Family Therapy Center of Northern Virginia, llc.
We welcome you to meet our team. All of our licensed professionals have their own business licenses and set their own schedules. If you have a question about availability and personal policy, it is best to check with your clinician directly. That being said, if you have questions about who might be the best fit, etc please email Sherri Miller. Sherri knows the ins and outs of everyone's availability and specialty and can guide you to the best fit.
The Following Licensed Clinicians are in Their Own Private Practice at Family Therapy Center...
Gabrielle Anderson, LMFT, RPT-S™
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Registered Play Therapy Supervisor, Meditation Teacher
Practice Owner
There is a common variable when seeing young children, couples and treating traumas: all of these therapies take place deep in the brain. When Gabrielle sees a couple, she listens at a deeper level, the level beyond detail and logic, but to the place of what it all feels like…what it boils down to. She believes that when couples are able to dig down into the real issues, they can begin to feel heard and seen. She teaches couples how to soothe themselves, but also to sooth their partners. Learning to control the stress hormone faucet in ourselves and in our partners is all part of Gabrielle’s strategy plan.
She also believes that when one is traumatized, whether in a relationship or by oneself, that the triggers themselves help the person or the couple heal. What an empowering approach, that the pain itself can lead to the reward. Her philosophy is based on the belief that darkness is necessary in order to find light. That the deepest darkest tragedies and illnesses can be the most powerful fertilizers if and only when clients learn to use them for growth, healing and empowerment. How does this translate into work with children?
Children communicate their wants, needs, desires and ideas through play. Play is their communication. Gabrielle uses this form of communication to help children organize their emotions and memories to heal. Therapy with a young child occurs deep in the brain, where logic and rationale might not exist. Even the deepest darkest of traumas can be met, organized and released through play. The similarities in all three approaches excites Gabrielle, while the diversity in population and orientation keeps her intrigued and constantly stimulated. Gabrielle is trained to see children as young as three and is trained in child centered as well as directive play therapy.
Gabrielle utilizes Emotionally Focused Therapy as the delivery method for couples, however strengthens communication and relational awareness by implementing strategies from John Gottman and others. She believes that trauma survivors, whether the recipient of an affair in a relationship or the victim of an assault, chronic illness, etc cannot “talk their way out of trauma” and believes a trauma specialist needs to know what tools they are using and when…what part of the brain is being accessed and why. She is well versed and trained in EMDR, art therapy and sand tray and utilizes in-session Reiki and essential oils upon request if desired at no extra charge. Clients have options when looking into trauma and beginning the healing path. If one path is uncomfortable, there are options!
Gabrielle attempts to stay cutting edge and believes in the importance of listening to the body to determine what emotional, mental and physical symptoms might be trying to communicate. She is Lyme and PANDAS literate and helps clients look into health or medical roots to mental health related problems when necessary. She loves to learn and teach and provides CE trainings to colleagues, workshops to the community and weekly meditation to anyone desiring to participate. She is wholistic in her approach, believing that there are usually pieces of the puzzle that might need attention and adjusting.
In her spare time, Gabrielle can be found in a swimming pool, on her yoga mat, meditating, cooking yummy dinners, sipping wine or in a kickboxing class. She is the mother of two and has been happily married for over 20 years.
She also believes that when one is traumatized, whether in a relationship or by oneself, that the triggers themselves help the person or the couple heal. What an empowering approach, that the pain itself can lead to the reward. Her philosophy is based on the belief that darkness is necessary in order to find light. That the deepest darkest tragedies and illnesses can be the most powerful fertilizers if and only when clients learn to use them for growth, healing and empowerment. How does this translate into work with children?
Children communicate their wants, needs, desires and ideas through play. Play is their communication. Gabrielle uses this form of communication to help children organize their emotions and memories to heal. Therapy with a young child occurs deep in the brain, where logic and rationale might not exist. Even the deepest darkest of traumas can be met, organized and released through play. The similarities in all three approaches excites Gabrielle, while the diversity in population and orientation keeps her intrigued and constantly stimulated. Gabrielle is trained to see children as young as three and is trained in child centered as well as directive play therapy.
