I specialize in supporting children, tweens, and teens who are navigating:
Families may find this approach especially helpful when a child’s strengths can be hard to see beneath their struggles, or when home and school are having a hard time understanding what they need.
I partner with children, teens, and their families to understand what’s underneath the struggle, build on existing strengths, and find practical ways for kids to feel more capable and successful in the places that matter most.
Getting to know each child as a whole person - how they think, learn, communicate, connect, and experience the world - is the starting point. I tailor therapy to the child’s needs and personality, using a collaborative, strengths-based approach that helps kids feel understood while building confidence, emotional skills, and self-advocacy.
With a strong background in schools, I also look at what is happening in the child’s everyday world and partner with parents, educators, and other providers when helpful. The goal is to make support feel useful in real life, not just in the therapy room.
Every child deserves to feel capable, understood, and like they belong. Children are doing the best they can with the skills and support available to them, and behavior often gives us clues about what they need.
I believe children should have a voice in their own lives, with adults who are willing to listen, understand, and make room for who they are.
Life should happen with children, not to them.
MSW from University of Maryland, School of Social Work
Over 15 years working with children, teens, and families in school, clinical, and inpatient psychiatric settings, from preschool through high school. Extensive experience supporting students with learning differences, emotional and behavioral challenges, and mental health needs.
“Children do well if they can.” — Ross Greene
I’m Not Just a Scribble by Diane Alber
I support young children and families as they navigate big feelings, transitions, relationships, and the everyday challenges of growing up. I bring a warm, patient, and playful approach to creating a space where children feel comfortable being themselves, expressing their feelings, and building confidence.
I believe children learn and grow through connection, play, and supportive relationships. As a developing clinician, I meet each child with curiosity and compassion, learning alongside them and tailoring support to their individual needs, interests, and strengths.
and caring relationship gives children the space to explore, grow, and discover their own strengths.
Master of Science in Social Work, Syracuse University
Present - Anticipated Graduation: June 2026
Bachelor of Social Work, Winthrop University — May 2023
Family Advocate with Child Inc., supporting children and families; residential and tutoring experience with Winthrop Think College; and group and camp experience with YMCA Camp Thunderbird.
"Love is at the root of everything." ~Fred Rogers
Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
I support children in becoming confident, curious, and enthusiastic learners, while building social-emotional skills along the way. With a PhD in Education and a deep understanding of child development, I bring a playful, creative approach to helping children discover how they learn best and feel successful in the process.
Learning doesn’t have to feel like work. I use children’s interests, curiosity, movement, play, and hands-on experiences to make learning engaging and meaningful. I’m especially interested in helping children who have lost confidence in themselves as learners or who need a different path to help their strengths shine.
Ollie is an important part of this work. His gentle presence can help children feel comfortable, curious, and ready to engage—and for children who are nervous around dogs, spending time with him can become a gradual, supported opportunity to build confidence and work through those fears.
I follow each child’s lead, creating experiences that build on their interests, strengths, and natural curiosity. My background in education allows me to look beyond what a child is struggling with and consider what helps them feel motivated, capable, and excited to learn.
Every child is a learner, and every child has a way of learning that can help them shine. Curiosity, connection, play, and a sense of safety create the foundation for meaningful learning.
I believe children deserve opportunities to experience themselves as capable - not just to complete a task, but to discover “I can do this.”
PhD in Education
Extensive experience supporting children with emotional, developmental, behavioral, and social needs across educational and therapeutic settings, including animal-assisted interventions.
“Dogs heal hearts.”
Hodaya is a MSW clinical intern supporting children, adolescents, and their families through both individual work and group facilitation. She brings a warm, collaborative, and developmentally attuned presence to her work, helping young people feel safe, seen, and understood as they navigate emotional and developmental challenges.
Her approach is grounded in the belief that children do best when they are supported within trusting relationships and when adults and caregivers are attuned to their strengths and needs. Hodaya focuses on connection before correction to support children in building emotional awareness, regulation, and a stronger sense of self through relational, play-based, and strengths-focused engagement.
