Our experienced team of Therapists have a wide array of knowledge and clinical skills
as well as post graduate training and certifications.
as well as post graduate training and certifications.
Dr. Mindy Thiel, PhD, LCSW-C
Executive Director
Dr. Thiel has over two decades of experience working as a Therapist. She earned a Bachelors degree in Education from American University and both her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Social Work from the University of Maryland. Dr. Thiel is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work where she instructs future Therapists. She oversees the Safe Start Program, a counseling program designed for children exposed to domestic violence through the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Family Justice Center. In 2014, Safe Start received the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention Award. In 2015, Dr. Thiel was honored to receive the Community Legacy Award from the Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation as well.
Additionally, she was appointed by the County Executive and County Council to serve on the Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and served as Chair of the Montgomery County Child Care Commission. She has presented at numerous professional conferences and workshops including the Maryland Judiciary Conference, Montgomery County Circuit Court, Montgomery County District Court, Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Greater Washington Latin American Mental Health Network, Montgomery County DHHS trainings, "Hope, Help, Healing" Symposium at Catholic University and the Montgomery County Divorce Roundtable.
Executive Director
Dr. Thiel has over two decades of experience working as a Therapist. She earned a Bachelors degree in Education from American University and both her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Social Work from the University of Maryland. Dr. Thiel is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work where she instructs future Therapists. She oversees the Safe Start Program, a counseling program designed for children exposed to domestic violence through the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Family Justice Center. In 2014, Safe Start received the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention Award. In 2015, Dr. Thiel was honored to receive the Community Legacy Award from the Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation as well.
Additionally, she was appointed by the County Executive and County Council to serve on the Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and served as Chair of the Montgomery County Child Care Commission. She has presented at numerous professional conferences and workshops including the Maryland Judiciary Conference, Montgomery County Circuit Court, Montgomery County District Court, Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Greater Washington Latin American Mental Health Network, Montgomery County DHHS trainings, "Hope, Help, Healing" Symposium at Catholic University and the Montgomery County Divorce Roundtable.
Nomita Advani, LCPAT
Therapist
Ms. Advani is a Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist with a Masters degree from The George Washington University. She also employs talk therapy with clients to address anxiety, depression, relationships and wellness. She has practiced in clinical, community, and education-based settings and has worked extensively with adults, children, adolescents, and families to address emotions, thoughts, behaviors and well being. Nomita also has conducted trainings, workshops and presentations to educate multiple populations including mental health and educational professionals.
Therapist
Ms. Advani is a Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist with a Masters degree from The George Washington University. She also employs talk therapy with clients to address anxiety, depression, relationships and wellness. She has practiced in clinical, community, and education-based settings and has worked extensively with adults, children, adolescents, and families to address emotions, thoughts, behaviors and well being. Nomita also has conducted trainings, workshops and presentations to educate multiple populations including mental health and educational professionals.
Syreeta Boone, LCSW-C, CAC-AD
Therapist
Mrs. Boone is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C), and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CAC-AD) backed with over 15 years of experience. She attained her bachelors degree from Morgan State University and her Masters degree from University of Maryland. Her extensive work with children, youth, and adults using play therapy and other treatment modalities that address anger management, crisis intervention, domestic violence, trauma, substance use, and other mental health related disorders, to engage emotional stability and social wellness with positive outcomes.
Therapist
Mrs. Boone is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C), and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CAC-AD) backed with over 15 years of experience. She attained her bachelors degree from Morgan State University and her Masters degree from University of Maryland. Her extensive work with children, youth, and adults using play therapy and other treatment modalities that address anger management, crisis intervention, domestic violence, trauma, substance use, and other mental health related disorders, to engage emotional stability and social wellness with positive outcomes.
Jalicia Brown, LCSW-C
Therapist
Ms. Brown earned earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology from Towson University and her Masters degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Jalicia has experience with treating children, adolescents, young adults and families who present with trauma related issues. She also provides counseling services related to anxiety, depression/other mood related disorders and behavioral problems.
Therapist
Ms. Brown earned earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology from Towson University and her Masters degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Jalicia has experience with treating children, adolescents, young adults and families who present with trauma related issues. She also provides counseling services related to anxiety, depression/other mood related disorders and behavioral problems.
Jessica Colon, LCPC
Therapist
Mrs. Colon has been practicing as a psychotherapist since 2003 in the Montgomery County area working in a variety of clinical settings. During Jessica's years in Montgomery County, MD she has worked since 2006 for Chesapeake Counseling using her clinical training skills in play therapy, mindfulness, talk, and behavioral approaches. It is important to Jessica to focus on what the client excels at and use those qualities to support the client to empower and heal themselves. Jessica is very passionate about working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families.
