Natascha Dillon, Psy.D.
In my clinical work, I seek to create a warm, compassionate, non-judgmental environment for the clients, which I believe lays the foundation for making positive changes to their lives. My goal is to find the right approach to meet the client’s needs, with an emphasis on cognitive-behavioral and acceptance-based therapeutic approaches.
I continue to be involved in research projects that I believe inform my understanding of clients’ challenges. I have written, lectured, and served as an academic reviewer on topics including various treatment approaches to post-traumatic stress, prevention of child abuse, domestic violence, combat-related moral injury, substance abuse, physical disability and sexuality, and spirituality. I recently published my first book, Talmud on the Mind, which examines how ancient wisdom can help inform our lives today.
Anna Galterio, M.S.W.
Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical
[email protected]
Waldorf Office
Anna Marie Galterio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience in the social services and mental health field. She is licensed in Maryland and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Anna earned her Bachelor's degree from Duquesne University and her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012. She has worked in the DMV area since 2013.
Anna works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT. In the past, she worked in child welfare for eight years. In addition to working with children in foster care, Anna has extensive experience in the non-profit and government sectors. Anna brings vast professional experience as it relates to depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, life cycle transitions, relationship issues, and age-appropriate harm-reduction, parenting challenges, bullying, and school violence.
Through mindfulness, relaxing, life-skills and coping skills development, as well as behavior management techniques, Anna provides a person-centered approach to empowering others in their journey of positive well-being. She is passionate about helping others remove barriers to emotional wellness and having healthy relationships.
Danya Gordon, M.A.
Amelia Hall, Psy.D.
[email protected]
Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical
[email protected]
Stephen Herskovitz is Member Emeritus of The Pinnacle Center, where he provides counseling and psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, couples, and families. In his work, Mr. Herskovitz utilizes a number of approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, solutions focused therapy, and hypnotherapy. He has special expertise in the area of prosttraumatic stress disorders, anxiety disorders, pain control, and ADHD.
Mr. Herskovitz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He received his Master's Degree in Social Work from West Virginia University in 1979. Mr. Herskovitz has been in private practice on a full-time basis since 1989. He brings to his practice at The Pinnacle Center prior experience as Director of Social Work at Civista Hospital, La Plata, MD, from 1985 to 1987.
Dr. Hiland served in prestigious positions in the Medical Service Corps during his naval career. He was the first clinical psychologist at the Naval Hospital, Patuxent River, Maryland from 1977 to 1981. He then served as the Psychology Division Officer at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola until 1984. During his tour at Pensacola he was also appointed Division Officer of the Repatriated Prisoner of War Program at the Naval Medical Research Institute. His next assignment was as the first Staff Psychologist and credentialed Special Agent of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Washington, D.C., from 1984 through 1988. He frequently taught hostage negotiation at the Army MP School in Fort McClellan, Alabama. A veteran of the Vietnam conflict during four years of enlisted service (1966-70) he also served in Operation Desert Shield-Desert Storm in 1990-91 before retiring as a Commander with the U.S. Navy in 1992.
Since retiring from the Navy, Dr. Hiland has devoted full time to his clinical practice and law enforcement consulting activities. He has considerable formal training in law enforcement selection and police psychological services. Over the past 35 years Dr. Hiland has performed pre-employment screening and fitness-for-duty evaluations of law enforcement personnel for numerous federal, state and local agencies, including the United States Capitol Police (1986-2011) and United States Supreme Court Police (2001-to date). He is also a consultant to a number of agencies in the area of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing. Dr. Hiland is a Life Member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Police Psychology Section of that organization. He is a Life Member of the American Psychological Association, a Fellow of the Maryland Psychological Association and an Associate Member of the Tennessee Psychological Association.
Parallel to his work in law enforcement, over the years Dr. Hiland has extended his clinical skills to working with correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other “first responders”. In his private clinical practice, Dr. Hiland frequently works with police officers, public safety personnel and their families. He has a keen understanding of the unique work stresses of such individuals and their exposure to intensely traumatic experiences.