She has experience working with children with diverse learning and developmental profiles, including autism and ADHD, and values the individuality each child brings into the room. These experiences have reinforced her commitment to neuro-affirming care that honors each child’s unique way of thinking, feeling, and communicating.
Hodaya aims to create a warm, accepting space where children and teens can express themselves freely, build confidence, and grow at their own pace.
Nomi is a clinical intern supporting Growing Minds through outreach, social media, and email communication, helping families connect with resources and get to know the team beyond the therapy room.
She brings over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults in clinical and community settings. Her early work focused on children and adolescents with eating disorders, followed by several years supporting preschool-aged autistic children. More recently, her clinical focus has included helping adults reconnect with their inner child, both individually and within relationships.
Nomi is passionate about helping people feel more at home in their bodies, develop a stronger sense of identity, and build healthier relationships rooted in voice, boundaries, and self-understanding.
She has worked in private practice and across a range of organizations, including Choices Counseling & Consulting, Shahaf Eating Disorders in the Community, Yad Sara, the Israeli Ministry of Education, ALUT, Nitzan, and Reut Rehabilitation Hospital, providing both individual and group therapy in English and Hebrew.
Nomi holds a Master’s degree in Expressive Art Therapy from Lesley University and completed Marriage & Family Counseling studies at Bar Ilan University. She is currently completing her MSW at Eastern University. She believes that trust and emotional safety are the foundation of all meaningful growth and healing.
“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” — Rumi
The Game of the Trail by Hervé Tullet
My work begins with truly getting to know each child and family. I take time to understand your child’s unique personality, strengths, challenges, and lived experiences, as well as the values, struggles, and goals within your family. I strive to create a safe, affirming space where children feel genuinely seen and accepted, and where families feel heard, respected, and supported. My goal is to help families see their child and themselves with greater compassion and understanding, fostering empathy, strengthening relationships, and supporting lasting healing and growth within the family system.
I work collaboratively with children to build emotional awareness, regulation, and resilience in ways that feel meaningful and attainable for them. At the same time, I work closely with the family to create an open, transparent process where your voice and insights are valued. Together, we explore practical strategies that fit your family’s day-to-day life, with the goal of strengthening connection, communication, and confidence both at home and in the community. Where appropriate, I partner closely with schools, prescribers, and other providers to ensure children receive consistent, coordinated support across the systems that impact their daily lives. This approach is especially supportive for families navigating trauma, complex systems, or school-related challenges.
I believe every child and family deserves compassionate, trauma-informed care that honors their lived experiences, strengths, and resilience. It is a privilege to work with children, adolescents, and families as they navigate emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges, and to support them in building deeper connections, communication, and understanding within the family system. I feel truly honored to be part of each client’s journey, celebrating small steps, meaningful growth, and the milestones that emerge along the way.
Wesleyan University, BA
New York University School of Law, JD
University of Michigan, MSW
My experience is rooted in outpatient settings with children and families experiencing both acute and long-term stressors.
"They tried to bury us, they didn't know we were seeds" - Dinos Christiano Poulos
The Day the Crayons Quit By Drew Daywalt
With specialized training in trauma, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation, my work is grounded in both clinical expertise and a deep respect for each child’s unique experience. As a Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT) and Certified Bounce Back Clinician, I integrate evidence-based practices with play therapy and sand tray approaches to meet children where they are. Sessions are child-centered and developmentally informed, with a focus on helping children build emotional resilience, confidence, and self-esteem in a supportive, engaging environment.
Therapy often includes opportunities for outdoor play and movement, recognizing that healing can happen just as meaningfully in nature as within four walls. Strong, trusting relationships are at the heart of my work, because change begins with connection. I support children and caregivers in strengthening communication and self-advocacy skills, and I collaborate closely with families to carry therapeutic progress into everyday life, especially when navigating emotional regulation or challenging behaviors at home or school.
