Meet our Virginia providers

Dr. Kawanna Ward is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia with more than 25 years of clinical mental health experience. She has advanced training in trauma, substance use disorders, and complex case treatment. Her certifications include Certified Sexual Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP), Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor (RPT-S), and NADA-Certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS). She is trained in evidence-based trauma interventions, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).Dr. Ward earned her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Doctorate in Christian Counseling from Christian Leadership University. Her clinical work emphasizes ethical, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care for children, adults, and families. She is dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based treatment and expanding access to care for underserved and marginalized communities.Recognized by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) as a Certified Clinical Supervisor, Dr. Ward also provides clinical supervision to social work supervisees pursuing licensure.

Monica Karafotis is a Resident in Counseling who provides support for adults navigating anxiety and depression, grief and life transitions, relationship and parenting stress, and sustaining sobriety. She also has experience working with court-involved clients and collaborates on accountability, compliance, and practical next steps.Her style is warm, structured, and collaborative. Monica integrates CBT, DBT-informed skills, ACT, mindfulness, and positive psychology within a trauma-responsive, culturally aware lens. Sessions emphasize usable tools—emotion regulation, boundary-setting, relapse-prevention strategies, and values-based action—while honoring each client’s strengths and lived context. Clients often describe feeling understood and equipped to make changes between sessions.Monica holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA), a B.S. in Psychology from Chestnut Hill College (Philadelphia, PA), and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from the University of Massachusetts–Lowell. As a parent of six, she brings a practical, compassionate perspective to real-life stressors and family dynamics. Outside of work, she is a lifelong learner who enjoys history, genealogy, and audiobooks on nearly any topic—and is currently being trained by her still-growing Great Pyrenees puppy. She believes you don’t need to have everything “figured out” to start therapy and welcomes a brief consultation to explore whether working together is a good fit.

Jaida Fehrman is a Resident in Counseling and National Certified Counselor who specializes in supporting individuals healing from trauma. She also works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges. With experience in both community mental health and academic settings, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her practice. Jaida earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South Dakota State University. She integrates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), positive psychology, and humanistic approaches to create a supportive, collaborative environment. Jaida believes everyone has innate strengths to draw upon and that counseling can help clients reconnect with what matters most, building lives that feel meaningful and fulfilling. Outside of counseling, Jaida values kindness and individuality and strives to embody these in her daily life. She practices yoga and enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking, and walking her dogs. She also appreciates slowing down with a good book or simply relaxing at home.

Sarah Sultan is a Resident in Counseling in Virginia with a strong foundation in providing therapeutic support to children, adolescents, and adults. She holds an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix and a BS with minors in Women and Gender Studies and Sociology. Sarah has worked in outpatient therapy, crisis services, and intensive treatment programs. She is particularly interested in trauma-informed care and has broad clinical experience helping clients build resilience, strengthen self-esteem, and cultivate inner growth.Sarah integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed practices, tailoring care to each client’s needs and fostering a safe, collaborative space for healing. Her warm, inclusive style helps clients feel heard, understood, and equipped with practical tools to move forward with confidence.

Jennifer Burkett is a Resident in Counseling with experience working with children and adults across school, community arts, partial hospitalization, and community clinic settings. She earned her Master’s degree in Art Therapy from The George Washington University in 2025. Jennifer embraces a client-centered approach rooted in connection and is committed to providing culturally humble therapy. She is passionate about incorporating brain science into her sessions and has specialized training in trauma-informed and trauma-focused approaches. Jennifer believes that art therapy offers unique ways to help clients achieve their goals through movement, the senses, symbolism, and creativity, in addition to cognitive and emotional processing.

Jenelle McLeod is a Resident in Counseling in Virginia with over five years of experience supporting children and adults in therapeutic settings. She works with youth and adult clients experiencing life changes, anxiety, depression, or PTSD, and is passionate about helping clients build self-confidence and self-worth. Jenelle specializes in self-healing, coping skills, and post-traumatic growth. Her therapeutic approach integrates solution-focused strategies, mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Jenelle is also currently training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and is a member of the Virginia Counseling Association.

