenchi, NP

My name is Eric Kowshoh Yenchi, I was born in Cameroon central Africa, I grew up in a small village in the North West region of Cameroon known as Babungo. Growing up in Cameroon, life was very tough, especially when it came to health care .There was just 1 health center in my village which was staffed with 1 nurse and a medical doctor who visited once every two months. This meant people who were very sick and could not wait till the arrival of the medical doctor had to drive for about 5 hours to the closest hospital in the town of Kumbo to get health care. This meant that many people who made the journey died due to bad roads, and sometimes the long waits that it took to see a medical doctor at the hospital.

The poor state of the health sector in my native country cost the lives of many of my family members, resulting in my resolve to become a medical professional so I could one day change the situation and help my community. With this in mind when I arrived the United States in 2006, I decided to study nursing. After graduating with my BSN in 2010, I decided to start my nursing career in a long term care facility taking care of geriatric patients with various illnesses confined to a nursing home. In January 2011, I visited my native country Cameroon for the first time, volunteered at the only clinic that was in my village. This time around they had more staff (4 nurses, and 1 medical doctor), which made my experience less tedious than I had anticipated. However, during this visit, I noticed that many of the people that were coming into the clinic with a mental illness were being turned away to traditional healers as the clinic did not have any experience dealing with mental illness.

With my observation, I decided to do a little research about mental health in Cameroon .What I found was not only shocking but was also very scary. I found out there were only two government hospitals in the country providing mental health services to 22 million people. Cameroon has 0.03 psychiatrists per 100, 000 of the population, and 0.2 psychiatric nurses per 100,000 of the population (psychology in Africa, 2013).Initiatives by private organizations in recent years have seen the creation of Mental Health hospital in Kumbo and BIMEHC, a mental health clinic in my village of Babungo.

With the acute shortage of these facilities and personnel, my focus changed. I realized there was not only a need for personnel but leadership to transform the mental health sector and sensitize the population about mental illness, as many attribute mental illness to witchcraft and spiritual curses. With this in mind, in 2011 I became a psychiatric nurse, enrolled and earned an MSN in Nursing Leadership in 2013.In 2015 I went to Cameroon, this time around I volunteered at Babungo Integrated Mental Health Care (BIMEHC) as a psychiatric nurse. During this service the main problem was the lack of a qualified practitioner for mental health. There was 1 psychiatrist coming from the capital every 6 months to meet with patients and prescribe medications for them. This acute shortage of mental health practitioners, has led me to believe that I can make a difference in the lives of those suffering from a mental illness by becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Since becoming a psychiatric nurse , I have had various positions in the Mental health filed , from Charge nurse to , supervisor , and to Director of various mental health clinics in the Washington DC area .In November 2019  I passed my Boards to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner  and I am loving every minute of it .My short term goal is to continue providing services to those in need in and around my community , while my long term goal will be to someday own my own practice.

Martha Harris, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Martha is a strengths-based, person-centered, solution-based counselor who approaches each therapy session focused on the individualized need of each individual and will tailor specific interventions to fit the specific needs.

Martha shares her main goal as a counselor is to support and provided new ways of viewing life in the present verses the future or past. She utilized the analogy of her role as providing seeds of change that when you are ready and able you will have the skills to plant, nurture, and watch the seeds of your life grow into the flowers and trees that will create your new normal.

Education

Martha is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Approved Supervisor. Martha graduated from McDaniel College receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. Martha has extensive history working with various ages ranges; however, focuses her treatment on college-age and older. 

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Behavioral Issues
• Child/Adolescent and Parental Training
• Depression
• Family or Peer Conflicts/Relationships
• Grief/Loss
• Life Transitions
• Racial or Cultural Identity/Issues
• Stress Management
• Trauma/PTSD

Katie Murray, LCSW-C

Katie is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Hood College, and completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work through Salisbury University.  Throughout her career, Katie has had a wide-range of experiences working with teens and adolescents with significant trauma and emotional challenges.  Previously, she has managed community-based programs for teens and adolescents with serious mental health needs, working with highly at-risk youth aging out of the foster care system, and providing transition services to homeless teens and young adults.  Katie has been trained and served as a co-facilitator of evidence-based Multi-Family Psychoeducation Groups for families with a teenager diagnosed with either Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia. Her prior outpatient clinic experience served low-income children and families, from ages 5 through 65 and older.  Over the last five years, Katie has worked as a therapist within the juvenile justice system, providing trauma-informed individual, family and substance abuse counseling to males adjudicated of repeated crimes and committed to long-term placement. Most recently, Katie served as the Behavioral Health Director at a hardware-secure facility for young men adjudicated of repeated violent crimes and/or who have been waived down from the adult system for the opportunity to engage in rehabilitative trauma treatment within the juvenile justice setting.  

Katie maintains a strengths-based, person-centered and trauma-informed approach with all clients.  She often pulls from the frameworks of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing and trauma-focused CBT.  Katie works to provide her clients with education around mindfulness techniques, supporting them in gaining effective tools to manage presenting symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD to help empower their sense of confidence and emotional regulation throughout the course of therapy.  Katie is a welcoming and affirming therapist for members of the LGBTQIA population, of all ages. She specializes in working with teens and adults experiencing complex trauma, depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, mood disorders, and individuals undergoing a major adjustment or life transition.