Every child holds the innate capacity to grow, heal, and thrive, especially when surrounded by safe, nurturing relationships. Trust is the foundation of meaningful therapy, creating a space where children feel seen, heard, and empowered. The parent-child relationship is a vital part of this process, and strengthening those bonds is a central part of the work. Fostering self-efficacy is also key, helping children uncover their own resilience, voice, and inner strengths. Therapy should feel both engaging and accessible, which is why playful, creative approaches are woven throughout sessions, making the process of healing one that feels safe, hopeful, and even joyful.
MSW from the University of Maryland
BS from VCU
Extensive experience supporting children from preschool through elementary school in settings including the Lourie Center for Children’s Social and Emotional Wellness, therapeutic summer camps, and the Youth First Care Program. Work has spanned individual therapy, group settings, early childhood programs, and school-based care - always with a focus on strengthening relationships and supporting emotional development.
“It’s through relationships that we learn best and grow best.” — Fred Rogers
Not the Quitting Kind by Sarra Roth
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and families who face emotional and behavioral challenges, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and difficulties related to life transitions, loss, or family changes. My goal is to create a safe, accepting space where young people can express themselves freely through words, symbolic play, and creative expression. I help children and teens explore their inner world, guiding them toward emotional growth and resilience.
I believe that parents are essential partners in the therapeutic process. Together, we collaborate to support your child’s well-being at home, in school, and in life, creating an environment that nurtures emotional growth and connection.
Certified Clinical Supervisor
Every child and adolescent has a unique inner world that deserves to be understood and explored. The foundation of emotional growth lies in the presence of a caring, attuned adult who provides a safe and nurturing space for authentic expression. Strong, trusting relationships are essential for young people to feel supported as they navigate their emotions and experiences.
B.A. and M.A. in Social Work, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Postgraduate Psychotherapy Program, Bar-Ilan University
Advanced Studies in Early Mental States, Tel Aviv University
I have many years of experience in Israel’s public mental health system and educational-therapeutic settings. I’ve worked in post-hospitalization residential programs for adolescents and as a psychotherapist at the Adolescent Parent Center, providing both individual therapy and parental guidance. I have also run a private practice, offering therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as parent coaching.
“Home is not where you live, but where they understand you." — Christian
Morgenstern
Tziona with One Wing (ציונה עם כנף אחת) by Noam Horev
This beautiful story teaches children about accepting differences, celebrating uniqueness, and embracing self-compassion, inspired by the author’s own childhood experience of overcoming a challenge. It’s a heartfelt reminder that we are all complete and worthy, even in our differences.
When children present as reserved, socially hesitant, or slow-to-warm, I support them in building confidence, communication skills, and self-advocacy. For those who show high energy, impulsivity, or boundary-pushing behaviors, I offer guidance in emotional regulation and help foster positive relational engagement. Children who are highly active and movement-oriented often thrive through physical play, outdoor activities, and nature-based interventions
woven into our sessions.
Creative expression plays a central role in my approach. Through art-based and nature-integrated play therapy, children are supported in exploring and expressing their emotions in ways that feel safe and natural. When trauma or disruptions in attachment are part of a child’s story, we take our time building trust and connection, creating the safety needed for the
courageous processing ahead.
Support extends to caregivers as well. I work collaboratively with parents to understand the needs behind their child’s behavior and strengthen secure attachments. Together, we create personalized strategies that honor each child’s strengths and foster growth in both home and school environments.
I believe in fostering a safe, nurturing environment where children can explore their emotions and build resilience. I create developmentally sensitive spaces for children to connect with their caregivers, emphasizing the importance of relational safety, emotional regulation, and trauma-informed care.
MSW from University of Maryland, Baltimore
I have four years of experience as a teacher in the Therapeutic Nursery Program at the Lourie Center for Children’s Social and Emotional Well-being, and have worked as an intern at MCITP and as a grief and trauma counselor at the Wendt Center.