Lorena Hunter is a Supervisee in Social Work with three years of experience supporting adults and children (ages 10+). She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of New England in 2017, equipping her with the skills to address mental health issues effectively. Lorena takes a trauma-informed approach to supporting individuals who have experienced life challenges and traumatic events. She is committed to creating a safe, empowering space for healing and growth.

Ronald Ross is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of experience providing behavioral health services in both outpatient and community-based settings. He earned his Master of Social Work from Norfolk State University and has worked extensively with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders. Ronald is particularly committed to serving historically marginalized populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those affected by systemic barriers to care. His clinical approach is strengths-based and rooted in evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). He is dedicated to providing person-centered, culturally responsive care and to fostering a therapeutic environment that is collaborative, affirming, and oriented toward meaningful, sustainable change.

Aerielle Washington is a Supervisee in Social Work providing outpatient psychotherapy, with over seven years of experience offering therapeutic support. She earned her Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Advanced Clinical Practice in 2022, and her Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University in 2018. She has worked with children, teens, and adults, and has a special interest in supporting young adults (ages 18-30) through life transitions, identity development, and skill-building. She also enjoys working with adults of all ages, including older adults, particularly around issues such as anxiety, social anxiety, grief, depression, self-esteem, stress, and trauma. Aerielle brings a warm, relational approach to therapy and integrates evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, and ACT. She is especially drawn to helping clients make sense of where they’ve been, find clarity in where they are, and build confidence in where they’re headed. Her work is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and a deep respect for the strength it takes to grow and heal.

Karicia Corum is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Relational Trauma Specialist dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and families through compassionate, culturally responsive care. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from The Catholic University of America, where she developed a strong clinical foundation with a focus on trauma-informed, client-centered practices. With extensive experience in private practice, school-based mental health, and the nonprofit sector, Karicia brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and systemic awareness to her work. She has a proven track record of supporting youth in crisis, including those navigating family separation, trauma, and suicidal ideation. Her collaborative approach involves close coordination with schools, psychiatrists, and wraparound teams to ensure comprehensive, holistic care. Karicia’s work in the nonprofit sector has centered on increasing access to mental health services for underserved and Spanish-speaking communities in Virginia and beyond. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is passionate about serving Hispanic families. Specializing in relational trauma, Karicia integrates expressive therapies and trauma-informed interventions to help clients process adversity, build emotional resilience, and foster secure connections. She brings a calm presence, a sharp clinical lens, and a deep belief in every client’s capacity to heal and grow.

Eleanor Martin is a Supervisee in Social Work with experience working with children, adults, and families across various clinical settings, including residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient services. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024. Eleanor has experience addressing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anger management. She enjoys helping individuals build strong communication skills, navigate life transitions, and reach their personal goals. Eleanor is passionate about providing compassionate, effective care that addresses mental health challenges from a holistic perspective.

Tierra Collins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience in the mental health field. She earned her master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011, equipping her with the skills to support individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders. Tierra’s background includes a range of clinical and leadership roles. She takes a client-centered, holistic approach to assessing needs and building empathetic therapeutic relationships. Tierra draws from a continuum of treatment modalities and is well-versed in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed care. She also provides supervision to those pursuing licensure in social work. Tierra offers psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families navigating life stressors, emotional and developmental challenges, grief and loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, and other maladaptive behaviors. She has a special interest in working with young adults facing life transitions while managing mental health symptoms. Tierra’s purpose is to empower others to improve their lives.

