Maryland
Janet Hosford-Lamb, MSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, SAP, President and Founder of Focused Solutions LLC
For over 20 years, Janet has specialized in Employee Assistance Services for nationally known organizations, while providing substance abuse treatment and counseling for individuals with depression and anxiety disorders, work/life balance, trauma, and more. She’s passionate about helping business leaders strengthen their teams and assisting individuals and families achieve change through a strengths-based treatment perspective, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other evidence-based techniques.
Janet has been highly active across many areas of the social work field throughout her entire career, co-writing an article on workplace behavioral consultations for Social Work Today Magazine and contributing to the education of aspiring social workers — collaborating with institutions such as Towson University’s Family Studies Program and University of Maryland School of Social Work. Janet also helps Masters Program students complete clinical hours as a faculty field liaison for the University Of Maryland School Of Social Work, in addition to having taught Advanced Clinical Employee Assistance Interventions to experienced behavioral health providers through Catholic University.
Improving the accessibility of mental health services has also been a driver throughout Janet’s career as she offers clinical and operational expertise regarding EAP audits for Masi Research Consultant client organizations. While facilitating national and international training for large provider networks and behavioral workplace consultations for other organizations, Janet has built her own successful business which was acknowledged by The Who’s Who Award for Entrepreneurs in 2012.
Jenny McCormick, MSW, LCSW-C
Jenny has an eclectic professional background which has benefited her clients for more than 25 years. With a history of incorporating cognitive behavioral and supportive therapy, as well as mindfulness approaches, Jenny supports a variety of pathways to improve the quality of life of her clients, particularly during times of crisis or transition. She also helps to guide her clients on their path towards spiritual growth. Jenny has also received training in using yoga for depression and anxiety.
Currently, Jenny is providing onsite and virtual Post Traumatic Intervention services for Focused Solutions by supporting managers and employees through workplace emergencies. Jenny also enjoys providing a separate service creating efficient personalized systems for client customers seeking support for home and office organizing and downsizing. She enjoys creating peaceful and comfortable spaces to live and work well!
Marcie A. Lovell, MSW, LCSW-C
Marcie has been working with adults, children and families in the field of social work since 1996. Her 20 years of experience in the foster and adoption areas have fostered a specialty in attachment-related issues and early childhood trauma. She is highly-skilled in working with anxiety, mood disorders, and adjustment related issues, in addition to phase of life issues, grief, and work/life balance, in which she takes a direct, supportive, and interactive approach with all of her clients. When she’s not helping others as a social worker, Marcie is also a fitness instructor, dedicated to promoting an overall sense of well-being, both physically and mentally.
Sandy Rappeport, MSW, LCSW-C
Sandy has over 25 years of experience working with individuals and couples through both her own therapeutic practice and various “middle management” positions throughout her career. She specializes in working with people who have experienced domestic violence, childhood trauma, substance abuse, work-related management problems, adoption/foster care, and gay/lesbian issues, while also assisting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and challenging life changes. Sandy uses traditional “talk therapy” and a mind/body centered approach, guided by the personal mindset that it is a privilege to walk with someone on his/her “life path.”
Ericka Lee, MSW, LCSW-C
Ericka Lee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes in the intrinsic right of individuals and families to live up to their truest potential. With over 15 years of experience, she understands the importance of recognizing how every patient is unique and requires therapeutic support that is tailored to meet their specific experiences with grief, loss, separation, and adjustments to difficult life events. Drawing from principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), theories on grief, loss, and attachment, Ericka partners with her clients to build their skills and capacity to change thought patterns and/or behaviors that may prevent them from meeting their potential as individuals and as families.
Megan Khalil, LCPC
Megan has been a behavioral health provider since 2013, while receiving a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, she has worked with many children, adolescents, and adults coping with anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, trauma, life transitions, and stress disorders. Megan’s interventions stem from a background in cognitive behavioral and supportive counseling, proving a strong ability to connect with diverse types of people and help them build the skills they need to make progress in their lives.
Marissa Josiah, LCPC
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Marissa specializes in trauma/abuse/PTSD, grief and loss, Crisis Intervention, Workplace Development & Intervention, and EAP Consultation with notable experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, and stress Management. After attaining her post-Masters Trauma Certification from the University of West Virginia, and a Critical Incident Stress Management Certification from the University of Baltimore, Marissa refined her collaborative and explorative approach, engaging with each client as an equal partner in the therapeutic process. Her solution-focused interventions are complemented by a psychoanalytic process for understanding her clients, examining motivations, patterns of behavior and histories in order to offer an educated assessment and create solutions that can be implemented into their daily routine.
