You can contact any of our providers by sending them an email or calling 301-705-7593. Please remember that email is not a secure form of communication.
Ms. Daniels received her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Chicago in 1976 and has 27 years of clinical experience as a psychotherapist. She is licensed in the states of Maryland and Massachusetts. Maryland's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene honored Ms. Daniels in 1993 for distinguished mental health services to the community. She began working at The Pinnacle Center in 1996 where she provides individual, group, and family therapist to children and adults of the surrounding community.
Although experienced in treating a variety of disorders, Ms. Daniels' special interests are in the field of couples' therapy and the effects of trauma on mental health. Her theoretical orientation is primarily psychodynamic in nature; however, she also uses cognitive behavioral techniques as well.
Ms. Daniels enjoys a blend of the arts and nature and she tries to maintain a good balance between work and her friends and family.
Jackie Darby, Psy.D.
Psychology Associate
Dr. Jackie Darby is a graduate of the American School of Professional Psychology (ASPP) Clinical Psychology program. She received her BA from Chicago State University and her MA from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Darby completed her APA-accredited internship at Howard University Counseling Services located in Washington, DC. Her special interests include substance use issues, body image concerns (specifically the effects of colorism), effects of systemic oppression on individuals, group therapy, and interpersonal trauma. Dr. Darby works from an integrative model grounded in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies.
Natascha Dillon, Psy.D.
Psychology Associate
Dr. Natascha Dillon is a graduate of the American School of Professional Psychology (ASPP), Washington, DC campus' Clinical Psychology program. She also has a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University and a Master's in Clinical Psychology from ASPP. Dr. Dillon has vast experience in conducting psychoeducational and psychological assessments, and treating individuals with a variety of problems. Prior to obtaining her Psy.D., she worked as a nurse in the areas of gerontology, mental health, youth detention, addictions, and with intellectually disabled populations. Her clinical interests lie in working with diverse populations, children/adolescents, adults, families, and couples. Although Dr. Dillon has been extensively trained in psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioral, Adlerian, family systems, and Gottman couples therapies, she uitilizes an integrative approach tailored to meet the needs of her clients. She has also conducted stress management seminars for the Miss Maryland Scholarship Organization and domestic violence workshops at the University of Maryland.
Anna Galterio, M.S.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Anna Marie Galterio-Keselyak is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 17 years of experience in the 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 seven years. In addition to working with children in foster care, Anna has extensive experience in the non-profit and government sectors. Most recently, she worked with victims of crimes and their families in a southern Maryland clinic. Anna brings vast professional experience as it relates to depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, life cycle transitions, relationship issues, and age-appropriate sex education, parenting challenges, bullying, and school violence.
Through mindfulness, relaxing, life-skill 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.
Anger Management Specialist
Ms. Danya Gordon received her Bachelor's degree in Health and Nutrition from Virginia Tech and her Master's degree in Public Administration from Bowie State University. Danya is also currently working on her Master's degree in Counseling at Liberty University. She has over 10 years of experience as a Health Educator in the Prince George's County School System. In addition to teaching, Danya provides direct services to teens and adults in individual, couples, and group settings. As the Anger Management Specialist for the Pinnacle Center, Danya's goals are to help you understand the root of your anger, encourage you to develop healthy anger management goals, and assist you in assessing your progress in this journey. She facilitates the Anger Management Class for those who aspire to change how anger affects them and their families. She offers different techniques that help people recognize what triggers their anger, how to avoid those triggers, and how to keep anger under control if triggered.
In her spare time, Danya likes to jog, spend time with her family, and travel.
Stephen R. Herskovitz, LCSW-C
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
[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.
Shannon D. Howard, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselorf
[email protected]
Dr. Howard received her Master's Degree in counseling from Towson State University in 2000 and her undergraduate degree at Frostburg State University in 1997, where she minored in Women's Studies and Philosophy. She is licensed in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia as a professional counselor. Dr. Howard also is a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Specialist and an Adolescent Sex Offender Therapist. She has been in private practice since 2003. She received her second Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University and received her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in 2010. Although Dr. Howard works with a variety of mental health diagnoses, her specialiation is with children and adolescents, as well as juvenile sex offenders. Dr. Howard also specializes in the promotion of emotional wellness, age appropriate sex education, and sexual abuse prevention. She also conducts educational workshops for adolescents and teens. Dr. Howard provides individual, group, and family therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults in the community. Her theoretical orientation is primarily client-centered, rational emotive, and cognitive behavioral.