Therapist
Mrs. Colon has been practicing as a psychotherapist since 2003 in the Montgomery County area working in a variety of clinical settings. During Jessica's years in Montgomery County, MD she has worked since 2006 for Chesapeake Counseling using her clinical training skills in play therapy, mindfulness, talk, and behavioral approaches. It is important to Jessica to focus on what the client excels at and use those qualities to support the client to empower and heal themselves. Jessica is very passionate about working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families.
Jennifer Finn, LCPC
Therapist
Mrs. Finn is Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has been working in the field of counseling for 19 years. She treats many issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, and everyday relationships that are in need of healing. She particularly enjoys working with women, teen and familial issues. With teens she addresses peer issues, cyberbullying, parents, divorce, school hardships, bullying, anxiety, depression and other issues that may come up along the way.
Therapist
Mrs. Finn is Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has been working in the field of counseling for 19 years. She treats many issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, and everyday relationships that are in need of healing. She particularly enjoys working with women, teen and familial issues. With teens she addresses peer issues, cyberbullying, parents, divorce, school hardships, bullying, anxiety, depression and other issues that may come up along the way.
Amy Greene, LCSW-C
Therapist
Mrs. Greene earned her Masters in Social Work degree from Columbia University, where she also earned a Master of Public Health and received the Mailman School of Public Health's John and Kathleen Gorman Public Health Humanitarian Award. Amy has received extensive training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and has been working as a mental health therapist with children, youth, and families through school-based programs in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties.
Amy has full professional fluency in Spanish and is currently providing individual and family counseling to children and adults using a client centered approach.
Amy employs talk, play, art, and movement as well as cognitive behavioral interventions in helping clients reach therapy goals. Amy also provides mental health and public health consulting services to state governments and school districts in the area of social emotional programming and approaches.
Therapist
Mrs. Greene earned her Masters in Social Work degree from Columbia University, where she also earned a Master of Public Health and received the Mailman School of Public Health's John and Kathleen Gorman Public Health Humanitarian Award. Amy has received extensive training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and has been working as a mental health therapist with children, youth, and families through school-based programs in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties.
Amy has full professional fluency in Spanish and is currently providing individual and family counseling to children and adults using a client centered approach.
Amy employs talk, play, art, and movement as well as cognitive behavioral interventions in helping clients reach therapy goals. Amy also provides mental health and public health consulting services to state governments and school districts in the area of social emotional programming and approaches.
Kathleen Hawkins, LMSW
Therapist
Ms. Hawkins graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Masters degree in Social Work. She has worked in a variety of settings with families with children. Her experience includes working with children, adolescents and adults with behavioral health diagnoses in educational and clinical settings using elements of Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Additionally, Ms. Hawkins has experience utilizing elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy to assist adolescents with severe mental health and substance use disorders. Kathleen is a trauma-responsive Therapist that specializes in working with people who experience anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, family dysfunction, and various forms of self-harm and substance use.
Kathleen uses an empowerment approach to help clients accept that
their past actions were their best attempt to cope with their difficulties,
and that change is possible.
Therapist
Ms. Hawkins graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Masters degree in Social Work. She has worked in a variety of settings with families with children. Her experience includes working with children, adolescents and adults with behavioral health diagnoses in educational and clinical settings using elements of Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Additionally, Ms. Hawkins has experience utilizing elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy to assist adolescents with severe mental health and substance use disorders. Kathleen is a trauma-responsive Therapist that specializes in working with people who experience anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, family dysfunction, and various forms of self-harm and substance use.
Kathleen uses an empowerment approach to help clients accept that
their past actions were their best attempt to cope with their difficulties,
and that change is possible.
Clare Herington, LCPC
Therapist
Mrs. Herington has been with Chesapeake Counseling since December 2017. She also has a background in nursing and earned a BSN from Georgetown University, MSN from University of Pennsylvania and MA in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She enjoys working with adults and adolescents. She regularly presents Expect Respect presentations to teens in MCPS schools that address healthy dating and relationships.
Therapist
Mrs. Herington has been with Chesapeake Counseling since December 2017. She also has a background in nursing and earned a BSN from Georgetown University, MSN from University of Pennsylvania and MA in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She enjoys working with adults and adolescents. She regularly presents Expect Respect presentations to teens in MCPS schools that address healthy dating and relationships.
Lea Jones, LCSW-C
Therapist
Ms. Jones earned her Master’s in Social Work from The Ohio State University after earning her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the same university. Lea is grateful to have had a wide variety of social work opportunities while working in Ohio and Maryland over the last decade. She has had experience working as a community case manager, chemical assessment and prevention program counselor, individual and family therapist for all ages, family support group therapist, IOP/PHP adult therapist, IOP/PHP adult program coordinator, EAP counselor, and crisis clinician for all ages in an ER setting. Lea has a passion for helping individuals and families with their mental health and wellness.