I am passionate about providing comprehensive psychoeducational assessments and psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and families. My clinical approach is collaborative, non-judgmental, and empathic. I utilize a multidisciplinary, integrated approach and employ evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. I work closely with families to provide caregivers with education, support and skills to assist in their child's treatment. I specialize in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, depression, anxiety, oppositional behaviors and academic/school related difficulties.
I provide comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations that include measuring cognitive, academic, social-emotional, attention, and other neuropsychological abilities. Included are tailored recommendations and a comprehensive report written with parents, future mental health care providers, and schools in mind. I am certified on the ADOS-2 and experienced diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities.
I am an active member of the American Psychological Association, Maryland Psychological Association, and Division 53: Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology.
Manpreet Kaur, Psy.D.
Lysa Kirby, M.Ed.
Lysa Kirby is a passionate Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with years of experience and an innate ability to connect with people managing many types of challenges. She has the wonderful gift of treating populations such as abused children, individuals suffering from depressive symptoms, and families dealing with trauma. However, engaging with people and guiding them through the therapeurtic process is her primary goal.
Lysa primarily works from the Person-Centered philosophy, which is focused on empowering and motivating people in the therapeutic process. This therapy is based on the views of Carl Rodgers: every human being strives for and has the capacity to fulfill his or her own potential. She wholeheartedly believes that the vessel of change in therapy is the client's drive to reach his or her own place of joy. Lysa specializes in family trauma, abuse, relationship challenges, and issues facing children.
Lysa received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland at College Park and her Masters of Education degree from Bowie State University. She is the mother of a high spirited little boy. She spends most of her spare time participating in play dates and attending little league games. Aside from being a mom, she enjoys cooking, baking, and hikes.
Dr. Lawson received her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University - Downers Grove. Dr. Lawson completed her APA-accredited internship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler’s integrated behavioral health program. Throughout her education and training, she also gained experience in psychological assessment, college counseling, and community mental health, treating a range of psychological difficulties, and working with ages across the lifespan. Dr. Lawson has always had a passion for mental health and structured her clinical training around working with underserved and diverse clinical populations. Her clinical interests lie in working with diverse populations, adults, and couples. Dr. Lawson has been trained in several methodologies of psychology. In order to meet the specific and unique needs of each client, Dr. Lawson practices from an integrative approach which encompasses Interpersonal, Person-Centered, and Acceptance-based therapy, along with other psychological skill building techniques. She also applies a multicultural lens to each person she works with, utilizing their personal worldview and cultural experiences to enhance treatment and recommendations. Dr. Lawson believes that therapy is a collaborative process which can aid in facilitating personal growth, understanding, and success. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, working out, and getting lost in a good book.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
[email protected]
Sandra Navarra is a National Board Certified Counselor with over 26 years of experience counseling children, adults and couples; including 24 years in the Prince George's County school system as a school counselor and over 13 years at The Pinnacle Center. She has been approved by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists as an Approved Supervisor for licensed graduate professional counselors.
Ms. Navarra has a vast amount of experience in treating ADHD, grief, bipolar, attachment disorder and depression, as well as a background in counseling patients who have been diagnosed with HIV and other serious health problems. She enjoys counseling young children, adolescents, couples, and families. She has given seminars on compassion fatigue, internet safety, cyber-bullying, school individual learning plans, and mentoring programs for peer counselors.
Her school system experience has also provided her with the necessary tools to be an advocate for parents who are trying to negotiate goals and treatment plans for their children with attention deficits and learning disabilities, as well as children with emotional disturbances.
Currently, Ms. Navarra has appointments available during the week and on weekends.
Dr. Tyne Orí is a trained counseling psychologist and registered Psychology Associate with the state of Maryland. She is a two-time Bison, graduating with her Bachelor's degree and Ph.D. from Howard University. Her therapy work with clients is grounded in being open to see the world through the client's lens of culture and their individuality. She has worked with diverse clients, in various phases of life, including college students, veterans, children and families, juveniles in the legal system, persons in psychiatric care, and persons with diverse immigration and international statuses.