Carsyn Pauley is a compassionate and dedicated Resident in Counseling based in Lynchburg, Virginia. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from James Madison University. She also holds certifications in Addiction Studies and SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts). Carsyn has over two years of hands-on experience providing therapeutic services to individuals across the lifespan, with a special focus on children and families navigating behavioral and emotional challenges. Prior to becoming a mental health professional, she worked as a Registered Behavior Technician for four years, supporting children and their families in school settings. In addition to her clinical expertise, Carsyn has extensive experience in parent training, group therapy, and positive behavior support. Known for her empathetic communication style and ability to foster safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic spaces, she is passionate about integrating behavioral and mental health approaches to help clients set boundaries, develop effective communication and self-regulation skills, and explore their identities. Carsyn’s goal in therapy is to build meaningful relationships with each client and support them in identifying positive, healthy ways to achieve their goals.

Victoria McMahon is a Supervisee in Social Work with over six years of experience providing advocacy, case management, and therapeutic interventions to children, adolescents, adults, and families across various settings—including community agencies, schools, and private practice. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from George Mason University in 2023. Victoria is passionate about helping clients foster resilience and healing, approaching each session with compassion and curiosity. She believes in tailoring evidence-based interventions to meet each person’s unique needs. If you’re navigating uncertainty, feeling overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, she’s here to offer understanding and support.

Bryan Lewis is a Resident in Counseling with over two decades of experience supporting youth, families, and individuals with developmental delays. He earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2025, equipping him with the skills and training to address a wide range of mental health needs. Bryan has a strong background in crisis intervention and has worked with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults. His areas of expertise include neurodivergence, depression, substance use, behavior modification, and parent mentoring for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Bryan draws from several evidence-based practices in his work, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). He is also experienced in parent training, behavior planning, and de-escalation techniques. Bryan believes in meeting clients where they are and working collaboratively to support their growth and help them thrive.

Katherine Long is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience in the counseling field. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University. Throughout her career, Katherine has served as a therapist for foster children and their families. She spent time in Northern Virginia as the Program Manager for the Children’s Regional Crisis Response Team—a mobile crisis response program focused on preventing acute hospitalizations for children and adolescents. Katherine has extensive experience in both community-based and private practice settings, working with children and adults. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. Her specialties include treating depression and anxiety, with a particular interest in supporting professional women experiencing “imposter syndrome.” Katherine is licensed as a Counselor Supervisor in both Virginia and North Carolina. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, dancing, and curling up with a good book.

Michelle Gorden is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and adolescents. Licensed in Virginia, Texas, South Carolina, and Florida, she currently serves as a Behavioral Health Therapist IV at Inova Health. Michelle specializes in treating mood disorders, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, drawing on a broad clinical background that includes work in criminal justice, crisis stabilization, case management, and residential care. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic, inclusive, and collaborative, incorporating modalities such as EMDR, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and the Gottman Method for couples. Michelle is committed to providing a safe, affirming space where clients can explore vulnerabilities, build resilience, and create lasting change.

Jaime Miller is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. With experience in the mental health field since 2013, Jaime has worked in various settings, including homes, schools, and agencies. Specializing in individual counseling for adults (ages 18-80) and couples counseling, Jaime addresses a range of concerns, including anxiety disorders, anger management, depression, impulse control, parenting issues, communication challenges, stress management, and LGBTQ+ issues. Jaime takes an eclectic approach to therapy, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, The Gottman Method, Solution-Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. By collaborating with clients to establish and achieve their goals, Jaime provides tools and strategies to navigate challenges, offers new perspectives, and creates a supportive space for open conversation.

Tanitha Nicholas is a Resident in Counseling. She has over 10 years of experience working with at-risk children, families, and couples. Tanitha received her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. For as long as she can remember, her passion has been to assist individuals and families in learning how to be equipped for life by forming alignment within themselves and focusing on living in reality versus fear. Her hobbies include listening to rain, going to the beach, and listening to Lo-fi study radio.

Nakeema is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. With over 11 years of experience in the mental health field, Nakeema has worked with diverse populations and provided services across various areas. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. For the past 6 years, Nakeema has supervised residents and entry-level professionals, channeling her passion for teaching and coaching to help others achieve their best potential. She values honesty, open-mindedness, creativity, and passion, both in her work and personal life. Nakeema is deeply committed to serving her community and is passionate about helping others become their best selves.