Louis Straker, MSW, LCSW-C
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing psychotherapy to adolescents and adults, Louis has experience in a variety of work settings, including community outpatient mental health centers, a home-based treatment program, a school for children/adolescents with special needs and private practice.
After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The College of New Jersey and earned his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, he finished a fellowship program at the Baltimore Washington Center for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, and now serves as Treasurer on the board of directors of the American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work. With a strong focus in psychodynamic therapy approaches, Louis is predominantly interested in helping individuals who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, life transitions and relationship issues. He believes placing an emphasis on developing a strong therapeutic relationship with his clients is an essential component for working towards change.
Siri Shaw, LCPC
Siri has been working as a behavioral health professional since 1983 after graduating with a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola College of Maryland. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Supervisor in the State of Maryland, and National Certified Counselor (NC) focusing on stress-related issues, she has developed skills in a variety of mind/body, mindfulness/meditative and cognitive behavioral techniques in the context of a supportive therapeutic relationship. Siri easily connects with people with a specialty in helping those with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, emotional dysregulation and adjustment to major life changes.
Erin Mannion, LCSW-C
Erin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with vast experience throughout her career working with people struggling from a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and general life stressors, as well as those diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Psychotic Disorders, including Schizophrenia. She approaches therapy with an openness to the process and a conviction that change is possible, believing strongly that therapy provides an opportunity to learn more about yourself and be more effective with your goals in life.
Utilizing some elements from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Techniques, as well as Solution-Focused Treatment, Erin’s expertise spans to help survivors of trauma, including survivors of child abuse and neglect and survivors or witnesses of intimate partner violence, as well as members of the LGBTQ community and individuals in non-traditional romantic relationships. She is completely open-minded and takes an eclectic therapeutic approach including different therapeutic models to help provide her clients with the support and skills they can implement in their everyday lives to get through difficult periods. Erin also loves exploring Baltimore, knitting, listening to music, and enjoying delicious cheese.
Stephanie Junghans, LCPC
Stephanie received her Masters of Science in Counseling in 2013 from The Johns Hopkins University School of Education. Stephanie’s therapeutic style includes facets of CBT , and incorporates a variety of techniques based on her client’s individual needs, including mindfulness, drawing, play therapy and strength- based approaches. Using active conversation and encouragement, Stephanie’s collaborative, client-centered approach helps her clients gain a sense of their own individuality and uniqueness. Her support helps to create a safe, trusting environment where her clients can work on decreasing anxiety, increasing self-esteem, and feel more connected to themselves, others and their community.
Stephanie has past experience in a middle school setting as a child and family therapist, and currently works with children, adolescents, and adults at all stages of their lives.
Michele Noble, LCPC
Michele received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Towson University and Master’s degrees from Marymount University in both Forensic and Legal Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is currently dual-licensed as an LPC in Virginia and LCPC in Maryland. She is also currently working toward a certification as a sex offender treatment provider. She has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of clinical capacities. She has worked as an intensive in-home counselor, a therapeutic day treatment specialist with an elementary school, a counselor with a residential for adults, and a therapist in both an acute hospital and residential treatment program with children and adolescents. Michele utilizes various therapeutic techniques based off the individual’s needs including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mode Deactivation Therapy (MDT), person centered therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness while focusing on the overall well-being of the individual.
Ruth Shor-Jannati, LCSW-C
Ruth is as psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience helping people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and bipolar symptoms. Ms. Shor- Jannati also utilizes many approaches including verbal and non-verbal techniques based on development theoretical point of view. Ruth values and develops trust with her clients with the use of deep empathy for each person’s emotional journey. Ms. Shor-Jannati works with adults between ages of 21-85.
Dr. Marika Martin, LMFT
Dr. Marika Martin is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Family Life Educator who has worked with couples, individuals, and families for over seventeen years. Dr. Martin believes it is a privilege to be part of an individual’s mental health journey. She does not take her role for granted, as she knows that each person she approaches is the expert of his or her life. A systems thinker, Dr. Martin appreciates working with her patients from a holistic perspective.