Dr. Orí's approach to therapy is integrative of psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and NTU psychotherapy. By integrating these approaches, she feels equipped to work with the inner world of the client while simultaneously seeing the client as a meaningful contributor to their cultural groups. The goal of therapy is to facilitate growth in the client that:
1. promotes harmony and balance between their needs and the demands of their environments,
2. fosters interconnected relationships with their community, and
3. empowers clients to exist in their authenticity.
Psychologist
[email protected]
Julie Ruckman, M.S.W.
Julie Ruckman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fifteen years of mental health counseling experience. Julie is licensed in the states of Maryland, Illinois, and Missouri. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work from Indiana University, graduating with her MSW in 2003.
Julie works with people of all ages, including children, couples, and older adults. Most of her experience has been in community mental health settings and private practice. She also worked as a clinical director at several agencies. Julie has experience working with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, grief and loss, life cycle transitions, relationship issues, and low self-esteem. She recently completed a post-Master’s certificate program on evidence-based treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Julie uses an integrative approach, drawing on cognitive and humanistic therapies, while also utilizing mindfulness training to help individuals restore a sense of serenity and peace in their lives. She believes that a therapeutic relationship based on acceptance, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard fosters growth and change.
Arvin D. Sanders, Ph.D.
Dr. Arvin Sanders is a Registered Psychology Associate in Maryland and Washington, D.C. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from North Carolina Central University. Additionally, Dr. Sanders received his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Clinical Psychology from Howard University. He completed a predoctoral residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. During his training, Dr. Sanders has served as an adjunct faculty at Howard University, North Carolina Central University, and Northern Virginia Community College. Additionally, he has experience working in residence life.
Dr. Sanders has worked with clients across the lifespan with various mental health concerns and chronic illnesses. He has experience conducting long-term and brief individual therapy, group psychotherapy, and psychoeducation groups. Dr. Sanders also has extensive experience completing psychoeducational and comprehensive psychological evaluations.
Dr. Sanders is interested in working with male clients who are People of Color and/or are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. However, he has had experience working with clients of every background and gender identity. In addition, he is deeply invested in working with clients who have experienced discrimination due to their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and sexual/gender identity. While trained to conceptualize from a psychodynamic and biopsychosocial lens, Dr. Sanders is an integrative therapist who uses varied techniques to best support the needs of his clients on their journey of self-discovery and healing.
Dr. Sanders has a research interest in HIV transmission, substance use, internalized racism, internalized heterosexism/homophobia, and mental health in African American men who have sex with men.
Michelle Simonds, M.S.
Pat S. Simpson, M.S.
[email protected]
Pat Simpson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), licensed through the Maryland Board of Counselors and Therapists (#LC1445, 2000) and the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure Board (325-MH-CC-TEMP). She has over twenty years of experiences as a mental health professional. Pat is a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT, 2015) integrating her skills as a mental health counselor with Mental Health Yoga Therapy. Pat is a graduate of the University of Baltimore, Maryland; Applied Psychology Counseling Program, Post Master’s Program. She is a Certified Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist trained through the American Viniyoga Institute (viniyoga.com) and is Certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (iayt.org). Pat is a Certified iRest Yoga Nidra Practitioner through the Integrative Restoration Institute (Richard Miller, PhD; irest.org). Additionally, Pat is skilled in the knowledge of the Cakra energy systems for balancing the mind, body, and spirit (Anodea Judith, Ph.D., Sacredcenters.com; Mind-Body Health). Pat is trained through the Warriors at Ease Program to work with active and non-active, injured, and veteran members of the military. Pat is experienced with police, emergency services personnel, and Federal Employees with security clearances.
Pat Simpson practices through the Pinnacle Center as a Tele-Therapist. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT; traditional talk therapy), Mindfulness, and Mental Health Yoga Therapy to address mind, body and spirit. Pat teaches the individual to use his/her own breath and guided meditation to calm and self-soothe to address the physical (somatic) symptoms and constant negative thoughts that are related to the stress environment. Pat has observed some clients reducing or stopping the use of psychotropic medications (with medical supervision) when they practice with the Yogic practices of breath and meditation, taught in this modality of counseling. Pat has extensive training and experience regarding deep emotional exploration of an individual’s life awareness and best intentions for his/her life.