"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." — Plato
The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
It is most important to me to help children build confidence, enhance their social-emotional skills, and discover their unique strengths
Holistic, personalized approaches focusing on academic, social, and emotional growth incorporating creative activities and executive functioning coaching
I dream of helping every child discover their inner advocate and fall in love with learning. Resilience blooms when children are guided with care and kindness.
BA in Early Childhood Education from Stevenson University
Over a decade in educational settings, including as a third-grade teacher and Intensive reading teacher for students with dyslexia
I guide children in embracing their natural curiosity, support their development, and cultivate a sense of belonging.
I emphasize creativity, innovation, multiple communication modalities, diverse learning approaches and inclusive practices.
I see children as imaginative explorers who deserve to feel deeply cherished and seen. I believe that when curiosity is nurtured and every interaction reflects the joy of belonging, children grow with confidence and connection at their core.
Extensive experience with diverse children, including those with special rights.
Collaborates with families and team members to enhance learning.
Families celebrating creativity, navigating transitions with purpose, and supporting children’s emotional and social growth
Reggio Emilia-inspired, art, movement, and music modalities to facilitate symbolic representation and problem-solving
Every child’s creativity is magical, and every child is inherently competent. Children thrive when surrounded by supportive relationships that inspire wonder and delight.
Graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Reggio Emilia Studies in Italy and the Harvard Graduate School of Education
Over 20 years working with children in schools, camps, homes, and community settings. Collaborates with teachers and parents to understand and support children.
"In the midst of adversity lies opportunity" – Albert Einstein
Something From Nothing by Phoebe Gilman
I’m passionate about supporting children who experience big emotions, anxiety, and struggle to connect with others. I specialize in working with kids who may have been labeled as having behavioral issues, being aggressive, or simply not "fitting in" to normative standards. Many of these children find it difficult to engage with peers, play, or express themselves in social settings. I work with these children to create a safe space where they can feel seen,
understood, and genuinely cared about.
I believe that children are never “making bad choices” and that their behavior is a reflection of unmet (sometimes unknown) needs. By focusing on the root causes of these behaviors, I work with both the child and their parents to affirm their feelings and guide them toward healthier ways of connecting with the world around them. My goal is to help families feel empowered and supported as they navigate their child's unique journey, fostering a space of compassion, understanding, and growth.
Hand-in-hand with this, I help parents navigate this journey by looking through a lens of affirmation, compassion, and understanding. We work together to identify and create safe, caring spaces both at home and in other environments, ensuring that their child feels supported and able to grow. My goal is to empower families as they create an environment where their child’s needs are recognized and nurtured, fostering a space of understanding,
connection, and growth.
I believe that nurturing environments sow the seeds for emotional and social growth. My purpose is rooted in creating spaces where little ones can flourish, feel secure, and know they are deeply supported just as they are.
MSW
Current Assistant Director and Early Childhood Specialist Berman Academy Preschool, Former Child Development Specialist at Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program, and Post-Adoption Program Manager at Adoptions Together
“You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing.” — E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
Families strengthening, community connections, enhancing relationships, and supporting holistic development
Relationship and community-building within early education.
Passionate about weaving connections that anchor children and families in strong, supportive communities. Finds fulfillment in fostering bonds that last a lifetime.
M.Ed in Early Childhood Education from Towson University
Over a decade teaching and directing in early childhood education programs
"Love generously. Praise loudly. Live fully" - Elias Porter
Families who work with me are often looking to bring more calm, connection, and intention into their daily lives. Whether a child is navigating emotional overwhelm, struggling with transitions, or simply moving through life at a fast pace, I offer gentle, body-based practices that help them feel grounded and understood. Mindfulness, yoga, and movement-based strategies are woven into our work, creating space for children to slow down, build awareness, and strengthen their capacity for regulation and resilience.
I also serve as a preschool consultant, partnering with directors, educators, and families to create environments that foster emotional well-being, connection, and mindfulness from the earliest stages of development. In addition to working with children and families, I collaborate with preschools to implement mindfulness and movement practices that support emotional regulation and growth in young learners.