Dr. Howard especially enjoys times with family and friends, as well as weekend getaways.
Lysa Kirby, M.Ed.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
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.
Julie Lopez, M.S.W.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Julie Lopez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twelve 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. In the past, she worked with adults with schizophrenia, provided therapy to youth in specialized foster care, worked in a private practice, and served as the Clinical Director for a community mental health agency in Illinois. She has experience working with conditions including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, grief and loss, life cycle transitions, relationship issues, and low self-esteem. She uses cognitive behavioral techniques, humanistic approaches, and mindfulness to empower those she works with to make lasting personal changes. She believes in the importance of empathy, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard.
Sandra L. Navarra, M.Ed.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
[email protected]
Sandra Navarra is a National Board Certified Counselor with nearly 20 years of experience counseling children, adults and couples; including 16 years in the Prince George's County school sytem as a school counselor. 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, bipolar, 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 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.
Lee F. Owens, Ed.D.
Psychologist
[email protected]
Dr. Owens is a Maryland licensed psychologist who has provided services in Anne Arundel, Charles and Prince Georges counties. He received his Masters Degree in Counseling in 1972 and his Doctorate in Education, with a major in Counseling Psychology, in 1977; both from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He has been providing direct services to adults in individual, couple and group settings at the doctoral level since 1978. Prior to his doctoral degree, Dr. Owens provided service to members of the U.S. Air Force as a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation officer at Rhein Main Air Base in Frankfurt, Germany. Before coming to Maryland, Dr. Owens was a licensed psychologist working in community mental health in Indiana. He also served as Chief of the Psychology Department of Community Hospitals of Indianapolis for one year during this time.
Dr. Owens has been in private practice in Maryland for the past 25 years. He served as Clinical Director for a large group practice in Maryland for six years. He has developed specialties in the treatment of stress and anxiety disorders, affective disorders, sex role stereotypes, men’s issues and critical incident stress management. He is the developer of the ACT (Anxiety Control Techniques) program. His theoretical orientation is primarily cognitive behavioral and solution focused.
Dr. Owens has provided training in stress management to the Army Executive Training Program, hospitals, professional groups, service organizations and the general public. He is recognized as dynamic, knowledgeable and effective therapist, teacher and speaker.
Dr. Ruby earned his Ph.D. in 1995 from the Florida State University after a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, working in counterintelligence and criminal investigations. He is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), Society for Humanistic Psychology (SHP), Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR), and he is the Executive Director of the International Society for Ethical Psychology and Psychiatry (ISEPP).
Dr. Ruby's psychotherapy work is exclusively with adult clients. His approach is described as humanistic and existential. In other words, he approaches emotional and behavioral problems as natural human reactions in life, rather than as dysfunction or disease. He helps people use their inherent abilities in reorganizing and reconstructing their lives in order to help them find a sense of contentment. He rejects the idea of "mental illness" as it is a misleading metaphor that creates diseases and disabilities out of basic human struggles and feelings. He likewise disagrees with, and strongly cautions against, the use of psychiatric drugs as they do not correct any so-called chemical imbalances of the brain, and they have many harmful effects. Dr. Ruby recognizes that as humans we all share the difficult challenges of finding meaning, accepting our limitations, connecting with others, and taking responsibility for the ultimate direction of our lives.
Dr. Ruby is currently the Director and General Manager of The Pinnacle Center.
Michelle Simonds, M.S.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Michelle Simonds is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Graduate Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of Maryland. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with her Bachelor's of Science degree in Human Services/Management. She received her Master's of Science in Professional Counseling from the Grand Canyon University. She also received a certificate from the College of Southern Maryland in Drug and Alcohol Counseling. She is currently attending Grand Canyon University for a post-Master's certificate program in trauma.
She has over five years of experience working with behavioral health disorders. Her experience has led her to work with a wide variety of clients in an outpatient setting, an inpatient facility, and a corrections facility. She has worked with both adults and adolescents. Her theoretical orientation is cognitive-behavioral and Adlerian. She also uses motivational interviewing and a person-centered approach. She is interested in working with people who have PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma experiences, and addictions.