Dr. Martin earned her doctorate and Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University in Lubbock (Texas), in addition to her Master of Science degree in Child and Family Studies from Miami University in Oxford (Ohio). She has training and experience in the following areas: Marital, Couple and Family Therapy, Law Enforcement, Critical Incident Debriefing Groups, EMDR, Trauma Treatment, Strategies for Coping with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression, Sand Play Therapy, Child Play Therapy, Parenting Education, Anger Management for Children, Brain Gym.
Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible – the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family. —Virginia Satir
Ryan Dietsch, LCPC
Ryan has been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor since 2006. He earned his Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Frostburg State University. He has experience working with adults suffering from anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and grief. Ryan will work with you to explore your holistic needs, including your emotional, spiritual, physical, and social wellbeing. He uses a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities, including Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people find a better way to overcome anxiety or depression and solve their personal issues.
Portia Rouse, LCSW-C
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Black female therapist with a background in community and school–based counseling in Baltimore City and surrounding areas. I have a history of working with people of all ages and backgrounds, but I specialize in working with Black adolescents and young/middle aged adults. My experience has been helping people with a range of concerns that include, but are not limited to depression, ADHD, parenting issues, family conflict, behavioral disorders and self–esteem issues.
My therapy style is warm and interactive. That means I do everything from my soul to help people heal theirs. I believe in providing safe spaces by addressing what the client and/or parent believes is best for them and their child (with their child’s input). My approach is person-centered and strengths-based with a combination of rational-emotive cognitive behavioral therapy.
If you are ready to take the first step in improving your *mind over your matters* I am here to help.
I applaud you, and I look forward to working with you.
Ashley Woods, LCSW-C
Ashley has been a practicing clinician for 10+ years, providing services to children, adolescents, couples, and families. Her work with clients in Baltimore City has influenced a holistic approach to therapy, as she has learned throughout the years about the interdependence of each part of our lives– psychological, social, behavioral, spiritual, etc. In therapy, Ashley will encourage you to explore these areas in new ways and to find therapy to be a non-judgmental, confidential, safe space for you to gain new tools to persevere in life. Ashley has a particular interest in working with women of color who are impacted by complex trauma including racial trauma. Ashley is a licensed clinical social worker, and she is also a board approved supervisor.
Amanda Plecha, LAc
Amanda Plecha, acupuncturist, performed as a dancer for many years, during which she acquired a kinesthetic awareness of the body and experiential understanding of movement biomechanics. With over 10 years of practice, each treatment is informed by careful palpation of diagnostically significant zones on the body to determine the root cause of disease. Although many symptoms seem unrelated, they are in fact interconnected. A correct treatment creates a systemic effect towards homeostasis in multiple organ systems. She combines a gentle application of acupuncture, moxibustion heat therapy and shiatsu manual therapy to address a wide range of common modern day health conditions, including chronic and acute pain disorders, autonomic nervous system dysfunctions, autoimmune conditions, digestive disorders and hormonal imbalances.
Amanda earned her Master’s of Acupuncture degree from Maryland University of Integrative Health. Mentored by Ted Annenberg, L.Ac, she is one of the few acupuncturists in Maryland who practices Japanese style Neo Classical Meridian Therapy acupuncture, along with Fukaya-style moxibustion and Koho-ha School Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo). Amanda became a Certified Ohashiatsu Instructor, studying under Master Ohashi, teaching a unique method of healing touch, which integrates acupressure, joint mobility stretches, meditation and breathing exercises.
Angelica Newsome, LCSW-C
Angelica (She/Her/Hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, as well as a board approved clinical supervisor in the state of Maryland. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Health Administration and Policy from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). Thereafter, she went on to receive her Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland, School of Social Work (UM SSW) with a focus on Health, in both macro and clinical practice.
Angelica has over 10 years of experience in medical case management, clinical therapy, and crisis intervention in the community and medical settings, supporting individuals, couples, and families. Her strong medical background influenced her holistic approach to therapy; recognizing and utilizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Angelica specializes in those with depression, anxiety, chronic illness/pain, work-related stress, self-esteem issues, and couples in various types of relationships. As a queer woman, Angelica also has an interest in serving other BIPOC LGBTQ+ folx with affirming care. She uses several therapeutic techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Angelica will partner with you to create a safe space for exploration and healing, expanding your “tool box”, so you can live life in full color.
