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.
Natascha Dillon, Psy.D.
Psychology Associate
Gaithersburg Office
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.
Psychologist
Virtual Only
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years of clinical experience. I completed a PhD in clinical psychology from The George Washington University, where I received training focusing on a wide range of therapeutic
techniques to help clients with diverse challenges. In recent years, I have developed expertise in providing teletherapy, to individuals, couples, and groups, which was especially important during the ongoing pandemic. Even as the
Covid-19 concerns decrease, I believe that teletherapy can be an important way to provide support to those for whom meeting in an office is not the best option.
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 Marie Galterio-Hubbert, M.S.W.
Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical
[email protected]
Virtual Appointments Only
Anna Marie Galterio-Hubbert is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 21 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 in 2012, her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked in the DMV area since 2013.
Anna works with children, adolescents, adults, including couples and families. She specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT. The first half of her career, Anna worked in child welfare before focusing more on traditional therapy practices. In addition to working with children and older youth 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-enhancement and coping skills development, as well as behavior management techniques, Anna provides a person-centered approach to empowering others in their journey of healthy well-being. She is passionate about helping others remove barriers to emotional wellness and having healthy relationships.
Danya Gordon, M.A.
Anger Management Specialist
Waldorf Office
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.
Amelia Hall, Psy.D.
Psychology Associate
Waldorf Office
Dr. Amelia R. Hall is a Registered Psychology Associate in Maryland and the District of Columbia with 15 years of education, training, and professional experience spanning the fields of medicine, public heath, and psychology. She
earned a Doctor of Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology (American School of Professional Psychology), a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology (Bowie State University), and a Bachelor of Science
degree in Psychology (Towson University). Dr. Hall has extensive experience with people across the lifespan in the areas of mental health therapy and comprehensive psychological evaluations. She utilizes a practical approach for
guiding and supporting patients through the process of recognizing, understanding, and resolving specific challenges with the use of evidence-based strategies. Her areas of expertise include children and families, diversity and
multicultural issues, emotional and behavioral dysregulation, identity, problematic sexual behaviors, school-based services, and trauma. She most recently expanded her expertise to include forensic interviewing and child sexual
abuse education and prevention in response to an increasing number of crimes involving children. Her research includes the relationship between types of parenting style and adolescent risk-taking, and the impact of religious and
spiritual attitudes on sexual minorities.
Dr. Hall was recently awarded the Prince George's County Top Forty Under 40, an honor that identifies and recognizes next generation leaders. For her many contributions in the area of health, Dr. Hall is frequently sought after to
engage in civic and socially-oriented ventures through advisory, board service, and advocacy opportunities.
Stephen R. Herskovitz, M.S.W.
Waldorf Office
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.
Psychologist
Waldorf Office
Dr. Hiland received his doctorate in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of South Florida in 1978, after completing his internship in Clinical Psychology at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in Bethesda. At
NNMC he performed psychological screening for high reliability military personnel such as those "wintering over" in Antarctica, serving in naval aviation and submarine service, and for high level management positions. He was
licensed as a psychologist in Tennessee in 1980 and in Maryland in 1985. In 1999 he became licensed in Clinical Psychology in Virginia.
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.
Psychologist
Gaithersburg Office
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.
Psychology Associate
Waldorf Office
Dr. Kaur received her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Washington D.C) and her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology (Northern
Virginia). Dr. Kaur completed her APA-accredited internship with the Mid Atlantic Internship Consortium in Fairfax, Virginia. Throughout her educational and clinical journey, she has gained experience conducting
psychological/neuropsychological/forensic assessments and working with a diverse range of concerns with all age groups: children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Kaur follows an integrative approach to therapy which allows her to
tailor therapeutic services to meet the needs of the clients. She strives to provide culturally competent and evidence informed treatments. Dr. Kaur recognizes that therapy is a collaborative venture and values open communication.
Lysa Kirby, M.Ed.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Waldorf Office
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.
Dominique Lawson, Psy.D.
Psychologist
Waldorf Office
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.
Ronald Love, Jr., Psy.D.
Psychologist
Waldorf or Gaithersburg Offices
Dr. Ronald Love is a Psychologist in the State of Maryland and Psychology Associate in Washington, DC. He earned his Doctor of Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Chicago campus, a Master of Arts in Psychology in Education at the Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Clark Atlanta University.
