Susan Macey , PhD, LPC
Clinical Director of the Center for Counseling Families and Manager of Supervision. She is an expert in obesity and trauma-related stressors, forensic evaluations, Autism evaluations, and immigration evaluations. Dr. Macey uses a multifaceted approach to counseling, drawing from theoretical approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, rapid resolution for trauma, and neuro-linguistic programming for lasting change. As a certified integrative nutritionist, Dr. Macey believes that nutrition is a cornerstone for healing the body and the mind.
Dr. Macey's research includes coping styles and outcomes following weight-loss surgery. Her past experiences include the chief wellness officer for Antrospheres, an organization dedicated to improving the well-being of employees through well-building and employee initiatives. She has worked with area schools, community municipalities, as well as the Navy, Marine Corps, and the United Negro Foundation.
As an author and speaker, Dr. Macey has taught workshops and seminars for organizations both nationally and internationally. Dr. Macey has authored workshops such as The Psychology of Overeating, Chatter that Doesn’t Matter, and Powerful Process, Positive Outcome. Her current book Keeping Weight off Forever and Card Deck The Art of Possibility are available on Amazon.
Areas of Forensic Evaluations and Assessment: Immigration Evaluations, Adoption Evaluations, Bariatric Clearances, Autism and Medical Evaluations.
Tammy Pruitt LCSW: Superpower: Kaleidoscope Vision. Situations are not always black and white; with kaleidoscope vision, she is able to see the nuances of situations more clearly.
After earning her Master's of Social Work from Gallaudet University in 1999, Tammy worked with individuals who were deaf, hard of hearing, and other disabilities. Her expertise is in the area of grief & loss, death & dying, and transitional l life changes due to aging. Her experience also includes working with LGBT issues such as gender dysphoria and sexual identity issues. trauma work and high-risk behaviors, self-harm, and addiction. She employs a holistic method of working with mind, body, and spirit which includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma resolution. Her goal is to assist clients to learn the skills necessary to navigate life's journey.
Rebecca Leung: MSW, MBA, LCSW
Superpower: Pattern-recognition. Rebecca finds patterns within chaos and rhythm in daily living.
Rebecca's educational journey includes a master's degree in social work from George Mason University, a master's in business administration from Harvard University, and a bachelor of science from UC Berkeley. She works with youth, families, adults, individuals with substance use concerns, and couples. She supports clients who experience depression, anxiety, life transitions, substance use challenges, and those seeking to enhance life skills and relationships. Rebecca employs a holistic and collaborative therapeutic approach, integrating mind and body while drawing upon evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and family systems therapy to engage, empower, and support her clients.
Diane Waters: MSW, LCSW
Superpower: Telekinesis. Diane is able to move clients who feel stuck with her mind and amazing counseling abilities.
Diane has over 20 years of experience as a licensed Social Worker. She has worked directly with military families, children (4 years and up), and adults. She is trained in Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Her specialty is PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Therapy) and Autism Spectrum Evaluation. Her personal philosophy is that most people can change if taught the skills necessary to achieve their goals. She is a trauma-informed therapist with a big heart who loves working with individuals to help them achieve their goals.
Resident Therapists: A resident therapist has a provisional license and is a postgraduate therapist completing clinical hours under supervision. All residents have completed up to two years of clinical experience before joining our team. They have extensive clinical experience, diverse backgrounds, therapy insights, and knowledge.
Lesly Fuentes: MS, LPC-R
Superpower: Empathic Powers: The ability to genuinely understand and share the feelings of another person.
Lesly earned her master's from George Mason University, and her undergraduate in Early Childhood Development and Special Education from George Mason University. She works for the Arlington School system and specializes in youth, families, adults, and couples counseling. Lesly utilizes effective evidence-based theoretical approaches that include play therapy, art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed practices. She has experience working with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, and relationship issues. Her therapy approach includes empowering her clients to identify their strengths and be encouraged to be their best version.
Christine Shyne: MAS, LCSW-R
Superpower: Connectivity. The ability to connect with people meaningfully. Christine is able to connect with her clients and provide solutions through her skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Christine earned her master’s in social work from Howard University in 1998. She works with most age groups, including children, teens, adults, and seniors. Christine is drawn to working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, substance abuse, and relational issues. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, play, art and music therapies. She uses breathwork, movement, and consciousness of thought into her sessions, emphasizing a person’s strengths.
Sandra Dhanilal: MA, LPC-R (Doctorial Candidate)
Superpower: The ability to open your mind so you can discover the great powers within yourself. Sandra believes everyone has great powers. Her goal is to help you discover your personal power.
She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Sandra speaks several languages, including Dutch, Hindi, and Arabic. Her experience includes working with children and families in both school and clinical settings. Her approach to counseling includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Theory, DBT, Psychodynamic, and Person-Centered. Sandra is experienced in Reunification Therapy and works to establish working relationships between children and adults. She specializes in children and families.
Superpower: Unconditional love (Needs no explaining). From time to time, you might see this mighty little girl running about the office. She is energetic and curious and she loves to be petted.
Hutch: Means, hutch...LOL
Honey: Means sweet and friendly
Superpower: Able to leap tall fences and steal your heart. When they are not chasing balls, eating, or sleeping, you may find either Hutch or Honey around the office wanting attention. They are friendly, curious, and love to be fed.