Pat S. Simpson, M.S.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
[email protected]
Pat Simpson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), licensed through the Maryland Board of Counselors and Therapists (#LC1445). She has over twenty years of experience as a Cognitive Behavioral mental health professional. Pat is a graduate of the University of Baltimore, Applied Psychology/Counseling Post Master’s Program. She is a Certified American Viniyoga Teacher (viniyoga.com) and is currently in training with the American Viniyoga Yoga Therapist Program (projected graduation is July of 2015). She is a Yoga Alliance registered 500 hour teacher (#47593), Yoga Alliance is the preeminent organizing system is the United States that assures the public that Yoga schools and teachers are properly trained, have a standard of practice, and a code of conduct. Pat is a Level 1 Certified iRest Practitioner through Richard Miller, PhD's Integrative Restoration Institute, as well as a Certified Level 1Life Force Yoga Practitioner through Amy Weintraub, notable Yoga teacher in the field of Yoga for depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, brain injury, grief and loss. Pat has studied with Anodea Judith, Ph.D. and Glen Hartelius, Ph.D., both highly skilled and effective Chakra teachers and healing practitioners utilizing the ancient Chakra energy system for healing and balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Pat is trained through the Warriors at Ease Program to work with active and non-active, injured, and veteran members of the military.
Pat practices with both The Pinnacle Center and Andrew Gergely & Associates. She owns and operates her own therapeutic yoga practice, Heart Path Yoga, LLC; teaching private and group Therapeutic Yoga classes and workshops and conducts individual therapeutic yoga evaluations for structural, physiological, and emotional conditions and designs individualized therapeutic yoga practices that reduce the suffering and pain associated with those conditions. The yoga practice is not covered by health or behavioral insurance. Pat is a Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness therapist and she uses yoga therapy (IAYT.org) to treat depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Bi-Polar Disorder, adult ADHD, adolescent anxiety, Panic Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, and grief. Pat has had success assisting clients to reduce or stop using anxiety prescription medications by teaching breath and meditation. Pat has extensive experience regarding energy awareness and deep emotional exploration; divorce; individual marital issues and dysfunction including spouse and child abuse, and domestic violence; parenting and dysfunctional co-parenting; coping and managing dysfunctional family systems, family courts, and supervised access.
Mollie M. Thorn, M.Ed.
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.
Dr. Thorn is a founding member of The Pinnacle Center, where he provides counseling and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. In his work, Dr. Thorn focuses on helping individuals bring out the best in themselves and others. Clients find his experience, empathy, and perspective to be reassuring and insightful.
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.
Tatiana is a graduate of Marymount University where she received both her Master’s Degree in Psychology/Counseling and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology/HumanServices, with a Minor in Gerontology. She furthered her studies in Addiction Studies/Counseling at Bowie State University. Tatiana is a tenured Associate Professor at the College of Southern Maryland in the Human Services Department.
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.
Dale R. Williams, M.A.
Mr. Williams provides counseling and psychotherapy to children from age ten and up, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. In his work, Mr. Williams utilizes a number of approaches including motivational interviewing, psychoanalytic, interpersonal, person-centered counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior therapy, and solutions focused therapy. He has special expertise in the area of prost-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, alcohol and substance abuse treatment, co-occurring disorders, depressive disorders, ADHD, autism, learning and developmental disabilities, behavior modification techniques, acudetox training, and group counseling.
Mr. Williams is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. He received his Master's Degree in Counseling and Mental Health from the University of the District of Columbia in 1981. He joins our team with over 25 years of experience. Mr. Williams’s prior experiences include; having a private practice, a Managed Care Coordinator with Value Options, a Supervisory Case Manager working with individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities, an Opioid Addictions and Substance Abuse Counselor, and a Consultant for the District in developing behavior support plans for individuals with special needs.
Mr. Williams is a native of Trinidad, West Indies. Additionally, Mr. Williams is second-generation East Indian. In his spare time, Mr. Williams likes to read and has a fond interest in politics and global traveling.
Bill Young, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Dr. Bill Young earned a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Maryland. He is a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Maryland, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and holds a Diplomate from the American Board of School Neuropsychology. He specializes in psychological and psycheducational testing. Dr. Young has worked in mulitple settings including a psychiatric hospital unit, a detox/rehab setting and completing psychiatric evaluations in an emergency room. He has experience working with sexually abused children and adult survivors of abuse. He also worked with adolescent and adult sex offenders. Finally, he has served as a Pastor of Counseling at a church. He also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and has taught courses at the Chicago School for Professional Psychologists in Washington, DC. Dr. Young comes to the Pinnacle Center on a part time basis to provide psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.
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