Gabrielle utilizes Emotionally Focused Therapy as the delivery method for couples, however strengthens communication and relational awareness by implementing strategies from John Gottman and others. She believes that trauma survivors, whether the recipient of an affair in a relationship or the victim of an assault, chronic illness, etc cannot “talk their way out of trauma” and believes a trauma specialist needs to know what tools they are using and when…what part of the brain is being accessed and why. She is well versed and trained in EMDR, art therapy and sand tray and utilizes in-session Reiki and essential oils upon request if desired at no extra charge. Clients have options when looking into trauma and beginning the healing path. If one path is uncomfortable, there are options!
Gabrielle attempts to stay cutting edge and believes in the importance of listening to the body to determine what emotional, mental and physical symptoms might be trying to communicate. She is Lyme and PANDAS literate and helps clients look into health or medical roots to mental health related problems when necessary. She loves to learn and teach and provides CE trainings to colleagues, workshops to the community and weekly meditation to anyone desiring to participate. She is wholistic in her approach, believing that there are usually pieces of the puzzle that might need attention and adjusting.
In her spare time, Gabrielle can be found in a swimming pool, on her yoga mat, meditating, cooking yummy dinners, sipping wine or in a kickboxing class. She is the mother of two and has been happily married for over 20 years.
Melissa Estes (Yee), ATR-BC, LPC, MA
Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR trained clinician,
LPC Clinical Supervisor
Melissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) who has been providing therapeutic services since 2008. Melissa received her masters degree in Art Therapy from The George Washington University where she studied advanced trauma training. Melissa is an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) trained clinician.
Melissa has been working in private practice since 2012. In addition to working in the private practice setting, Melissa currently works as a supervisor for Loudoun County Mental Health. She began her career working in an acute inpatient and outpatient hospital setting, as a teacher's aide for individuals with autism, leading groups for individuals with developmental disabilities, developing art therapy groups in community centers and providing crisis intervention through emergency services. Melissa enjoys working with individuals of all ages and specializes in the areas including anxiety, depression, trauma and dissociation, PTSD, grief and loss and life transitions.
She has a passion for assisting individuals on their path to self-discovery and for helping people create balance within their lives. She uses a strengths-based, person-centered, trauma informed approach with an emphasis on cognitive-behavioral therapy to help individuals increase self-efficacy. Melissa works collaboratively with individuals to identify treatment barriers, which people often find are only perceived limitations. She believes that every person has the capacity to heal and to live a gratifying life.
As an art therapist, creating art is part of her professional identity. Melissa believes that art gives voice to silent words that speak for themselves and that it may be comparable to how people communicate through body language. Art Therapy can be used as a vehicle for communication for individuals of all ages, as the creative process bypasses conscious awareness and discovers a deeper understanding of an individual’s inner world. There is knowledge and self-awareness to be gained through all forms of self-expression.
She offers a holistic approach that focuses on the connection between mind and body. Therapy often combines techniques such as relaxation through guided imagery, role-playing and education about self-care for the goal of helping individuals discover their own personal strengths and resources. Advanced training, consultation and continuing education keeps her practice current. Some of her advanced training includes: EMDR, Intensive Trauma Therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Primordial Sound Meditation and Sand Tray Therapy.
In her spare time, Melissa will often be found walking her long-haired dachshund, working out, reading, kayaking, paddle boarding, riding her bike, cooking, creating art, snowboarding or spending quality time with loved ones. Melissa has a love of adventure and appreciation for the beauty of nature.
Melissa has been working in private practice since 2012. In addition to working in the private practice setting, Melissa currently works as a supervisor for Loudoun County Mental Health. She began her career working in an acute inpatient and outpatient hospital setting, as a teacher's aide for individuals with autism, leading groups for individuals with developmental disabilities, developing art therapy groups in community centers and providing crisis intervention through emergency services. Melissa enjoys working with individuals of all ages and specializes in the areas including anxiety, depression, trauma and dissociation, PTSD, grief and loss and life transitions.
She has a passion for assisting individuals on their path to self-discovery and for helping people create balance within their lives. She uses a strengths-based, person-centered, trauma informed approach with an emphasis on cognitive-behavioral therapy to help individuals increase self-efficacy. Melissa works collaboratively with individuals to identify treatment barriers, which people often find are only perceived limitations. She believes that every person has the capacity to heal and to live a gratifying life.
As an art therapist, creating art is part of her professional identity. Melissa believes that art gives voice to silent words that speak for themselves and that it may be comparable to how people communicate through body language. Art Therapy can be used as a vehicle for communication for individuals of all ages, as the creative process bypasses conscious awareness and discovers a deeper understanding of an individual’s inner world. There is knowledge and self-awareness to be gained through all forms of self-expression.
