Meet the Team

I believe that our lives are shaped by relationships—our connections with others, the world around us, and, perhaps most importantly, with ourselves. When we feel off balance or disconnected, it’s often a signal that one or more of these relationships needs care and attention. Therapy offers a powerful opportunity to explore these dynamics with curiosity, compassion, and clarity.

As a therapist, I prioritize creating a space where you feel genuinely seen, affirmed, and safe. My approach is grounded in authenticity, direct communication, and reflective practice. I view therapy as a collaborative process: you bring your insight, your intentions, and your lived experience—and I bring my training, clinical expertise, and wholehearted commitment to walk alongside you. Together, we’ll co-create a space where healing and growth are possible.

My practice is client-centered and strengths-based, rooted in the belief that people are not problems to be fixed but complex and resilient beings with the capacity to heal. I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities—including cognitive-behavioral, motivational, mindfulness-based, and somatic approaches—tailoring each session to meet you exactly where you are. I draw on expressive and multimodal strategies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), art-based interventions, sand/play therapy, and other mind-body practices to support deeper integration and healing.
Since 2008, I’ve worked across schools, government agencies, and community mental health settings, serving children and families, adults, and helping professionals. 

In addition to my therapeutic work, I offer clinical consultation, supervision, and educational opportunities for mental health professionals, with a focus on trauma-informed care and LGBTQ+ affirming practices. I’ve presented at local and national conferences and have been featured on platforms such as Living Breathing Medicine and Inside Out Collective: LGBTQ+ Talk Radio Show. 

I remain actively involved in community-based efforts to support queer and trans youth, including participation in advisory councils, peer-support initiatives, and multidisciplinary coalitions. I'm passionate about uplifting queer and trans voices and holding systems accountable to do better.

I earned a bachelor's in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a Master's of Social Work from Andrews University in Michigan. I have advanced training in trauma treatment, co-occurring disorders, and EMDR. I am committed to lifelong learning and continuously engage with emerging research and evidence-based practices to ensure that my clinical work remains current, responsive, and effective.

Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy hiking with friends, reading good books, or spending time with my two Siamese cats—Dennis/Denise and Melvin—who make occasional appearances on Instagram @dennisdenise_and_melvin.