Dr. Love completed his APA-accredited internship at The John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents (Maryland Department of Health) and has an accomplished background working with youth and adults in the legal/justice system, residential facilities, schools, and community settings. Dr. Love has experience in clinical and psychoeducational assessments and treating individuals with various mental health concerns. Dr. Love is interested in working with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds and/or urban settings, as well as individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, or individuals who have experienced community-based trauma.
Dr. Love is trained in Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solutions Focused Therapy, and other strength-based approaches. Dr. Love uses an integrative approach to therapy, with a goal of meeting the client where they are at and finding the right approach to help with the client's needs.
Erik Mann, Psy.D.
Psychologist
Gaithersburg Office
Dr. Mann received his Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. He is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Maryland. He completed his APA-accredited internship at the University
Counseling Center at New Mexico State University, and has had a variety of training opportunities including in the Chicago Public Schools, private practice, and university counseling centers. He conducts therapy from a relational
approach, which encompasses Person-Centered, Feminist, and Interpersonal theories, and specializes in working with adolescents, adults, couples, groups, and LGBT+ clients. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, hiking, and hanging out
with his wife and toddler.
Tara McManaway, M.Div.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Waldorf Office
Tara McManaway, M. Div., C.A.G.S, LCPC is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor in Maryland, an LPC licensed in Virginia, and LPC ALPS in West Virginia. In addition to her Master’s
level counseling degree from Vanderbilt, she completed a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University School of Education and a Graduate Certificate in Integrative Health and Wellness from the
University of Maryland- Baltimore. She is also a Licensed Massage Therapist and recently retired as a Professor of Health Sciences at the College of Southern Maryland, after serving there for 18 years.
Ms. McManaway is a seasoned therapist providing mental health services since the early 1980s. An advocate for early intervention for mental health symptoms and the reduction of stigma about receiving mental health care, she
incorporates a holistic, evidence-informed approach to mental health care.
Her practice approach can be best described as an integrative practice which strives to address the needs of the whole person. "I welcome and respect all individuals and families on their mental health journey regardless of who you
are, where you live, who you love, or where you call home. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe space to explore issues that support your wellbeing. I believe that therapy is transformative and everyone deserves a safe and
healthy therapy experience. My goal is simple: I want all clients to feel confident, supported, and powerful as they ask questions, make decisions, and navigate their individual path toward good mental health."
"Counseling is a partnership where the clients and the therapist work together to improve quality of life. Early intervention is important, as good health depends on good mental health. I encourage people to seek out therapy without
stigma. Just as one would see a physical health provider for the flu or an injury, one should seek early mental health care for the commonsymptoms of psychological health like depression and anxiety which often begin in childhood
and adolescence."
Over the decades, Ms McManaway has gained experience and training in many areas including, but not limited to: child and adolescent issues, military family life, pain management, sexual trauma or other traumatic life events,
body-oriented therapies, couples, blended families, relationship issues, higher education, homeschooling families, and individual therapies across the lifespan.
Her office is upstairs without access to elevators. Alternate meeting spaces or teletherapy are available for those for whom stairs would create a barrier to accessing care. Sunday appointments are available for intakes and
consultations. Appointments are provided through Pinnacle Mental Health.
Shawn Muth, M.S.W.
License Certified Social Worker - Clinical
Gaithersburg Office
Shawn Muth graduated in 2011 with his Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. He is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Shawn has been working as a clinical therapist since
2013, specializing in children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, conduct disorders, and trauma related disorders. Shawn utilizes a multiple, strength-based and client oriented approach to
therapy. Shawn's goal is to help clients develop skills to maintain a positive and healthy life. In his free time, Shawn spends his time with his wife and two cats, while also enjoying live music and sports. Shawn is a die-hard
Washington sports fan.
Sandra L. Navarra, M.Ed.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Waldorf Office
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.
Tyne Orí, Ph.D.
Waldorf Office
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:
- promotes harmony and balance between their needs and the demands of their environments,
- fosters interconnected relationships with their community, and
- empowers clients to exist in their authenticity.
Chuck Ruby, Ph.D.
Waldorf Office
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 the author of
Smoke and Mirrors: How You Are Being Fooled About Mental Illness - An Insider's Warning to Consumers
.
Dr. Ruby is currently the Director and General Manager of The Pinnacle Center.
Julie Ruckman, M.S.W.
Virtual Only
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.
Gaithersburg Office
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. 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 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.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Waldorf Office
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.
Virtual Only
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 ADH
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]
Mollie M. Thorn, M.Ed.
Waldorf Office
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.
Philip A. Thorn, Ed.D.
Waldorf Office
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 Vrem, M.A.
Waldorf Office
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 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.