She offers a holistic approach that focuses on the connection between mind and body. Therapy often combines techniques such as relaxation through guided imagery, role-playing and education about self-care for the goal of helping individuals discover their own personal strengths and resources. Advanced training, consultation and continuing education keeps her practice current. Some of her advanced training includes: EMDR, Intensive Trauma Therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Primordial Sound Meditation and Sand Tray Therapy.
In her spare time, Melissa will often be found walking her long-haired dachshund, working out, reading, kayaking, paddle boarding, riding her bike, cooking, creating art, snowboarding or spending quality time with loved ones. Melissa has a love of adventure and appreciation for the beauty of nature.
Tucker Landry, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Tucker started his career working with youth and families in New Jersey after graduating Penn State with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. In 2010, he moved to Virginia where he took on an adventurous position working with adolescents at a wilderness boarding school. As a group leader in charge of a group of 10 boys living in the woods, you could say there were some challenging days, but Tucker took it all in stride. He began to hone his therapeutic technique and relationship building skills through activities like cutting down trees to build shelters and completing an 80 mile backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail.
After about a year in the woods, Tucker knew it was time to head back to civilization and acquire his Master’s degree, and did so in Social Work at George Mason University. During his time there he discovered medical social work, and completed two valuable internships with Inova Health System. His experience at Inova gave him with the opportunity to provide crisis intervention and counseling for patients and families at the Level 1 Trauma Center at Fairfax Hospital. Tucker was also able to provide ongoing support groups and individual counseling to survivors of traumatic injuries and their loved ones.
Since graduating as an MSW in 2015, he has been employed by Inova Health System as a medical social worker and clinical therapist. In 2018, he joined Family Therapy Center of Northern Virginia and has enjoyed working with youth, families, and couples to improve coping skills, communication, and trusting relationships. With over 10 years of experience working with youth, families, and couples in addressing issues like identity, trauma, infidelity, arguing, caregiver stress, and chronic illness, Tucker is here to help you, your loved one, and your relationship.
In therapy, Tucker believes that the helping relationship is integral to growth and positive change. Authenticity and empathy are two values that have guided his practice and continue to help him in establishing excellent rapport with clients. In order to remain authentic and grounded in his practice Tucker brings parts of his personality into his work, including his sense of humor and creativity.
Tucker has been getting more into the game of golf and would like to explore how he can combine the game with therapy in a way that benefits interested clients. If golf is a game you want to try while engaging in therapy, or if you are a golfer looking for a therapist to join you on the course, hit me up!
In his spare time you can find Tucker playing his guitar, singing, walking his dogs, golfing, hiking, and spending time with family, friends, and loved ones.
After about a year in the woods, Tucker knew it was time to head back to civilization and acquire his Master’s degree, and did so in Social Work at George Mason University. During his time there he discovered medical social work, and completed two valuable internships with Inova Health System. His experience at Inova gave him with the opportunity to provide crisis intervention and counseling for patients and families at the Level 1 Trauma Center at Fairfax Hospital. Tucker was also able to provide ongoing support groups and individual counseling to survivors of traumatic injuries and their loved ones.
Since graduating as an MSW in 2015, he has been employed by Inova Health System as a medical social worker and clinical therapist. In 2018, he joined Family Therapy Center of Northern Virginia and has enjoyed working with youth, families, and couples to improve coping skills, communication, and trusting relationships. With over 10 years of experience working with youth, families, and couples in addressing issues like identity, trauma, infidelity, arguing, caregiver stress, and chronic illness, Tucker is here to help you, your loved one, and your relationship.
In therapy, Tucker believes that the helping relationship is integral to growth and positive change. Authenticity and empathy are two values that have guided his practice and continue to help him in establishing excellent rapport with clients. In order to remain authentic and grounded in his practice Tucker brings parts of his personality into his work, including his sense of humor and creativity.
Tucker has been getting more into the game of golf and would like to explore how he can combine the game with therapy in a way that benefits interested clients. If golf is a game you want to try while engaging in therapy, or if you are a golfer looking for a therapist to join you on the course, hit me up!
In his spare time you can find Tucker playing his guitar, singing, walking his dogs, golfing, hiking, and spending time with family, friends, and loved ones.