Rachael Wortham, LMSW
As a licensed master- level social worker, Rachael Wortham is passionate about helping people achieve mental wellness and improve their lives. She has worked with adults, adolescents, children, and families in a variety of settings including community mental health, private educational programs, faith- based programs and the child welfare system. Her approach is diverse and includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Client -centered Psychotherapy. With a strong collaborative, solutions focused approach, Rachael has been able to help people of different ages and backgrounds with issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, conflict resolution, parenting, spiritual issues, behavioral disorders, and self-esteem.
North Carolina
Dr. Barbara Orticelli, LCMHC
Dr. Barbara provides hope and skills to help you manage depression, stress, anxiety, and many other mental health disorders. We strive to help you obtain optimal mental wellness! Retired military veterans hold a special place in our hearts for veterans, military service members, and their families; we do not shy away from PTSD or other related combat disorders. We welcome our brothers and sisters in arms and are grateful for your service!
About Dr. Barbara: I am a retired Army veteran serving my military community. I have two undergraduate degrees in theology, two graduate degrees in community care counseling, as a mental health counselor, and as a fully licensed therapist in the state of NC. I have a postgraduate degree in education and trauma. I am a single mother and understand the life of being a single mother. I enjoy cooking, roller skating, and beach life. I live a life of service and am honored to serve you as future clients.
Tennessee
Tarrah Bonaparte, LCSW-C, LCSW
Since finding her calling in the Social Work field in 2003, Tarrah has assisted individuals with difficulty managing life stressors and transitions. As the Practice Manager for Brentwood, TN, Tarrah is particularly interested in supporting clients with relationship issues, marital health, and those needing intervention to help them to cope with depression, utilizing cognitive-behavioral and task-oriented approaches to facilitate growth and change.
Don Winkler, MSW, LCSW
Don brings an extensive background working with the active duty and retired military population to our Brentwood practice. Since graduating from the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Social Work and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2005, Don has served as a substance abuse counselor at Army installations in Germany, South Korea and Virginia, and a Military and Family Life Counselor.
Don takes an eclectic clinical approach that utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and positive psychology. He focuses primarily on addictions, EAP services, and counseling for individuals and couples navigating life’s transitions, as well as grief, stress and anger management. His calming and optimistic presence exudes a sense of warmth, empathy, and genuineness as he aims to empower his clients to discover and utilize their inner strengths to experience healing and growth.
Sheila L. Taylor, LPC-MHSP
Sheila is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has “purposefully” placed herself in various positions so that she can be well rounded and experienced in various therapy settings. Sheila has experience in providing counseling from a holistic perspective which addressed the client’s needs, mind, body, and spirit. She has over 20 years of experience working with youth, adolescents, as well as adult individuals.
In her experience of providing therapy with various individuals Sheila feels most successful working with individuals who are experiencing life stressors and transitions. Beyond mental health therapy, Sheila is experienced in adoptions counseling, premarital counseling, pastoral support, blended family counseling, and community reentry counseling. Sheila finds she does work best with clients struggling with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss or life transitions
She has experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (including Trauma Focused and Solution-Focused CBT). Other Treatment modalities Sheila utilizes (depending on the needs of the client), include Psychotherapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Psychoeducation, and Person-Centered Therapy.
Personally, Sheila enjoys reading, cooking, walking, and spending time with her family. Sheila has three adult children and 2 (soon to be 3) grandchildren.
Nicole West, LMFT
Nicole West is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She completed a Ph.D. in Counseling from the University of Memphis and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling Psychology from LaSalle University. Nicole has provided individual, couples, and family therapy since 2007. She has completed research with the Shelby County Juvenile Justice Department, the Memphis Family Connection Center’s Parent Education program, and the University of Tennessee’s Center for Health and Justice-Involved Youth. Nicole also has a passion for treating those who have been impacted by trauma. Nicole is trained in EMDR therapy and has recently applied to become a certified play therapist.
Maggie Lemley, LPC
In your work with Maggie, the focus will be on assisting you access your unique existing strengths and support you in making movement toward positive change and outcomes. She trusts that everyone is the expert on self and possesses the abilities to envision new possibilities for their future.