Therapist
Ms. Jones earned her Master’s in Social Work from The Ohio State University after earning her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the same university. Lea is grateful to have had a wide variety of social work opportunities while working in Ohio and Maryland over the last decade. She has had experience working as a community case manager, chemical assessment and prevention program counselor, individual and family therapist for all ages, family support group therapist, IOP/PHP adult therapist, IOP/PHP adult program coordinator, EAP counselor, and crisis clinician for all ages in an ER setting. Lea has a passion for helping individuals and families with their mental health and wellness.
Elbereth Lunn, LCSW-C
Therapist
Elbereth , also known as " Elby", is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and received her bachelor's in Social Work through UMBC, earning a full scholarship in an accelerated program to complete her Masters degree in Social Work at University of Maryland, Baltimore with the Title IVE Award focused on Families and Children.
It is her passion to engage in a trusting collaboration with client's to ultimately facilitate individuals in becoming their own authority, and foster a healing space of self-love, self-responsibility, and self-fulfillment, with the ability to give, receive, and expand through painful and defining moments in life. It is always a privilege to participate in this extraordinary process of change. Elbereth uses a solutions focused, strengths based approach. This practice includes regular reflections, behavioral modifications, and task centered models to help clients achieve their desired goals. She has experience working in the foster care and family preservation units within the child welfare system, working with families in a variety of atypical living arrangements and caregiving roles, including blended families of divorce, multi-generational households, and end of life/senior care. Elbereth is an LGBTQ+ ally. Elbereth has served as a Board Member to the Mental Health Association, volunteered as a hotline counselor for the county Suicide Prevention and Teen Connection, and been a public speaker for PG Hospital Crisis Center and the Rape, Abuse, & Incest Network. She enjoys community education, working with youth, adolescents, young adults and adults providing psychoeducation on vulnerability and date rape scenarios across the DMV region.
Therapist
Elbereth , also known as " Elby", is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and received her bachelor's in Social Work through UMBC, earning a full scholarship in an accelerated program to complete her Masters degree in Social Work at University of Maryland, Baltimore with the Title IVE Award focused on Families and Children.
It is her passion to engage in a trusting collaboration with client's to ultimately facilitate individuals in becoming their own authority, and foster a healing space of self-love, self-responsibility, and self-fulfillment, with the ability to give, receive, and expand through painful and defining moments in life. It is always a privilege to participate in this extraordinary process of change. Elbereth uses a solutions focused, strengths based approach. This practice includes regular reflections, behavioral modifications, and task centered models to help clients achieve their desired goals. She has experience working in the foster care and family preservation units within the child welfare system, working with families in a variety of atypical living arrangements and caregiving roles, including blended families of divorce, multi-generational households, and end of life/senior care. Elbereth is an LGBTQ+ ally. Elbereth has served as a Board Member to the Mental Health Association, volunteered as a hotline counselor for the county Suicide Prevention and Teen Connection, and been a public speaker for PG Hospital Crisis Center and the Rape, Abuse, & Incest Network. She enjoys community education, working with youth, adolescents, young adults and adults providing psychoeducation on vulnerability and date rape scenarios across the DMV region.
Eddie Pickeral, LMSW
Therapist
Mr. Pickeral earned is Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland, School of Social Work with a specialization in health. He worked at Johns Hopkins Bayview Emergency Department and Baltimore City Public Schools. His background includes working with children, adolescents, and adults with various social, emotional, and behavioral concerns. Mr. Pickeral has experience in working with clients who experience depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, substance use, and crisis intervention. He is an advocate for disability equity and has experience assisting high school/ college students transitioning to various concerns.
Mr. Pickeral worked at the British Embassy in the Northern Ireland sector where he specifically researched intergenerational trauma of families and children facing community violence in Belfast and received notable recognition by the Catholic University of America.
Therapist
Mr. Pickeral earned is Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland, School of Social Work with a specialization in health. He worked at Johns Hopkins Bayview Emergency Department and Baltimore City Public Schools. His background includes working with children, adolescents, and adults with various social, emotional, and behavioral concerns. Mr. Pickeral has experience in working with clients who experience depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, substance use, and crisis intervention. He is an advocate for disability equity and has experience assisting high school/ college students transitioning to various concerns.
Mr. Pickeral worked at the British Embassy in the Northern Ireland sector where he specifically researched intergenerational trauma of families and children facing community violence in Belfast and received notable recognition by the Catholic University of America.
