Locations:

• Rockville, DC, Potomac, Virtual, In-School

Specialization of Ages:

• Early Childhood
• Elementary age

Supportive of:

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.

Specializations and Certifications:

• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Certified Bounce Back Clinician
• Non-Directive Play Therapy
• Sand Tray Therapy
• Individual/ Family/ Group Therapy

Beliefs and Values:

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.

Formal Education:

MSW from the University of Maryland
BS from VCU

Experience:

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.

Quote:

“It’s through relationships that we learn best and grow best.” — Fred Rogers

Favorite Children’s Book:

Not the Quitting Kind by Sarra Roth

• Locations:
  • Rockville, DC, Potomac, Virtual, In-School
• Specialization of Ages:
  • Early Childhood, Elementary Age
• Supportive of:
  • 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.
• Specializations and Certifications:
  • Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P)
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children (TF-CBT-C)
  • Level 1 Trauma Affect Family Connections (TAFC)
• Beliefs and Values:
  • 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.
• Education:
  • MSW from University of Maryland, Baltimore
• Experience:
  • 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.
• Quote:
  • “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” — Plato
• Favorite Children’s Book:
  • “The Color Monster” by Anna Llenas

Sarah has worked with children and their families in a variety of settings, including early childhood centers, specialized programs for children and caregivers with traumatic histories, schools, a pediatric medical setting and outpatient mental health clinics. She values creating a therapeutic space where children and families feel heard, that is trauma-sensitive, calm, creative, playful, accepting, and affirming. She particularly enjoys helping families strengthen their attachment, connection and understanding, and helping families and children make meaning of behavior. When working with Sarah, families can expect to be involved and engaged throughout the process.

Sarah has a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from Silberman School of Social Work in New York. She has received training in Child Parent Psychotherapy, Chicago Parent Program, Mindfulness, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Oaklander play therapy model, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the Group Attachment Based Intervention with children and parents under 3. She loves to use expressive modalities in her clinical work, incorporating art, directive and non-directive play approaches, puppets, sand-tray, and more. Sarah facilitates individual therapy from early childhood to adolescence, family therapy, dyadic parent-child therapy, individual caregiver support and collateral sessions, teacher consultation and school involvement, social skill groups and parent groups. She has a special place in her heart for working with neurodivergent children and families, LGBTQ+ children and families, and uses an intersectional approach to identity. She supports interpersonal and social needs, communication and connection, behavioral challenges, anxiety, adaptation to life changes, school adjustment, impulsivity, sibling and family conflict, and more.

Grace’s love for children can be traced back to her time in daycare and preschool settings, where she spent significant time working with infants, toddlers, and school-aged children. In her role as Intake Coordinator, you may hear from Grace in the welcoming stages of Growing Minds Therapy. She provides quality service while maintaining a compassionate and understanding environment. Grace has a passion for normalizing mental health and making sure children and their families feel confident in starting their journey at Growing Minds.