Chloe Cook, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
(Tele-Health Sessions to VA & GA Residents Only)
Chloe is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who actually started out as an accountant. After working for a major corporation for over 10 years, she decided it was time to follow her passion and life's purpose to become a therapist. She began providing therapeutic services in 2014 to individuals and families affected by substance abuse disorders. Through her specialty in marriage and family therapy, Chloe has a passion for working with couples, and also enjoys providing counseling to pre-teens/teens, adults, and families. Chloe is also a strong advocate for and provides therapy services for individuals, couples and families in the LGBTQIA community.
Chloe provides couples and family therapy from an Emotionally Focused perspective and incorporates research and communication skills from John Gottman and other evidenced based models. Her work with couples include working with traditional and non-traditional couples (married, cohabitating, poly, etc.) to improve communication skills, help with trust and infidelity, sex and intimacy issues, and creating healthy foundations to foster supportive partnerships. In some cases, relationships and marriages may have come to an end, Chloe` helps individuals and couples through this difficult transition by offering a safe to space work through separation/divorce and co-parenting issues. Chloe is currently acquiring training through the Institute of Modern Sex Therapy and other AASECT approved courses to reach her next goal of becoming a Certified Sex Therapist. Some of her work includes helping men and women with orgasm difficulties, unmatched/low desire, performance anxiety, erectile dysfunction, out of control sexual behavior, and sexual empathy.
Chloe` takes an integrative, strength-based approach to meet the needs of her clients`lifestyles, experiences and backgrounds. Along with continuing education, Chloe`enjoys meeting with her colleagues to discuss therapy interventions and ideas to better serve her clients. Her ultimate goal is to create an authentic therapeutic relationship with her clients, so that they feel safe, comfortable and motivated on their journey to live a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life.
In her spare time, Chloé enjoys going to the movies, running, spending time with her husband, step-daughter, two dogs and other loved ones. Chloé been an avid traveller throughout her life, so she enjoys learning about new places and immerses herself into learning the culture and people where ever she goes. She has recently moved to Atlanta, GA where she will be seeking an additional license to treat clients in Georgia. For now, she is only providing online video, tele-health services to Virginia residents.
Chloe provides couples and family therapy from an Emotionally Focused perspective and incorporates research and communication skills from John Gottman and other evidenced based models. Her work with couples include working with traditional and non-traditional couples (married, cohabitating, poly, etc.) to improve communication skills, help with trust and infidelity, sex and intimacy issues, and creating healthy foundations to foster supportive partnerships. In some cases, relationships and marriages may have come to an end, Chloe` helps individuals and couples through this difficult transition by offering a safe to space work through separation/divorce and co-parenting issues. Chloe is currently acquiring training through the Institute of Modern Sex Therapy and other AASECT approved courses to reach her next goal of becoming a Certified Sex Therapist. Some of her work includes helping men and women with orgasm difficulties, unmatched/low desire, performance anxiety, erectile dysfunction, out of control sexual behavior, and sexual empathy.
Chloe` takes an integrative, strength-based approach to meet the needs of her clients`lifestyles, experiences and backgrounds. Along with continuing education, Chloe`enjoys meeting with her colleagues to discuss therapy interventions and ideas to better serve her clients. Her ultimate goal is to create an authentic therapeutic relationship with her clients, so that they feel safe, comfortable and motivated on their journey to live a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life.
In her spare time, Chloé enjoys going to the movies, running, spending time with her husband, step-daughter, two dogs and other loved ones. Chloé been an avid traveller throughout her life, so she enjoys learning about new places and immerses herself into learning the culture and people where ever she goes. She has recently moved to Atlanta, GA where she will be seeking an additional license to treat clients in Georgia. For now, she is only providing online video, tele-health services to Virginia residents.
Michelle Vaughan Eldridge, LPC, ATR-BC
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC)
Michelle received her Master of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She has over seven years of professional experience working with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings. Her areas of interest include treating individuals with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder. She enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults and is always honored to be a part of an individual’s recovery journey.
Michelle provides art therapy services as an option for individuals who are interested in creative self-expression. Art therapy can help individuals tap into their subconscious mind to access and process latent memories, as well as aid in emotional self-expression. It is Michelle’s belief that art therapy can be beneficial to anyone looking to process through creative means, regardless of their artistic talent or ability. By externalizing problems through tangible and visual means, individuals can experience a cathartic release through art production. Michelle can specifically design art experiences to address an individual’s unique challenges and mental health needs. This provides an opportunity for increased self-awareness and self-expression through a creative lens. Michelle also has specialized training in sand tray therapy.