Support often extends beyond the child. I collaborate closely with caregivers, offering practical tools that fit into the rhythm of real family life—like breathwork before bedtime, movement to reset on tough days, or mindfulness practices that can be shared together. My approach supports the whole child, while recognizing that when adults feel more regulated and resourced, children do too.
Yoga, mindfulness, and integrative holistic approaches
I believe that mindfulness and balance are gifts every family deserves. Resilience grows when a child’s relationships, routines, and inner world all work together in harmony.
MA in Sociology from New York University, E-RYT, RCYT, and IAYT Yoga Therapy Certification
Over a decade supporting children and families in schools, homes, community settings, and as a preschool consultant
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" - Mary Oliver
"My gut is telling me no. But, my gut is also very hungry" - Gob, Arrested Development
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae, Guy Parker-Rees
The families I work with are often seeking stronger relationships, support for trauma or difficult situations, strategies for managing anxiety, navigating school anxiety, affirming neurodiversity, and regulating big feelings. It is my priority to ensure each child feels seen and understood as they build emotional resilience and connection. I support families in navigating challenges while fostering strong, supportive relationships that help children thrive. Sometimes, this includes nurturing their unique interests and helping them find a tribe that marches to the beat of their own drum rather than masking to fit others’ expectations.
I partner with parents to create safe, supportive spaces for emotional growth and understanding, both at home and in school. Together, we empower children to become advocates for themselves; teaching them how to navigate and communicate their needs in all environments.
By collaborating closely with families, I ensure that therapy becomes part of a broader,
supportive system. The work is individualized, focusing on the child’s unique needs and
fostering emotional and relational needs in a holistic way with high sensitivity for neuro-
affirming care.
I believe that the greatest growth develops out of a safe, connected, and non-judgmental space. I find caregiver and family collaboration integral to the therapeutic process, ensuring lasting change that benefits the whole family.
M.S. Clinical Mental Health at McDaniel College
Extensive work in school-based community mental health settings
"Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded" - Jess Lair
I Love You When You’re Angry by Erin Winters
I specialize in working with children and teens who experience the world in unique and powerful ways, including (but not limited to) children who:
I’m passionate about helping young people express their rich inner worlds, navigate social complexities, identify meaningful outlets for energy and creativity, and find healthy ways to manage big feelings, including anxiety and depression.
I also believe in empowering parents, caregivers and families to clarify parenting values, explore their own neurotypes and needs, and honor their child’s unique perspectives, gifts, and challenges. Together, we can create a foundation of connection, respect, and growth for the whole family.
I will get to know your child or teen and we will work together to create a therapeutic space that works best for them, tailoring the treatment to their specific interests and needs, using a playful approach to help foster children’s insight, self-esteem and mastery, and for families to feel more connected and understanding of their child’s unique perspective. I provide play therapy, art-based therapy and supportive therapy, informed by attachment, feminist and psychodynamic perspectives.
MSW from Silberman School of Social Work in New York
I have worked with youth ranging from early childhood to early adulthood, and their families. I have provided therapy in a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient mental health clinics, schools, and pediatric medical settings.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the
greatest accomplishment” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
I work with children who experience the world through unique perspectives, often drawn to quirky interests and creative outlets while navigating big emotions and worries. Some feel anxious about how others perceive them, face specific fears or phobias, or need coping strategies that break away from standard approaches—because breathing exercises just don’t work for everyone. Together, we explore personalized ways to manage feelings, including sports, nature, imaginary play, big body movement, building forts, and even video games. I help parents set healthy gaming boundaries while better understanding the positive roles screens can play in connection and skill-building. I’m especially passionate about being a
model for boys in expressing vulnerability, emotional awareness, and self-compassion.
Through play therapy and other expressive and engaging modalities, I help families uncover the deeper messages behind behaviors—what children through teens are trying to express or need. I support families in communicating with greater empathy and understanding while exploring how a parent's own history, and self-perceptions can shape the way they connect with their child. A core part of my work is expanding a child’s support system. I collaborate with teachers to create a team of helpers, ensuring children feel understood and supported both at home and school. Together, we create a space where everyone feels heard, valued, and safe.