Pat treats the following conditions:
Depression
Anxiety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Acute, Chronic, Unspecified Trauma)
Panic Disorder
Stressor Related Disorder
Bi-Polar Disorder
Adult ADHD
Substance abuse and Alcoholism: addressing the traumas experiences and subsequent emotional dysfunction associated with the addiction symptoms. The individual engages more effectively after completion of in-patient or out-patient treatment for the addiction symptoms.
Medical Adjustment Disorder Pain: somatic experiences associated with chronic pain, cancer, IBS, Fibro-Myalgia, accident-related injuries, etc.: Scientific research has shown evidence that breath and guided mediation supports the reduction of anxiety and depression associated with acute and chronic medical conditions.
Grief, loss, abandonment, isolation, marital separation, divorce, unhappiness and malaise (a general feeling of discomfort, illness or uneasiness who exact cause may or not be easy to identify).
Pat has broad experience with the problems of divorce; individual marital issues and dysfunction including spouse and child abuse; domestic violence; parenting and dysfunctional co-parenting; coping with and managing dysfunctional family systems; family courts, and supervised access.
Therapeutic yoga evaluations for structural and physiological use of yoga may be found through Pat’s private yoga business, Heart Path Yoga, LLC. Please use heartpathyoga.com to access her private two-hour therapeutic yoga classdesigned to teach individuals how to use traditional yoga to reduce the suffering and pain associated with the previously mentioned disorders. Yoga for Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD is offered through Zoom on Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Please understand that physical yoga practice is not covered by health or behavioral insurance. This class is not part of the Pinnacle Center services, billing, or HIPPA regulated business. This Yoga class is small and focused only on therapeutic yoga practices and is private; therefore, entry is through a personal interview with Pat Simpson, LCPC, C-IAYT. The registration link is Heartpathyoga.com. No students are allowed in this class without permission of Pat Simpson.
For further information: 240-731-1519; [email protected]
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
[email protected]
Ms. Thorn is a founding member of The Pinnacle Center, where she provides counseling and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. In her work with clients, she focuses on helping individuals bring out the best in themselves and others. Clients find her counseling approach to be warm, insightful, and reassuring.
Ms. Thorn received her Master's Degree in Counseling from Bowie State University and her undergraduate degree from Knox College, with a double major in French and Education. Ms. Thorn has been in private practice since 1993. Her past work experience includes teaching, school counseling, adult education, and parent education.
Ms. Thorn has been a presenter for numerous community groups, PTA's, local and state professional groups, and national professional associations on a wide range of mental health topics, including parent-child relationships, marriage and family counseling, parent education, conflict resolution, and peer mediation. Ms. Thorn is a member of the American Mental Health Counselors' Association, the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors of Maryland, and holds a leadership position in the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
[email protected]
Dr. Thorn received his Doctorate in Counseling and Human Development from George Washington University in 1981, his Master's Degree in Counseling from Bowie State University in 1975, and his undergraduate degree in anthropology from Yale University in 1970. Dr. Thorn has been in private practice on a full time basis since 1991. He brings to his counseling practice prior experience as a teacher, school counselor, school principal, director of human resources, and an assistant state superintendent of schools.
Dr. Thorn has been a presenter for numerous community groups, PTA's, local and state professional groups, and national professional associations on a wide range of mental health topics, including parent-child relationships, marriage and family counseling, conflict resolution, anger management, and human development. Dr. Thorn is a member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association, the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors of Maryland, and the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
[email protected]
Tatiana holds dual licenses in Maryland as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and as a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She provides counseling and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. When working with clients, Tatiana uses the Analytical approach, Alderian approach, and Person-Centered Therapy.
Tatiana has been practicing for over twenty years. She has vast experience in treating patients with dual diagnosis, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, self-destructive behaviors, domestic violence victims, and bipolar disorders.
In the field of substance abuse, she uses both a Cognitive Behavioral Approach and Rational Emotive Therapy techniques to change maladaptive behaviors and self-destructive behaviors. Tatiana also runs therapy groups to include: substance abuse, relapse prevention, eating disorders, bereavement, and depression/anxiety.
In her spare time, Tatiana enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering in the community with the Greater Waldorf Jaycee’s.