Michelle works from an integrative approach of person-centered, solution-focused and humanistic approaches, recognizing that the individual is the true agent of change in their own life. She also believes in the power of harnessing the connection between the mind and body to improve one’s overall well-being. Michelle helps individuals create concrete, achievable plans to address and overcome life’s challenges. In doing so, it is her hope that individuals develop the skills to cope more independently and increase their self-esteem, self-awareness and ultimately, self-reliance to transform their lives for the better.
When Michelle is outside the office, you can find her practicing yoga, enjoying the outdoors with loved ones, painting, baking up some sweet treats and spending time with her husband, kitty and her ridiculously fun daughter.
Michelle provides art therapy services as an option for individuals who are interested in creative self-expression. Art therapy can help individuals tap into their subconscious mind to access and process latent memories, as well as aid in emotional self-expression. It is Michelle’s belief that art therapy can be beneficial to anyone looking to process through creative means, regardless of their artistic talent or ability. By externalizing problems through tangible and visual means, individuals can experience a cathartic release through art production. Michelle can specifically design art experiences to address an individual’s unique challenges and mental health needs. This provides an opportunity for increased self-awareness and self-expression through a creative lens. Michelle also has specialized training in sand tray therapy.
Michelle works from an integrative approach of person-centered, solution-focused and humanistic approaches, recognizing that the individual is the true agent of change in their own life. She also believes in the power of harnessing the connection between the mind and body to improve one’s overall well-being. Michelle helps individuals create concrete, achievable plans to address and overcome life’s challenges. In doing so, it is her hope that individuals develop the skills to cope more independently and increase their self-esteem, self-awareness and ultimately, self-reliance to transform their lives for the better.
When Michelle is outside the office, you can find her practicing yoga, enjoying the outdoors with loved ones, painting, baking up some sweet treats and spending time with her husband, kitty and her ridiculously fun daughter.
Tara Ramazani, LPC, RPT™, NCC
Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, National Certified Counselor
Tara is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist and National Certified Counselor. Tara has been providing therapeutic services since 2018. Tara received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from George Mason University and went on to obtain her master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Tara earned title of Registered Play Therapist (RPT™) upon completing clinical training above and beyond her master’s degree and specializes in working with children as young as 3. Tara is trained in sand tray as well a child centered play therapy.
Tara uses a client centered and integrative approach to meet clients where they are at and helps them master their goals and grow. Tara believes that the therapeutic relationship is integral to change, growth and overcoming life’s obstacles. Young adults and adolescents enjoy her laid back approach to talk therapy as she helps them navigate through life’s challenges.
When working with teens and the older child, she can utilize emotion organizing activities, hands on projects and therapeutic games. Tara also enjoys helping families to improve communication in order to promote healthier relationships.
Tara has experience working as an in-home and in-school Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) provider. In this role she utilized research-based strategies to help improve disruptive behaviors in clients and helped initiate calm, compliant behavior in children diagnosed with Autism. Tara has experience working with children with intellectual disabilities within Loudoun County Public Schools. Within this role she helped guide children academically as well as with their socio-emotional development. Tara is also fluent in Farsi (Persian).
In her spare time, you can find Tara spending time with her family, playing the piano and taking long relaxing walks.
Tara uses a client centered and integrative approach to meet clients where they are at and helps them master their goals and grow. Tara believes that the therapeutic relationship is integral to change, growth and overcoming life’s obstacles. Young adults and adolescents enjoy her laid back approach to talk therapy as she helps them navigate through life’s challenges.
When working with teens and the older child, she can utilize emotion organizing activities, hands on projects and therapeutic games. Tara also enjoys helping families to improve communication in order to promote healthier relationships.
Tara has experience working as an in-home and in-school Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) provider. In this role she utilized research-based strategies to help improve disruptive behaviors in clients and helped initiate calm, compliant behavior in children diagnosed with Autism. Tara has experience working with children with intellectual disabilities within Loudoun County Public Schools. Within this role she helped guide children academically as well as with their socio-emotional development. Tara is also fluent in Farsi (Persian).
In her spare time, you can find Tara spending time with her family, playing the piano and taking long relaxing walks.