Shannon Robinson, LCSW-C
Therapist
Mrs. Robinson earned a Masters degree from Washington University-St. Louis. She joined the practice in June of 2016. Her experience prior to joining the practice included 16 years as a mental health therapist with children, youth, and families at a school-based program and an outpatient center. Currently, Shannon provides individual and family counseling to children and adults using a systemic approach and applying techniques to meet the personal and developmental needs and interests of the client. Her techniques incorporate talk, play, art, wellness, and cognitive behavioral interventions. In addition to her direct practice experience,
Shannon is a certified clinical social work supervisor and has provided many years of clinical consultation to social workers working in a variety of settings including schools, a homeless shelter, a substance abuse clinic, outpatient clinics, private practices, and a residential treatment facility.
Therapist
Mrs. Robinson earned a Masters degree from Washington University-St. Louis. She joined the practice in June of 2016. Her experience prior to joining the practice included 16 years as a mental health therapist with children, youth, and families at a school-based program and an outpatient center. Currently, Shannon provides individual and family counseling to children and adults using a systemic approach and applying techniques to meet the personal and developmental needs and interests of the client. Her techniques incorporate talk, play, art, wellness, and cognitive behavioral interventions. In addition to her direct practice experience,
Shannon is a certified clinical social work supervisor and has provided many years of clinical consultation to social workers working in a variety of settings including schools, a homeless shelter, a substance abuse clinic, outpatient clinics, private practices, and a residential treatment facility.
Natalia Seo, LMSW
Therapist
Mrs. Seo earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland, School of Social Work with a specialization in Behavioral Health. She has worked at non-profit settings based in Montgomery County Public Schools delivering vital wrap-around social services and therapeutic interventions to youth and families to address a full spectrum of needs including. Mrs. Seo also has experience with CBT, trauma treatment and LGBTQ+ clients. She focuses on a strengths-based approach and she is trained in several evidence-based therapeutic modalities. She aims to make sure all of her clients feel safe, comfortable and supported with a non-judgmental approach. Her ultimate goal as a social worker ensures every individual is tailored uniquely and met with the right level of support and care. She is trilingual in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and worked with many diverse backgrounds.
Therapist
Mrs. Seo earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland, School of Social Work with a specialization in Behavioral Health. She has worked at non-profit settings based in Montgomery County Public Schools delivering vital wrap-around social services and therapeutic interventions to youth and families to address a full spectrum of needs including. Mrs. Seo also has experience with CBT, trauma treatment and LGBTQ+ clients. She focuses on a strengths-based approach and she is trained in several evidence-based therapeutic modalities. She aims to make sure all of her clients feel safe, comfortable and supported with a non-judgmental approach. Her ultimate goal as a social worker ensures every individual is tailored uniquely and met with the right level of support and care. She is trilingual in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and worked with many diverse backgrounds.
Reem Sharaf, LMSW
Therapist
Mrs. Sharaf earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland, School of Social Work with a specialization in Behavioral Health. She was awarded the NASW-MD Masters level student of the year award for her advocacy and commitment to improving the lives of others. She has a passion for and a background in supporting young children, adolescents, adults and families as they cope and heal after significant life events, transitions, loss, and trauma. She has experience using different modalities like play therapy, trauma focused therapy, parent guided work, and family therapy for addressing anxiety, trauma, adjustment, mood, and other mental health conditions.
She is bilingual in English and Arabic, and has experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.
Therapist
Mrs. Sharaf earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland, School of Social Work with a specialization in Behavioral Health. She was awarded the NASW-MD Masters level student of the year award for her advocacy and commitment to improving the lives of others. She has a passion for and a background in supporting young children, adolescents, adults and families as they cope and heal after significant life events, transitions, loss, and trauma. She has experience using different modalities like play therapy, trauma focused therapy, parent guided work, and family therapy for addressing anxiety, trauma, adjustment, mood, and other mental health conditions.
She is bilingual in English and Arabic, and has experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.
Nicole Smith, LCSW-C
Therapist
Ms. Smith has worked in the mental health field as a licensed professional for several years. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Masters degree in Social Work and has worked in the public sector, private sector, and for non-profit organizations. Her experience includes working with children, teenagers, and young adults who present with various concerns. Nicole specializes in working with those who experience depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders, and have histories of trauma.
Therapist
Ms. Smith has worked in the mental health field as a licensed professional for several years. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Masters degree in Social Work and has worked in the public sector, private sector, and for non-profit organizations. Her experience includes working with children, teenagers, and young adults who present with various concerns. Nicole specializes in working with those who experience depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders, and have histories of trauma.