Her experience working in the field of mental health started more than 20 years ago and includes working with populations within the LGBTQIA+ community, active-duty service members and their families, incarcerated women, and various individuals and couples who presented with a broad spectrum of topics such as depression/anxiety, loss, trauma, guilt, recovering from narcissistic abuses, dating, post-divorce adjustment, empowerment, communication and conflict resolution.
Areas of expertise include Women’s Issues, Gender Affirming Care, Couples Counseling, Stress, and Anger Management.
Virginia
Alissa Murray, MSW, LCSW-C
As the Practice Manager for our Richmond office, Alissa’s therapeutic practice uses evidence-based techniques that integrate an honest, empathic, and collaborative approach. After receiving her Bachelor’s from Wheelock College in Boston (recently acquired by Boston University), she began practicing in 2009 while pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University in NYC. Alissa specializes in helping individuals with trauma and addiction issues to identify and achieve personal goals in a nonjudgmental setting. She also has extensive experience assisting adolescents with behavioral issues, as well as individuals suffering from mood disorders like anxiety and depression or coping with grief, loss, life changes, and interpersonal conflicts.
Alissa is licensed to practice in Maryland and Virginia, and conducts sessions both in-person and via telehealth for her clients.
Melissa Back Tamburo, PhD, LCSW, CEAP
Melissa brings over 30 years of leadership, academic, clinical, and account management experience in employee assistance and work/life programs to our practice. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Employee Assistance Professional, her areas of focus include working with adolescents and parents challenged with stressors including anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, transitions between stages of life, womens’ issues, and career/work challenges. Melissa currently serves as the Director of Optima EAP — a Virginia-based EAP that serves over 340,000 members — and maintains a small private clinical practice, while holding a Doctor of Philosophy degree and Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland.
Theresa A. Picone, LPC
After initially working in the financial industry, Theresa found her true calling in the behavioral health field following a passion of helping others in their pursuit of a healthy, happy, fulfilling lives and developing relationships with others, both personally and professionally. Since obtaining a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Economics from Gordon College in Boston and a Master’s in Counseling/Psychology from Vermont College of Norwich University in Montpelier, VT, she’s spent over 15 years in the field through direct service, acute care, management and operations.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and Vermont, Theresa also helps individuals as a Certified Employee Assistance Counselor and a Certified Money Coach with training in Critical Incident Stress Management, having provided on-site support after the tragedy at Virginia Tech in 2006. She understands that no single approach is successful for all and prides herself in being person-centered. Theresa strongly believes it is important for individuals to “do what makes your soul happy” and not allow their struggles and stressors define who they are.
Renee Totten, LPC
Renee is a licensed therapist that has been working with children and families since 2000. She graduated with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University in Richmond Virginia. She has worked with families in crisis, and has helped guide them through those tough times. She uses CBT and DBT as a therapy style, however, allows the client to take the lead on their treatment. Renee likes to guide her clients through their treatment and believes that it is important to follow the needs of her clients.
Brandi Long, LCPC
Brandi is a licensed professional counselor. Ms. Long has extensive experience treating people with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse and dependence, and relationship difficulties. Brandi is trained in a variety of cognitive behavioral, person-centered, and mindfulness-based therapy approaches with an emphasis on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). While ACT is the approach Ms. Long primarily works from, she is adaptive and sensitive to each individual’s needs and will incorporate her training and experience with a number of different evidence-based practices including DBT, CBT, Solution-focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. Brandi helps her clients learn practical skills to overcome difficult thoughts and feelings and take steps to recognize and change behavior and thought patterns and that are no longer working in your life.
Marianne Lopez, LCSW
Marianne Redmond Lopez is is a passionate licensed LCSW with expertise in treating adults with symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, narcissistic abuse syndrome, borderline personality, PTSD, relationship struggles, addictions (of all kinds) and mental health distress from medical conditions. She provides therapy using evidence-based interventions and approaches her practice with empathy, collaboration, genuineness, respect, humor and honesty.
Delton Harris, LCSW
Delton is a Ph.D. candidate in the Healthcare Policy and Research program at Virginia Commonwealth University. He was born and raised in Durham, NC, and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from the University of North Caroline at Charlotte. Since earning his Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, Delton has spent much of his time earning his licensure and practicing as a licensed psychotherapist in NC and VA, specifically working with Black and Latine individuals, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and individuals diagnosed with HIV. Additionally, Delton has prioritized researching, training, and educating mental health practitioners and medical care providers regarding best practices to engage and treat transgender individuals. Due to Delton’s experience, both personally and professionally, he has a unique perspective and curiosity about healthcare disparities and clinical policies, leading him to ask about and investigate healthcare behaviors. Delton is preparing his dissertation on examining the equity in the current HIV testing guidelines and access to culturally component HIV testing for transgender individuals.