Residents and Interns
Therese (Terri) Smith, M.Ed
Masters Level Resident in Counseling: Child and Adolescent Focus
Pursuing Registration in Play Therapy (RPT)
License #0704014047
Therese, who prefers to go by Terri, received her undergraduate degree in psychology with a concentration in development from George Mason University. During her undergrad, Terri was a personal care attendant and CNA for families and children who had special needs and differing abilities, where her main and sometimes only form of communication was play. She also volunteered at Inova Children’s Hospital, assisting the Child Life team, where she helped to promote positive experiences for children and families, primarily through play and age-appropriate activities. These experiences allowed her to start seeing the power of play.
Following her undergraduate degree, Terri became a teacher at a private school to middle and high school students. As a drama teacher and with a background in musical theatre, she has an interest in the expressive arts and therapeutic techniques. She then taught at a preschool as the lead teacher, again seeing the many benefits of play. Concurrently, she was in Mason’s Counseling and Development Program for her master's degree, concentrating in Community Agency Counseling.
Following further employment at a residential eating disorder treatment center for adolescents and an internship at Inova Behavioral Health’s Partial Hospitalization Program, Terri received her resident in counseling license and transitioned to the private practice setting. She is enjoying her work with children and teens, utilizing various play, art, and talk therapies as needed. She is also working towards the specialty credentials of becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) under the supervision of Gabrielle Anderson, LMFT, RPT-S, and practice owner.
In her spare time, Terri can be found spending quality time with her family and pets, reading or listening to podcasts, baking, and cooking.
Following her undergraduate degree, Terri became a teacher at a private school to middle and high school students. As a drama teacher and with a background in musical theatre, she has an interest in the expressive arts and therapeutic techniques. She then taught at a preschool as the lead teacher, again seeing the many benefits of play. Concurrently, she was in Mason’s Counseling and Development Program for her master's degree, concentrating in Community Agency Counseling.
Following further employment at a residential eating disorder treatment center for adolescents and an internship at Inova Behavioral Health’s Partial Hospitalization Program, Terri received her resident in counseling license and transitioned to the private practice setting. She is enjoying her work with children and teens, utilizing various play, art, and talk therapies as needed. She is also working towards the specialty credentials of becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) under the supervision of Gabrielle Anderson, LMFT, RPT-S, and practice owner.
In her spare time, Terri can be found spending quality time with her family and pets, reading or listening to podcasts, baking, and cooking.
Nicole Ferree, MA
Masters Level Resident in Counseling: Child and Adolescent Focus
Pursuing Registration in Play Therapy (RPT)
License #0704015563
Nicole is a resident in counseling with a focus in child and adolescent wellness. Through play therapy and EMDR, she enables clients to gain an understanding of and re-image their story while also developing coping skills to get through each day.
Nicole is originally from Colorado and moved to Virginia to pursue her undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Marymount University. After graduation, she became a high school math teacher in which she gained a passion for the mental health of children and adolescents. As a teacher, she gained experience working with English Language Learners and provided space for students to advocate for their mental health in the school setting. It is her goal to continue advocating for the mental health of children and adolescents.
Nicole is driven, motived, and excited to begin her journey as a mental health counselor. She completed her practicum at Bethany House of Northern Virginia, a domestic violence shelter for women and their children. Nicole is currently completing her internship and is pursuing the credential of Registered Play Therapist (RPT) under the supervision of Gabrielle Anderson, LMFT, RPT-S, practice owner. She also has a particular interest in trauma, transitions between developmental growth stages, and group counseling.
In her spare time, Nicole can be found hanging out with her three dogs, training for races, spending time in the mountains, kayaking and paddle boarding, or spending time with family and friends.
Nicole is originally from Colorado and moved to Virginia to pursue her undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Marymount University. After graduation, she became a high school math teacher in which she gained a passion for the mental health of children and adolescents. As a teacher, she gained experience working with English Language Learners and provided space for students to advocate for their mental health in the school setting. It is her goal to continue advocating for the mental health of children and adolescents.
Nicole is driven, motived, and excited to begin her journey as a mental health counselor. She completed her practicum at Bethany House of Northern Virginia, a domestic violence shelter for women and their children. Nicole is currently completing her internship and is pursuing the credential of Registered Play Therapist (RPT) under the supervision of Gabrielle Anderson, LMFT, RPT-S, practice owner. She also has a particular interest in trauma, transitions between developmental growth stages, and group counseling.
In her spare time, Nicole can be found hanging out with her three dogs, training for races, spending time in the mountains, kayaking and paddle boarding, or spending time with family and friends.