I create safe havens for children to express their emotions and celebrate children finding their unique voice. I encourage young minds to embrace the power of vulnerability and connection..
MSW from University of Maryland, Baltimore
I got my start in school settings, focusing on ADHD, anxiety, depression, and social-emotional support
"We must go on and take the adventure that comes to us." - C.S. Lewis
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
While Jill has limited availability for ongoing support, she offers brief consultations with prompt availability.
I support families in strengthening connection and communication, with a focus on helping parents find balance and understanding within their roles. I work closely with dads seeking to find their footing in family life and moms navigating the challenges of breaking societal patterns and expectations.
Through play therapy and playful activities, I help children enhance emotional insight and regulation, creating meaningful pathways for growth and self-expression. I work with children of all ages, including those navigating toileting anxiety, and families seeking a deeper understanding of neurotype, neurostate, and the Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA).
Collaboration is central to my approach. I partner with schools and other care providers to create a consistent, supportive network for the child and family. I specialize in working with children who have seen multiple therapists without finding the right fit and with parents who feel lost, unheard, or like previous support systems have given up on their child.
My goal is to help families see their child in a new light, shifting perspectives to foster empathy, connection, and a deeper sense of understanding within the family system.
When parents and children can share a language and partner together,
strategies can be implemented WITH the child and not TO the child.
MSW from Rutgers University
Over a decade in out-patient settings with experience in therapeutic classrooms, foster care, and preschool consultations
"Love is at the root of everything." ~Fred Rogers
I am One: A book of Action by Susan Verde, Art by Peter H. Reynolds
Isabelle also offers therapy in french
I support families working to create stronger connections, foster emotional safety, and navigate life’s challenges with courage and compassion. Whether facing transitions, behavioral concerns, or communication struggles, I help children and parents discover new ways to relate with understanding and trust. My work often includes supporting children who benefit from expressive, playful approaches that help them process big feelings and build emotional resilience.
Strong relationships are the heart of a child’s emotional development. When families feel safe, seen, and supported, children are freer to explore, express, and grow.
MSW from the University of Maryland
Over a decade in therapeutic classrooms, outpatient clinics, and preschool mental health consultation
“Connection doesn’t require perfection — only presence.” – Inspired by Circle of Security principles
“Every time we are seen and heard, we are being loved.” – Tara Brach
I Love You When You’re Angry by Rose Learner
While Orly has limited availability for ongoing support, she offers brief consultations with prompt availability.
I support children and families in navigating challenges such as social-emotional difficulties, anxiety, behavioral concerns, life transitions, toileting difficulties and attachment issues. I work with families exploring themes of acceptance, belonging, neurodiversity and PDA, anxiety and toileting struggles, always centering the child's experience with empathy and care.
At the heart of my work is a deep belief in trusting children, holding them in high regard, and treating them with profound respect. I strive to help children feel worthy of love—from others and, just as importantly, from themselves.
Through compassionate guidance and a strengths-based approach, I help families create supportive environments where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to grow and be their most amazing, authentic selves.
Integrates play therapy, attachment-based strategies, and trauma-informed practices to build trust and foster growth. Uses family-centered, strengths-based, attachment-based, and expressive modalities including art, play therapy and sand-tray, to address each child’s unique needs and promote a sense of mastery, belonging, and acceptance. Certified in Theraplay, Animal Assisted Therapy, SPACE, Integrative Medicine and Nutrition for Mental Health , CBT, Mindfulness, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and more.
I believe in creating spaces where children feel celebrated for who they are.
I find joy in fostering meaningful connections that help families navigate challenges and
thrive together.
MA in Developmental Psychology from George Mason university
MSW from University of Maryland
Over a decade of experience working with children and families in various
settings, including outpatient clinics, therapeutic classrooms, and community-based programs
“When you live in love, you see love everywhere you look.” — Ram Dass
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