Pronouns: He/They
Washington DC
Sharon Light, LICSW, LCSW-C; Sr. Clinical Development Manager
Sharon Light is a clinical social worker, mindfulness instructor and certified Reiki practitioner with a Masters of Social Work from The Catholic University of America in 2014. After a 13-year career in TV media, Sharon transitioned from working in the corporate world to doing the work she was meant to do – helping and healing.
Sharon brings warmth, empathy and a holistic perspective to her practice with a passion for whole-body wellness, empowering her clients to identify attainable goals and to make the changes they desire. Her skills in mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral and solutions-focused models has enabled her to help clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, stress, relationship issues and life transitions. In addition to her clinical practice, Sharon teaches mindfulness workshops to help individuals recognize the benefits of “slowing down” in the moment so they have the opportunity to better relate to conflict.
Karen Reyes-Negron, LICSW, LCSW-C
Karen is an empathic clinician who has almost 20 years working with adults in both English and Spanish. She holds clinical licenses in DC, MD and NY. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia University and her Master’s in Social Work from New York University (NYU). Karen has extensive experience helping individuals with an array of diagnoses including adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. She has worked with the elderly, those suffering from trauma and those simply experiencing a difficult time in their lives. She has worked with clients is settings such as outpatient mental health clinics, homeless shelters and Adult Protective Services. In all of these settings, Karen has helped ameliorate her client’s relationships and quality of life. In an emotionally safe and supportive environment, she works with clients to find a model with which they feel comfortable and which will facilitate personal growth. Karen’s specialties are in insight-oriented and Cognitive Behavioral therapies. She also offers a faith-based perspective for those individuals whose spiritual beliefs play an important role in life.
Waltrina Stancell, LPC
I am an independently licensed clinician in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. I have over ten years of experience in mental health and addictions counseling. I am a graduate of Howard University and Boston University School of Medicine. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I use a person-centered approach emphasizing the importance of the therapist/client relationship, along with a cognitive behavioral approach to explore the thought patterns related to the challenging emotions and behaviors.
I provide a warm and safe environment for clients to process their thoughts and feelings and works collaboratively to identify and mediate stressors. I am also a strong advocate for self-care and guide clients in understanding the importance of caring for themselves amid managing phase of life issues.
Taking the first steps to initiate the therapy process can be challenging. I look forward to collaborating with you and getting an understanding of your experiences and personal goals. I look forward to hearing from you.
Brittany Carter, LPC
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Brittany Carter began her journey in the mental health field working with children on the autism spectrum and soon ventured into counseling a wide range of clinical diagnoses. She is a graduate of the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC, and completed her internship specializing in counseling adolescents and adults populations from diverse backgrounds.
Brittany’s previous experience includes providing wrap-around services to high acuity individuals struggling with several mental health diagnoses, including substance use disorders and dual diagnoses. Before joining the Focus Solution team she was a certified addiction counselor working with individuals with co-occurring disorders. She has been trained in a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered approach.
HarrisonWest, LICSW
Harrison is an energetic and compassionate clinician with experience working with youth, adults, and families. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Morgan State University and his Master’s in Social Work from The University Of Maryland. Since obtaining his Graduate License, Harrison has been practicing therapy both under supervision and independently since 2018. He became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Washington DC in 2021. Over the past 10 years, Harrison has worked in outpatient mental health care facilities, community based mental health service agencies, and within child welfare to help treat individuals and families suffering from chronic mental health concerns. Harrison has experience successfully helping individuals suffering from various mental and emotional health conditions including depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and attention deficit disorder. He has worked with individuals dealing with trauma, grief & loss, and phase of life issues. His experience also includes helping disconnected families and couples find ways to reach common ground and become more satisfied within their relationships. Harrison creates safe, compassionate, and judgement free environments, supports client progress, and provides evidence-based driven techniques. Harrison specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Positive Psychology modalities. These techniques will shift clients both personally and professionally – uncovering shaming narratives and developing self-compassion and solutions to a better quality of life.